Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List [2024]

Okay, so you have committed to the TMB and are now thinking “How on earth do I pack for this!?” I will tell you! I hiked the TMB in 2022 and now I am sharing everything you need to know about packing for this incredible trek.

This is a comprehensive Tour du Mont Blanc packing list for anyone planning to stay in refuges.

The TMB is unique because you must prepare for several types of weather, bring specific items for the refuges, carry everything you need for 10 days, and do so without your pack weighing too much!

Packing for the TMB is all about packing smart. Let me help you. 🥾

Just want the list? Jump to the complete packing list in list form.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing List by Category

Below I break up the packing list by category and discuss each item. If you want to go straight to the complete packing list in list form click here! If you are still figuring out your route and which places to stay, check out my 10-day TMB itinerary too!

Weight & Size of Your Pack

Before you start packing, consider investing in ultralight gear if you haven’t already. You will be hiking 6-8 hours a day, traversing up to 15 miles, and climbing upwards of 4500 feet of elevation for 10 days. You do not want to overpack.

REI suggests that a fully loaded backpacking pack should weigh 20% or less of your body weight. This might be okay for 2 or 3-day backpacking trips, but you should go even lighter for the TMB.

Many people recommend under 22lb (or 10kg) as a general rule of thumb for the TMB, which I agree with.

Now, you will see people on the trail with 60+ liter packs. I promise you they are either camping, or they are really regretting their decision. If you want to enjoy your trek, get a pack that is 45 liters and under, and weighs less than 20% of your body weight when fully loaded (water included).

Less than 20% of your body weight, or 22 pounds and under is not a lot. This is why it is critical that you only pack the essentials and invest in ultralight gear where you can.

If you struggle with packing light, you can hire a luggage transfer company to transport an additional bag to each overnight accommodation. If this speaks to you, check out my post (linked above).

Luggage transfer was something I was opposed to at first because I wanted to ‘do it myself’ and thought it was an extra hassle I didn’t want to deal with or pay for. BUT, I hiked the TMB with my mom and she wanted to do it, so we did it. And now I’m converted. It saved us (and allowed us to squeeze in a couple of luxury items like lacrosse massage balls).

Tour Du Mont Blanc GEAR LIST

Backpack

This is one of your most important pieces of gear. If you don’t have the right pack you could end up with sores, bruises, or back & neck pain that will ruin your experience.

I’ve completed several 3-day backpacking trips with a Deuter backpack which was fine but I would suggest something lighter for the TMB. Seriously, EVERY OUNCE COUNTS.

I invested in a Gossamer G4-20 Ultralight 42-liter backpack. This is not an affiliate link (I wish!) I just loved this pack. It was so comfortable, it had so many great pockets, and it weighed hardly anything. No fuss bag.

42 liters sounds like a lot but the body of the pack is only 30 liters; the roll-top extends to 42 liters which is great if you want to use this for other trips or want to stuff some additional layers in there that might be light but puffy.

Trekking Poles

I don’t regularly use trekking poles but I did get them for the TMB and would almost consider them essential for it.

They are extremely helpful for… a lot of things. 1) balancing on uneven terrain – especially when you are TIRED, 2) offsetting the weight on your knees when going downhill (!!!), 3) helping you go uphill with a pack on, and 4) preventing your fingers from swelling (keeping your arms at 90-degrees is what does it).

I got a pair of women’s Leki trekking poles from REI because they were lightweight and foldable (to fit in a suitcase). They were great.

Sleeping Liner

The refuges require that you bring a sleeping liner. This is the one that I bought and highly recommend. It is super soft, easy to move around in (stretchy), and has bug repellent on it.

Also read: Everything you need to know about the TMB Refuges

Microspikes

This might depend on the time of year you are going. We bought them for our trip in August and did not need them. I would say they are probably not necessary if you are going in July or August.

That being said, if you are trekking in June or September, you should bring them.

Clothing

Tops

Bring layers! You will be hiking in the mountains so bring a mix of lightweight sweat-wicking tank tops and long sleeves.

I like to pack hiking/exercise tops with built-in bras because it reduces the number of bras I need to bring. You will also need 1 or 2 t-shirts for sleeping.

Bottoms

A combination of hiking shorts, hiking pants and/or tights, and long underwear or leggings to wear at the refuges. Also, bring a pair of shorts for sleeping.

Raingear

Even if you are going in the middle of summer you need to bring rain gear. We went in August and it rained two days – one day it was pouring all day.

Bring a really good rain jacket (I brought my Arcteryx which I love and have had for years), a poncho (a cheap emergency one is great), and maybe rain pants.

I did not bring rainpants to save space in my pack and it was fine because my poncho covered the upper half of my legs. But this is a personal preference (and also a big topic of conversation when packing – to bring or not to bring the rain pants!) haha.

Outerwear

In addition to a rain jacket, bring a poncho! If it starts raining you will want something that covers you and your pack, keeping everything dry.

You will also need a fleece and a puffy. The mornings and nights can be pretty chilly up in the mountains (you are walking amongst glaciers after all!). I brought one thin fleece for hiking, one thick one for hanging at the refuges, and one puffy jacket.

Socks & Underwear

Don’t skimp in this department. Bring enough undies for each day (or bring a few quick-dry that you can wash at the refuges every few days).

Bring plenty of thick socks. You really need to take care of your feet on this trek. One of my TOP RECOMMENDATIONS is to bring toe sock liners and either wear them alone or layer them with regular socks for extra cushion. This will keep you from getting blisters on your toes.

Hats & Gloves

Bring two hats – one for sun protection and one for warmth. I packed a ball cap and a beanie and used them both.

When you go over some of the cols (mountain peaks) it can be very cold and possibly rainy. You will definitely want gloves.

Footwear

Hiking Shoes

Your Tour du Mont Blanc shoes are one of the most important packing decisions you will make. You MUST TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET.

I hiked in La Sportiva trail runners and could not have been happier with my decision.

The TMB terrain does not require super heavy-duty hiking boots. The only caveat is that there are a lot of rocky trails and trails with roots sticking out so if you need ankle support then they might be necessary.

I wanted shoes that felt light and comfortable on my feet, had good traction, and were low profile. The La Sportiva’s were great.

Refuge Shoes

You MUST bring shoes to wear inside the refuges. You cannot wear your hiking boots inside the refuges (most of them have a room you need to leave your hiking boots in).

My favorite “camp” shoes or shoes for the refuges are Tevas. They are the perfect second shoe to bring because they are super lightweight, you can wear them with socks when it’s cold, and they can get wet so you can change into them if you are passing a creek and want to cool off.

Toiletries, Self Care & Safety

Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash – Travel size of course.

Toothpaste & Toothbrush – Travel size.

Razor and Deodorant – mini deodorant, disposable razor.

Face Wash, Moisturizer, & Sunscreen – And any other must-have skin care.

Pack Towel – Most of the refuges don’t have towels for you, so you will want to bring a light packable, quick-drying towel. Pack Towels has an Ultralite towel that is perfect. This is what I brought.

First Aid Kit – Make sure to have a basic medical kit for minor trail injuries, including a pain reliever for soreness, Compeed for blisters, emergency blanket, Neosporin, bandaids, athletic tape, Tylenol, and duct tape.

Gold Bond – My secret weapon for blister prevention.

Massage Lacrosse Ball – I would not have survived this hike if I hadn’t brought a lacrosse ball to roll out my glutes and legs every night.

Headlamp – use as book a light and if you are caught hiking late.

Food & Water

Two water bottles

You can also bring a camelback if you are a camelback person, but I don’t like the fuss of a camelback so I brought two Nalgenes and that was perfect. There are lots of water refill stations along the TMB, so many opportunities to refill.

Water Filter

Honestly, we didn’t use ours but I think it’s always a good idea to bring this.

Your Favorite Trail Snacks

Since you are staying at refuges you will be served breakfast and dinner each day. That means all you need to think about foodwise is lunch and snacks.

Most days you pass through small towns or villages where you can get lunch, but some days you don’t. We never actually got lunch anywhere, we just brought a bunch of power bars and snacks for midday food.

I also brought my favorite mushroom jerky, dried mango, energy cubes, and Nuun hydration tablets.

Electronics & Documents

Phone & Phone Charger & Adaptor

Can’t really go without these 🙂

Passport

Make sure to bring your passport with you and don’t leave it at a hotel in Chamonix – some refuges ask for it.

Insurance

Okay, this isn’t necessarily something you need to pack but you should have it! Especially doing an outdoor activity. I recommend SafetyWing – it’s very affordable, flexible, and covers this type of activity.

Guidebook and Map

Yep, I’d bring both. While most of the TMB is easy to follow, there are a couple of sections where you could get turned around and people might not be around to help. This is the guidebook we brought.

Misc.

Doggy Bags – I love using these as mini trash bags.

Packing Cubes – I highly recommend using packing cubes to keep your pack organized.

Headphones – Not necessary for everyone but definitely for some!

Earplugs – If you are sleeping in any dorms definitely bring earplugs.

Book – This could be a luxury item, or you could download a book on your phone to save weight.

Sunglasses – Very necessary!

Compass – We never used ours but it’s a good idea to have.

What NOT to Pack

Makeup – be free!

Giant hiking boots – (unless that’s your thing!) but you don’t need them. Bulky over-the-ankle hiking boots are not comfortable to me and they are not necessary for the TMB.

Power Bank – I DID bring this but never used it. You can charge your phone at the refuges each night and leave it on airplane mode all day to conserve battery. Power banks are heavy so don’t bring them if you don’t need to.

Clothes for each day – Plan on wearing the same things for 2 or 3 days 🙂

Packing Tips

1. Stay organized! Try and keep everything in the same place in your pack, that way you can easily find things. You won’t have a lot of space at the refuges to unpack and repack so packing cubes and organization are key.
2. Organize by category – Put all of your clothes for the refuge in one packing cube so it stays clean and is easy to locate in your bag.
3. Blister prevention protocol – Before you put your hiking shoes on, put gold bond power all around your toes. Then wear two socks or a toe sock liner and a regular sock on top. I did not get a single blister this entire hike.

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Gear

• Gossamer G4-20 Ultralight 42-liter backpack.
• Trekking Poles
• Sleeping Liner
• Microspikes

Clothes

• 2-3 Sweat-wicking, lightweight hiking tank tops
• 1 long-sleeve hiking shirt
• 1 long-sleeve thermal
• 1 shirt for sleeping
• 2 hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants
• 1 pair of hiking tights
• 1 pair of long underwear or leggings for the refuges
• 1 pair of sleeping shorts
• 2 sports bras
• 6-10 pairs of socks
• 10 pairs of underwear
• Swimsuit (optional but there are some creeks to cool off in)
• Beanie
• Sunhat
• Gloves
• 1 fleece

Outerwear

• Rain jacket
• Puffy jacket
• Poncho

Shoes

• La Sportiva trail runners (or other hiking shoes)
• Tevas (or other shoes for the refuges)

Toiletries, Self Care, & Safety

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Face Wash
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Massage Lacrosse Ball
• First aid kit
• Gold Bond powder
• Pack Towel
• Whistle
• Headlamp
• Aquaphor with SPF

Food & Water

• Two water bottles
• Water filter
• Favorite trail snacks

Electronics & Documents

• Passport
• Phone charger
• European plug adaptor
• Insurance
• Guidebook
• Map

Miscellaneous

• Packing cubes
• Headphones
• Earplugs
• Book
• Sunglasses
• Compass
• Baby wipes
• Bug Spray

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List FAQ

Wrap Up

As you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime on the Tour du Mont Blanc, having a well-thought-out packing list is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trek.

If you realize you forgot something when you get to Chamonix, don’t panic. Chamonix is a very outdoor town with tons of gear shops. I recommend Decathalon for all your needs. It’s in the center of town.

Remember, the key is to pack smart and light, focusing on versatile and durable gear that can handle the diverse and often unpredictable mountain weather. The two most important items will be your pack and your shoes!!

I hope this post and Tour du Mont Blanc packing list help you feel more confident on your journey!!

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