Equipment Tour du Mont Blanc

Essential Equipment for the Tour du Mont-Blanc

Among the critical items for a successful trek around Mont-Blanc, special attention should be given to these three elements.

What Backpack to Bring for the Tour du Mont-Blanc?

During our trips on the Tour du Mont-Blanc, we arrange luggage transfers from one refuge to another. So, you can prepare a daypack with the following items inside:

• A raincoat;
• Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen);
• A fleece jacket;
• A pair of pants;
• Water;
• Cereal bars and dried fruits;
• Identification documents;
• A camera, if you have one;
• A first aid kit;
• Your packed lunch.

Generally, this bag should have a capacity of 30 to 40 liters. For your comfort during the hike, make sure the bag and its straps are padded at the shoulders and around the waist. It is also essential to have a waterproof cover to protect it in case of bad weather.

Prepare a second, soft bag with a capacity of 70 to 90 liters, which you won't carry yourself, containing all your belongings for several days. The weight of this bag should not exceed 10 kg.

What Shoes to Wear for the Tour du Mont-Blanc?

Choosing the right shoes is crucial for a successful trek. We recommend taking high-cut shoes to protect your ankles from injuries and those with deep treads to ensure grip on all terrains. Also, make sure they are waterproof and have comfortable soles.

Importantly, start your hike with a pair that you are already used to walking in; otherwise, you risk painful blisters.

Essential Clothing for the Tour du Mont-Blanc Trek

In your main bag, it's time to add clothes suitable for hiking in the mountains and for all weather conditions:

• Technical, breathable T-shirts, both short-sleeved and long-sleeved. These materials wick away sweat and dry quickly.
• A fleece sweater, a down jacket, and other warm clothing to protect against the cold.
• A waterproof, windproof jacket. Check out our tips for staying dry in case of rain.
• Two hiking pants, preferably convertible, to switch to shorts if needed.
• Synthetic or merino wool anti-blister socks.

This way, you can adapt the contents of your daypack according to the weather conditions while always keeping safety items (warm and waterproof clothing) with you.

Must-Have Accessories for a Tour du Mont-Blanc Hike

Some essential accessories should also be added to your equipment list for the Tour du Mont-Blanc:

• Collapsible trekking poles. These are invaluable for distributing the impact of your body and bag weight on your joints and providing stability on some ascents and, especially, on descents. We recommend retractable, three-section poles. The choice of pole size depends on the terrain.
• A neck warmer, gloves, and a beanie to combat the cold.
• A toiletry bag for personal hygiene: toothbrush, toothpaste, a small bar of Marseille soap, etc.
• A microfiber towel, which dries quickly and takes up little space!
• A headlamp and the means to recharge it.
• A cap, sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (50 is ideal), and sunglasses. These are essential for protecting yourself from the strong mountain rays! Wear your hat and sunglasses constantly, even when the sky is slightly overcast, and apply sunscreen every two hours for optimal protection.
• One or two filtered water bottles or a CamelBak to stay hydrated.
• Sandals for the end of the day.
• Your complete travel documents (maps, guides, vouchers, etc.) if you opt for a self-guided tour, and make sure to download the relevant app before departure. Here are our tips on how to install it properly.