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EQUIPMENT AND LUGGAGE

Equipment and luggage

A state qualified mountain guide will be with you trekking on the “Tour du Mont Blanc”. Trekking Mont Blanc can provide you waterproof bags to keep your stuff safe between each part of the trek.

Your hiking equipment

 

  • General information: the equipment is transferred every day. It does not have to exceed 10 kg. You carry in a small backpack everything you need for the day’s hiking, including your picnic. Tip: bring one or two large bin bags in case you need extra waterproof materials.

 

  • Head: A broad-rimmed hat, sunglasses, a headband to protect your forehead and ears.
  • Hands: For ladies Rhéno prone syndrome (rapid cooling of the hands), 1 pair of mittens (more convenient to put heaters) + 1 pair of ski gloves. In the mountains, in rain and wind, a pair of gloves soaked longer fulfills its function (and very quickly). A second pair is then welcome… for the gentlemen too!

 

  • Body: a moisture-wicking t-shirt along with a thin fleece and a Gore Tex-type jacket are ideal. Several layers of clothing are better than one big layer, but do not overlay cotton clothing (which retains moisture) with a view to wicking moisture because the cotton will cancel out the function of the other layers…
  • Legs: hiking trousers or over-clothing and Gore Tex trousers because run-off from your jacket will inevitably run down between your legs. If you don’t have any Gore Tex, bring a GOOD poncho and gaiters. Boxer shorts avoid overheating.
  • Feet: hiking socks absorb impacts better, have better moisture-wicking properties and retain heat better than tennis socks. They also last longer! Two or three pairs will be enough because you can wash them quickly in the shower.
  • Leather or Gore Tex high-cut hiking shoes with semi-rigid Vibram type soles are needed for loose ground, névé (porous ice not yet frozen to form glacier ice) or stony mountain terrain.
  • What you need at night : small toilet bag (125g soap for daily showers for a week and the little clothes washing you need to do), headlamp, earplugs, cutlery and Tupperware for pic-nics. Huts have blankets.
  • Miscellaneous: Bermuda shorts and long-sleeve clothing are recommended to combat the aggressive mountain sun. Always bring some Babywipes are useful.
  • In your backpack: your day things (camera, sun cream, picnic, pullover and rain clothing, water, etc.). You can snack on dried fruits, cake and cereal bars every day.
  • Technical equipment: A 35 or 40 litre backpack with broad straps and stomach strap. A pair of (telescopic) walking sticks is recommended.
  • Personal first aid kit: you should bring 6cm wide plasters, Compeed, Biafine, aspirin, Smecta and lip balm along with a few painkillers.
  • Administrative formalities: national ID card is COMPULSORY (or passport if necessary).
  • Currency: bring a little cash with you. In Switzerland, Euros are accepted everywhere.