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The Gear That Saved Me on Tour du Mont Blanc

Travel Light Mel

34,050 views

Planning to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc? Make sure you get your FREE PDF TMB Packing Guide Here:

Clothing: 👚
T-Shirt, Wool Blend - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/DvQ...
T-Shirt, Synthetic - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/aIk...
Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/ftx...
Shorts - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/vj1...
Pants - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/Y3M...
Windbreaker - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/NyA...
Rain Jacket - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/PaM...
Puffy Jacket - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/k3l...
Fleece - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/6aY...
Hiking Socks - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/yEZ...
Lower Cut Hiking Socks - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/JIV...
Buff - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/rLb...
Half Buff - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/KD4...
KUHL Women's Best Sellers -
KUHL Men's Best Sellers -

Shoes: 👟
Tevas - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/pHJ...
Brooks Cascadia Trail Shoes (Women’s) -
Brooks Cascadia Trail Shoes (Men’s) -

Backpacks: 🎒
Osprey Backpack 48L (Women’s)- https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/CVz...
Osprey Backpack 48L (Men’s) -
Packable Day Pack - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...

Gear: ⚙️
Trekking Poles - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/kTF...
Packing Cubes - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/GFU...
Compression Packing Cubes - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/aCw...
Waterproof Backpack Cover - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/rX6...
Platypus Water Bottle - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/kRA...
Water Bladder - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/Mi2...
Lightweight Water Filter - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/D6H...
Sunglasses -
Wide-Brimmed Hat - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/dGU...
Ball Cap - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/1yk...
Dry Bag - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/sa7...
Electrolytes - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...
Sitting Pad - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/E4V...
Travel Pillow - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/tzb...
Cork Ball - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...
Luggage Scale: https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...

Sleeping Items: 💤
Sleeping Bag Liner (Cold Weather) - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/hzR...
Sleeping Bag Liner (Warm Weather) - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/2b7...
Eye Mask - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...
Ear Plugs - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...

Toiletries: 🚻
Kula Cloth - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/CUE...
Towel - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/I7O...
Toiletry Bag -https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/yhv...
First Aid Kit - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/6SB...

Electronics:⚡
Headlamp - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/M3Y...
Universal Outlet Adapter - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/jXv...
Power Bank - https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/Gom...
AirPods - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...

Blister Prevention: 🥾
Sheep Wool - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...
Vaseline - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...
Compeed - https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/...

Planning to hike the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)? Don’t hit the trail without the right gear! In this video, I break down exactly what to pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc—from essential trekking gear to lightweight backpacking tips that will save you money, stress, and sore shoulders.

Whether you’re thru hiking, backpacking, or just trying to figure out the ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc gear list, this video gives you a clear gear breakdown so you’ll know exactly what to bring on the Tour du Mont Blanc and what you can leave at home.

If you’re preparing for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc or any big Europe hike, this is your go-to packing advice before you step foot on the trail.

This isn’t just a list—it’s a Tour du Mont Blanc gear breakdown designed to help you trek smarter, lighter, and with more confidence.

⛰️ Whether you call it Tour du Mont Blanc, TMB, or TDMB, this hike is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world—and with the right gear, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Backpack & General Gear Items
10:35 Clothing and Footwear
16:53 Toiletries
25:04 Misc. Items

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FTC Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links from which I get a small commission, but does not affect you as a customer at all. All opinions are my own :)

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Melanie@TravelLightAdventures.com

20 Comments

@vadimtsybenko5330 2 months ago

Thank you very much, I learned a lot of important things for myself.. On August 22, 2026, I will go to my TMB..🎉🎉❤❤

@jeronomosp 2 months ago

That was a really useful and thorough run down of the gear you really need to make the most of your trekking! Thank you for the update. I’ll bet getting to Courmayeur is quite a lovely contrast to the days trekking!

@marixa5678 11 months ago

Thanks to Rick Steves, about 13/14 years ago, I got the Sea to Summit toiletries bag (slightly smaller than yours, but same functionality) and it has gone EVERYWHERE with me and is STILL in perfect shape. Those Sea to Summit people know what they’re doing.
Also: this video is AWESOME. Second one I’ve watched from you and your content is so good! So appreciated. 👍🏼🙌🏼❤️

@johnendicott8597 5 months ago

Trekking the TMB this August and can’t wait. Very helpful info in your videos. Thanks!

@gilver4sold 1 month ago

What a wonderful very comprehensive list. Useful for many different types of trips.

@studioindustria 2 months ago

Thanks for an excellent video. Great presentation. Direct and meaningful.

@enzonitti9897 1 year ago

This is honestly my favorite hut to hut hike out there. Thanks for the great packing video.

@stuartparker-q3o 7 days ago (edited)

1) For my TmB - back in 2012 - I bought a Deuter ACT TRAIL 32. Carrying about 15-20 lbs, it was PERFECT for (multi-Uphill) day-trekking and overnighting at refuges (or - in les Contamines and Courmayeur - hotels). Also, back then, it was allowed as airline carry-on (UNLIKE Hiking Poles). Sadly: Given the "load gap" between actual backpacking and simple day-hiking, I haven't used it since, having larger and smaller gear. 😒And I'm sure there have been Numerous gear "reinventions", since then.
2) I wore a pair of heavy Scarpa (mountaineering-grade) boots, but a fellow trekker got by fine on Trail-runners. The only difference: Last (DOWNPOUR) day, MY feet stayed DRY. But consider sturdier (ankle-support), if you choose a strenuous/bouldery upper trail "variante" - like Fenetre d-Arpette, or to Lac Blanc !
3) I also pre-shopped (US) for the lightest refuge slippers I could find - only to discover that most TmB refuges were Loaded with "Crocs" ! :) [I still use the slippers - albeit now "anointed" with house paint.]
4) I took along a compact "Wag Bag" - an emergency (poop) trail-sanitation kit. Never used (the food/water isn't problematic - but the refuges serve Coffee in Bowls 😄).

@pat13487 5 days ago

❤❤❤

@micheleHikergal065 10 months ago

I love your videos and am heading to a Patagonia shortly. Your concise content and efforts to improve each time you repeat the trek is very helpful and credible. Thanks for noting the changes to the osprey oack making it so much longer. Both M and W are several inches beyond the 22” limit for carry on and I am not willing to take the chance an attendant tells me to stick in the sizing bin before boarding. It’s pretty hard to find a 40+ framed hiking pack that is 22”or less now unless you go frameless, or cottage gear roll tops like Hyperlight MG. I have found The Jade 43 and no longer made Octal 45l are right at the height limit and the Gossamer Gear 3 60l is squishable to 21”. FWIW.

@travellightmelshorts 10 months ago

Thanks for the great tips

@gertjanfiechter4079 3 months ago (edited)

I have bottles with the tubes for drinking from hardside, so you have no problems with the bag leaking in your bag.

@cravetheplanet 10 months ago

Thanks for helping out with this video

@martincohle8419 7 months ago

❤

@bogiesan 5 months ago

Excellent work, thanks. You've mentioned some items I have not seen in similar clips, items many women might not know exist or consider. note: I travel with my own sunscreen, soap, shampoo, and moisturizer because of skin sensitivity issues.

@nickcrane888 1 month ago

Thank you for recommending a Kula cloth. I did the TMB 2025 and I was amazed how much TP was left along the side of the trail, often folded neatly with a small stone on top, and often just to the side of the trail. I like to carry a small plastic bag to pick up micro trash left by other hikers, but not touching used TP! There doesn't seem to be as thorough a leave-no-trace ethic on European trails regarding TP.

@lauralenington4405 1 year ago

Ummmm … this is an amazing video on packing for the TMB. Wish I would’ve had this when I was prepping in 2022. And yea, a Kula cloth is non-negotiable for me!

@Ragizim 2 months ago

Good list, i stole a few of your ideas and put them on my own load out, thanks! :)

@teeeeeeegan 8 months ago

Hey I’m doing TMB this July! Super informative video, thank you. One question: where are the alpine lakes for swimming?

@SuperShupeDog 2 months ago

Thank you for the no TP note. Hiking in Madiera this summer was crazy full of TP all over the trails...everywhere. Please don't leave TP. It ruins a beautiful hike. I'm not sure why some hikers think TP will disappear magically.