This is the packing list for the Tour de Mont Blanc hike, but can be used for other summer weather Hut-to-Hut trips as well (where tent/bedding/food is not being carried)
LOTS of discussion about packing for a trip like this. As my friend Joanne says…’ Ounces make pounds’….so every little item matters in terms of what you bring as it all adds up to weight on your back.
Pack Type:
Bring the lightest backpack available. Many of us used Osprey packs that ranged in size from 20-liter to 45-liter capacity (around 35 liters seemed the norm). Make sure it’s properly fit to your body (I had REI do the fitting for me).
Clothing:
Here’s the list that our group followed for packing for a 5-day trip. We did wash out/hang dry items during the hike as needed:
For the Trail:
1 Hiking Shorts (quick dry)
1 Hiking Pants (quick dry) NOTE: Most people hiked in shorts given warm weather. Some didn’t bring pants. I hiked in pants almost every day.
1 Long Sleeve Hiking/Sun Shirt with Hood (quick dry. Patagonia makes a good one)
2 Short Sleeve Hiking Shirts (quick dry)
2-3 Socks (wool)
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants
Fleece jacket (on thinner side that packs down well)
Thermal top and bottoms (lightweight kind)
Sun hat with good brim, or cap with flaps that protect you from the sun on your neck/face
Neck buff or bandana
Hiking shoes
30-35L Backpack (or bigger if camping)
Backpack rain cover
Telescopic Hiking Poles (A MUST)
Sunglasses
Water bottle or bladder (at least 2 liter)
Guide book/map (1 per group)
2 Bars/snacks for emergency food/hunger (you can get more on the trail as needed)
Sun gloves (optional but give good protection)
For Staying in a Refuge:
Sleep sack / sleeping bag liner (you sleep in this and have blanket/pillow they provide as well)
Sleeping attire (can use thermals or tshirt etc)
Puffer jacket (good as a pillow as well)
Beanie/gloves
1 Set of clean clothes for post hike each night (I had light sweats that doubled as sleepwear)
Flip flops or crocs (you take off your hiking shoes in refuges and need lightweight shoes for walking and showering).
Head torch (we didn’t end up using ours as phones worked as well)
Ear plugs/eye mask (optional, but if you are in a bunk room would be good)
Toiletries (bring minimal/small bottles)
Phone chargers (all refuges we stayed in had a few communal outlets for use)
Power bank (esp if camping)
Small travel towel
Other:
First Aid Kit (one person carried most of the items for the group)
Map
Whistle
Pen Knife
Phone charging cord and adaptor, as needed
Ziplock bag
