Tour du Mont Blanc Kit List

Having appropriate gear is crucial for a successful trip. With this in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive kit list to assist you in your preparation and packing. Recognising that every trekker has unique preferences, this list serves as a guideline rather than an exhaustive list. Adhering to our list will ensure you're well-prepared for the journey, however, feel free to adapt it to fit your personal preferences you can download a copy of the list here.

Essential Hiking Clothes

  • Socks - We recommend wearing two pairs of socks, a thin, liner pair and a thicker pair of hiking socks, which help to reduce blisters and keep your feet comfortable.

  • Underwear - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton.

  • Lightweight hiking top - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton. Long sleeves offer protection from the elements and additional warmth.

  • Hiking shorts.

  • Hiking trousers - These should be synthetic. Cotton trousers, sweatpants and joggers are not suitable for trekking.

  • Thermal base layer top - These should be synthetic or merino wool and not cotton. Although the Tour du Mont Blanc is usually warm in the summer it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop on the higher passes especially if it is a windy or wet day. These can also double up as a light weight warm layer to put on over a light weight hiking top.

  • Mid-weight fleece.

  • Insulated jacket.

  • Waterproof jacket.

  • Waterproof trousers - Opt for half-zip or full-zip trousers, as they offer the convenience of putting them on or taking them off without the need to remove your boots.

  • Liner gloves.

  • Buff/neck gaiter.

  • Sun hat.

  • Warm hat.

Essential Hiking Gear

  • Walking boots - Ensure your boots are high quality and durable enough to withstand the full length of your trip. If you're purchasing new boots, we recommend getting them professionally fitted and taking the time to break them in, ensuring they are comfortable.

  • Water bottles or bladder - it is essential to carry a minimum of 2 litres of water with you on the trail.

  • Hand sanitiser.

  • Sunscreen - At least 30 SPF.

  • SPF lip balm.

  • Sunglasses.

  • Small personal first aid kit - This should contain plasters, blister dressings like Comped, zinc oxide tape, a bandage, paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

  • Light weight dry bags - These are essential for ensuring all your items stay dry in your hiking pack if it rains.

  • Hiking day pack - Your day pack should be around 25-35L to carry at least a spare warm layer, your waterproofs, water, snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm and any medication needed on the trail.

Optional Mountain Gear

  • Trekking poles - Although optional, we highly recommend poles.

  • Extra snacks - While we provide ample food throughout the journey, you might consider bringing extra energy bars, and we highly recommend rehydration salts.

  • Sports watch - Not essential but many people enjoy recording the trek on them..

  • Earplugs.

  • Hand warmers.

Essential Travel Items

  • Comfortable clothes and shoes to wear on days you aren’t hiking as well as in the evenings.

  • Personal medications - Asthma pumps, adrenaline injectors, blood pressure medication, anything you take regularly, it’s a good idea to bring spares with you as well.

  • Passport and travel documents - We advise having a photocopy printed and a digital copy on your phone.

  • Travel adapter plug - France, Switzerland and Italy all use the type C plug, this is the standard European plug.

  • Duffle bag - This bag will be transported between hotels and contains your evening clothes.

  • Wash kit.

Optional Travel Items

  • Book or Kindle.

  • Journal.

  • Camera.

  • Power bank.