I want to share what I packed for my 3-day hike above Chamonix on the Tour de Mont Blanc Path. Packing light but smart is crucial, especially if you’re doing the full 11-day TMB circuit.

Even though we only hiked for 3 days, I wouldn’t pack much more for the full Tour de Mont Blanc. However, there are a few extra items I’d consider if I went again. You need to be prepared for all kinds of weather, from snow on high passes to sunshine and blue skies, and definitely some rain. The key is to pack for every possibility.

During my stay at Refuge Bellachat, I met a French lady who had camped in a snowstorm in July on a previous Tour de Mont Blanc. This stretch of the TMB is popular and accessible via cable cars and chair lifts, but other parts can be more remote. My packing list is based on my 3-day experience, but I recommend consulting guidebooks and other TMB resources for personalized packing needs.

For clothing, I took a set for walking each day and a set for the refuge. After a hot and sweaty day of walking, it’s refreshing to shower and change into clean clothes. Most people wear technical walking clothing, like trousers with plenty of pockets and zip-off legs, and sports t-shirts that dry quickly. I also packed clean underwear and t-shirts for each day, but you could minimize this by washing clothes at the refuges each night.

A good, light waterproof jacket and waterproof leggings are essential for rain, or you might prefer a poncho that covers your rucksack. Alternatively, a rucksack cover works, but I used plastic bags inside my rucksack to keep everything dry. Good hiking socks and comfortable boots are crucial for foot care on long walks. In sunny weather, a sunhat is a must to avoid sunstroke. I also packed a swimsuit for potential lake dips, though I preferred sunbathing over swimming in ice-cold water.

At most refuges, you’ll be asked to remove your walking boots at the door and will be lent slippers. If you’re particular, bring light plastic flip-flops. I brought pajamas but didn’t use them due to communal sleeping arrangements and cold nights, so I slept in my refuge clothes.

For toiletries, bring small, light items and consider multi-purpose products like soap/shampoo or creams. A light technical towel that dries quickly and a sheet sleeping bag are necessary since refuges provide only blankets and a pillow. If you’re cutting down on clothes, wash out t-shirts and underwear upon arrival, choosing items that dry quickly.

I used a 35-liter rucksack, which was the perfect size and encouraged me to pack light. It had plenty of zip compartments and outside pouches for water, maps, and snacks. I packed everything inside plastic bags to keep it dry and had a few spare bags.

Walking poles were indispensable for reducing strain on knees and legs. We rented them locally for €5 per pair per day, which was economical for a short walk. For longer trips, buying a set starting at €35 might be better. I recommend booking the same hotel for the start and finish to leave extra luggage. I traveled with a carry-on case with the empty rucksack inside and left the case at Hotel Slalom in Les Houches.

For safety, I packed a compass, whistle, silver safety blanket, and a pocket map, though I mainly used the Cicerone Tour of Mont Blanc Guide by Kev Reynolds. A mini medical kit with headache and diarrhea pills, plasters, and other minor ailment remedies is also essential. You’ll meet plenty of other walkers on the trail, so help is usually available if needed. Ensure your travel insurance covers mountain rescue in emergencies, as helicopter rescues are expensive.

Refuges on the trail typically charge €40-50 per night, including breakfast and dinner, which is usually home-style cooking. During the day, you might pass cafes or refuges open for skiers in winter and walkers in summer, but don’t count on it. Cafes are expensive due to high altitude logistics, with drinks and snacks costing €3-6. We kept costs down by carrying snacks like cheese slices, dried fruit, nuts, rye bread, and biscuits for picnic lunches. Boiled sweets were great for an energy boost on tough uphill stretches. Carry plenty of water; we had three half-liter bottles each and could easily top up on our popular stretch, but some hikers carry several liters, adding to the pack’s weight.

As a travel blogger, I carried more gear, including my laptop, which I used with the free Wi-Fi at Hotel Slalom and left in their office until our return. I walked with an audio recorder in my pack and kept my camera and video recorder handy for capturing the stunning mountain views. It’s worth taking photos to create a photo diary of your trip.

Keep cameras or video cameras in a case on your belt or sling around your body for easy access. Mobile phone reception was good, and you may need to ring ahead to book the next refuge, often only contactable by phone.

An extra fleece or long-sleeved t-shirt for the evenings would have been useful, as it gets very cold at high altitudes. I didn’t worry about a warm hat or gloves due to the good weather forecast, but they could be necessary for snow on high passes.

We used the Cicerone Tour of Mont Blanc guide by Kev Reynolds, which was excellent for both clockwise and anti-clockwise routes, with detailed route guides, maps, accommodation information, and points of interest.

We stayed at Refuges de Bellachat and la Flegere above Chamonix. Bookings for Refuge de Bellachat can be made by phone (04 50 53 43 23) and cost €40 for dinner, bed, and breakfast. Refuge la Flégère cost €47 per person for dinner, bed, and breakfast, bookable by email (bellay.catherine@wanadoo.fr) or phone (04 50 55 85 88). To avoid disappointment, book your place in all refuges a day or two in advance or from the previous refuge.

In the Chamonix valley, we stayed at the modern, stylish, budget boutique Hotel Slalom in Les Houches, perfectly placed for summer walking and close to ski lifts for winter skiing. Double rooms in the summer season cost €86-99 plus €10 for breakfast.

We booked our transfer from Geneva airport to Les Houches through Chamexpress, which provided an efficient airport-to-hotel service for €25 + tax per person each way.

The walkingthetmb website offers useful information for planning and preparing for your Tour de Mont Blanc walk, including a packing list and links to other people’s photographs and online diaries for inspiration.