Backpack — Your Top Priority

Choose backpack 60–70 L (65 L is ideal). Smaller won’t fit: tent, sleeping bag, pad, 3–4 days of food, and part of the group gear.

• Must-have features: great back ventilation, solid hip belt, chest strap — they save your lower back.
• Rain cover (or built-in) — alpine weather changes fast.
• Goal: base weight (no food/water) 10–13 kg. With 2–3 L water and day snacks — max 15–17 kg. More is noticeably tough.

Sleep System — Home for 8–10 Nights

Don’t compromise on quality, but avoid excess.

• Tent: lightweight trekking 2–3 person (1–2 per group). 1.5–2.5 kg per person when shared. Minimum 3000 mm waterproofing — mountain rain can be heavy.
• Sleeping bag: comfort 0…+5 °C (better margin to –5 °C). Lightweight down or synthetic, 600–800 g. July–August nights +5…+12 °C; September can near 0 °C.
• Sleeping pad: inflatable (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir or equivalent) R-value 3–5 — warm, light, compact. Skip foam pads — bulky and cold.
• Optional: inflatable pillow or clothes in a stuff sack.

Clothing for the Tour de Mont Blanc trek — Minimal, Layered

Rule: one set worn + spares for evenings/rain. Wash in campgrounds or streams.

• Footwear: high trekking boots with grippy sole (Vibram etc.) — must be well broken-in!
• Socks: 2–3 pairs trekking (merino/synthetic — no cotton).
• Base layer: lightweight set (top + bottom) + spare top.
• Shirts/long sleeves: 2 quick-dry (1 worn, 1 spare).
• Shorts + zip-off trekking pants.
• Mid-layer: fleece or light insulated jacket (Polartec 100–200).
• Rain gear: membrane jacket + pants (Gore-Tex or similar) — light but reliable.
• Warm jacket: compact down for evenings/mornings.
• Headwear: cap/panama + warm beanie or buff.
• Gloves: thin fleece — high passes are cold.

Food & Kitchen on the TMB hiking route

Group cooking; everyone carries a share.

• Personal: 1–1.5 L bottle/thermos + filter or purification tablets (stream water is generally clean, but better safe).
• Shared: stove, fuel, pots, utensils — split evenly.
• Personal utensils: mug, bowl, lightweight spork (titanium/plastic).
• Food: nuts, dried fruit, bars, grains, freeze-dried meals, jerky — high-calorie, tasty, compact.

First Aid, Hygiene & Essentials

• First aid: blister plasters (Compeed), bandage, painkillers, anti-diarrhea, antiseptic, SPF 50+, insect repellent.
• Hygiene: mini soap/gel, travel toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, toilet paper, microfiber towel.
• Headlamp + spare batteries.
• Trekking poles — mandatory! Reduce knee load by 20–30 %.
• Camp sandals/crocs for campground and showers.
• Documents: passport, insurance (trekking coverage), cash (many sites cash-only), phone + powerbank.