A multi-day hike through three countries, high in the Alps can be a daunting prospect for those who love an organised suitcase! This advice and the packing list below should hopefully help you avoid panic packing an unnecessarily heavy bag and have you adventuring happy (and with everything you need).

Footwear

Good walking boots are an absolute must. Don’t attempt to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc in anything other than a good pair of walking boots. For a summer season hike, we suggest three-season walking boots with good ankle support. If you are buying new boots, head to a good outdoor retailer who will give you advice, and make sure you gradually wear them in on shorter and varied terrain walks before starting the trail.

Take a comfortable pair of shoes for evenings in the towns too, and if you are staying in the refuges some slip-on light sandals or trainers can be useful for indoor evening shoes too.

Side note: Socks!

There is no point spending money on boots and then not using the right socks. Wearing one pair of good quality walking socks is ideal, and take a minimum of two pairs on your trip and preferably three (you can hand-wash at your accommodations). Bridgedale are a brand we love, and opting for a merino wool sock is a great way to keep the feet warm, dry, and able to breathe. We also have some tips for avoiding blisters on the blog.

Packing List

Essential clothing/footwear

• Good three-season walking boots (worn in)

• Comfortable shoes to walk around town in the evening

• Light slip-on shoes for indoors in refuges

• 3 x Pairs of good quality walking socks

• 3 x Base layer tops – ideally thermal, and Merino Wool is a good choice.

• 1 or 2 x warm mid-layer tops

• 1 or 2 pairs of walking trousers. Zip-off options are great. No jeans.

• 1 or 2 pairs of shorts (if you don't have zip-off trousers)

• 1 x warm hat, 1 x lighter hat or cap (to protect from the sun)

• Gloves

• Waterproof and breathable jacket eg. Gore-Tex

• Waterproof and breathable trousers eg. Gore-Tex

• 1 x extra warm layer. A natural or synthetic down jacket or vest is easy to pack away, light to carry during the day, and perfect for keeping the chill at bay when you stop to rest or in the evening.

• "Buff", snood, or neck gaiter

• Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. Remember you won’t need much as you’ll only be wearing it for a short time.

• Nightwear and underwear (a set of under-tights or “long johns” can be useful for under the trousers on colder days)

Essential extras

• Rucksack to carry daily + waterproof cover or liner bag. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight and improve walking stability. The size will depend on whether you have booked luggage transfer. Do not be tempted to take too big a bag, as you will likely over-fill it! 

• Larger rucksack (if you have booked luggage transfer)

• Towel for showering in refuges, if you will be staying in mountain huts/refuges

• Water bottle or camelback

• Sunglasses & sun cream (an SPF lip balm is ideal too)

• Walking poles a personal choice, but we recommend them on the Tour du Mont Blanc

• Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs)

• Sleeping sheets for refuges. Available in outdoor stores. Blankets and pillows are provided but this sheet is a light sheet/sleeping bag which will cover the blankets and pillows.

• Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too)

• Pocket knife or cutlery can be useful for picnics

• Money belt/pouch

• Waterproof storage bags in various sizes can be useful. Zip-loc freezer bags are ideal. Store your phone/food/anything else you need to stay dry. Also these are perfect for taking waste away with you (you should never leave any waste on the trails).

• Energy bars/snacks  - 2 per day

• Toiletries (don’t forget your toothbrush!)

• Toilet roll/tissues

• Small first aid kit: Inc wound dressings, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream, crepe bandages, triangular bandages (you can buy excellent pre-prepared first aid kits with all you might need from outdoor stores or pharmacies)

• Prescribed medication

• Blister Plasters

• Insect repellent

• Antiseptic gel or wipes

• A little washing detergent for handwashing clothes

• Electrical socket adapter

• Phone and charger

• Ensure you have downloaded your online maps and route guidance from the Macs Adventure app, and have all other maps/documentation with you.

• Following the Covid-19 Pandemic, please ensure you have suitable face-masks. Guidance on this may change, please keep an eye on local advice for any destination you travel to and always follow the latest safety advice. 

Useful extras

• Binoculars

• Book to read or Kindle,

• Notebook and pen

Macs Adventure will provide you with all the mapping and guidance you need, you can also access the Tour du Mont Blanc Map by downloading our incredibly handy Smartphone App - Download Macs App. Much of what you pack is down to personal preference, but it is always important to be prepared for every weather eventuality as even a completely clear forecast can change. Thankfully both waterproofs and sun protection are fairly light items to pack, so make sure you don’t forget either. Happy packing, and have a safe and fun adventure!

If you are still in the early stages of planning your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure, don't hesitate to contact our team on hello@macsadventure.com for advice on the options available.