Essential Trekking Kit List

Trekking Kit List

Hiking gear and comfortable clothing are essential for every trekking tour. The experts at Mont Blanc Treks, Chamonix have compiled a list of hiking gear and other important items you will need to carry.

Luggage

A day rucksack will be required when you opt for a baggage transfer (approximately 20 litres) and a larger rucksack for Mont Blanc Treks and Haute Route multi-day treks without bag transfer (approximately 28- 35 litres). If you have an wish to bring an additional hold-all to put travel clothes and other items not required on the trek, this can be stored at your hotel on the first night if you start and finish in the same location. If you finish in a different location please ask for bag transfer options, an additional cost will apply. Bag transfers are available on request. Get in touch with us for more information.

Treks with bag transfer needn’t carry a change of clothes apart from the nights you are in mountain huts. For treks without a bag transfer, we recommend you travel as light as possible without leaving out any of the essentials.

Sara from Mont Blanc Treks shows how to prepare your kit for your trek

Food & Drink

You will have to carry food and drink in addition to the gear mentioned in the kit list. A packed lunch can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation (ordered this on your arrival). It is important to get your nutrition right, as you will be burning lots of calories each day. It is essential you carry enough water with you so you don’t get dehydrated during the day. On some days it may be possible replenish your water at certain places but this is not always the case. Water purifying tablets are useful in case you run out of water and have to use a mountain stream.

A hiker putting a flask in her rucksack

Packing your Rucksack

It's a good idea to have a trial at packing your rucksack beforehand to maximize space, check the weight and get rid of any un-needed items! When packing your sack make sure you pack anything not needed during the trekking day at the bottom and essential gear, food & water at the top. If you are not used to trekking with a heavier rucksack take it out with you when training during the months beforehand.

Washing your kit

The majority of the time you will be staying in good quality hotels, therefore it is easy to wash and dry kit through before the next day. Some hotels will provide a laundry service, please ask for further details. Hotels will provide towels and soap, you will require additional kit for the refuges nights, see below.

Trekking Kit List

Base Layers

Short sleeve: Lightweight, breathable base layer made out of a synthetic fabric that can be washed and dried quickly.

Long sleeve: Long sleeve merino wool layer is a great idea for use as an extra layer if needed over a t-shirt. It is also useful to wear in the evenings.

Mid Layer

Fleece or merino wool mid layer to go on top of the base layer this will give you a bit of warmth early mornings, on cooler days or when descending.

This could be with or without a hood, make sure it’s lightweight and packs down small.

Leg Layer

Shorts: The majority of the time trekking shorts would be the best option for those warm summer days in the mountains.

Trousers: Lightweight walking trousers are a good idea to wear if it is cold, or during the evenings. Another possibility would be trekking trousers that are adapatable & have zip off legs so they can be worn as shorts.

Warm Layer

There are many lightweight insulated layers available these days, this could be filled with down or synthetic material. Synthetic filled jackets tent to retain their thermal properties better if they get damp so we would recommend this option. This ultra-warm lightweight layer weighs no more than a fleece jumper and packs down even smaller! Great for cooler days, when taking a break or for refuge nights.

Waterproof Layer

This is the most essential bit of kit there should be no compromise here! Gortex (or similar) lightweight waterproof jacket with a good hood and rain pants that will pack-down small. It is essential that both layers are carried every day as the weather can change rapidly in the Alps. They will protect you from top to toe on the foulest of wet weather days and also can be worn to give extra warmth from a harsh wind.

Footware

Good sturdy walking boots that offer support to the ankle or trekking shoes if you are confident on difficult terrain. They don’t have to be leather as these days you can buy ight-weight fabric alternatives that dry quickely. Makes sure they have a good sole Vibram or similar. If you are purchasing new boots make sure they are comfortable and worn in beforehand. Blisters could ruin your trek!!

Hats & Gloves

Sun hat as the sun can be fairly intense at high altitude, neck protection is also recommended.

Warm hat, gloves and a scalf or buff are essential if you experience cold weather.

Hopefully the weather will be kind and the hats and gloves will stay at the bottom of the rucksack for the duration of your trek!

Food & Drink

It is important to get your nutrition right, as you will be burning lots of calories each day, food can be purchased from local supermarkets & bakeries when staying in villages or from the refuges if ordered on arrival for the following day. It is essential you carry enough water with you so you don’t get dehydrated during the day. On some days it may be possible replenish your water at certain places but this is not always the case.

Rucksacks

Day sack: A small sack will be required when opting for a baggage transfer. Approximately 20 litre, the bag must be large enough to carry warm and waterproof layers, essential kit, food and drink. You will need a rucksack liner to keep the contents dry and waterproof.

Multi-day sack: If you do not opt for the bag transfer service then a larger rucksack will be needed of approx. 28 - 35 litre. Rucksack liner will also be needed.

Refuge Nights

When staying in the mountain refuges you will need a few extra items as bag transfer would not be available in the remote locations. You will need travel towel, toiletries, head torch, ear plugs and a sleeping bag liner.

The majority of the time you will be staying in good quality hotels therefore it is easy to wash and dry kit through before the next day. Hotels will provide towels and soap.

Other Essentials

  • Map, route cards, compass, altimeter if self guided
  • Sunglasses
  • Basic medical kit including blister plasters, sunscreen & lip salve
  • Essential medication
  • Trekking insurance
  • Money (cash and credit cards)
  • Passport and travel documents

Recommended Items

  • Trekking poles, very useful to help on the ascents and save knees on the descent
  • Camera
  • iPod
  • Pocket knife
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Travel adapter
  • Water purifying tablets
  • Sleeping sheet, travel towel, head torch & ear plugs for mountain huts