Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Why these items are on the list

1. 25-35L daypack or full pack. 25-35L if using luggage transfer; a full 40-50L pack if you're carrying everything yourself
2. Waterproof jacket. test it before you go — a jacket that fails in the rain is the most common regret on this trail
3. Waterproof trousers. not optional; alpine rain here is sustained, not a passing shower
4. Insulated jacket. packs down small, comes out for evenings and high passes even in summer
5. Base layers, moisture-wicking. merino wool holds up better than synthetic over multiple sweaty days
6. Hiking boots or trail runners, broken in. never start an 11-day trek in new footwear
7. Hiking socks, 1 pair per day. blister prevention matters more than pack weight here
8. Trekking poles. the elevation gain/loss each day is significant
9. Headlamp. early starts and hut common areas after dark
10. Sunglasses and sun hat. high-altitude UV is stronger than it feels
11. Sleeping bag liner. most huts require one even though they provide blankets
12. Earplugs and eye mask. hut dorms are shared, often with snorers
13. Compact medical/first-aid kit. blister care especially — Compeed-style plasters
14. Refillable water bottle or bladder. 1L is usually enough given how often the trail crosses water sources
15. Portable charger and cables. huts have limited outlets, often shared
16. Quick-dry towel. hut showers are common but towels usually aren't provided

Every source here is a static blog post — good research, but you read it once, then re-derive your own checklist by hand. An 11-day trip is exactly the case where a real checkable list earns its keep: items get ticked off during packing over several evenings, not in one sitting, and a hiking partner can see the same shared list rather than texting photos of a notes app.