On the Tour du Mont-Blanc, every item is carried for 170 km: the point is not to pack a lot, but to pack right. Here is the check-list, category by category, for a pack of around 8 kg without going without the essentials.
The pack: aim for 8 to 10 kg, water included
A 35 to 45 litre pack is ample for a hut-to-hut TMB. Any bigger and you fill the space available without thinking about it. Weigh your pack before you leave: between 8 and 10 kg including water and the day's lunch puts you in a good range.
Weight comes down to three things: spare clothing you do not need, water carried in excess, and the « just in case » items. On the TMB there is drinking water at every stage and a shop in most valleys, so there is no need to set off with three days of food.
Boots, layers and sun protection
Mid-cut hiking boots, already broken in over several outings, remain the best choice. Never set off in a brand-new pair.
A layering system beats one thick garment: a technical t-shirt, a fleece or light down jacket, and a breathable waterproof shell. Add a hat and light gloves — on the Col de la Seigne or the Fenêtre d'Arpette it can be 5 °C in the middle of August.
High-mountain sun is unforgiving: category 3 sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap are essential.
Refuge, safety and paperwork
- Sleeping bag liner (required in most refuges) and earplugs
- Head torch, power bank, Swiss adapter if you are sleeping on the Valais side
- First aid kit: blister plasters, anti-inflammatory, strapping tape
- ID card or passport: the TMB crosses three countries
- Cash in euros and Swiss francs: many refuges do not take cards
A good habit: lay everything out on the floor the day before you leave, then remove 10 % of what you have laid out.
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