The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in Europe, spanning through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trek covers diverse terrain, ranging from high mountain passes to lush valleys, and it takes the average hiker around 10 days to complete. Packing the right gear is key to enjoying the experience, staying safe, and being comfortable throughout the journey.
In this post, I'll break down the essential gear you'll need for hiking and camping the TMB.
Backpack - for a camping trek, your backpack should be between 40-50 liters. Look for a pack with a comfortable fit, padded shoulder straps, a hip belt for support and a breathable back panel to reduce sweat buildup. Make sure your backpack is equipped with a rain cover. My best advise is to keep your pack as light as possible!
- Personal choice: Deuter-Aircontact Core 40+10 - it has all the features mentioned above and I highly recommend it. I got mine from Mochika - Outdoor Life in Malta.
Tent - choose a lightweight, 2-person tent that’s easy to set up and durable enough to withstand the unpredictable alpine weather. Ensure your tent is waterproof and has adequate ventilation to prevent condensation. A ground sheet will help protect the bottom of your tent from wear and moisture. My best advise is to choose a compact tent that is easy to pack and doesn’t add excessive weight to your load.
- Personal choice: Ferrino - Tent Lightent 2 Pro specifically for the reason that it weighed only 2.10 kgs, it was the lightest tent we found at an affordable price. We got it from Mochika - Outdoor Life in Malta.
Sleeping bag - the temperatures in the Alps can get chilly at night, even in summer, so bring a 3-season sleeping bag rated for 0°C to 5°C. Tip: Pack a sleeping liner to keep your bag cleaner and add extra warmth if needed. It also helps keep your bag dry if it rains.
- Personal choice: Vango Atlas 250 from the Adventure Shop in Malta and a silk sleeping liner from Decathlon.
Sleeping pad - essential not only for comfort but also for insulation from the cold ground. Inflatable sleeping pads are lightweight and compact enough to fit in your backpack, while foam pads are more durable and offer extra insulation. For extra comfort, consider adding a pillow.
- Personal choice: My main aim was to keep my pack as light as possible, so I went for the Forclaz inflatable trekking mattress from Decathlon, which weighs only 585g. I won't sugarcoat it and say it's the most comfortable mattress but it did it's job and most importantly it was lightweight and sells for a very good price. As for the sleeping pillow, I chose the Vango Deep Sleep Ergo Pillow from the Adventure Shop in Malta.
Cooking gear - whilst you won't find any problem finding food along the trail, you might want to cook some of your meals yourself. A compact camping stove is a perfect for boiling water and cooking meals on the TMB. Make sure to buy fuel canisters compatible with your stove.
- Personal choice: Primus Firestick Stove from the Adventure Shop Malta. We got our gas canister from Decathlon when we arrived in Chamonix.
Cookware - a small, lightweight pot or pan, as well as a mug and a spork. Don't forget to bring soap and a microfiber cloth with you to clean your cooking gear.
- Personal choice: I got all the above including a multi-purpose wash from Decathlon
Clothing - the weather in the Alps can change drastically, so layering is essential to stay comfortable.
Personal choice:
- Base Layer: Choose moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics to keep sweat off your skin. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture.
- Mid Layer: A fleece jacket is perfect for providing warmth without being bulky.
- Outer Layer: A waterproof, windproof jacket and pants are crucial for protection against rain and cold winds.
- Extras: A hat, gloves, and neck gaiter will help keep you warm in colder temperatures, while a sun hat and polarized sunglasses are a must for sunny days. PS: Do not underestimate the weather in the mountains, we used all of the mentioned items in August!
- My best advice: make sure your gear is breathable to reduce sweating and to avoid feeling soggy in wet conditions.
I usually get my hiking clothes from the Adventure shop in Malta since, they have a variety of brands and are very durable and stylish. I also have base layers, mid-layers and accessories from Decathlon.
Hiking boots - this will be one of the most important items for this trek. A good pair of waterproof, breathable hiking boots with ankle support is essential, as the terrain can be rugged and wet, especially in higher altitudes. Make sure to break them in before your trip to avoid blisters.
- Personal choice: Lowa Renegade GTX from Surplus & Adventure in Malta, I've had them for years and I highly recommend them.
Hiking socks - invest in moisture-wicking, durable socks made of merino wool or synthetic materials to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
- Personal choice: my go to hiking socks are the Mund Series Socks for Summer trekking and I get them from the Adventure Shop in Malta.
First aid kit - accidents can happen on any hike, so a well-stocked first aid kit is essential.
Bandages, gauze pads, pain relievers, blister treatment (Compeed), antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
- Personal choice: Forclaz First-Aid Kit 100 from Decathlon.
Sun protection - The higher you go, the stronger the sun can get, even on cloudy day. A high-SPF sunscreen is necessary to protect exposed skin like your face, neck, and hands. A lip balm is a must to prevent chapped lips, opt for a lip balm with SPF.
Downloaded trail app - even though the TMB is very well marked, having an app like AllTrails, can help you stay on track.
Trekking Poles - an essential tool, especially for steep ascents and descents. They reduce strain on your knees and offer extra balance when hiking on rocky or uneven terrain. Look for lightweight, adjustable poles that are easy to pack. Honestly, trekking poles were my life savers, I had never used them before and I swear by them now!
- Personal choice: Forclaz MT500 anti-shock trekking poles from Decathlon in Chamonix when we arrived. The reason for buying the trekking poles in Chamonix is because I was traveling with carry on luggage and some airlines do not let you travel with trekking poles unless it's in checked-in luggage. On the way back, I risked it and the airline were fine with it.
Headlamp - invaluable for evening activities or navigating in low light.
- Personal choice: Petzl Aria 1 RGB 350 Lumens from Surplus & Adventure in Malta.
Packing Cubes - super handy to keep organised and to take to the shower at camp with you.
- Personal choice: Forclaz Half-Moon Storage Bags for 50-70L Backpacks from Decathlon
Power bank - especially if you’re using your phone for navigation.
Other extras: a few pegs, a pair of flip flops, a towel, dehydrated milk in a small container, a ground chair, carry bottle to fill up with water on the trail.
Packing list summary:
- Backpack
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping liner
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Cooking stove
- Cookware
- Clothes
- Hiking shoes
- First aid kit
- Sun protection
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Packing cubes
- Power bank
- Personal toiletries
- Other extras
Each piece of gear will play a crucial role in keeping you comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever the trail throws at you. Trust me, the right equipment will make a huge difference in your overall experience. Pack smart, stay prepared, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
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Happy Travels! x