r/TourDuMontBlanc

I’m going back-and-forth on carrying 1 L instead of two. How frequent did you find the ability to refill? For those that carried one did you feel this was sufficient? For those who carried more were you happy or was it overkill?

EDIT

I always carry 2L, more was just wanting to confirm that water wasn’t that plentiful to warrant only having one.

My second question is about water availability on the last day. Coming from Lac Cheserys, where is the last place to fill up before Le Brevent, and where is the next fill up point?

Hiking in late June with a 36L bag and am looking for suggestions for what to cut, any thoughts?

Hiking outfit:
Hiking pants
Sun hoodie
Socks
Boots
Sports bra
Underwear

Clothing in backpack:
Underwear
Socks
Puffer
Rain jacket
Micro fleece
Hut outfit: t-shirt, shorts
Day off outfit: leggings, shirt
Bathing suit
Crocs
Buff
Gloves
Wide brimmed hat

Toiletries:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Face wash
Face lotion
Sunscreen
Contacts
Eyedrops
Deodorant
Soap
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Mini hairbrush
SPF lip balm
Vaseline

Other:
Microspikes
Earplugs
Eye mask
Quick dry towel
Sleeping bag liner
Hiking poles
Travel adapter
Phone charger
Power bank
Laundry sheets
Headlamp
Cash
Emergency warm blanket
Fanny pack
Plastic bags
Passport
Glasses + case
Smart water bottles 2x1L

Food:
Electrolyte pills
Protein bars

I am having my luggage transferred when I hike the TMB this summer. What size daypack works for this? I presently have a 10L and 35L, so I am thinking I need a 20-24L for this trek. What do you think?

Planning ahead for summer 2027 and hoping to do the TMB with mostly hotels and luggage transfer. I’m still early in the research, but it seems like booking hotels along the trail isn’t as difficult as booking refugios. If that’s the case, is it worth using a company like Pygmy, Alpine Hikers, etc. for a self guided package?

I definitely have time to plan but main concern is more around weather, trail issues, luggage logistics, or things that come up while actually on the trail.

For people who used a company, were they helpful during the hike itself, or was most of the value just in the planning/booking stage?

I’ve never really used a travel agent before. I usually plan trips myself or do a group tour, so I’m trying to understand what level of support to expect and whether it’s actually worth it.

Hi all. I am wondering how everyone who camped got through Italy. I am trying to avoid having to take the busses. Is it legit to bivouac under Lake Elisebetta (I understand it is not legal). Are there any other spots like that? Thank you!

Heading out June 21st. What are the chances that I’ll needed them?

Hi everyone! My husband and I are doing half the TMB in August. Would you suggest clockwise or counterclockwise from Chamonix to Cormayeur? Which half of the TMB did you love the most?
We have the counterclockwise route booked right now, but could book the clockwise routes with a couple varients for the days we're going so just wondering if people noticed a big difference. Unfortunately only able to do half the route for this trip. Let me know :) Thank you!

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in July (around 9 days, starting from Les Houches after arriving in Chamonix).

I’ve noticed that most campsites don’t take reservations and work on a first-come basis.

I’m a bit unsure how risky this is in peak season — especially arriving around 5–6 pm after each stage.

In practice, how difficult is it to find space at campsites like Les Contamines, Courmayeur, or La Fouly without booking in advance?

Any advice from people who did it recently would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I’m currently working on a small app related to the Tour du Mont-Blanc and I’m looking for a few people hiking the TMB this season to test it in real conditions.

I’m mainly interested in honest field feedback: navigation, readability, battery usage, useful information, bugs, overall experience, etc. The goal is genuinely to improve the tool with feedback from hikers, not to advertise it.

The app is free, and I can also give free premium access to people who take the time to provide detailed feedback during or after their trek.

Feel free to DM me if you’d like to help test it 🙂

Hello,

So I decided to impromptu visit tour du monte with a friend June 1st-3rd and was wondering if this schedule is realistic at all.

Day 1 Arrive in Chamonix early in the morning and bus to Trient (not really sure how to do this tbh) hike all the way to Refuge alpin du tour

Day 2 hike to La flegere and then trek down mountain to one of the hotels around the area.

Day 3 take the la flegere cable car all the way back down to chamonix

EDIT: I'm seeing news about the ladders that go down from le flegere and how it can be sketchy if there's snow. is that something i would genuinely have to consider and if it is what other options do i have to safely get to the cable car area?

I know EVERYONE says its difficult to book refuges this late into the season but I was digging around and found some open spots on the days we arrive. Please let me know if this works at all! Thank you

Hi all, I am planning to do the TMB from 4/7 until 10/7. I am looking for feedback on my gearlist and route. I will do the route in 7 days starting in Les Valettes close to Martigny and will do the route anti clockwise. I won't use huts but will use my tent.

Is this a realistic route for someone who is experienced in hiking and trekking with a tent? For reference I did part of the Westweg in the Black forest last autumn averaging 1000-1200 elevation meters and 35KM a day. Currently my gear is +-2/3kg lighter and my condition/endurance is slightly better.

Hi Everyone

Been reading through many threads on here on items to pack for the trip.

We are doing the hike counter clockwise starting June 14.

Is there any additional trips/tricks you wish you knew before and can share?

Do we need spikes for our shoes?

I've been reading a lot of the posts related to September trips but have a few other questions I'm hoping this hive will have the patience to answer.

1. Is it worth it to bring binoculars?

2. What do you bring for post-hike activities in the refugios - cards? Kindle?

3. Should I bring bug spray?

4. Nano-puff or fleece w/windbreaker? I'm used to hiking at high-altitude all year long, but not sure how much colder or windier it will be from Colorado.

5. How much cash per day did you spend?

Thanks!

were a group of 4 people, 22-23 yo, and we plan on doing the tour in 22/23 of september, i know its not ideal, so i want to hear your opinions, chatgpt says its possible but i kinda dont belive it, we want to do it in like 14 days and not the classic 7-11 days to make it easier, is it even possible? were planning to use huts or hotels during the duration since it will be cold and we cant manage it with a tent, is it possible? how much money should i expect it to cost me? some say 1000 euros, some say 3000 euros, im talking only accomadation and food, (lets say were eating like the average person), when i checked huts in austria it was like 11 euros per meal, is it similar in the trail? if there is a guide also i would be glad if someone could link it, because i didnt see many people who do it in late september

Hello everyone,

My wife and I will be doing the TMB this September, hiking hut-to-hut on the traditional route.

Any advice on hiking the TMB in September? We've done some of our own research but would like some advice from those of you that have actual experience.

Thanks in advance.

I’m currently planning my TMB hike (camping all the way) for late August (around 11–12 days) and trying to figure out the right backpack size.

My current gear list includes:

• Durston X-Dome 1+
• Hyberg Slumber 400
• Exped Synmat 7 XP
• Exped REM Pillow L
• Olympus OM-1n
• Clothing (fleece, puffy, rain gear, etc.)
• Electronics (Powerbank, Headlamp etc..)
• Toiletries

Do you think this would realistically fit into a Lundhags Tived Light 35L, or would it be smarter to go for something bigger? I already own the pack and have done several overnighters with it, and space has been totally fine so far. With all my current gear, it’s roughly about two-thirds full—without water and food. Still, I’ve been considering the Lundhags Padje Light 45L as an alternative.

Curious to hear your thoughts—would 35L be pushing it?

title

I am doing the 10 day TmB in late June starting on a Thursday. I fly into Europe on Sunday before (I have the flexibility to rebook the flight without much price change). I was planning to stay in Annecey and do the bike ride along the one day and take the bus to Chamonix the day before the hike but Annecey is so expensive. What other options do I have for a city thats within 3-5 hours of bus ride away from Chamonix, walkable and has good internet connection but not prohibitively expensive like Geneva for example.

I am considering Turin or Milan for now since they both have flixbus to Chamonix. Any other city I should consider?

Hut-to-hut hiking the TMB in June over 10 days. This is my first time doing a multi-day hike and I’m so excited! I’ve been reading packing lists online and this is what I have for mine. I have a feeling it is too much stuff but not sure what to cut… would appreciate everyone’s input

Packing list
Green hiking pants (spray with waterproof stuff?)
Shorts (2)
Tank top (blue)
Hiking shirt (salmon)
Sun shirt
Socks (4)
Underwear (#?)
Sports bras (2)
Clothesline UL
Blue rain jacket
Fleece OR nano puff jacket
Thermal top and bottoms (refuge clothes + layering)
Beanie
Neck buff
Gloves?
Altra trail runners
Flip flops (for refuge/shower)
Backpack (hiking)
Small bag like fanny pack?
Trekking poles - buy in chamonix
Crampons/microspikes - buy in chamonix
Sleeping bag liner
Phone + charger
Adapter
Power bank?
Kindle + charger (download guide book)
AirPods + charger
Coros + charger
Passport
Insurance copy
Booking reservation copies
Card
DL?
Cash
Glasses + case
Contacts
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Water filter?
Headlamp UL
Meds
Snacks
LMNT
Toiletries - lip balm (SPF), sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, body glide, deodorant, razor, Dr bronner, shampoo/conditioner, hairbrush, hair ties
Travel towel UL
Knife - buy in chamonix
Foil blanket
First aid kit (contents?)
Ziploc bags
Spiky foot ball
Packing cubes
Phone holder? Stand?
Makeup - concealer, eyebrow pencil, mascara
Hand sanitizer
Sit pad?