Tour Du Mont Blanc Ultralight Gear Guide
Welcome To Your Tour Du Mont Blanc Gear Guide!
Keep in mind this Tour du Mont Blanc gear guide is meant to be for ultralight backpacking of the TMB, for people staying exclusively at mountain huts or hotels along the route. If you plan on camping during your stay at the TMB, you should review our ultimate backpacking gear blog.
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Backpack:
When hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc ultralight and only staying at refuges you can get away with hiking as light as a day hike backpack I used the below which worked out great
Osprey Hikelite 18:
If you think 18L is a bit too small for your needs then the below 36L should do the trick for you! As always make sure you do a thorough check of your gear and make sure that everything fits in your pack!
Trekking Poles:
With Over 30,000ft of total elevation gain and loss, you are not going to want to miss these. Trekking poles are a godsend for anyone especially if you have bad knees!
Foxelli Trekking Poles:
Footwear:
Whenever going on extended hiking trips you need to make sure have the right footwear and the TMB is no different. Inadequate footwear can lead to ankle, knee, or back pain and can turn what is supposed to be a serene adventure into a miserable experience.
Hiking Boots:
Personally, I used hiking boots during my treks but I know several people who have hiked the circuit in trail runners as well. You can check out our backpacking gear blog to check out our recommended trail runners.
Hiking Socks:
Hiking socks are essential for protecting your feet and keeping you comfortable when on the trail. Check out our hiking sock article to learn all of the benefits of hiking socks and why they are a must-have when hiking. I recommend bringing 2 pairs for your TMB trek one for trekking and 1 for sleeping.
Camp Shoes:
You always want a comfortable set of camp shoes to slip into after a long hike, especially when hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. Having a pair of camp shoes is a must when staying in huts because you have to follow proper hut etiquette and leave your dirty boots at the door before entering them. If you want to learn more about camp shoes, check our article on them!
Sleeping Bag Liner:
When staying at refuges, especially those that are dormitory-style you want a layer of protection between yourself and the refuge sheets. A sleeping bag liner helps add a layer of insulation as well as keep any creepy crawlers away.
Rab Silk Ascent Hooded Sleeping Bag Liner:
Toiletry / Wilderness Bathroom Kit
Whenever traveling a basic hygiene kit such as travel shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant are a must. Also, I would also recommend having a bathroom kit with you because you never know when nature calls! Check out how how to poop while backpacking article for a complete rundown on pooping in the backcountry.
Water Storage:
With over a hundred miles of trekking you better make sure you keep hydrated! If you want to learn more about carrying and filtering water when backpacking check out our article that goes over it all.
Water Filtration System:
Whether it be water treatment drops or mechanical filtration you should always carry a water filtration system in case you run out of water while on the trail.
Head Lamp:
When trying to navigate throughout a dimly lit mountain hut on the TMB a headlamp is a must have!
Clothes:
Having the correct hiking clothing is essential anytime you are heading into the backcountry. You want clothes of good quality materials to avoids chaffing, blisters or discomfort when on the trail.
