Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Essentials: Your Packing List

• Hiking Boots | I was wearing my lovely good old Lowa boots, they passed both the Himalayas and the Balkan Mountains, so they are as comfortable as heaven. I highly reccomend them - nothing can kill these shoes. Important: never go to the mountains in new shoes, be sure to break them in before hiking, otherwise hello calluses! Don't repeat my mistakes of Nepal and Annapurna Circuit trek. A lighter shoe option is trekking shoes. Our team tested these two pairs - Altra and Arcteryx. Both passed the track amazingly, no complaints.
• Backpack | (around 30-38L). The right backpack is just as important as the right shoes. It should be perfectly adjusted to your back, your height and parameters, it will be the one responsible for the comfort of your back throughout the hike. My favourite Osprey.
• Hiking Shorts | Better dry-fit.
• Walking Trousers | Quick drying. I used tight Nike leggings.
• T-shirts (around 3-4) | Quick drying.
• Waterproof Jacket | It can get chilly at altitude and in the evenings in the mountains, so don't neglect a good gore-tex jacket. Our fav's - Arcteryx and Outdoor Research.
• Waterproof Trousers | The same for the trousers, be ready for any bad weather conditions like rain or strong wind. My choice - Outdoor Research.
• Trekking Socks | (around 3-4).
• Fleece | A warm layer that will go under your waterproof jacket and warm you in the evenings in the mountains. Patagonia made a perfect option for men & women.
• Ultra Light Jacket | If you plan to go at the beginning of June or at the end of August, it is better to take a light jacket with you, there are good and inexpensive options in UniQlo and Decathlon.
• Thermal Top & Bottoms | Don't neglect the extra warm layer. This is the key to your comfort while hiking.

• Snacks | You never know when you will need extra strength and refresh yourself. Therefore, always keep something with you for a emergency snack.
• Thermos | In every accommodation you can ask for hot water in a thermos, and what could be nicer after a long climb to sit down for a snack overlooking the mountains and smell the roses.
• Fleece Hat & Sun Cap | Weather conditions can be extremely unpredictable. At a height it can be extremely windy and cool, and just below the sun can bake. Given that these are mountains, you should not forget that the sun is aggressive here.
• Neck Buff | The same goes for the buff. It is your helper and rescuer from the cold wind and strong sun.
• Trekking Poles | When it comes to a hike, you should always remember the rule that it is better to avoid unnecessary weight, which later can overshadow the overall impression of the trip. So don't forget the trekking poles. It's better to take light carbine ones, budget options with a good quality are available even in Decathlon. If suddenly you won't be able to bring them with you, then there is always a fallback option - to rent trekking poles in Chamonix.
• Sunglasses | Glasses in the highlands are an absolute must, without which you definitely cannot go on a trip. Therefore, when choosing glasses, pay special attention to the degree of protection from bright sunlight and protection from UV.
• Water Bottle | Throughout the hike, you will be surrounded by springs with mountain drinking water. This is one of the most beautiful features of the tour du Mont Blanc. Depending on your desires, you can take a regular bottle made of plastic or silicone, or a built-in water system in a backpack (hydration pack).
• Backpack Rain Cover | For 9 days of the journey, the rain caught us only once and the raincoat taken at the last moment came in handy. Another guarantee of dry and comfortable clothes in a backpack.

• Passport
• Printed Refuge Booking Confirmation
• Insurance

• Flip Flops | Refuges are not allow to come inside in trekking shoes, boots will have to be left in a special room. Therefore, don't forget to take a change of shoes, which will also come in handy in the showers.
• Sleeping Bag | One of the basic rules of each refuge is your own bed linen or a sleeping bag. Since in the mountains they don't have the opportunity to wash duvet covers and pillowcases every day. Therefore, in terms of sanitation, each hiker should have his own set.
• Sleeping Clothes & Night Socks

• Travel Towel | Take some light and quick drying towel, you can find some affordable options in Decathlon.
• Phone Charge | It's your Instagram content sponsor on the trail.
• Power Bank | In some refuges it's quite difficult to get sockets, especially when all the hikers gather in the house in the evening. Therefore, just in case it's better to always be able to recharge your phones/cameras without a socket.
• Ear Plugs | A must-have in refuges, especially if you will be sleeping in dorms with strangers. You never know how quietly people sleep.
• Head Torch
• Eye Mask

• Toothbrush & Travel Size Toothpaste
• Travel Size Shampoo/Conditioner
• Travel Size Shower Gel/Small Soap
• Sun Cream SPF 50+
• Lipstick 50+
• Travel Size Hand Cream
• Any needed medicine
• Deodorant

I’ve got a wealth of information on Tour du Mont Blanc hike, so if you’re planning on visiting, read the below guides and plan the ultimate adventure!

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