Prepare for an epic journey with my comprehensive Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Guide! This guide is best suited for trekkers using a luggage transport service (as I did on my trip), but it can also serve as a general packing guideline for anyone tackling this iconic route. I’ve included a few of my favorites and recommendations (under “Kat’s Pick”), plus loads of useful info on the best gear for adventuring in the unique conditions of this region.
My top advice? Pack light and smart! Opt for durable, multi-use items you can layer for the ever-changing weather conditions in the Alps.
You’ll find links to some of my favorite products here—many of which I use myself (and yes, some are affiliate links that help support my work). That said, there’s no pressure to buy anything new! Borrow gear from friends, repurpose what you already own, or shop second-hand through platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Use this guide as a foundation, adapt it to your preferences, and get ready for one of the most beautiful adventures on earth!
Tops:
6-8 Moisture wicking tops
Bring a few lightweight tops, so you can layer and re-wear them. Pack a mixture of tanks, short-sleeve, and light-weight long-sleeve options. The temperature can vary greatly, so be prepared for both chilly and warm weather. Pro tip: look for wool and/or synthetic garments that, unlike cotton, wick away moisture.
Kat’s Pick:
These can be from such a variety of brands! Most of my hiking tanks are randomly from Abercrombie (I have this one in 4 colors) but I also really love brands like North Face, Vuori, and Patagonia for activewear (here are some good options from these brands if you’re in need of some new ones!)
2 Medium Layers
These will provide insulation, such as fleeces, down jackets, sweatshirts and vests that you can easily stuff in your daypack and layer on and off as your temperature and the conditions change.
Kat’s Pick:
I love this jacket from Cotopaxi since it’s light-weight, very packable, and warm! It was the perfect layer to stuff in my day pack while I was hiking in Vancouver. I’ve also had this exact Patagonia fleece pullover going on 5+ years now!
1 outer layer jacket
A breathable, Gore-Tex, waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood that you can wear comfortably over all your layers is a must-have since there is a possibility it could be windy, rainy and chilly.
Kat’s Pick:
I personally love this one from North Face since its 2 jackets in one! It’s super similar to the one I have/plan on bringing (but is not available anymore). You can use the inside liner as a medium base, the outer shell as a light-weight rain jacket, and can wear both of them together if you need to stay both warm and dry! I traveled with mine for 3 months through Central and South America last year as my only jacket. If you are just looking for something lightweight, this waterproof jacket (not water resistant – there is a difference!) is a great option too!
2 Hats
Bring something light with a brim for sunny days (i’ll be bringing a baseball cap!), and a warm beanie that will cover your ears for colder temps.
Kat’s Pick:
I love this beanie & also often wear an ear band like this one when running in the cold if I want to keep my ears warm while still wearing my hair up in a pony.
1 Pair of Gloves
If you “run cold,” it might be smart to bring one pair of lightweight gloves in case your hands get cold
Sports bras
Bring as many as you think you'll need!
Kat’s Pick:
If you are in the market for a new sports bra, I have this exact sports bra which I stumbled upon at a Nike outlet and swear I literally wear no other sports bra anymore – just this one (don’t worry, I bought several different ones haha!)
1 Swimsuit
You never know when you will have the opportunity to take a dip; from the shores of Lake Geneva, to the occasional hot tub at your accommodations, make sure you are always water ready!
Bottoms:
4-5 pairs of hiking shorts/pants
You’ll want a few pairs of shorts and pants to last you the entire trek. It's possible to experience both cold and warm temps on this trek and want you to be prepared for anything that comes your way! Additionally, make sure to bring a pair of thermal leggings and comfortable pants to sleep in.
Kat’s Pick:
For shorts, I love these highrise 3” athletic shorts from Dick’s Sporting Goods because they are super affordable. I have 3 pairs in 3 different colors. Personally, I also am a sucker for investing in Lululemon leggings like these Align leggings since they last so long and literally feel like I am wearing nothing – but any leggings will work! For fleece-lined leggings, these are definitely an investment, but I’ve been eyeing these Cold Weather fleece leggings also from Lululemon.
1 Pair of Wind/Waterproof pants
You’ll want a few pairs of shorts and pants to last you the entire trek. It's possible to experience both cold and warm temps on this trek and want you to be prepared for anything that comes your way! Additionally, make sure to bring a pair of thermal leggings and comfortable pants to sleep in.
1 Pair of Hiking Boots
You NEED a pair of hiking boots for this trip that have good ankle support and are waterproof! Please do not come on the trip with just a pair of running shoes - they will not be enough. Make sure you break these in before starting our trek to ensure they don’t rub or create blisters!
Kat’s Pick:
I am in love with these Moab 3 Waterproof hiking boots from Merrell. They have great ankle support, are waterproof, and super comfortable – there’s a reason these are Merrell’s best sellers!
1 Pair of Lounge Shoes
It’s worth bringing an additional pair of shoes to lounge in once we reach our mountain refuge for the night and take off our hiking shoes
10 Pairs of Socks
Bring durable wool socks in a few different weights - lighter for the hotter days, and heavy ones for nights and colder days.
Kat’s Pick:
I’ve heard these Darn Tough Hiker Socks are some of the best! I will definitely be ordering multiple pairs
Gear:
Luggage
his will store all of your gear and clothing for the trek, and will be transferred to the hotels for you every evening - aka you will NOT be carrying this during our trek. NOTE: Only 1 piece of luggage can be transported per person and hard shell suitcases are NOT allowed. Bags must weigh less than 15 kg (33 lb)!
Kat’s Pick:
I am a big fan of Osprey when it comes to backpacks! If you are looking for a carry-on size backpack – this is one I personally have used since 2017! If you are looking for more of a duffle bag for this trip here is a checked bag size as well as a carry-on bag size from North Face!
Day Pack Backpack
This is where we will carry our snacks, water bottles, phone/wallet, extra layer, etc everyday on the trail! There are also 2 nights where we will not have access to our luggage so we will move a few overnight essentials into these bags for those 2 days. I would recommend something around 25L that has the room/infrastructure to carry a hydration reservoir/water bladder (highly recommend bringing one of these too!) and has waist straps to keep the pressure off your back/shoulders
Kat’s Pick:
I absolutely love this Cotopaxi Inca 26L Del Dia backpack. It’s the perfect size for a day pack plus is outfitted with an Internal hydration sleeve and hang loop for your water bladder. I also got this one from Osprey for my sister as a Christmas present and she uses it all the time!
Water Bladder & Water Bottle
This is such an easy way to make sure you get enough water during our trek (which is vital!). Make sure your day pack is outfitted to fit a bladder in it.
Kat’s Pick:
I will be bringing my Osprey 2L Hydraulics Reservoir. You can also opt for a 3L version! For the water bottle, the 32 Ounce Insulated HydroFlask is perfect!
Trekking Poles
These are MANDATORY, and a life (and knee) saver on tricky terrain. Make sure they are collapsible, for easy stashing, and simple to adjust for up and downhill.
Sleeping Bag Liner
This is also mandatory for sleeping in mountain refuges.
Rain Poncho and/or Day Pack Cover
Bring a poncho or pack cover to protect your daypack from getting wet if it rains.
Head lamp
This is important for wandering around after the sun sets. Be sure to start the trek with fresh batteries, and bring a spare set just in case.
Polarized Sunglasses
You have to protect your eyes from the fierce mountain sun. Make sure they are UV-blocking and polarized.
Kat’s Pick:
I personally have a pair of prescription polarized sunglasses from Warby Parker but I also love these ones from goodr that are cute for hiking.
Portable Battery Charger
Whatever electronics you choose to bring, make sure you have a way to recharge your batteries.
Camera Gear
You know I will be packing my camera gear
Kat’s Pick:
If you want to carry your camera on the straps of your day pack so you don’t have to constantly be pulling it in/out of your backpack, I swear by this Peak Design Camera Clip! It’s what I’ll be using on my day pack during our trip.
The Details:
Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave! (This is sooo important! My friend missed half our trip to Croatia because her passport had not expired yet but was only valid for less than 6 months - which is Croatia’s limit - from our trip so they did not let her get on the plane & she had to get an expedited passport the next day which cost a lot of money - do not let this happen to you!)
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a necessity, and I’ve seen firsthand how invaluable it can be. On my recent trip, two participants relied on their travel insurance: one had to cancel their entire trip after contracting COVID-19, and insurance covered the costs, while another had to leave halfway due to medical issues, and their policy reimbursed them for the unused portion of their trip. I currently trust and use World Nomads for all my trips because of its comprehensive coverage and traveler-focused options. Their plans include both medical and travel insurance, making them ideal for adventure-packed journeys like the Tour du Mont Blanc. With coverage designed for multiple countries in one trip, it’s perfect for an epic trek through France, Italy, and Switzerland! When considering travel insurance, it’s important to compare their plans and choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re prioritizing medical coverage, trip protection, or adventure sports options, World Nomads offers a variety of plans to fit different travel styles. Be sure to review what each plan covers to decide which one is right for your trip!
Ear plug & Eye mask
Trust me - when you are sleeping in dorm rooms with up to 20 strangers, you're going to want ear plugs and eye mask! This is practically a necessity!
first aid kit
Make sure you pack plenty of Ibuprofen for soreness, band aids and blister tape, antiseptic cream, and any other “must-haves” you might need after a long day on the trail. I'd recommend bringing a blister kit (including items like band-aids, moleskin, , Compeed, etc), antiseptic, pain relievers, antihistamines, antidiarrheals, eye drops, bug spray, etc.
Kat’s Pick:
Pack your own medical kit or you can purchase a pre-made one like this that is lightweight, waterproof, and has most of the things you might need!
Ziplock Bags
Have one or 2 bigger Ziplock bags on hand in case any of your clothing gets wet or muddy in the rain
Toilet Kit
While there will be some limit access to restrooms along the trail, sometimes nature calls when we’re on a trail!
Kat’s Pick:
The Kula Cloth was a favorite on our Tour du Mont Blanc hike—most of the girls either brought one or ordered one by the end! This antimicrobial, reusable pee cloth is compact, eco-friendly, and easy to attach to your pack, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Travel Towel
Bring a quick dry camp towel that packs down small.
Sunscreen
This is a must have for being in the strong mountain sun all day! Bring a new, full tube with an SPF rating of 30+.
toiletries
Don’t forget the travel essentials like travel sized deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, sun screen, hair ties, hair brush, tampons, contact solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and hand sanitizer.
snacks
While you may or may not have food provided for you throughout the trek (depending if your trip is guided or not), you might also want to bring a few key snacks with you that are your go-tos for long hiking days like protein bars and energy packets.
Kat’s Pick:
- I am OBSESSED with these Clif Blocks – they legit taste like candy and some come with Caffeine too! I’ll be cramming as many as I can into my suitcase
universal adapter
During this adventure we’ll be visiting 3 different countries - Switzerland, France, and Italy - all of which have different plugs! Ensure your universal adapter will work for C, E, J, F, & L plugs.
Final Packing Tips:
- Pack Light: Focus on essentials and avoid overpacking. Multi-use, lightweight items are key.
- Layer Smart: Weather in the Alps changes quickly – you can get snow even in the summer months and rain can roll in and out. Bring base layers, an insulating layer, and a waterproof shell for easy adjustments.
- Prepare Your Feet: Well-worn, comfortable hiking boots are a must, along with moisture-wicking socks. Pack a blister kit just in case.
- Stay Hydrated: A lightweight water bottle or hydration system is essential. Water sources are often available, but a filtration system can be helpful.
- Test Your Gear: Break in your boots, practice setting up your gear, and test your backpack’s fit and weight before the trek.
- Customize for Your Needs: If you run cold, pack an extra layer. If you have dietary preferences, bring your favorite snacks or supplements.
