backpack size tour du mont blanc

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Tour du Mont Blanc packing list

One of the most important factors in preparing for the TMB is considering in detail your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. With a recommended pack weight of no more than 10kg, trust me every ounce matters. Lightweight has never been so literal. Packing the essentials is crucial – anything else could well be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Of course many Tour du Mont Blanc hikers choose to ferry bigger bags along the route with luggage transfer companies, of which there are many. So for those of you where minimal packing is just not feasible, luggage transfers will be your knight in shining armour and in this case your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list might be a little more luxurious than the norm. Note though that not all refuges, understandably on this high altitude terrain, are accessible to vehicles – so there will always be days when your day pack is all you will have access to for a couple of days. Another factor is cost. Luggage transfers ain’t cheap.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc packing list includes trekking kit, refuge essentials, safety inclusions and first aid requirements. Many of the items on are our packing list, most serious hiker will already own. However, we’d serious urge you to consider upgrading any existing kit to more lightweight versions to lighten your load on your TMB – don’t underestimate the elevation gain on the Tour du Mont Blanc. It’s serious. When you’re hiking your second 1000m col in one day, you’ll be wishing you hadn’t brought along that newly released novel from your favourite author!

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Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Weight restriction.

I’ll say this again, just in case you didn’t get it the first time. Your packing list for the Tour du Mont Blanc needs to be restricted to the absolute minimum. Just essentials. Unless you’re intending to arrange luggage transfers, you’ll be carrying all your kit on your back. 

Every single step. 

NO DAY PACK SHOULD BE OVER 10KG WHEN TREKKING THE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

With an average of 7-9 hours on the trail each day combined with serious daily elevation gain (the whole TMB trail is 1km higher than Everest!) anything superfluous is going to become dead weight. 

You need to be strict. 

Don’t underestimate how much even 1kg will add to your pack weight. I packed three times, pairing down repeatedly until the barebones of the essentials lay before me. It’s not easy! And I still definitely took more than I wished I had once I was on the trail.

The photo above is all of our gear and equipment for three of us (2 adults, 1 child) for hiking half the Tour du Mont Blanc in July.

Below I’ve detailed what essential items you’ll absolutely need to take with you on your Tour du Mont Blanc hike, as well as a complete packing list below. There are a few items that you may not have thought of.

The right gear

There’s no such thing as bad weather right. Only bad gear.

My first advice is to get the right gear. The Tour du Mont Blanc is challenging enough without being ill equipped and poor quality outerwear and kit will be enough to break you. Invest wisely in the main piece of kit. Numbers 1 and 2 being footwear and backpack.

You will require a 25-30 litre backpack with chest straps and hip straps if you aim to stay in refuges. Hikers camping the TMB will need a 50-60 litre pack.

Children will need to carry their own (smaller) backpacks. Make sure kids have proper backpacks with comfortable straps, not the plastic ones which don’t have the all important chest and hip straps.

If you’re buying a new backpack specifically for your TMB adventure, make sure you test it out beforehand. It’s a good idea to train with all the kit you’ll be using on the trek, so my advice is to buy your backpack at least 3 months before so you can wear it during your training hikes. It will soften and become more comfortable over time and you’ll know your way round it well before you embark on the TMB.

If you are buying a new backpack, look for one with an in-built rain cover. It will save you having to buy a separate one or having to take thick black bin liners to cover your pack in the event of rain on the trail. We can’t recommend Osprey backpacks enough.

Layering is vital to staying comfortable on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Layering brings versatility so you can easily adapt your clothing to changing weather conditions on the route. You need to be insulated, ventilated and have wet weather protection – all with minimum weight!

Choose  synthetic quick drying fabrics  over cotton. These will wick away sweat and will dry faster should you get wet, plus they’re much lighter. 

RELAXING IN THE REFUGES Make sure you take a change of clothes dedicated to refuge only use. You won’t want to put back on a sweaty, damp top or use one of your fresh technical hiking tees. Once you’ve reached the refuge, you’ll want to shower and change pronto. A great tip is to use a pair of thermals to relax and sleep in. That way they’ll be in your bag should you hit cold, wet weather and need to quickly layer up.

You’ll need a  good waterproof jacket  and trousers, as well as a fleece that packs down well. Pack 1-2 pairs of hiking sh o rts (I’d recommend 1 pair of shorts & 1 pair of zip off hiking trousers) and 2-3 technical hiking t-shirts.

Waterproof jacket

A good quality waterproof, breathable, windproof jacket is worth it’s weight in gold …. if it’s lightweight. I favour Arcteryx but yes they cost the earth! Anything gortex is going to keep you dry.

Make sure it’s lightweight – the temperatures on the Tour du Mont Blanc can hit 30 degrees even in the high mountains so it might well just be buried in your backpack the entire time, unless your summiting one of the cols and then you might need it as it tends to get chilly. However, bad weather can sweep through the mountains quickly. In the summer the weather system change in the afternoons with storms quickly brewing. It’s best to always set off early and try to get to your refuge early to mid afternoon to avoid the storms.

Other seasoned TMB hikers swear by packing a lightweight collapsible umbrella or a hiking poncho also works well if the weather forecast is looking dubious for some of your hike. Decathlon do cheap ones that work well.

Never scrimp on socks. Your feet are key to the TMB. 

Prepare them. Protect them.

Buy good quality wool blend socks and pack enough to enable you to have a clean, dry pair everyday. Obviously if you’re doing the whole trek, you’ll need to wash some along the way, but make sure you have at least 4-5 pairs of socks. Keeping feet dry and warm is pivotal in preventing blisters. Something you want to avoid at all costs! 

We’ve also recently discovered the amazing  1000 mile sock range.  This brand are big into anti-blister technology and their ingenious double sock system is perfect for long distance treks.  Double-layer socks can  prevent blisters  by reducing friction and wicking away moisture. The inner sock stays with the foot whilst the outer foot moves with the shoe to eliminate friction with the skin. 

Tour du Mont Blanc footwear

(i) hiking boots.

You will need good quality hiking boots to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc. Don’t even think about doing it in trainers, although some on the trail swear by trail running shoes which are built for impact, however still run the risk of ankle injury.

Boots should have good ankle support, a sturdy vibram like sole and be waterproof.

I’ve trekked this trail in my trusty Danner hiking boots  (read my review here)  which are good for warm weather hiking, although not massively waterproof. I was lucky and the weather was kind to us during our TMB trek, however I could have been slopping around with wet feet if the weather hadn’t played ball.

I’ve also worn a pair Salomon hiking boots which were super lightweight and waterproof which I can highly recommend.  Read my review here .

Invest in a good pair of hiking boots for your children too. I know it’s costly. Kids are costly full stop right. And boy those small feet just keep growing. But seriously for the Tour du Mont Blanc your kids will need comfortable, well supported and broken in boots. Make sure they are well worn in before setting off – your dream of trekking through the Alps with your family will certainly become a nightmare if not. Comfortable footwear is a must. Try picking up kids hiking boots in the sales at the end of summer or after Christmas six months before doing the trek. Remember to size up one size.

(ii) Flip flops or refuge slippers

One of the rules in the refuges is that hiking boots are kept in the boot room or allocated area. This is regardless of whether they are muddy or not. The refuge provides indoor shoes for hikers to where inside the refuge. These are normally crocs and they provide a variety of sizes.

If you don’t wish to use the inside shoes the refuge will provide then bring with you something suitable which will be lightweight & comfortable, for example flip flops or light shoes. I’m never too fussed about wearing the crocs, even if they have been used by lots of people (I’d rather save weight in my back) but my 65 year old mother baulked at the idea & brought along a pair of soft shoes.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are essential for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Don’t even think about setting off without any. The extreme elevation gain and loss along the route is severe. Hiking poles will be your friend trust me.

The extra weight trekking poles offset from your knees and leg muscles is significant . Studies suggest that you can save up to 25% of energy using hiking poles. Who knows if that’s true. What is true is that people generally love or hate them. 

When you have a heavy back pack on, trekking poles definitely help you keep your balance on uneven terrain, and having two extra anchor points is extremely helpful crossing streams or to keep your balance on a slippery patch of remaining snow (called névé ) on the trail. 

It’s also proven that using hiking poles prevents hand swelling. The position of poles (keeping your hands above the heart) and the action of using the poles keep your arms moving constantly thus reducing swelling.

Collapsible hiking poles are the best for long distance trekking. They pack up nice and small & can be strapped onto your backpack when not in use. Using poles constantly can be annoying when you want to take a photo or eat a snack whilst walking for instance. 

Which hiking poles would we recommend?  Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles  are excellent quality, super durable and really lightweight. The Black Diamond Distance Z poles are made from aluminium so are a bit more hardy (& less expensive) than their carbon equivalent the  Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z .  I used Black Diamond Pro Trail trekking poles You can  read my review here .

I would definitely recommend the  Black Diamond First Strike trekking poles  for children. Don’t buy them the expensive ones above. I bought a pair for my daughter locally in Chamonix (but you can buy them at a fraction of the cost on Amazon, see link above). These are brilliant value (compared to the price of adult poles!) and she loved them. They are lightweight (431g) aluminium poles with comfortable hand grips, very durable (very important with kids who thwack anything) and available in lengths 66-100cm. My daughter really felt the part on our TMB adventure with her new poles and I’m confident that it’s partly due to them that she managed to make it around the trail!

Hiking Crampons

Better to be safe than sorry, particularly if you’re hiking the TMB trail in June or July. Hiking crampons were a must for us trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc mid July. It might seem slightly over the top but trust me, it’s not.

Crampons are lightweight, so won’t add too much weight to your pack and will give you confidence, along with your trekking poles, to cross slippery patches of snow left from winter on the high mountain cols which can be fatal from a simple slip.

We bought  Grivel Ran Crampons  which worked a treat. They were easy to pop on over your hiking boot with wide rubber and velcro straps that secure the crampons nicely to your boot. We would highly recommend them. Buy the small pair for kids (my daughter was a UK size 4 & the small was an okay fit for her).

Sleeping Bag Liner

In all the mountain huts on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, sleeping bag liners are mandatory. Either take your own or you can normally rent one for around €3 a night (check when you book).

Each refuge bed comes with a mattress (& sheet), a duvet and a pillow case with cover, however the linen will not have been washed since the last trekker so a sleeping bag liner is essential and warning, you will not be allowed to stay without one.

I always prefer to take my own and have a  RAB silk sleeping bag liner  (expensive but worth it – it’s so light you don’t even know you’re carrying it, plus silk is so comfortable to sleep in).

Read my review of RAB’s silk sleeping bag liner here.

It’s worth noting that cotton sleeping bag liners, whilst cheaper, are considerably heavier and so, particularly for the Tour du Mont Blanc, I would HIGHLY advise you to buy a silk liner.  Anything to streamline your trek as much as possible. Trust me, you’ll thank me for it later!

If you are camping along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, you’re going to be needing obviously some extra kit. Choose your tent  with care. It needs to be as lightweight as you can afford. Remember you’ll be carrying it for 8-10 hours a day! Choose a good quality tent that will be robust enough to withstand any bad weather.

ELECTRONICS

Most of the refuges have electricity sockets to charge phones etc, however they are highly in demand! We suggest you bring a USB multi socket charger which will enable to you still charge your phone even if all the sockets are being used!

I would also advise bringing a power bank with you. Admittedly they do add to your weight but these handy, pocket sized gadgets will guarantee a fully charged phone which is a safety must on the Tour du Mont Blanc, to be able to track the trail on an off-line app such as Gaia to prevent getting lost, or in the event of an emergency to call mountain rescue.

Read more: why the Gaia GPS app is a godsend to hikers navigating the TMB

Read more: 10 safety tips to know before embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc

(i) Passport

Don’t forget as you’re trekking into three different countries you’ll need to pack your passport in your backpack. Whilst the borders aren’t controlled officially with border guards on the high mountain cols, you still need to keep it on you.

(ii) Insurance

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for high altitude trekking. For many standard policies hiking is only covered up to 2,000 metres. The highest point on the TMB is on the Col des Fours and Fenêtre d’Arpette alternative routes which both reach an altitude of 2665m. The highest point on the traditional route is 2532m on the Grand Col Ferret.

When seeking insurance you will need to state what elevation you will be hiking up to. In most policies hiking to this kind of altitude will require an additional premium and maybe labelled ‘adventure sports’. If you have an annual travel insurance, call them to find out what you’re covered for – it’s important. Don’t even consider embarking on the TMB without travel insurance! 

The Tour du Mont Blanc is not without it’s risks. Some of the trail is precipitous and if snow is on the trail, some areas can be difficult to negotiate with steep falls below. Note: if the thought of this scares you, make sure you hike the TMB in late Summer (end of July and August) when the snow patches (névé) have mostly melted.

Remember, something as simple as a sprained ankle may require you to be lifted out by helicopter. It’s at this point you don’t want to be worrying that your insurance might not cover you! Helicopter rescue is not cheap in the Alps!

For cheap multi-risk sport insurance which includes trekking take a look at  Vieux Camper . It’s €25 per person or €70 for a family.

OUR COMPLETE TOUR DU MONT BLANC PACKING LIST

HIKING THE TRAIL

• hiking shorts x 1
• walking trousers x 1
• T-shirts x 3
• wool socks x 4-5
• waterproof jacket
• waterproof trousers
• fleece (that packs down well)
• thermal top & bottoms (can double as pyjamas)
• neck warmer/scarf
• hiking boots (well worn in)
• 30-35l backpack (or 50-60l if camping)
• trekking poles
• hiking crampons (if early in season)
• gaitors (if bad weather due)
• water bottle/camel pac (1.5-2.0l capacity)
• rucksack rain cover (if not built in)
• snacks/emergency food (biltong, nuts, chocolate, trail bars, real turmac)

FOR THE REFUGES 

• sleeping attire (thermal top & bottoms)
• bed socks (optional luxury)
• fleece or down jacket (packs down well)
• beanie/warm hat
• a change of clothes to relax in (thermal top & bottoms)
• flip flops (if don’t want to use the refuge crocs)
• sleeping bag liner (recommend silk)
• phone charger (USB multi-charger recommended
• travel towel

SAFETY 

• whistle (for each member of group, including children)
• foil blanket
• first aid kit (see below)

FIRST AID KIT

• antiseptic wipes
• antiseptic cream
• gauze & medical tape
• scissors & tweezers
• triangular bandage
• Compeed blister plasters
• arnica oil (for massaging aching legs & feet)
• anti – inflammatories (abrufen)
• pain killers (paracetamol/in france doliprane )
• rehydration salt sachets (we like dioralyte)
• kinesiology tape (to relieve pressure & pain)
• lip salve (SPF 50+)
• suncream (SPF 50+)
• toothbrush & travel sized toothpaste
• Any prescription medicine
• Foot salve (we like Scholls)
• Soap (we like a bar of soap)
• Travel size shampoo/conditioner

MISCELLANEOUS

• selection of ziplock bags (to keep things dry)
• large durable bin liner (if you need a cheap rain cover)
• small binoculars (optional)
• small foot massage ball (recommended optional luxury)
• packing cubes (to keep organised & reduce volume)
• waterproof map case
• book or kindle
• gaffer tape wrapped around a small pencil (great for preventing blisters if you feel friction

TIP: Packing cubes whilst not essential do make life super easy, particularly when you’re tired arriving at your refuge. Keep one cube just for your refuge stuff (relaxing/sleeping clothes, sleeping bag liner, head torch, eye mask, ear plugs, toiletries) and another for hiking clothes. Packing cubes make organisation in your backpack simple.

Further Reading...

RAB silk sleeping bag liner review

17 comments.

Well organised list of requirements. Thank you for sharing. Your experience shown through!

tourdumontblanchike

Thanks Doug. Enjoy the trek!

Thanks so much! Very helpful.

Material excelente. Muito obrigado

My dad and I plan to do the TMB next year. However, we are planning on wild camping for the duration. We aim to complete within 5-6 days, approx 15miles or so per day. What’s the approx. distance between each village to restock with food until the next one? I wouldn’t want to be carrying a weeks worth of food, so plan to restock along the trial. I tend to just have stuff that I can just add boiled water too. Water-wise, I’ll be relying mainly on streams etc using my water filter. Will flavor it when required using the SIS electrolyte tablets.

Hi Michael you’re actually not allowed to wild camp unless you are above 2500m in Italy and in Switzerland it is prohibited so in these countries you would need to stay in a proper campsite. France allows you to ‘bivouac’ from dusk to dawn so you can wild camp throughout the French sections. There is a bivvy spot next to Refuge Miage on variant stage 1, another one just after Refuge Nant Borrant on stage 2 as well as outside Refuge Le Balme on stage 2 and then a lovely wild spot just before the top of the Col de la Seigne on stage 3. Mid way through stage 9 you can camp at the top of Col de Balme and then just under Lac Blanc at Lac Cheserys (you cannot wild camp at Lac Blanc). I am not sure of the approximate mileage between each village. You can work that out from using one of the guidebooks. There is plenty of water on the trail however take extra water for stages 10 and 11.Best wishes. Mags

Can you please recommend a store in Chamonix who rents collapsible hiking poles?

Hi Scott, SNELL SPORTS on the main pedestrian road Rue Dr Paccard rents poles (downstairs), or RAVENEL SPORTS near the Alpina Centre (downstairs). TECHNIQUE EXTREME is a cheap sports shop near the Aiguille du Midi (on Avenue Aiguille du Midi) – I’m sure they also rent poles.

A great article and a thorough list to walk MB. I have already added a couple of items to my list when I will finally get to walk MB in July 2023 after being cancelled in 2020 because of Covid. One other item; Your comment that studies have shown that using hiking poles “suggest that you can save up to 25% of energy using hiking pole” is an incorrect statement. One doesn’t “save” energy when using trekking pole; they simply allow a hiker to use their shoulder and upper body muscles to push off while reducing the leg muscles. The TMB is a physical challenge so using trekking poles to spread the work load is vital to success. Don’t leave home without them!

Absolutely Alan. Thanks for your input – you are absolutely correct, thanks for adding this. Have a fantastic trek in July – it will be worth the wait!

Actually, it’s not an incorrect statement at all, as the comment states what others suggest, not what the originator here claims to be true! Some studies do indeed use ‘save energy’ like terms, which I am sure many a scientist would dispute given energy is a constant?

Poles also help a hiker be more correctly aligned vertically so comfort increases, with corresponding perception of energy saved?

Thanks for this great article that really helps figuring out how feasible the TMB is.

Most of the articles I’ve been reading refer to the month of July as the month when the hike happened. Any idea of how is it in September when compared to July?

Hi Norberto. The trail opens on 14 June each year until September. Mid June to the first week of July normally has snow on the trail so extra precautions are necessary. I would say now July, August and the beginning of September are now peak season. Many of the refuges close mid September but I’ve noticed many are staying open longer. September is a great time to trek – I often trek solo in September as the weather is more settled (none of those broody afternoon thunderstorms of the summer) and there are less people on the trail.

Do you need protection from rodents etc for your food ans scented items while backpacking and tent camping along TMB

Hi Cathy. Not particularly no I’ve never used anything and its never been a problem. Have a great trek!

Hi, Thank you for the details and very well written article! My son & me are traveling to do partial TMB from Les Houches to Courmayeur in 6 days. starting at Jun 11 until Jun 16. My son will be 13 year old, what is the recommend weight for him to carry? when will be the time to book for refuge?

Thanks in advance! Yehuda

Hi Yehuda June 11- 16th is VERY EARLY to trek. The trail hasn’t officially opened at this point. Have you read my latest post on trekking early? https://tourdumontblanchike.com/trekking-the-tour-du-mont-blanc-in-june/ Many people don’t realise there is still snow on the trail in June. I would not be trekking with my 13 year old so early. My daughter had an 18l backpack when she hiked at ages 10 and 11. He could probably carry one a bit bigger say a 24l. We say no more than 10kg for an adult so you can use your judgement here. There refuges are beginning to open now for 2024 reservations. If you would like more advice and help on planning I offer zoom consultations. As I said I would not be trekking during June 11-16th. Best wishes. Mags

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Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List: What to Pack for the TMB (+ What to Ditch!)

Last Updated: June 25, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 8 Comments

I’ve curated a Tour du Mont Blanc packing list for myself three times for three different styles of adventure. I’ve packed for hiking the TMB solo, hiking with a friend, and most recently as a solo member of a guided hiking group . Let’s just say… I know a thing or two because I’ve packed a thing or two.

In this post you’ll find my complete recommended Tour du Mont Blanc packing list along with important tips, the must-haves, and all the things you really don’t need at all. If you’d like a printable, check-off-able version, you can get it for free below. Happy packing!

TMB Packing List 2024

Table of Contents

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: What to keep in mind

This Tour du Mont Blanc packing list contains all the things I recommend after having packed for the TMB three times now. However, the list will vary for you depending on what kind of hike you’ll be taking.

Your hiking style

For instance, I utilized luggage transfer on my latest TMB hike because I like to hike smarter, not harder. If you will be carrying all your stuff with you the entire time, you’ll need some slight variations (which I’ll point out.) If you’ll be camping, you’ll need a lot of variations which I cannot help you with at this needing-a-proper-shower point in my life.

Your hiking timeline

This list is, however, good for any number of days on the trail. Whether you’ll be taking 12 days to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc or 6, this list will cover you.

Your personal preference

Keep in mind that personal preference and need greatly factors into what will ultimately be on your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. For instance, I’m a dainty little female so if you’re a male hiker your list might be quite different.  

Your hygiene needs may differ from mine as may your comfort levels, abilities, and other requirements. That’s perfectly okay! Use this Tour du Mont Blanc packing list as a baseline guide and amend it to your specific needs.

Read also: 10 Myths About Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc You Need to Forget Right Now!

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Important tips

Regardless of your hiking or packing style, there are most definitely a handful of important tips that you should remember when formulating your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.

As light a pack as possible

For starters, the #1 goal is to keep your pack as light as possible. Whatever you decide to bring on your hike, always remember this. Even going to extremes if necessary.

The lighter your pack, the more you’ll enjoy hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. I cannot stress this enough as a too-heavy pack is what ultimately led me to quit the TMB in 2019 after one day.

I mean it when I say weigh. every. item. Every single ounce counts when it’s all combined and you’re carrying it on your back. What may feel alright when you pick it up and put it on will feel like carrying a Mack truck after just 30 minutes of turtle-ing it uphill.

Personally, I used a kitchen scale and weighed every single thing I wanted to pack for my TMB hike. Then I got rid of every single thing that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

Then, to prep for my hike, I filled my bag with that much weight and wore my backpack around the house for WEEKS. Literally, to the bathroom, while I made lunch, up and down the stairs, to the mailbox, everywhere. Only then will you be able to appreciate the need to scrape every possible ounce.

Even if you’re planning to utilize luggage transfer for your hike, still keep it to a minimum. These companies still impose bag and weight restrictions and you really won’t want to bother with a bunch of unnecessary crap in the refuges anyway.

Prioritize things with multiple uses

Concentrate on packing only things that can double as other things. And don’t bring anything you’re only going to use once.

For example, instead of packing a headband, a bandana, ear muffs, and a scarf, pack a single neck buff instead. This one virtually weightless item can be used as all of those things (and more). I use this fun mountain-themed buff from the outdoor adventure experts at Baïst .

Instead of bringing a travel cutlery set (I have this one ), bring an all-in-one utensil (that’s also lightweight plastic instead of metal). You can find these on the register counter at the Intersport in Chamonix center.

Instead of bringing shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, soap, and toothpaste, you can simply bring one bottle of Dr. Bronner’s . It literally boasts itself as an “18-in-1” product. Now look, this solution is not for me personally, but I do know other TMB hikers who swear by this.

I personally use Dr. Bronner’s for laundry soap while traveling and also swear by it, but I still want to use separate products for toothpaste and hair conditioner. However, if you’re open to it, know that this is a highly recommended weight-saving solution! (I have the big bottle at home and refill the travel size before all my trips. Get both here .)

Basically, take a look at everything you want to bring, then think about which of those uses can be fulfilled by others. Time to get packing savvy!

For my non-packing TMB tips, check out this post on the best Tour du Mont Blanc tips you’ve never heard.

But still be prepared

Unfortunately, you will still have to bring stuff you might not use at all. However, if it means they can potentially keep you alive, they’re worth bringing!

Examples would be: certain pieces of winter gear, first aid kit, emergency supplies, etc. These are things you might not / probably won’t / hopefully will not need but that you should most definitely still add to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. It sucks, yes, but it would suck even more to need these things and not have them.

During my latest TMB hike, it ended up being a record-setting European heat wave so I did not (even remotely) need the fleece jacket, the gloves, the beanie, or the hiking tights I brought. BUT, it’s important to remember that weather in the high mountains is dangerously unpredictable (even in the summer) so always take that into consideration.

I also never used my first aid kit (bless!) or my safety whistle or any of the medications I brought, but I definitely hiked easier knowing I had them. Never head out on a hike without these things! They’re the kinds of things you always need to bring but hope to never use.

Allow yourself a luxury

Even though the overall goal is to pack as light as possible, please feel free to allow yourself a luxury or two. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc shouldn’t be a miserable experience.

If there’s something totally irrational that you still want to bring for whatever reason, do it. Understand that it means adding weight to your pack, but still bring it if you want; judgment be damned. (I brought mascara of all things and I have zero regrets.)

Also read: 21 Awesome Things to Do in Chamonix in the Summer for Your Alpine Bucket List

TMB packing list: The essentials

While everything in this Tour du Mont Blanc packing list is essential (because we’re only packing the essentials, remember?), there are indeed three most crucial items.

Choosing a hiking backpack for the Tour du Mont Blanc is a highly individual decision. It has to be comfortable and carry everything you need. It has to fit your body, your hiking style, and your budget. Figure all of this out, then go shopping.

When I was packing for my first and second Tour du Mont Blanc hike where I would be carrying everything for the entire hike, I used the Osprey Kyte 46 Women’s Backpacking Backpack . I love this bag. It fits my body perfectly and is extremely comfortable. It has pockets in all the right places, offers lots of accessibility, and is easy to use. Highly recommend.

For my latest TMB hike where I utilized luggage transfer, I needed only an adequate day pack-sized bag for the actual hike and a duffel for the other stuff. For my day pack I use this 25-liter backpack from REI (which comes in both women’s and men’s styles so pay attention).

I admit it’s a tad bigger than I what I needed/wanted, but it worked just fine. I also didn’t have that much to carry since it was so hot and I didn’t need the winter gear I had anticipated needing to carry each day. (The problem with a bigger bag is that it encourages you to pack/carry more.)

When I hike the TMB again, I will probably get something like this 16L daypack from Columbia or this 13L Osprey daypack instead.

For all the other stuff, I used a standard duffel bag like this one or this one . (The TMB luggage transfer companies ask that you use only soft duffel-style bags for easier transport.)

Hiking boots

Arguably the most important item on the Tour du Mont Blanc packing list is a great pair of hiking boots. To each his own but I highly recommend some solid hiking boots with ankle support because the trails here are anything but easy going.

Some people prefer to hike the TMB in trail runners or those weird FiveFinger Vibram things but I cannot even fathom this. For me, it’s classic mid-height hiking boots or bust (my ass).

I wear the Oboz Bridger BDry hiking boots and I LOVE them. I’ve hiked all over the world in these things and did so right out of the box. I never had to properly break them in or anything like that. They’re comfortable, heavy duty, and waterproof.

You can get them here for women and/or men:

• Women’s Oboz Bridger BDry – Zappos
• Men’s Oboz Bridger BDry – Zappos
• Zappos always has free fast shipping and free returns (without needing a membership or anything like that). They’re my go-to shoe shop. Just saying.
• They’re also available at REI in case you’re a Co-op member (like I am)

Hiking poles

First of all, trekking poles are life. They make SUCH a difference and I now swear by them. I will go more into this in another post, but just trust me here, you’ll want hiking poles.

There are varying degrees of hiking poles you can purchase. I’ve used some pretty pricey Black Diamond ones and I’ve used $20 poles too. And guess what? I can’t tell the difference. You do you though. Just get the poles.

The thing to remember though is that you can’t fly with hiking poles in your carry-on luggage. So unless you plan on checking your hiking bag for your flight to France, you’ll want to just pick up some poles in Chamonix.

I left my super expensive ones at home and simply picked up some cheap poles at the Intersport in Chamonix. I didn’t get the cheapest ones, but I paid around $20 each for mine. And I’ve hiked all over with them! I’ve taken them on many of the day hikes around Chamonix and used them for my complete Tour du Mont Blanc hike. No issues whatsoever.

Interested in a guided TMB hike? Check out the exact TMB group hike I joined here.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Hiking equipment

Beyond those three most important pieces of gear, here is the rest of the hiking equipment you’ll need for your ideal Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.

Water bladder / Hydration reservoir

Two liters is optimum. I use the Big Zip EVO from Platypus and love it. Staying hydrated on the TMB is so crucial and there are plenty of places to fill up. Depending on your route you could probably get away with just one liter, but I’m not risking ever being without water. (I drink a ton while I’m hiking.) This never leaks and makes it so easy to literally drink while hiking, hands free.

Refillable water bottle

Yes, you could always combine these two and just use a water bottle, but I use them for different things. And I drink a lot of water so I always have it with me. (I actually refer to it as my “emotional support water bottle.”)

The bladder I use to guzzle water while I’m actively hiking. The refillable water bottle I use at breakfast, at dinner, while lunching, while out exploring on my rest day in Courmayeur , and for filling with my Liquid IV packets. All things I can’t do with a backpack water bladder.

I use the ultra-cold insulated stainless steel Takeya water bottle . But there are definitely lighter weight options available. (Like this one or this one .) You could even buy a plastic water bottle (I know, sorry) from the airport and just keep refilling it.

Quick dry towel

Quick-dry, microfiber towels are always good to bring along in your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. The refuges and hotels all (for the most part) have towels for you to use. But maybe they’re too small, too few, or, in the case of one place I stayed, way, way too stinky. Having your own towel is never a bad idea.

Bring one medium-sized towel or a combination of sizes. (I use this multi-size 3-pack .) They dry quickly so you wash them when you need and pack them up the next morning without all the smell.

TMB guidebook

I’ve used both the “TMB Bible” (the Kev Reynolds TMB guidebook ) and the Knife Edge Outdoor Tour du Mont Blanc guide . I prefer the Knife Edge version, but you should check them both out to see which is right for you. (I also have the Knife Edge guide to day hikes around Chamonix too!)

Fun fact: While hiking the TMB in 2019, I actually ran into the author of the Knife Edge book on the trail! He spotted me using his guidebook and came over to say hi. I immediately asked him for two things: a selfie and directions.

Also check out: Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Vs. Guided : How to choose which is best for YOU

Travel cutlery

Even if you’re not camping the TMB, you’ll still need utensils to eat with out on the trail. You can bring a dedicated travel cutlery set (like this one ), or take the economical route and pick up a lightweight all-in-one utensil, available here in a 6-pack (best deal) or as a single at the Intersport in Chamonix (about 3€ each).

I used mine every day for spreading peanut butter, cutting cheese, bread, and meat, eating canned foods, and more.

Safety whistle

It’s imperative that you bring along a safety whistle on the Tour du Mont Blanc (and any hike actually). Most hiking backpacks actually have a safety whistle built in which you might not even know about (usually on the chest buckle).

However, if you want something a little more powerful, pick up a dedicated safety whistle like this one. Also, know in advance how to use it. (Three sharp blasts for emergencies in the mountains. Watch this video for a quick lesson.)

Most hiking backpacks also come with a built-in rain cover—a waterproof pouch of sorts that secures around your backpack to keep everything in it dry.

Check the bottom pouch of your backpack to see if yours has one. If not, you can always pick up a separate backpack rain cover here .

Also read: Where to Find the Tour du Mont Blanc Sign in Les Houches and How to Get There

Sleeping bag liner

Sleeping bag liners are a must for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. Literally, the refuges require that all hikers bring them. They provide pillows and comforters, but not sheets, so you need to bring your own. I use this sleeping bag liner from the Friendly Swede.

These are thin silk sheets you sleep in when sleeping in public places like refuges and other mountain huts. It’s like a sleeping bag that’s only a sheet. They fold up pretty small and aren’t too heavy.

Fun fact: The French word for sleeping bag liner translates to English as “meat bag.” So when you see “meat bag” as a requirement on a refuge website, this is what they’re talking about.

Dr. Bronner’s

I always bring along a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s whenever I travel anywhere so I can wash things in the hotel sink. It works better than any other travel laundry detergent I’ve ever used and smells nice too. And yes, washing your hiking clothes nightly is an absolute MUST. Don’t miss this post on How to Wash Your Clothes on the Tour du Mont Blanc .

And as I’ve said, you can also use it to wash your hair and body, brush your teeth, and a whole bunch of other things I haven’t attempted yet.

Also check out my full travel guide to visiting Chamonix In the Summer , the perfect Alpine escape.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Clothing

Note here that what clothing you add to your personal Tour du Mont Blanc packing list will largely be dependent on weather and time of year. My latest TMB hike in 2022 was during a record heat wave in late July. In 2019 I just about froze every night in August.

The weather in the mountains is notoriously unpredictable. Come prepared for all situations but keep it reasonable too. For me, I was using luggage transfer which meant I really only had to rely on the weather report for each day and could leave behind all the stuff I was sure to not need.

Bring at least 2 short-sleeve hiking tops and 2 long-sleeve hiking tops . (Even during the heat wave I wore the long-sleeved tops over my tank tops every day to keep the sun off.) This way, you can wash the one you hiked in at night and put on a new one the next day in case it isn’t finished drying.

I typically wear Under Armour workout tops but I also love Columbia’s short-sleeve and long-sleeve active tops as well.

Bring 2 tops for non-hiking activities . Things like hanging out in the hotels/refuges, meals, sleeping only, airplane rides, etc.

If you prefer shorts, bring 2 pairs of hiking shorts . If you prefer pants, bring 2 pairs of hiking pants . Many hikers prefer convertible hiking pants (this these or these ) so you can have pants + shorts in one garment. I brought two pairs of shorts and a pair of hiking tights I never wore because it was way too hot.

I wear these “yoga” shorts for hiking which are very comfortable and even have pockets. But I know most people prefer to hike in traditional hiking pants or shorts .

Bring 2 pairs of non-hiking pants to sleep in, wear to meals, wear out in town during your rest day, etc. I have this pair of light, fleece-lined leggings that I wear religiously. I’m even wearing them as I type this. However, it was often way too hot in our unconditioned lodging to even think about pants so at dinner I simply wore the pair of clean hiking shorts I was going to wear the next day.

Ladies, bring 2 sports bras and rotate them. Wash the one you hiked in each night, wear the other one the next day while the other one finishes drying. (FWIW, I have found Under Armour sports bras to be far superior to other brands.)

Everyone, bring underwear . Personally, my underwear are small, barely-there affairs (TMI?) so I opt for bringing a clean pair for each day of the hike because they don’t weigh very much. Others will recommend you bring a few pairs and wash them regularly. I don’t want to do that. You do you.  

What outwear to pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc is a real toughie. There are so many variables here. On one hand, you want to be prepared for all weather. On the other, you really don’t want to have to carry around a heavy fleece if there’s going to be a surprise heat wave.

The best advice I can give is to follow the weather as closely to leaving for your trip as possible and compromise. Instead of a heavy fleece, maybe consider a light windbreaker and a packable down jacket . Or an extra light layer or two.

I brought a light down jacket and a fleece , neither of which I wore during my TMB. I also had my rain jacket which works as an excellent wind breaker, so I simply wore that on the windiest parts. My TMB experience was not the norm though.

Also crucial for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list is a lightweight rain jacket and rain pants . The majority of my hikes have been dry and sunny but friends of mine have hiked the TMB is torrential downpours. How. Horrible.

My husband and I have both the Columbia rain jacket and Columbia rain pants and wear them all the time. They are super lightweight and take up very little space. And I can pull them both on over my clothes in a hurry for those surprise showers.

Hiking socks

Bring 3 pairs of hiking socks and do not skimp on these. Yes, they can be pricey, but WOW are they worth it. The health and happiness of your feet on the TMB is vital! Treat those puppies with respect.

Dress them in Darn Tough hiking socks and nothing less. They’re the most comfortable and most reliable hiking socks out there. They’re guaranteed for life. You won’t regret this purchase. Shop Darn Tough on Zappos , Amazon , or REI .

Besides your hiking boots, bring 1 other pair of shoes to wear for all of your non-hiking activities. Going to meals, hanging out at the refuges, walking through town, etc. These can be simple flip-flops, lightweight sneakers, or something in between.

Personally, I always travel with a pair of Chacos . They’re comfortable and versatile, they dry quickly, and I can even hike in them if I want to give my boots a break for a day. (Yes, they actually are “hiking sandals!”) Tevas are another hiking fan favorite.

• Shop Chacos here on Zappos or here on Amazon .
• Shop Tevas here on Zappos or here on Amazon .

Other accessories

Also for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list:

• Something to keep your ears warm – a beanie or headband. Even during the heat wave, there were times I wore mine because of the wind.
• Gloves – There’s nothing worse than frigid digits! I didn’t use mine but again, that’s not the norm. I’m still glad I had them. I use these thin glove liners instead of packing heavy gloves with me.
• Hat – either a baseball cap style or a sun hat is crucial. You’ll be highly elevated and exposed on the TMB and that sun is no joke. Save your skin, save your pupils, wear a hat!
• Sunglasses – an absolute must if you plan to look at anything on your hike. Always go for polarized .
• Buff – for all kinds of uses as illustrated earlier. Plus, they can also keep dirt and bugs out of your face and the sun off your neck.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Electronics

The big focus here is to keep electronics to a minimum since they tend to weigh a lot. But we’re not exactly off-the-grid kinda hikers here so there are still a few things you’ll need.

European outlet adapter

Because this is Europe, you’ll need to add an outlet adapter to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list so you can charge your devices. Go for something small like these so save space and weight.

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc is going to be one of the most insanely gorgeous adventures you’ll ever take. Yes, you’ll want to document this even though the photos will never be able to these scenes justice.

Some love hiking with full camera gear because of this, and more power to them. If cameras weighed nothing, I would do the same. Instead, I used my cell phone as my camera and brought along a small point-and-shoot for when I needed a zoom lens. (But I used my cell for about 98% of the photos and video I took.)

I use a Google Pixel which takes fantastic pictures. If you want to use your phone as your TMB camera, you may need to upgrade depending on how old your phone is. Just saying.

If you do opt for a classic digital camera, make sure it has a big ol’ SD card inside because you’re going to be taking a ridiculous number of photos.

Phone and charger

And yes, you’ll want to bring along your phone and its charger. While I highly recommend leaving that thing in airplane mode until you absolutely need it, you should still always have a way to communicate, call for help, use as a flashlight, sound an alarm, and about 1,000 other things cell phones can do now.

Charge this every night or at every opportunity. Leave it in airplane mode both to save battery life and to stay the hell away from whatever is happening back in the real world that does not have any bearing on your life on the TMB. Ah, bliss.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Health & hygiene

This part of the Tour du Mont Blanc packing list will be highly subjective, so simply use my list as a general suggestion of what to bring on your hike.

Rehydration packets

On my hot hike in 2022 I must have sweat gallons every single day. I drank a lot of water, but I also made sure to replenish my electrolytes every day. Everyone has their favorites, but I love Liquid IV for this.

Liquid IV comes in tons of flavors (my favorites are passion fruit and açaí berry ), doesn’t weigh much, and is great for rehydrating on the trail.

Trail snacks

Again, totally up to you what you bring for this. On the Tour du Mont Blanc you’ll have a great breakfast and dinner each night, while lunch may be up to you. It also helps to bring snacks along in case you get hungry, for some added energy, or in case it’s longer ‘til dinner than you planned.

Even though there are healthier alternatives, I usually bring along Clif Bars . I like the way they taste and they have flavors I (as someone with nut allergies) can actually eat. Other popular options are Kind bars , beef jerky, and trail mix.

I also bring a long a small thing of peanut butter on my hikes. Lots of protein, adds flavor to simple things like bread and crackers, and tastes great. (Pro tip, get the squeezable kind if you can find it!)

Medications

Prescription medicine – Don’t forget to bring whatever prescription medicine you’re taking and only bring as much as you need plus a little extra in case of emergencies. This includes things like Epi-pens that may be so commonplace in your life that you may even forget to add them to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.

Over the counter meds – There are a few useful OTC medications worth bringing. (Note: I’m not licensed to prescribe medication, I’m just a girl who gets sick all the time while traveling making suggestions.) Things like:

• Pain relievers and headache meds
• Itch creams
• Stomach meds like Pepto (chewables, not liquid), Imodium , or Tums if you anticipate tummy troubles
• Benadryl or other if you have allergies (though the French “Zyrtec” I got in Chamonix is far superior to regular ol’ American Zyrtec!)
• Whatever else you typically use – Pepcid AC , vitamins, etc. – but do know that if you forget something you’ll probably be able to find an alternative at the pharmacies in the bigger cities on the trail.

This is a big one! There’s so much dangerous sun exposure on the Tour du Mont Blanc and you’re in it for so many hours a day. Getting a sunburn could wreck the quality of your TMB experience so do your best to prevent it.

I personally brought a regular sized bottle of sunscreen from home and a small travel sized bottle too. Each day I refilled the travel sized bottle to keep in my day pack so I could reapply all the live-long day.

Also, do not forget SPF lip balm . Bring your own or pick some up in Chamonix before your hike. Either way, use it often.

Small first aid kit

You don’t need to go overboard here, but it’s always smart to have a small first aid kit on your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. You can pick up a prepared travel version like this one, or put together one of your own. If you go this route, make sure to include:

• Bandages and an antibacterial cream like Neosporin
• Moleskin or something else for blisters
• Safety pins
• Gauze and medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes

Your everyday hygiene products

This list is largely up to you, but here’s a general idea of what to pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Small bar of soap – you can even cut a regular size bar in half
• Face wash, moisturizer, whatever else you use
• Small bottle of hand sanitizer
• Small toilet paper roll – in case you need to go in the wild or if somewhere you go doesn’t have any (not unheard of).
• Hair brush and ponytail holders (I use these super light soft ones that won’t kill your hair)
• Contact solution, extra contact lenses, case, glasses, eye drops
• Feminine products
• Disposable face masks just in case (During my TMB I still had to wear masks in some places in Italy. You’ll probably also have to wear them if you find yourself needing medical care at all.)
• Extra Ziplock bags – These can be used for all sorts of things: carrying trash, carrying food, picking stuff up, keeping things dry, etc.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Travel essentials

And we mustn’t forget the regular stuff you need for travel of all kinds, not just hiking trips. To complete your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list, do not forget:

• Your passport
• Money and credit cards
• Your CDC vaccination card – you probably won’t need it, but better to have it anyway
• Ink pen + some form of entertainment
• Ear buds for the plane/your phone
• Ear plugs for sleeping in the refuges or next to hiking partners you just met
• And some sort of small purse or fanny pack to carry your essentials in when you’re not on the trail. I love a good fanny pack for this!

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: optional

The following are a few things that are optional to bring if, say, you have enough room in your bag, really need them, are using luggage transfer, or just want to bring them.

If you’ll be hiking alone and still want great photos of yourself on this stunning hike, bring along a small tripod. I have this one that is used for cell phones and it’s small and super lightweight (and can be wrapped around trees and more). Something like this is another option.

Foot massage ball

I packed this for all three of my TMB attempts but never actually used it. I guess because my Oboz hiking boots are so perfect, I never felt the need for an extra little foot luxury during my hike. If you tend to get foot fatigue, this foot massage ball is pretty light.

Again, I brought this container of Biofreeze on my TMB but never actually needed it. By some miracle* I never had any sore muscles the entire time but the girl I was sharing a room with certainly got some use out of it. Note: The roll-on and gel forms of Biofreeze only contain 4% menthol while the cream contains more than twice that at 10%. Opt for cream, duh.

*Ahem, four years of trial and error, smart packing, and lots of physical preparation.

If you have knee troubles, the TMB will surely cause you some stress. These knee braces are lightweight but really help offer support.

Comfy bed socks

This one is just a small luxury that doesn’t weigh a lot and has no other purpose but coziness and comfort. Your feet are doing all the work, they deserve to be pampered. Wear these only around your room after you’ve showered.

Bathing suit

There are plenty of swimming holes along the TMB (but not all bodies of water permit swimming, so please pay attention!). There are also pools, hot tubs, and spas to be found. I have a few of the suits by Cupshe and really like them.

Backpack travel cover

If you’ll be checking your hiking pack on your flight, I highly recommend getting a backpack travel cover . It bundles your hiking pack up nicely so there aren’t a ton of swinging straps and buckles that could get caught on things and break. It also accommodates locks so the contents of your pack will be safe while en route.  

Depending on what time of year you’ll hike the TMB and the current weather conditions, you may need to consider a pair of crampons . They’re not exactly lightweight but they are crucial in snow and icy weather (and things like climbing the Aiguille du Midi ). Big time safety piece right here!

Covid tests

There’s always a small chance you’ll need to take a covid test sometime during your trip. This depends on the rules where you’re going and where you’re coming from, the situation at the moment, your risk level, and other factors. It doesn’t hurt to add some super small and lightweight covid tests to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list if you think you’ll need them.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: What NOT to bring

Even though keeping your pack as light as possible is the ultimate goal, it’s still so easy to over pack. Lucky for you, I’ve brought along tons of stuff I didn’t need so you don’t have to. Here’s what you can leave off your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list:

This greatly depends though. If you are hiking with a guide/as a group , you won’t need a power bank . You can charge your phone every night in your accommodation. If you are hiking alone or will be camping, this is much more necessary! Otherwise, it’s way too heavy and just not needed.

Book or Kindle

I brought a book thinking I would read it at night or while relaxing. That definitely did not happen. I never opened it. Instead, I was either talking to other hikers, people in my group, or passing out cold. Instead, pack a handful of crossword puzzles or something else lightweight to bring on the plane and avoid bringing along big books or heavy electronics.

Bug repellent

Plain and simple, you will not need bug repellent on the TMB. There was only one day when there were a bunch of annoying gnats on the trail, but nothing that was biting or stinging. Otherwise, I have never encountered a single mosquito or really anything else at all.

Unless you’ll be hiking alone or camping, you really don’t need a headlamp. We have flashlights on our cell phones for when you need to see around the refuge at night. Only bring a headlamp if you think you’ll be out in the darkness for a good amount of time. With a guide or hiking group, you’ll arrive to your accommodation with plenty of sunlight left.

Binoculars are great for wildlife spotting, but they’re heavy and bulky. My point-and-shoot camera has a 50x zoom lens which is actually more than my binoculars. So whenever I wanted to see animals far away, I just used my camera. This is another example of avoiding packing redundancy.

Water filter

There is so much fresh, clean, and cold water available along the Tour du Mont Blanc. This goes for refuges, towns, and random water sources along the trail. There should (hopefully) never be a time when you’ll need to drink out of streams or anything.

Sock liners

Even though I have them and brought them and wore them, I’m still not really sure the point of sock liners . I think they’re supposed to help with blisters? If this is something that affects you, perhaps you will want to look into this. Otherwise, my sock liners were just something annoying I had to deal with unnecessarily.

Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: Adjustments

What you have in this list is what I brought, as someone who hiked with a guided group and utilized luggage transfer. If you are not hiking this way, you’ll want to pack a little differently. For instance…

If you are not using bag transfer:

• Bring just a simple pair of flip flops as your backup shoe
• Bring fewer clothes (but you’ll have to make sure you wash them every night )
• Leave optional items behind. You’ll have to get creative—use a rock as a camera stand, etc.
• Make photocopies of only the guidebook pages you’ll need to save space and weight
• Consider consolidating your hygiene products or book hotels instead of refuges that might offer things like shampoo, soap, etc.

If you’re not hiking with a guide , you’ll also need to pack:

• The proper to-scale TMB maps
• Perhaps a GPS if you’re anything like me
• A compass and the knowledge of how to use it and where you’re going
• Well thought-out contingency plans

If you’re hiking with a friend or group of friends , you can share the load. For instance, between all of you you’ll only need one of each:

• First aid kit
• Toilet paper roll
• Full size bottle of sunscreen
• Outlet adapter
• Phone charger

I know this seems like a lot, but figuring out your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list is one of the most important aspects of this incredible adventure. Best of luck! Have questions? Ask in the comments below and potentially help other future hikers as well!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 39 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Hiking Mont Blanc is a dream for many. This 170km route through the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps is one of the most beautiful treks in Europe , if not the world.

However, knowing what to pack for Mont Blanc can be daunting. Luckily we’ve created the ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc packing list .

Our TMB packing list includes all the essentials to help you explore this famed route. 

Let's get started.

Packing List for Tour du Mont Blanc

Before deciding what to take with you when hiking Mont Blanc, you need to understand the ideal weight of your backpack. Remember, you will walk for about 7 - 8 hours daily, so your gear should not be too heavy.

A good rule of thumb for the lower parts of the trail is to pack items that weigh no more than 20% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 80kg, your backpack should not exceed 16kg.

We recommend keeping your backpack around 10kg.

You may be dealing with many issues, including altitude sickness and fatigue. The lighter you pack, the easier the trek will be.

Don't assume that the extra 1kg won't make a difference - it will! Ensure every item in your backpack is essential and doesn’t add unnecessary weight.

Let's look at the essential items you should pack for your  Tour du Mont Blanc trek .

Backpack and Daypacks

A 25-35 litre backpack is usually the perfect size for the Tour du Mont Blanc if you’re staying in accommodation. Make sure it has chest and hip straps, which will help distribute the weight evenly.

For shorter 1-day hikes up Mont Blanc, I recommend the Osprey Talon 33L or the Tempest 3oL for women for the best daypacks. Be sure to also check out our favourite hiking daypacks .

You'll need a bigger backpack if you plan to camp along the route. Something around 55- 65 litres should do the trick. The bag should be big enough to include a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping gear. Osprey are also my preferred manufacturer for  camping backpacks for hiking .

A good backpack will have enough space for all your belongings. It shouldn’t be too big or bulky. It should also be comfortable to wear, even when fully packed.

To ensure the backpack you choose will serve you well during your hike, follow our tips:

• Buy the backpack three months before the trek : You will need a lot of time to train with your backpack and ensure it's comfortable. Buy it early and use it for day hikes before your big trek. This will also give you time to ensure it has all the needed features.
• Wear the backpack around the house : Wearing your gear around the house will help you get used to the feel of it. You’ll quickly learn how your backpack distributes weight.
• Choose a backpack with many compartments : Extra compartments will help you organise your belongings and ensure they are easily accessible during your hike.
• Ensure the backpack is waterproof : There’s no foul weather—only wrong gear. You never know when you will get caught in a rainstorm. Your backpack should have a rain cover, protecting your belongings from the elements.
• Get a bag with a frame : A frame will help distribute the weight evenly and make your hike much more comfortable.

Here are some great quality  daypacks for Men and Women as well as some great quality backpacks for Men and Women .

There are several types of footwear to include in your Mont Blanc packing list. They include:

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are a must for this hike. They will provide the support and stability you need on uneven terrain. They will also protect your feet from rocks and roots.

When choosing hiking boots, make sure they are comfortable and fit well. They should also have good traction to prevent you from slipping.

The best boots for hiking Mont Blanc should have a sturdy sole, good ankle support, and a comfortable insole. If you have kids, make sure their hiking boots fit well too.

Test out your hiking boots before the big day. Go on a few day hikes and see how they feel. You can also wear them around the house to get a feel for them.

I recommend Salomon, Keen or Merrell hiking boots. Or see our picks for the best hiking boots .

Here are some great quality  hiking boots for Men  and  Women .

Flip-flops Or Refuge Slippers

You can’t wear your hiking boots inside the Mont Blanc refuges. Typically, you would keep your hiking boots in an allocated area or boot room.

The refuges provide crocs or flip-flops that you can wear in the common areas. This is to keep the dirt and mud out of the sleeping and eating areas. It also helps reduce the spread of germs.

If you don't want to wear the crocs provided, you can always pack your own sandals or refuge slippers. These can be easily slipped on and off when entering and leaving the common areas.

Ensure the flip-flops you pack are comfortable and easy to walk in. They should also have an excellent grip to prevent you from slipping.

Here are some great quality  sandals for Men  and  Women .

Hiking Socks

You will need several pairs of hiking socks for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.  Hiking socks  should be made of moisture-wicking material, such as wool or synthetic fabric.

This is because you will be doing a lot of walking, and your feet will sweat. Synthetic material will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

Make sure the socks you pack are comfortable and fit well. They should also sit high enough to protect your ankles from rubbing against your boots.

Smartwool, Darn Tough or even REI's Co-Op socks are great brands for hiking socks. 

Here are some great quality hiking socks for Men  and  Women .

You must pack crampons if you are hiking in the winter or spring. Crampons are spikes that attach to your boots and provide traction on ice and snow.

When choosing crampons, make sure they are compatible with your hiking boots. They should also be easy to put on and take off.

The  best crampons  are made of stainless steel and have 12 - 18 spikes.

Here are some  great quality crampons .

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are a must for this hike. They will help you maintain balance and stability on uneven terrain. They will also take some of the strain off your knees and hips.

When choosing trekking poles, make sure they are adjustable. You can adjust them to your height and the terrain you will be walking on.

Choosing poles made of lightweight materials, such as aluminium or carbon fibre, is also important. The lighter they are, the easier it’ll be to carry them on your hike.

I recommend  Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork  or the  Leki Micro Vario Carbon as our favourite trekking poles overall. Here is our selection of top hiking poles .

Here are some great quality  trekking poles for Men and Women .

Hiking Clothing

The clothing you pack will depend on the time of year you are hiking. In the summer, you will need to pack light, breathable clothing. So, include shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.

You must pack layers if you are hiking in the spring or fall. This way, you can adjust your clothing to the changing weather conditions.

In the winter, you will need to pack warm, insulated clothing. Think of including a down jacket, fleece, and thermal underwear.

Read our review on the  Black Diamond Cold Forge Hoody . 

Make sure the clothing you pack is comfortable and easy to move in.

You should also avoid cotton fabrics, as they tend to absorb sweat and take a long time to dry. Instead, choose synthetic or wool fabrics that dry quickly.

Here is some great quality hiking clothing for Men and Women . 

Jacket (Weatherproof and Waterproof)

You will need a weatherproof and waterproof jacket for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Your jacket should be made of Gore-Tex or another similar material. This material will ensure you stay dry in the rain and snow.

The jacket should also have a hood to protect your head from the elements. Make sure it is big enough to fit over all your other layers of clothing.

Here are some great quality weatherproof jackets for Men and Women as some great quality waterproof jackets for Men and Women . 

Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner is mandatory in all the refuges on the TMB. You can rent one in the refuges, but it's worth bring your own. A sleeping bag liner is a thin cotton, silk or synthetic fabric you put inside your sleeping bag or under your blanket. This liner adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort.

When choosing a sleeping bag liner, make sure it is made of breathable fabric. The thin, breathable fabric prevents you from getting too hot at night.

It is also important to choose a liner that is easy to wash. You’ll find it’s easier to keep it clean during your hike.

If you plan to camp for your TMB hike, then you should bring a 4-season sleeping bag.

Here are some great quality sleeping bag liners . 

If you’re planning to camp along the Tour du Mont Blanc route, a tent is a must for your packing list. Since you’ll spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you’ll want a comfortable place to sleep at night.

The best tents for the Tour du Mont Blanc are lightweight, weatherproof, and easy to set up. They are also big enough to fit your gear but not so big that they are cumbersome to carry.

The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, so it is crucial to have a tent that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.

Here are our recommendations on the  good lightweight tents .

Here are some great quality tents . 

Electronics

You’ll want to take a few electronics on your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.

• Camera : A camera is a must. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning scenery.
• GPS : A GPS device can help keep track of your location. You can also use it to map out your route and plan your daily hikes.
• Flashlight : A flashlight,  lantern or headlamp can be helpful for early morning hikes or late-night emergencies. Make sure to pack extra batteries, as you may not have access to a power source for a while.
• Entertainment : A portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to listen to music or audiobooks while you hike. It can also be used for group entertainment in the evenings.

Carry a portable USB multi-socket charger to charge all your electronic devices simultaneously. A power bank is also good, as some more remote areas may not have outlets to plug into.

Here are some great quality GPS devices , flashlights , Bluetooth speakers and power banks .

A first-aid kit is essential, as you may need to treat minor injuries while on the trail. Bandages, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers are all excellent items to have on hand.

Carrying a small knife can help cut rope, open food packages, and help with other tasks.

Include packing a whistle. You can use a whistle to signal for help if you get lost or injured. If you are in a group, ensure every member has their own whistle.

Here are some great quality camping knives as well as some great quality first aid-aid kits . 

Make sure to pack your passport and any other necessary travel documents.

I recommend getting travel insurance for the TMB hike.  SafetyWing  are a great provider. They provide convenient and cost-effective Medical Travel Insurance for travellers. They also have low-cost monthly plans, fast customer service, and a simple claims process, making them ideal for insurance seekers.

It is a good idea to make copies of all your important documents, in case you lose the originals.

Store the copies in a different location than the originals. For instance, you can store them in your backpack or a secure place at your campsite.

There are a few other things you should bring along on your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure. They include:

• Sunscreen : The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Bug spray : Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance, so it is good to have bug spray on hand.
• Sunhat : A wide-brimmed sunhat (see Men's and Women's options ) will protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Water bottle : You must stay hydrated while hiking, so always carry a water bottle .
• Gaiters : Gaiters (see Men's and Women's options ) are worn over your boots to keep debris and water out. They are instrumental in wet or muddy conditions.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist

Hiking the trail.

• Hiking boots
• Hiking shorts
• Hiking socks
• Wicking shirt
• Fleece jacket
• Rain jacket
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses for Men and Women
• First-aid kit

For The Refuges

• Flip flops/sandals
• Warm hat for Men and Women
• Sleeping bag for Men and Women
• Sleeping bag liner
• Travel towel
• Thermal underwear for Men and Women
• USB multi-socket charger
• Portable Bluetooth speaker

Safety Gear

• First aid kit
• Foil blanket

Your First-Aid Kit

• Blister plasters
• Antihistamines
• Painkillers
• Steroid cream
• Rehydration sachets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Safety pins
• Cotton wool
• Rehydration salt sachets
• Kinesiology tape
• Toilet roll
• Hand sanitiser
• Shampoo  /  Travel Shampoo
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Makeup (just the basics)
• Feminine hygiene products

Miscellaneous

• A book or Kindle
• Journal and pen
• Cards or other games
• Small foot massage ball
• Packing cube
• Camera and tripod
• Travel insurance documents
• Visas and permits
• Cash in small denominations
• Emergency contact information
• Copy of important documents

Conquer The Tour Du Mont Blanc With This Packing List

Touring Mont Blanc is a fantastic experience that should be on everyone's bucket list. Our comprehensive packing list will prepare you for anything the trail throws your way.

Ensure you hike this beautiful mountain with all the right gear so you can make the most of your trip. Good luck!

If you have any further questions or queries about this Mont Blanc  Packing List , then please leave a comment below and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Continue Browsing

For more packing lists, see our  hiking resources page  or choose from one of our popular gear lists below:

• Inca Trail Packing List
• Annapurna Circuit Packing List
• Everest Base Camp Packing List
• Aconcagua Gear
• Hiking Packing List for Women
• Multi-day Hiking Packing List
• Camping Gear List
• Appalachian Hike Packing List
• Kilimanjaro Packing List

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List - The Ultimate TMB Gear List

Complete tour du mont blanc packing list.

Travel insurance details

Medical insurance details

Boarding passes for flights

Accommodation booking confirmation (if you're staying extra nights)

Switzerland

Cash and Bank Cards

Cash: bring both Euros and Swiss Francs

Credit/debit card

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Tour du Mont Blanc Gear List

Sleeping bag liner: this is for use in the refuges and is usually for sale at the lodge before your trek.

A daypack you can carry: a small backpack with a 35L to 45L capacity should be plenty to fit all your kit. We recommend one with a waist belt.

Trekking poles: these are available for rent from Vert Lodge (approx EUR 10)

Quick dry, lightweight travel towel

Water bottle: at least 2L or two smaller bottles equalling this.

Clothing For Your Trek

N.B.: Cotton clothing is not recommended for trekking. This is because cotton soaks up sweat and does not dry easily.

Trekking boots: 3- or 4-season lightweight boots or trail runners

Comfortable shoes for the evenings (flip-flops, sandals etc.)

2 x t-shirts for the hike (fast dry material)

1 x comfortable shirt for the evening

4 x socks for hiking

3 to 4 pairs of underwear

Fleece jacket (optional)

Light down or Primaloft jacket

Rain and windproof hooded jacket (fully waterproof)

Rain and windproof trousers

1 x pair of hiking trousers (pants with zip-off legs that change into shorts are ideal)

Comfortable trousers for the evening

Lightweight hat and gloves

Swimsuit (optional)

Medical and Other Items

Sun cream and other sun protection, such as a hat and buff

Personal medication: inhaler, blister pads, etc.

General toiletries

Contact lenses and glasses (if needed)

Electronics: phone, charging cable, USB plug. You can buy Swiss-compatible plugs before you start the trek.

Hand sanitiser

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Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing List

By: Author Gabi

Posted on Last updated: May 14, 2024

When packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc you must stick to the bare necessities. I don’t care if you’re an experienced hiker or backpacker, every ounce counts. This packing list will help you narrow it down to what you truly need and what you should leave at home for the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

To a practiced backpacker, this tour may seem like a walk in the park but I can tell you from personal experience that as a somewhat obsessive overachiever who tends to hike obscene distances in a day and often thinks no hike’s too strenuous, I honestly underestimated the elevation gain on the Tour du Mont Blanc. 

I mean seriously, we hiked all four passes of the Maroon Bells Four Pass loop in one day so how hard could the TMB be?

Trust me, it’s REALLY FREAKING HARD but like in a really epic, awesome, would do it all over again kind of way.

The biggest factor when packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc is to know if you’re camping or staying in refugees.

Hopefully, you’ve already read our complete guide to planning your Tour du Mont Blanc trek so you’ve decided whether you’ll be camping or not (if you haven’t decided yet, go figure that sh*t out now by clicking here…err I promise it’s coming soon).

I’ve compiled a complete list of every essential you will need to pack to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc and I’ve also separated the things that you will need to camp.

First I’m going to give a few descriptions of the most essential gear but if you want to just see the overall pack list, jump down to the bottom of this post with our table of contents.

Table of Contents

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Packing for Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

It’s really important to consider if you want to camp on the Tour du Mont Blanc. While it may seem like you only need a little bit more gear to camp versus staying at a refuge, the little bit of gear you do need makes a tremendous difference in weight.

Backpack for Tour du Mont Blanc

If you don’t camp, you only need a 25-30L pack but if you camp, you’ll need a 50-60L pack.

Our packs were each 20-25 lbs/9-11 kgs for the 3 of us and we no doubt could’ve dropped that to a mere 10-15 lbs/5-7kgs if we were not camping at all.

I don’t regret camping, however, you must thoroughly consider this when deciding to camp or not.

Clothes for the Tour du Mont Blanc

First of all, let me recommend to not make the same mistakes we did. If you are coming to hike Mont Blanc, there’s a good chance you will not care to spend any days in the European cities (they’re nothing compared to Chamonix anyway). The days we spent in Paris and Copenhagen ended up being a slight waste of our trip but oh well. Anyways, if you want to have one nice outfit for Geneva or Chamonix, girls, you could bring a packable travel dress but we just wore leggings and a nice tank top like this. Guys, cargo shorts and a shirt is probably enough.

Note that you will be able to hand wash your clothes at campgrounds and refuges so you don’t need enough clothes for 11 days.

Let’s start with the most crucial, shoes .

Maybe we’re crazy or maybe we’re genius but we always hike and backpack in our La Sportiva Bushido trail running shoes. You might be thinking that they don’t have enough support but as another hiker pointed out to us, trail running shoes are designed for impact.

In addition to your life force, AKA your hiking boots, you may want to pack a pair of flip flops though technically you don’t need to. Refuges don’t allow hiking boots inside but they all provide Crocs in the boot room and if you’re camping, you technically could just wear your hiking boots to walk around. Nevertheless, we wanted to have our flip-flops.

Related: The Only Shoes We Hike In

Now for what clothes we packed for the TMB…

We each packed a rain jacket and a down jacket.

I know it may seem a bit overrated at this point but Patagonia jackets are always our number 1 pick. Seriously, I’ve owned the same Nano Puff jacket for 5 years and it’s still incredibly functional and warm enough for summer nights.

In addition, you must bring a packable rain jacket. This is Europe we’re talking about which means it rains a ton in the summer. That being said, we got abnormally lucky with the weather and you will probably need a rain jacket at some point.

For hiking, you’re going to want versatile clothing depending on the weather.

We each packed 2 pairs of shorts (Lululemons are our absolute favorite shorts for hiking), a pair of leggings, and a pair of hiking pants. The leggings functioned as hiking pants but also as comfy pants to hang out in the refuges at night and also function as a base layer if you want to camp as we did.

I also loved my soft and water-resistant Kuhl pants for hiking (especially if it rains) and hanging in refuges. When we were in the refuges, since it was warm and cozy at night, we all chose to sleep in our shorts. To sum up, versatility is key and basically, you’ll need 2 warm-weather pants and 2 cold-weather pants whether you camp or stay at refuges.

Tees and tanks are all hiker’s choice but no matter what your choice is, I would recommend 3-4. I highly recommend setting 1 shirt aside for lounging at refuges. Usually, the first thing you do when you arrive at a refuge is unpack, shower, and change and it’s nice to have one super comfy, non-smelly shirt back on.

We also each packed a long-sleeved tee/base layer. It doesn’t matter what kind of long sleeve it is, it’s mostly for if it’s chilly in the refuges or if you’re camping, we used this to layer up at night.

A sun layer is crucial. I wish I had packed a lightweight flannel as a sun layer. I thought that my long-sleeve tee would function as a sun layer but it ended up being too hot so I kinda just roasted.

Recommend sun layer:   Sahara Long Sleeve women or Sahara Long Sleeve Mens

Hat, Beanie, and Gloves

We never hiked without a hat on and even though there were only a few days where I needed it, I was SO happy I also packed a beanie for a day when we had to cross a pass in thick fog.

I usually avoid gloves at all costs but on that same day when it was really cold while crossing a big pass, I had to wear the gloves I brought and it made a huge difference.

Gloves we love:  Head Multi-Sport Touchscreen Gloves

You will of course need to pack 5ish pairs of underwear, 3 or more pairs of socks, and 2-3 sports bras for women.

If you are camping I highly recommend packing one pair of extra warm and cozy socks for sleeping in, it can get really cold at night even in the summer.

This was almost unnecessary but if you’re going to spend a day in the amazing town of Chamonix after your trek I highly recommend packing a bathing suit to enjoy your accommodation’s pool, spa, and/or sauna. We stayed at the radical hotel La Folie Douce and we’re so glad we did because the sauna and steam room felt heavenly after hiking 100 miles.

We’re probably the only people in the world that don’t wear sunglasses while hiking but honestly, we didn’t use sunglasses a single time on the TMB. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t though especially if you’re early in the season when there’s snow on the ground. Snow and glacier hiking are the only time I need sunglasses.

For the Trail

A few things are missing from this image. First and foremost…

Hiking Sticks

Never in my life have I needed to hike with hiking sticks. NEVER. Not once. But boy oh boy did I wish I had some hiking poles on this trek.

Unfortunately only 2 days into our hike I ended up with a small knee injury. Not bad enough to have to quit the trek, but enough to be walking with a painful limp toward the end of each day, and at that point, hiking poles would’ve made such a huge difference. It doesn’t matter how often you hike, how fit you are, or how many times you bagged 20 miles in a day, the Tour du Mont Blanc demands a lot, and often it’s simply too much too fast for your body.

Because if this I recommend trekking poles to preemptively avoid stressing your body too much.

I noticed many trail runners had awesome collapsable trekking sticks that I would’ve loved to have that way I wouldn’t be obligated to hike with sticks for the whole trek since they often just get in the way for me.

Recommended trekking poles: Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

Assume it will rain on your trek. Whether it’s May or August doesn’t matter, it can rain at any time of the year in Europe, especially in the mountains.

Because if this, it’s essential to be prepared with a rain cover for your pack. Isabelle’s Gregory Wander pack comes with a rain cover which is nice but for our other pack, we got this super cheap one on Amazon that works well. Being so cheap I wouldn’t expect it to last years but hey, it works for one trip.

If you want to save even more money and are confident in the weather report for your trip, you could also not buy rain covers and just pack a trash bag as a backup which is what we did for one of our packs.

• Ziploc Baggies

In addition, pack lots of Ziploc Baggies. They are a great, cheap way to organize gear inside your pack and it waterproofs anything of value.

We used baggies for food storage (we even packed French butter in its own ziploc baggie), keeping our electronics dry, and then sometimes we used them as trash bags. Even if it doesn’t rain, there is so much condensation at night if you camp so it’s super important to keep things dry.

Water Bottle + Filter

We each had a single 22 oz water bottle and it was perfect for us. There are many water fountains all along the trail plus there are refuges so you will most likely never run out of water. Note however that we probably drink a less-than-average amount of water while hiking.

If you drink a ton of water while hiking you’re probably better off using a water reservoir instead.

There were 2 times when we did run out of water at 2 refuges because they required that you filter the water (at Chalet du Glacier and at Lac Blanc Refuge). We were very glad we packed our HydroBlu Versa Flow System which allowed us to quickly filter water in 2 64-ounce canteen reservoirs which we could either save for later or do as we did and simply refilled all our water bottles. I highly recommend a lightweight water filter like this especially if you’re camping.

Water filter we love: HydroBlu Versa Flow Lightweight Water Filter Package

Related Blog: HydroBlu Water Filter Review

Liquid Electrolytes

Okay, so you know how the TMB is usually done in 9-11 days? Well we did it in 7 days (and I wonder why I ended up with an injury) and this may sound crazy but we owe our success to liquid electrolytes .

We carry liquid electrolytes by EnduroPacks and swallow 4-5 sprays every 15-30 minutes followed by water. You can literally feel the electrolytes hit your muscles and suddenly the burning in your legs isn’t so bad as you ascend the 2,000+ feet of elevation gain.

We wished we had packed Emergen-C packets which also have electrolytes but are also a great way to support your immune system at the end of the day. We normally hike with these in the States and it helps us so much.

BioLite Headlamps

We each carried a BioLite headlamp . These are our favorite headlamps because they are rechargeable and have a long battery life.

These are essential for camping but are just for desperate times while hiking.

I wish we didn’t have to use them on the trail but on our last day on the TMB, we pushed slightly too far and ended up finishing our trek in the dark to get down to Chamonix Valley. Anyway, you really only need this if you end up in a scenario where you’re hiking in the dark. It’s up to you if you feel like you need to be prepared for that or if you doubt you’ll push it that far.

Travel Essentials for the TMB

Guidebook + map.

As we mention in our Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Cicerone guidebook to the circuit is not optional, it is essential. In addition, we chose to hike with the 1:50,000 Tour du Mont Blanc map since we were camping and taking so many variants.

This one is not necessary however, if you just like having maps on your trek or are struggling with planning your TMB trip, you can purchase the recommended map on Amazing by clicking here or they are sold at (and only at) the Mountain Info House in Chamonix. Remember that if you do get the map, get this map specifically . The other ones aren’t much help and are hard to read.

Book + Earbuds

I highly recommend bringing a book to relax at the refuge with unless you’re a social butterfly and intend to spend every hour of your evenings mingling with other hikers.

Related Blog: 25 Books That Will Change Your Life

Assuming you don’t already live in Europe, it’s probably a long flight for you to get to Europe. Be sure to pack some earbuds for watching movies on the plane and/or listening to music/audiobooks.

Travel Outlet Adapter + Charger

Whatever you do, DO NOT forget a travel outlet adapter. Yes, worst case you could get one once you arrive but save yourself the haste and buy it ahead of time.

We love this travel adapter because it has room to charge multiple phones at once plus you can share with other people if all the outlets are taken.

Travel Adapter we love: Travel Outlet Adapter with 2 USB ports and 2 USA Outlets

Note: For the TMB, you’ll only need to pack the adapter that goes into the 2 circular prongs as shown below.

On a similar note, don’t forget your phone’s charging cable, and be sure to bring 1 for each phone that you’ll need to charge. We only brought one and ended up having to share between our 2 phones so much that we never got a full charge.

Jackery Portable Power Bank

If it’s super important to you to be able to use your phone for the whole hike, I highly recommend packing a Jackery portable power bar .

These are especially great if you’re camping and won’t have access to electricity every night or even for refuges since older refuges don’t have accessible outlets.

Travel Towel

Whether you camp or stay at a refuge, you need a travel towel. Refuges don’t provide towels. Make sure your travel towel is light and quick drying.

Travel towel we love: Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel

• Travel Insurance

Besides the essential passport, the only other major document you will need is travel insurance. Travel insurance is super important to have in case of emergency in the mountains. We always use World Nomads travel insurance because they offer coverage specifically for adventure travel like hiking the TMB. Use the box below to get a quote for your TMB trip.

Toiletries + Self-Care

A few important things I’d like to mention are to make sure you pack something in case of blisters. This is probably the most common issue among hikers especially if you don’t hike regularly. Pack some moleskin but remember, you can’t pack scissors in a carry-on so pre-cut some different sized pieces ahead of time. 

You will of course need to pack things for a typical first aid kit like bandages/band-aids, an antiseptic like BLDG active skin repair, a painkiller like Motrin, and we carried Melatonin to help us sleep better.

For more common scrapes we love our Climb On mini balm which is also great for chapped lips.

Along with electrolytes, the thing I swear by most when hiking long distances is a massage ball. LIFE SAVER.

After our first 3 days of hiking hard and pushing ourselves an absurd amount, we took a rest day at Refugio Bonatti and rolled on our Pro-Tec Athletics ORB Extreme Mini massage ball for, I kid you not, more than an hour each. After rolling our muscles we felt almost as good as new the next day.

As I mentioned earlier, I really could’ve used hiking sticks when my knee was hurting on the descent into Courmayeur. Of course, an easy solution would’ve been to either tape up my knee or wrap it in a brace. It was really quite silly of us to come ill-prepared for a minor injury like this but I won’t make that mistake again.

Even if you don’t have any history of injuries while hiking, I highly recommend packing some kinesiology tape as a backup especially if you fastback the TMB like we did and aren’t spending any time in the few cities along the way. The day I needed sports tape or a brace, we had arrived in Courmayeur during siesta and the pharmacy was closed so it would’ve been nice to have it ourselves.

Gear for Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc

When you tent camp versus refuge on the Tour du Mont Blanc, it comes down to 3 things that add weight

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

Like I said before, I don’t regret camping but I do recommend a few things.

When it comes to the right tent for the TMB, it’s all about the weight. Depending on if you’re trekking with other people will factor in what tent you get however I will say that we’ve backpacked many times with the REI Passage 3 tent and considering the price, it’s a great backpacking tent. It’s a fairly light 5lbs, 10 oz and it’s waterproof.

If you have 1 or 2 people, I highly recommend the MSR Hubba Hubba , which comes in a 1 person model and a 2-person model and is one of the best, lightweight backpacking tents there is.

Sleeping Bag

For sleeping bags, we brought sleeping bags with a max comfort of 28°F.  If you’re hiking in July and August you can get by with that however, having done this hike in the first week of September, we were a cold a few nights. I would highly recommend a four-season sleeping bag if you’re backpacking in shoulder season or just want extra warmth.

Recommended sleeping bag: North Face Cat’s Meow 

Sleeping Pad

It seemed like a lot of people who were camping on the TMB went with classic roll-up sleeping pads which they just attached to the outside of their pack.

I guess the benefit of these is that they’re a few ounces lighter and don’t take up space in your pack however, I LOVE our REI flash sleeping pads .

They’re only 15 ounces, really comfortable, cheaper than a lot of sleeping pads, and only take about 20 breaths to blow them up.

Shop lightweight sleeping pads here .

BioLite Solar Panel 10+

While I already briefly mentioned how glad I was that we packed our mini Jackery portable power banks, I think it’s crucial to have the BioLite Solar Panel 10+ if you’re going to be camping.

Now again, if you don’t care about photos and/or staying online during your trek, I would totally encourage you to just let your phone die and be in the moment.

Photographing our journey was important to me however and we also felt it was a necessity to be able to make a phone call in case of emergency.

With the BioLite solar panel , we were able to keep our phones charged for almost the entire 7 days of our trek.

Camp Cook System 

There are a lot of things I packed that I am so glad that I remembered and there are some things that I contemplated bringing or not and ended up wishing I had like my JetBoil.

Ohhh how much I wish I had brought my mini miracle coffee maker. The thing is, we did not plan our TMB circuit very effectively. Truth be told, there are a few really good resources out there that tell you everything you need to know about planning your Tour Du Mont Blanc trek which is why we’ve created a complete guide planning the TMB.

We didn’t comprehend how few and far between all the huts and towns are and didn’t account for the fact that most refugees don’t allow camping at the refuge. Hence we assumed we’d be able to grab an espresso every morning when we passed a refuge when in reality there were some days where camping put us in locations far from any source of coffee.

Okay, so I’m probably making way too big of a deal of this because out of the 7 mornings we were on the trail, we only had 2 mornings without coffee but hey, I’m an American and I can’t function without my coffee first thing in the morning so those 2 mornings were traumatic. If you aren’t obsessed with coffee like I am, maybe you can do without this.

I also wished we had packed a cook system for more than just coffee.

As I mentioned previously, we did not have nearly enough information when planning the camping part of the TMB and even though this is known to be the most luxurious eating experience of all backpacking trips, we ended up starving on multiple nights. The problem is that if you miss lunchtime (which usually ends at 3 pm) at refuges and haven’t picked up food supplies to eat your food for dinner, most refuges won’t serve you food unless you are participating in dinner which is often 20-30 Euro per person and is at a set time of day.

Oh, how we wished we were able to cook our food on those nights. It would have given us way more food options for dinner because while a baguette and salami are delicious in Europe, we started to get sick of salami after eating it every day for lunch and dinner.

Recommended camp stove system: MSR Pocket Rocket Stove + TOAKS Titanium 750 ml Pot .

If you are camping and want to save money and not eat at a refuge for every meal, I highly recommend packing an MSR pocket rocket , which is super tiny and lightweight, and 1 small, light camp pot that functions for cooking food or heating water such as the TOAKS titanium 750 ml pot .

Combine this with a mini butane canister which you can get from dozens of stores in Chamonix and you’ve got yourself some sustainability to feed yourself anytime anywhere.

We would’ve packed some Kuju Coffee pocket pour-over packs as well which are pre-ground small batches, disposable pour-overs that require nothing but a cup and hot water.

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The Complete TMB Packing List

Travel essentials.

• 1 : 50,000 Tour du Mont Blanc Map
• Audiobook + book
• Optional: Playing cards
• Travel towel
• Packable tote bag (for carrying valuables around town on rest days)
• Travel outlet adapter
• Charging cable
• Optional: Jackery portable power bank

For Camping

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• BioLite Solar Panel
• Knife (Purchase on arrival if you only travel with a carry-on)
• Optional: MSR Pocket Rockets stove
• Optional: Lightweight, versatile camp pot
• Optional: Kuju Coffee Pocket Pour Over Packs
• Hiking sticks ( Collapsable poles recommended )
• Rain covers
• At least one 24 oz water bottle (or water reservoir)
• Water Filtration System (Recommended: HydroBlu Versa Flow Lightweight Water Filter System )
• BioLite headlamps
• Liquid electrolytes (essential)
• Emergen-C packets
• Rain jacket
• Down jacket
• Hat + beanie
• 2 pairs of shorts 
• 2 pairs of pants
• 5-6 underwear + 2-3 sports bras
• 3-4 socks (Pack 1 extra warm pair if camping)
• 3 hiking tees/tanks
• 1 pair of base layers
• Hiking shoes
• Optional: Flip-flops
• Optional: Travel dress/city wear
• Bathing suit

Toiletries + Self Care

• BLDG Active skin repair
• First aid kit 
• Bandages/band-aids
• Climb On Mini Bar or lip balm
• Pro-Tec Athletics Massage Ball (Mini)
• Sports tape and/or Ace bandage
• Essential oils
• Optional: Nail clippers

My Camera Picks for Backpacking

• Sony A6300 Mirrorless Camera
• Backup batteries + battery charger
• 64 gb SansDisk Extreme PRO SD card
• Jobi GorillaPod 1k Tripod

Alrightyyyy I hope this helped take all the stress out of packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc. And remember, this is Europe, not a third-world destination so if you forget something, just remember you’ll be able to replace it with no problem once you get to your starting city of Chamonix or Courmayeur…just don’t forget your passport.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our huge network of TMB resources below:

Tour Du Mont Blanc Resources

• Ultimate Planning Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• How to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in Only 7 Days
• How To Get Fit To Hike

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Wednesday 9th of February 2022

Any recommendations for someone who wants to camp it solo?

Monday 21st of February 2022

I think you'd be fine camping it solo. There were actually a lot of solo hikers on the TMB and I bet within a day or two you'll meet some really awesome people.

Well and Good Travel

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List [2024]

Okay, so you have committed to the TMB and are now thinking “How on earth do I pack for this!?” I will tell you! I am sharing everything you need to know about packing for the TMB.

This is a comprehensive Tour du Mont Blanc packing list for anyone planning to stay in refuges .

The TMB is unique because you must prepare for several types of weather, bring specific items for the refuges, carry everything you need for 10 days, and do so without your pack weighing too much!

Packing for the TMB is all about packing smart. Let me help you. 🥾

Just want the list? Jump to the complete packing list in list form.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing List by Category

Below I break up the packing list by category and discuss each item. If you want to go straight to the complete packing list in list form click here ! If you are still figuring out your route and which places to stay, check out my 10-day TMB itinerary too!

Weight & Size of Your Pack

Before you start packing, consider investing in ultralight gear if you haven’t already. You will be hiking 6-8 hours a day, traversing up to 15 miles, and climbing upwards of 4500 feet of elevation for 10 days. You do not want to overpack.

REI suggests that a fully loaded backpacking pack should weigh 20% or less of your body weight. This might be okay for 2 or 3-day backpacking trips, but you should go even lighter for the TMB.

Many people recommend under 22lb (or 10kg) as a general rule of thumb for the TMB, which I agree with.

Now, you will see people on the trail with 60+ liter packs. I promise you they are either camping, or they are really regretting their decision. If you want to enjoy your trek, get a pack that is 45 liters and under, and weighs less than 20% of your body weight when fully loaded (water included).

Less than 20% of your body weight, or 22 pounds and under is not a lot. This is why it is critical that you only pack the essentials and invest in ultralight gear where you can.

If you struggle with packing light, you can hire a luggage transfer company to transport an additional bag to each overnight accommodation. If this speaks to you, check out this post.

Luggage transfer was something I was opposed to at first because I wanted to ‘do it myself’ and thought it was an extra hassle I didn’t want to deal with or pay for. BUT, I hiked the TMB with my mom and she wanted to do it, so we did it. And now I’m converted. It saved us (and allowed us to squeeze in a couple of luxury items like lacrosse massage balls).

This is one of your most important pieces of gear. If you don’t have the right pack you could end up with sores, bruises, or back & neck pain that will ruin your experience.

I’ve completed several 3-day backpacking trips with a Deuter backpack which was fine but I would suggest something lighter for the TMB. Seriously, EVERY OUNCE COUNTS.

I invested in a Gossamer G4-20 Ultralight 42-liter backpack . This is not an affiliate link (I wish!) I just loved this pack. It was so comfortable, it had so many great pockets, and it weighed hardly anything. No fuss bag.

42 liters sounds like a lot but the body of the pack is only 30 liters; the roll-top extends to 42 liters which is great if you want to use this for other trips or want to stuff some additional layers in there that might be light but puffy.

• Trekking Poles

I don’t regularly use trekking poles but I did get them for the TMB and would almost consider them essential for it.

They are extremely helpful for… a lot of things. 1) balancing on uneven terrain – especially when you are TIRED, 2) offsetting the weight on your knees when going downhill (!!!), 3) helping you go uphill with a pack on, and 4) preventing your fingers from swelling (keeping your arms at 90-degrees is what does it).

I got a pair of women’s Leki trekking poles from REI because they were lightweight and foldable (to fit in a suitcase). They were great.

• Sleeping Liner

The refuges require that you bring a sleeping liner. This is the one that I bought and highly recommend. It is super soft, easy to move around in (stretchy), and has bug repellent on it.

Also read: Everything you need to know about the TMB Refuges

• Microspikes

This might depend on the time of year you are going. We brought them for our trip in August and did not need them. I would say they are probably not necessary if you are going in July or August.

That being said, if you are trekking in June or September, you should bring them.

Bring layers! You will be hiking in the mountains so bring a mix of lightweight sweat-wicking tank tops and long sleeves .

I like to pack hiking/exercise tops with built-in bras because it reduces the number of bras I need to bring. You will also need 1 or 2 t-shirts for sleeping.

A combination of hiking shorts, hiking pants and/or tights, and long underwear or leggings to wear at the refuges. Also, bring a pair of shorts for sleeping.

Even if you are going in the middle of summer you need to bring rain gear. We went in August and it rained two days – one day it was pouring all day. Bring a really good rain jacket, a poncho (a cheap emergency one is great), and maybe rain pants.

I did not bring rainpants to save space in my pack and it was fine because my poncho covered the upper half of my legs. But this is a personal preference (and also a big topic of conversation when packing – to bring or not to bring the rain pants!) haha.

In addition to a rain jacket, bring a poncho! If it starts raining you will want something that covers you and your pack, keeping everything dry.

You will also need a fleece and a puffy. The mornings and nights can be pretty chilly up in the mountains (you are walking amongst glaciers after all!). I brought one thin fleece for hiking, one thick one for hanging at the refuges, and one puffy jacket.

Socks & Underwear

Don’t skimp in this department. Bring enough undies for each day (or bring a few quick-dry that you can wash at the refuges every few days).

Bring plenty of thick socks. You really need to take care of your feet on this trek. One of my TOP RECOMMENDATIONS is to bring toe sock liners and either wear them alone or layer them with regular socks for extra cushion. This will keep you from getting blisters on your toes.

Hats & Gloves

Bring two hats – one for sun protection and one for warmth. I packed a ball cap and a beanie and used them both.

When you go over some of the cols (mountain peaks) it can be very cold and possibly rainy. You will definitely want gloves.

Hiking Shoes

This is one of the most important packing decisions you will make. You MUST TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET.

I hiked in La Sportiva trail runners and could not have been happier with my decision.

The TMB terrain does not require super heavy-duty hiking boots. The only caveat is that there are a lot of rocky trails and trails with roots sticking out so if you need ankle support then they might be necessary.

I wanted shoes that felt light and comfortable on my feet, had good traction, and were low profile. The La Sportiva’s were great.

Refuge Shoes

You MUST bring shoes to wear inside the refuges. You cannot wear your hiking boots inside the refuges (most of them have a room you need to leave your hiking boots in).

My favorite “camp” shoes or shoes for the refuges are Tevas . They are the perfect second shoe to bring because they are super lightweight, you can wear them with socks when it’s cold, and they can get wet so you can change into them if you are passing a creek and want to cool off.

Toiletries, Self Care & Safety

Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash – Travel size of course.

Toothpaste & Toothbrush – Travel size.

Razor and Deodorant – mini deodorant, disposable razor.

Face Wash, Moisturizer, & Sunscreen – And any other must-have skin care.

Pack Towel – Most of the refuges don’t have towels for you, so you will want to bring a light packable, quick-drying towel. Pack Towels has an Ultralite towel that is perfect. This is what I brought.

First Aid Kit – Make sure to have a basic medical kit for minor trail injuries, including a pain reliever for soreness, Compeed for blisters, emergency blanket, Neosporin, bandaids, athletic tape, Tylenol, and duct tape.

Gold Bond – My secret weapon for blister prevention.

Massage Lacrosse Ball – I would not have survived this hike if I hadn’t brought a lacrosse ball to roll out my glutes and legs every night.

Headlamp – use as book a light and if you are caught hiking late.

Food & Water

• Two water bottles

You can also bring a camelback if you are a camelback person, but I don’t like the fuss of a camelback so I brought two Nalgenes and that was perfect. There are lots of water refill stations along the TMB, so many opportunities to refill.

Water Filter

Honestly, we didn’t use ours but I think it’s always a good idea to bring this.

Your Favorite Trail Snacks

Since you are staying at refuges you will be served breakfast and dinner each day. That means all you need to think about foodwise is lunch and snacks.

Most days you pass through small towns or villages where you can get lunch, but some days you don’t. We never actually got lunch anywhere, we just brought a bunch of power bars and snacks for midday food.

I also brought my favorite mushroom jerky , dried mango, energy cubes , and Nuun hydration tablets .

Electronics & Documents

Phone & Phone Charger & Adaptor

Can’t really go without these 🙂

Make sure to bring your passport with you and don’t leave it at a hotel in Chamonix – some refuges ask for it.

Okay, this isn’t necessarily something you need to pack but you should have it! Especially doing an outdoor activity. I recommend SafetyWing – it’s very affordable, flexible, and covers this type of activity.

Guidebook and Map

Yep, I’d bring both. While most of the TMB is easy to follow, there are a couple of sections where you could get turned around and people might not be around to help. This is the guidebook we brought.

Doggy Bags – I love using these as mini trash bags.

Packing Cubes – I highly recommend using packing cubes to keep your pack organized.

Headphones – Not necessary for everyone but definitely for some!

Earplugs – If you are sleeping in any dorms definitely bring earplugs.

Book – This could be a luxury item, or you could download a book on your phone to save weight.

Sunglasses – Very necessary!

Compass – We never used ours but it’s a good idea to have.

What NOT to Pack

Makeup – be free!

Giant hiking boots – (unless that’s your thing!) but you don’t need them. Bulky over-the-ankle hiking boots are not comfortable to me and they are not necessary for the TMB.

Power Bank – I DID bring this but never used it. You can charge your phone at the refuges each night and leave it on airplane mode all day to conserve battery. Power banks are heavy so don’t bring them if you don’t need to.

Clothes for each day – Plan on wearing the same things for 2 or 3 days 🙂

Packing Tips

• Stay organized! Try and keep everything in the same place in your pack, that way you can easily find things. You won’t have a lot of space at the refuges to unpack and repack so packing cubes and organization are key.
• Organize by category – Put all of your clothes for the refuge in one packing cube so it stays clean and is easy to locate in your bag.
• Blister prevention protocol – Before you put your hiking shoes on, put gold bond power all around your toes. Then wear two socks or a toe sock liner and a regular sock on top. I did not get a single blister this entire hike.

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

• Gossamer G4-20 Ultralight 42-liter backpack .
• 2-3 Sweat-wicking, lightweight hiking tank tops
• 1 long sleeve hiking shirts
• 1 long-sleeve thermal
• 1 shirt for sleeping
• 2 hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants
• 1 pair of hiking tights
• 1 pair of long underwear or leggings for the refuges
• 1 pair of sleeping shorts
• 2 sports bras
• 6-10 pairs of socks
• 10 pairs of underwear
• Swimsuit (optional but there are some creeks to cool off in)
• Rain jacket
• Puffy jacket
• La Sportiva trail runners (or other hiking shoes)
• Tevas (or other shoes for the refuges)

Toiletries, Self Care, & Safety

• Conditioner
• Moisturizer
• Massage Lacrosse Ball
• First aid kit
• Gold Bond powder
• Aquaphor with SPF
• Water filter
• Favorite trail snacks
• Phone charger
• European plug adaptor

Miscellaneous

• Packing cubes

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List FAQ

A small day pack if you are using a luggage transfer or a 35-45 liter pack if you are not.

Yes! All refuges require you to bring a sleeping liner .

No, but I highly recommend them.

La Sportiva trail runners!

If you are going in June or September you should bring crampons/microspikes.

As you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime on the Tour du Mont Blanc, having a well-thought-out packing list is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trek.

If you realize you forgot something when you get to Chamonix, don’t panic. Chamonix is a very outdoor town with tons of gear shops. I recommend Decathalon for all your needs. It’s in the center of town.

Remember, the key is to pack smart and light, focusing on versatile and durable gear that can handle the diverse and often unpredictable mountain weather. The two most important items will be your pack and your shoes!!

I hope this post and Tour du Mont Blanc packing list help you feel more confident on your journey!!

Jade Gershen is the founder of Well and Good Travel. She has lived on three continents and explored more than 20 countries in the past 10 years. U.S. based, she also shares her favorite places to go and things to do in the States. Having experienced the impacts of chronic stress Jade has a particular interest in using travel and outdoor adventure to improve well-being and shares that with her readers.

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Send us a message, tour du mont blanc: your essential hiking packing list, your ultimate tour du mont blanc hiking packing list.

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a hiker's dream come true. This iconic trek takes you through three beautiful countries – France, Italy, and Switzerland – as you circumnavigate the mighty Mont Blanc massif. With its pristine alpine landscapes, charming villages, and a tapestry of cultures, the Tour du Mont Blanc promises an unforgettable hiking adventure.

However, to fully embrace this epic journey, it's essential to be well-prepared. From towering peaks and lush valleys to rugged trails and cozy mountain huts, the TMB presents a wide range of challenges and experiences. To help you make the most of this extraordinary expedition, we've put together the ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc hiking packing list. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a first-time adventurer, this guide will ensure that you have all the essentials to tackle the trail with confidence, comfort, and style.

Get ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey as we break down the gear, clothing, and supplies you'll need to conquer the Tour du Mont Blanc. It's time to turn your hiking dreams into a reality and prepare for a grand adventure in one of the most picturesque mountain regions on Earth.

Looking for a custom trekking itinerary for your hiking trip? Contact our professional team here for custom, guided or self guided hiking trips along the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Here is Your Printable Packing List for the Tour Du Mont Blanc:

Clothing checklist:.

• ▢ Base Layer (1): Versatile for sleeping and relaxation.
• ▢ Trekking Pants (1-2 pairs): Comfortable and durable for extended hikes.
• ▢ Trekking Shorts (1 pair): For warmer weather and post hiking
• ▢ Socks (4-5 pairs): Merino wool for odor resistance; wear one for daytime and air it out, use the other for nighttime comfort.
• ▢ Moisture-Wicking Base Layers (top and bottom) (1, long-sleeve): Merino wool for odor control; consider an extra top layer and hiking base layer pants for colder weather.
• ▢ Rain Pant (1) and Rain Jacket (1): Waterproof essentials for unexpected rain.
• ▢ Synthetic Lightweight Jacket (1): Versatile for mild temperature drops.
• ▢ Down Jacket (1): Added warmth for chilly evenings.
• ▢ Footwear (1 pair of Sandals or Crocs): Versatile, suitable for wearing with socks in cooler weather.
• ▢ Towel (1): Compact and multifunctional for various uses.
• ▢ Underwear (5 pairs): Ensure freshness and comfort with a supply of five pairs.
• ▢ Sports Bras (2): Two for added comfort and support.
• ▢ Gloves (insulated and waterproof)
• ▢ Hats (1 sun hat + 1 beanie): Sun protection during the day and warmth at night.
• ▢ Buff/Facemask (1): Multifunctional; can double as an eye mask for better sleep.
• ▢ Sunglasses with Croakies (sunglasses straps): Secure your sunglasses and prevent loss during your trek.
• ▢ Hiking Boots
• ▢ Comfortable shoes to walk around town in the evening
• ▢ Gaiters (optional)

Toiletries Checklist:

• ▢ Shampoo and Soap - Eco Friendly
• ▢ Small Toothpaste: Compact for travel
• ▢ Deodorant: Stay fresh and odor-free
• ▢ Sunscreen & Lotion
• ▢ Toothbrush: Compact
• ▢ Comb: Maintain well-groomed hair on your trek
• ▢ Hand Sanitizer
• ▢ Small Toilet roll/tissues/wet wipes
• ▢ Prescribed medication
• ▢ Blister Pads & bandaids

Miscellaneous:

• ▢ Energy bars/snacks
• ▢ Small First Aid Kit
• ▢ Pocket knife
• ▢ Money Belt or Pouch
• ▢ Head lamp and batteries
• ▢ Maps and Small GPS
• ▢ Insect Repellent
• ▢ A little washing detergent for handwashing clothes
• ▢ Electrical socket adapter
• ▢ External Battery Pack: Essential for charging your camera and phone on the go.
• ▢ Phone: Loaded with videos, podcasts, and books to help you unwind on restless nights.
• ▢ Cash & Credit Card (​​Euros and Swiss Francs): for small purchases in the mountain huts on the trail ie. snacks, beer, wine…
• ▢ Sleeping bag liner for use in the mountain huts. Blankets and pillows are provided but this sheet is a light sheet/sleeping bag which will cover the blankets and pillows.
• Ensure you have downloaded your online maps and route guidance from our App.

Permits and Documentation:

• ▢ Identification (copy of passport, driver's license, etc.)

Gear and Equipment:

Backpack: Backpack for daily use with a waterproof cover or liner. It's crucial to have both a chest strap and a waist strap to evenly distribute the weight and enhance your walking stability. The backpack size you choose should be influenced by whether or not you've arranged for luggage transfer service. Avoid the temptation to select an overly large bag, as you may end up over-packing it!

For those who have arranged luggage transfer, consider a larger backpack. (see more details and recommendations on selecting a backpack below).

• ▢ Trekking Poles: Enhance stability and reduce leg strain during the trek.
• ▢ Backpack with Rain Cover
• ▢ Sunglasses Polarized

Selecting the Right Hiking Boots:

When embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc, selecting the right hiking boots and socks is paramount to ensure your comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment of the journey. This iconic trek spans over 170 kilometers and presents a variety of terrains, from rocky paths to alpine meadows. Here's what you need to know about choosing the proper hiking boots and socks for hiking the Mont Blanc trail :

Hiking Boots:

• Sturdy and Waterproof: Look for hiking boots that are both sturdy and waterproof (GoreTex is great). Mont Blanc's trail conditions can vary, and you'll likely encounter muddy sections, shallow streams, and even some snow at higher elevations. Waterproof boots with a durable build will keep your feet dry and protected.
• Ankle Support: Opt for boots with ankle support to reduce the risk of sprains or injuries on uneven terrain. The trail includes rocky sections and steep descents, making ankle stability crucial.
• Traction: High-traction outsoles are essential, especially when navigating rocky and slippery surfaces. Vibram soles or similar technologies provide excellent grip, reducing the risk of slipping.
• Comfort and Fit: Make sure your boots fit well and are comfortable for long days of hiking. It's advisable to break them in before the trip to prevent blisters and discomfort. Consider adding orthotic insoles if necessary for additional support.
• Weight: Choose lightweight yet durable boots, as you'll be covering significant distances each day. Heavy boots can lead to fatigue over the course of the trek.

Hiking Socks:

• Moisture-Wicking: Moisture-wicking socks are a must. They help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of blisters. Look for socks made from materials like merino wool or synthetic blends designed for moisture management.
• Cushioning: Opt for socks with cushioning in key areas, such as the heel and ball of the foot. This extra padding provides comfort during long hikes and helps protect your feet from impacts.
• Seamless Design: Choose socks with a seamless design to minimize friction against your skin, which can lead to blisters.
• Fit: Ensure your socks fit snugly but not too tight. Avoid socks that bunch up or wrinkle, as this can lead to hot spots and blisters.
• Carry Extra Pairs: It's a good idea to carry extra pairs of socks in your backpack, especially if you encounter wet conditions or stream crossings. Dry socks can be a real morale booster during a long day of hiking.

Remember that individual preferences and foot shapes vary, so it's essential to try on several pairs of boots and socks to find the combination that works best for you. Properly fitting, comfortable, and supportive footwear is one of the keys to enjoying the stunning beauty and challenges of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail to the fullest.

How to Choose the right Backpack for the TMB:

Selecting the right backpack for the Tour du Mont Blanc trail is a critical decision that can greatly impact your comfort and overall hiking experience. With a trek that covers diverse terrains and varying weather conditions, finding the perfect pack is essential for carrying your essentials. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the ideal backpack for this incredible journey:

1. Size and Capacity:

• The size of your backpack should align with your specific needs and whether or not you've arranged for luggage transfer. If you have booked luggage transfer services, a smaller pack (around 30-40 liters) for your daily essentials is sufficient.
• For those carrying their own gear, a slightly larger backpack (50-70 liters) is recommended to accommodate clothing, gear, and supplies for multi-day hiking.

2. Comfort and Fit:

• The fit is paramount. Ensure the backpack's shoulder straps, chest strap, and waist strap are adjustable and provide a snug, comfortable fit. A well-fitted pack reduces strain on your shoulders and back.
• Try on several options and adjust them to your body type. What fits one person perfectly may not be the best fit for another.

3. Weight Distribution:

• Look for a backpack with a chest strap and a waist strap. These features help distribute the weight evenly, reducing the strain on your back and enhancing walking stability.

4. Durability:

• The trail can be demanding, with rocky terrain and potentially unpredictable weather. Choose a backpack made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the trail.

5. Waterproofing:

• Given the potential for rain, snow, and stream crossings, it's advisable to select a backpack with a waterproof cover or liner to protect your belongings.

6. Organizational Features:

• Opt for a backpack with multiple compartments and pockets to help you stay organized. It's convenient to have quick access to essentials like a map, snacks, and a water bottle.

7. Load-Lifting Mechanism:

• Some backpacks come with load-lifting mechanisms that allow you to adjust the height of the load, helping maintain balance and comfort as you hike through varying terrain.

8. Quality Zippers and Fastenings:

• Ensure that zippers, clips, and fastenings are of high quality. A broken zipper or buckle on the trail can lead to unnecessary difficulties.

9. Weight of the Backpack:

• Select a backpack that is lightweight when empty to minimize the overall weight you carry. Every ounce counts on a long hike.

10. Test Packing:

• Before your trip, practice packing your backpack with the gear you intend to bring. This will help you assess if it comfortably accommodates all your essentials without overloading it.

Remember that your backpack is not just a utility but also a companion throughout your journey on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The right choice will ensure that you have the right balance of functionality, comfort, and durability, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and challenges that this iconic trail offers.

Check out our Self guided and Guided treks through for the Tour du Mont Blanc Trail.

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Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List: Everything You Need for an Epic Hike

Your ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc packing list—essential hiking gear, clothing, and a few luxury extras, all while keeping your pack light and ready for the adventure.

It can also be intimidating knowing what to pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc, especially if you’re carrying everything yourself, haven’t stayed in a mountain hut before and are trying to blalance having the essential gear for the TMB, with the weight of carrying it.

Besides our TMB Packing list, which you can shop for directly here , you can also check out our 6, 7 and 10-day TMB Self-Guided and Guided Tours . Or, if you’re wanting to plan it yourself and want further information, then check out: Tour du Mont Blanc: How to Plan for this Epic Trek.

My Experience of Packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc

The TMB was my first real long-distance hike.   I had only a vague idea of what to pack since most of my other hiking trips were day hikes or just an overnight backcountry camping trip.

When I first laid everything out on my bed and tried to stuff it in my backpack, a third of it didn’t fit. The next attempt, I managed to get it closed, but just barely.

After strapping it up and staggering a few steps, I quickly realized that if I was having a hard time making it across my bedroom, I had no chance of making it 160km across mountain passes every day.

S o I reduced it again. I can’t emphasize how important it is to prepare your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list in advance and see if you can carry your backpack!

It’s also a great idea to do some practice hikes with the equivalent weight of what you plan to bring with you on the TMB. Not only will your back and shoulders thank you, but it will also help build the muscles that you need. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc packing list will also work for our 7, 11 and 14-day  Haute Route  and our  Alta Via 1  hikes in Italy.

How to Use Our Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List:

Our TMB Packing List assumes that you will be staying in mountain huts, and taking between 7 – 12 days to do the hike, as I did when I hiked the TMB .

If you plan to sleep in a tent, of course, you would need camping gear. You’d also need to decide whether you would be cooking your own food or eating at a nearby refuge.

It also assumes that you will be carrying your own backpack. You’ll need a 45-60-L backpack. If you pack really light you can get away with a 45-litre backpack, which I used.

If you don’t want to carry your own backpack, then I highly recommend doing one of our  Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Hiking Tours . 

We can organize luggage transfer for you so that you just have to carry your day backpack.  If you’re having your luggage transferred daily, a 20-35-L backpack is fine.

Check out this  day hiking packing list if you choose that option. You can also shop our TMB list here . 

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List: Clothing for the Upper Body

Base layer:  for wicking sweat off your skin. I LOVE Merino wool as a base layer because it repels ordor but quick-drying polyester will also work and is cheaper. Never wear cotton, you’ll be too hot or too cold .

Your base layer can be a merino wool t-shirt or long sleeve shirt that’s loose enough that you can push the sleeves up if it gets too hot. And you can actually wear your Merino wool shirt multiple days without washing it and it really doesn’t smell, wicks away moisture and dries quickly. It’s also really soft on the skin.

Two shirts is enough if they have sleeves that you can roll up. Otherwise bring two long sleeve and one t-shirt in your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. 

Mid-layer: this is for insulating and helps your body retain heat. I always bring a lightweight fleece, even in summer, since temperatures can drop very quickly. You’ll likely also wear it in the evenings if you go outside the mountain huts, as the nights do get chilly in the Alps. 

Outer layer: this is a shell with a hood to protect you from wind and rain. There’s a good chance that it will rain at least once while you’re doing the TMB.  Weather can change quickly, and it can often be cold and windy in the French and Swiss Alps. 

Sports Bra: Obviously, this one is for women only. Ladies take care of your girls while staying comfortable and look for one that’s breathable and quick drying to prevent uncomfortable moisture from building up.

I’d recommend bringing 2 sports bra, plus 1 more for wearing in the mountain huts after hiking. 

You can see all these items in our TMB gear list on Amazon. 

TMB Packing List: Lower Body

Convertible Hiking Pants: These are my favourite essential item of hiking gear . They are full length pants that zip off at either just below the knee and/or also zip off above the knee, turning them into shorts, depending on the style. 

I almost never hike in regular shorts. These are much more practical should the weather change as it very likely while you’re hiking the TMB. Plus, then you only have to pack one pair, making your load lighter. 

W aterproof Pants: As mentioned, it will likely rain on your TMB hike, so bring a lightweight pair that doesn’t take up much room.

Hiking Shorts: These are optional, since I still prefer the convertible hiking pants mentioned above. 

Hiking Socks: Socks are one item you don’t want to cheap out on. A good pair of socks will help prevent blisters by wicking the moisture away. They’ll also help regulate your foot temperature.

All it takes it getting a bad blister once for you to be convinced of the value of a good pair of socks. Trust me, don’t learn the hard way. Bring 2 pairs of hiking socks, and another regular pair of socks for wearing in the evenings in the mountain huts. 

Quick Dry Underwear: Bring 3 pairs of quick-dry underwear . By being quick dry, you save space by not having to bring so many pairs.

Long Underwear : You only need these if you’re hiking the TMB in June or September. A thin pair made from Merino wool that easily fit under your convertible hiking pants will do the trick. 

Gaiters: You don’t need gaiters if you’re doing the TMB in July or August, but they do come in handy if you’re doing it early season in June or mid-September when there’s likely to be snow at the higher altitudes.

Hiking Boots: You’ll want to invest in a good pair of  hiking boots . Your feet will thank you for it. I always buy a 1/2 to 1 size bigger, since your feet swell after a day of hiking. I recommend trying them on near the end of a day, when your feet are already swollen.

Since you’ll be hiking multiple days in a row, I recommend hiking boots over hiking shoes for extra support and because you’ll be less likely to sprain an ankle. Be sure you break in your hiking boots well before your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure begins to prevent blisters .

You can find all these items in our TMB gear list on Amazon. 

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List Accessories

Duffel Bag/Soft Shell Luggage: If you’ve chosen the luggage transfer option on our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour , you’ll need to put your hiking gear in a duffel bag or soft shell luggage. The maximum weight is 33 lbs (15 kg). If you’re carrying your own stuff then you don’t need to worry about this. 

Hiking Backpack : 20-30L is fine if you’ve chosen the luggage transfer option. Otherwise, I’d recommend 45-60L if you’re carrying everything yourself but staying in mountain huts.  Look for one that has a built-in rain cover. It will fit better than if you buy one separately.

Also, buy one that has space between the pack and your back to prevent back sweat. It can be uncomfortable and can have a huge impact on your body temperature. Check for more tips on how to choose the right hiking backpack . I’m a big fan of Osprey and Deuter backpacks.

Hiking Poles: While these are technically an optional item on your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list, I highly recommend them for multi-day hikes since they significantly reduce the load from your joints, especially when hiking downhill.

Plus, studies show that they reduce muscle soreness (something you’ll definitely have on the TMB after hiking for multiple days in a row) and reduce recovery time.

Look for anti-shock (to absorb more of the impact) & retractable hiking poles so that you can carry them on your backpack when you’re not using them.

Baseball/Suncap: You definitely don’t want to get sunstroke while hiking so bring some kind of hat that will protect you from the sun. You only need the following three items if you’re hiking the TMB in June or September. 

Neck Warmer/Buff: This is an optional item in your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list, but I find it really useful and carry a thin one when I do the TMB, even in summer. 

Merino Beanie: When hiking in the French and Swiss Alps in June and September it can be cool in the mornings so I recommend bringing a Merino wool beanie that’s moisture wicking since hiking the TMB will make you sweat even if it is cold. Light Gloves: As it can be cold in the mornings in June and September, and sometimes throughout the day in June and September bring a thin pair of gloves to keep your hands warm. 

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List: At the Mountain Hut

These TMB packing list items are intended if you’re staying in a mountain hut and will be hanging out with other hikers. If you’re doing our 6-day Luxury Tour du Mont Blanc , you can bring whatever you like. 

Indoor Shoes: Mountain huts do not allow regular shoes in certain areas or at all in the hut. Bring a pair of flip flops, slippers, or another pair of comfortable shoes that don’t take up much room to be worn indoors only. Some, but not all mountain huts will provide these.

Pyjamas: You may be sharing a room with others. Even if you have your own private room, you will be sharing a bathroom, so bring something that you’re comfortable with other seeing.  I.e. leave the negligee at home. Alternatively, you can sleep in your clean hiking shirt, or long underwear if you’re trying to pack lighter. 

Sleeping Bag Liner: A sleeping bag liner serves as a barrier between you and the blankets. It can be very thin, like a sheet. Don’t worry about being cold since the mountain huts provide blankets, and some will provide a pillow. Bring this even if you’re staying in private rooms since some but not all accommodations provide linens.

Quick-Dry Towel: Most mountain huts don’t provide towels, so you need one you can dry off with after a shower, and use to dry your face.

Casual Shirt/Pants For Hanging Out in the Mountain Hut: Comfortable shirt and pair of casual pants or leggings . You’ll wear these after hiking and having dinner in the mountain huts. You can also wear your hiking clothes if you have enough extras, but you’ll definitely want clean ones. And allow time for drying as well. 

Universal Travel Adapter: You’ll need an adapter that works in Europe and that has multiple outlets. Outlets are in short supply in the mountain huts, so choose one allows you to charge multiple devices at the same time – i.e. yours and your hiking buddy . 

Basic Toiletries: Toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc, but try to keep it light and pack in a water resistant packing cube to prevent leakages. 

Travel Laundry Soap: Hand washing your clothing during your trek means you won’t have to bring as much and will lighten your pack. Look for biodegradable detergent to reduce your environmental impact on the fragile Alps.  

Optional Items for the Mountain Huts:

The following items are optional but I find make staying in mountain huts much more pleasurable.

Kindle Fire: If you like to read then bring your Kindle and  pre-load with books (like my book Dating Tips for Women with Advice From Cats 😉 since wifi in the mountain huts may not be strong enough to download a good. 

Card Game: You’ll likely find yourself with time to relax after hiking when you arrive at the mountain hut each day. Bring a card game or other game that doesn’t take up much space. Also invite other hikers to play. It’s a great way to connect. 

Small Massage Ball : I highly recommend bringing a small one that you can use on your feet, aching shoulders, and legs. It doesn’t take up much room and feels soooo good.

Magnesium: This is an optional item, but I find when doing a multi-day hike , like the TMB, that taking magnesium each day helps to reduce muscle soreness. 

Muscle-Soreness Relief Cream: If you’re prone to muscle soreness or haven’t done many multi-day hikes before, then consider bringing something to help relieve sore muscles. 

Hydration & Food on the Tour du Mont Blanc

You’ll get breakfast, although breakfasts can be small and dinner on our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tours, and if dinner isn’t included, there will be nearby restaurants. You can also order a packed lunch from your mountain hut the night before to take with you the next day. You can also eat at a mountain hut en route while hiking, but I don’t recommend relying on this since you may reach a mountain hut before or after lunch time, or it may be full. That’s why I recommend the packed lunch and bringing hiking snacks. You can buy hiking snack in Chamonix before the start of your trek and you’ll be able to refill in Courmayeur, but if you have favorite snacks that you can’t live without, then consider bringing them with you. 

Water Bladder/Water Reservoir: I prefer hiking with this since I find I drink more, preventing dehydration and can hike and drink at the same time without having to stop and break my pace. I recommend a 3-L one for the TMB. 

Water Bottle: You can just use water bottles to hike, or a combination of a water bottle and a water bladder (my preference), but always have at least 2 water sources in case one leaks and you find yourself without water. 

Electrolyte Tablets/Powder: These stay in my First-Aid kit and I’ll frequently use it when hiking in hot weather as a preventive measure.  If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or have low blood pressure, these can make you feel better in a flash. 

Energy Bars: Energy bars are a great food source on the trail. I always keep one or two as an emergency stash in my backpack. Also check out what I recommend for hiking snacks here. 

Nuts: Nuts, seeds, trail mix are all good choices as they fill you up and don’t take up much room. 

Safety Items for Your Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Emergency Thermal Blanket : This is tiny, but may save your life if you get stranded on the mountain since hypothermia is a real risk if you unexpectedly end up having to spend the night on a mountain. I never hike without one. See my post where I talk about why a survival blanket is a must when hiking . 

Mini First Aid Kit: For day hikes you probably don’t need a full-size First Aid Kit. I use a mini one which has the basics. Find out more about what should be in your First Aid Kit .  Blister Prevention/Treatment:

Anti-Blister Stick: Bring instant comfort to those spots that feel like they are going to blister, especially when doing a hike like the TMB when you’ll be hiking multiple days in a row. Prevention is key. You want to use it before it turns into a blister.

Compeed Blister Cushions: I think Compeed is the best blister treatment on the market! I always carry a few in my backpack.

Navigation Essentials for Your TMB Packing List

Smart Phone: If you’re doing one of our Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided tours , you’ll need one to download your tour and the GPS tracks. Even if you’re going on your own, and not doing one of our tours, I highly recommend downloading the GPS tracks of your day hike into a hiking app such as AllTrails, Gaia, or Mapy, before you go hiking to ensure that you don’t get lost.

While you can bring another GPS device, I prefer a smartphone since you can also use it to take photos of your hike. 

Paper Map: Always bring a paper copy of a map and a description of your Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route. It’s fine to use hiking apps/electronic versions, but bring a paper one as a backup in case the electronic version fails.

Miscellaneous Items for Your Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Head Lamp & Batteries : I always carry a headlamp in my backpack. While the TMB is well marked and it’s unlikely that you’ll need it while hiking, you may need it in the mountain hut if you have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

Bug spray: This is a small item to carry and is essential in my book.

Toilet Paper: If you’ve ever been without toilet paper while hiking and had a #2 bathroom emergency, you’ll understand why you should always bring a roll with you.

Plastic Bags: You have two choices, either bury your #2 business, or carry out your used toilet paper. Yes, it’s stinky and gross, but do it anyway.

Sunscreen: Sun protection is really important.

Sunglasses: A must on the trail. I never go on a hike without them.

Cooling Towel: A cooling towel is an optional item if you tend to overheat and are hiking the TMB in July or August. 

Wipes: Cleansing wipes can be useful if you want to freshen up but aren’t essential. Look for ones that are biodegradable. Most mountain huts have timed showers, but occasionally if it’s been a dry year, you might not have the option to take a shower, and wipes will make you feel cleaner and get some of the sweat off you. 

Waterproof Phone Case. Having a waterproof case for your phone on a hike can be a great asset if you’re hiking in a wet area and have your phone out a lot for navigation.  Dry Bag: For your electronics and passport. Note, even if you have chosen the luggage transfer option, you’re legally required to have your passport with you at all times (or EU ID if you’re an EU citizen).

Travel Insurance

As soon as your accommodations and hiking tour have been confirmed, I recommend purchasing Travel and trip cancellation insurance right away. I recommend HeyMondo (and you’ll get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader) since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.

Also, unlike many insurance policies, it also covers pandemics in case we ever find ourselves in a situation like we had a few years ago. Check out their site for the specific details, as not everything is included. 

Now you have your ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.  Happy packing!

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Tour Du Mont Blanc Hike: Your Complete Packing List

Introduction

Embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike is an exciting and challenging adventure. This iconic trek takes you through stunning alpine landscapes, rugged mountain trails, and charming mountain villages in France, Italy, and Switzerland. As you prepare for this epic journey, one of the key aspects to consider is packing the right gear and essentials.

Having a comprehensive packing list will ensure you have everything you need to tackle the varying terrain and weather conditions along the way. From clothing and footwear to camping gear and navigation tools, being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall experience on the trail.

In this guide, we will provide you with a complete packing list for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. Whether you plan to do the entire route or just a section of it, this list will help you prioritize your gear and ensure you have everything necessary for a successful and enjoyable adventure.

It’s important to note that the weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, with rapid changes in temperature and sudden weather shifts. Therefore, it’s essential to pack for a range of conditions, including both warm and cold weather gear. Layering is key to adapt to changing temperatures and to stay comfortable throughout your hike.

Before we dive into the specific items you need, it’s essential to consider the weight and size of your gear. Since you’ll be carrying everything on your back, it’s crucial to prioritize lightweight and compact options. Look for gear specifically designed for backpacking and hiking, as they are often lighter and more durable.

Now, let’s explore the essential gear you should pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Essential Gear

When preparing for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, there are several pieces of essential gear you should prioritize. These items will ensure your safety and comfort during the expedition. Here are the key essentials to include in your packing list:

• Backpack: Choose a backpack that is lightweight, comfortable, and has a capacity of at least 40-50 liters. Look for a backpack with multiple compartments for easy organization.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles provide stability and support on uneven terrain. Opt for collapsible poles that can easily fit in your backpack when not in use.
• Headlamp: A headlamp is essential for navigating the trail in low-light conditions or during early morning starts. Make sure to pack extra batteries.
• Water Bottles or Hydration System: Staying hydrated is crucial while hiking. Carry at least two water bottles or a hydration system with a minimum capacity of two liters.
• Multi-tool or Knife: A multi-tool or knife comes in handy for various tasks like cooking, repairing gear, or emergency situations.
• Map and Compass/GPS: Ensure you have a detailed map of the trail and a compass or GPS device to navigate your way. Familiarize yourself with the route before setting off.
• Waterproof Poncho or Rain Jacket: The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have waterproof protection. Pack a lightweight poncho or a quality rain jacket.
• Sun Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays at high altitudes.
• Emergency Whistle: In case of emergencies or getting lost, an emergency whistle can help attract attention from fellow hikers or rescue teams.
• Basic Repair Kit: Pack a small repair kit with items like duct tape, safety pins, and a sewing kit to fix gear or clothing on the go.

In addition to the items mentioned above, it’s crucial to have a well-stocked first aid kit that includes essential items like bandages, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any necessary medications for your personal needs.

Remember, the weight of your gear is important, so prioritize lightweight options while ensuring the quality and functionality of each item. Packing smartly will help you enjoy the journey without being burdened by unnecessary weight.

Choosing the right clothing for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike is crucial to stay comfortable and protected from the elements. Keep in mind that the weather in the Alps can change rapidly, so it’s important to pack versatile and layerable clothing. Here are the essential clothing items to include in your packing list:

• Base Layers: Pack moisture-wicking and quick-drying base layers, such as long-sleeve shirts and leggings, to provide warmth and keep you dry during strenuous hikes.
• Hiking Pants/Shorts: Bring lightweight and quick-drying hiking pants or shorts, depending on the weather and your personal preference. Look for options with zip-off legs for added versatility.
• Fleece or Insulated Jacket: A warm and lightweight fleece or insulated jacket is essential for layering in colder temperatures. Choose a jacket that provides good insulation without adding excessive weight.
• Waterproof and Windproof Shell: Invest in a high-quality waterproof and windproof shell jacket to protect yourself from rain, snow, and strong winds. Look for features like sealed seams and adjustable hoods for added protection.
• Warm Hat and Gloves: Keep your extremities warm by packing a beanie or hat and a pair of insulated gloves. Opt for moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials.
• Hiking Socks: Invest in high-quality hiking socks that provide cushioning, moisture-wicking properties, and blister prevention. Pack several pairs to rotate during your hike.
• Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes: Choose sturdy and comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with good ankle support. Make sure to break them in before your hike to minimize the risk of blisters and discomfort.
• Gaiters: Gaiters are useful to protect your legs and boots from debris, mud, and snow. They can be especially beneficial during wetter sections of the trail.
• Swimwear/Towel: Consider packing swimwear and a quick-drying towel if you plan on taking a dip in one of the refreshing alpine lakes along the route.

It’s important to prioritize comfort, functionality, and layering when selecting clothing for your hike. Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable materials to keep you dry and comfortable during physical activity. Layering allows you to add or remove clothing as per the weather conditions, ensuring optimal comfort throughout your journey.

Remember to pack extra clothing items like underwear and t-shirts to stay fresh and hygienic during your hike. Always check the weather forecast before setting off and adjust your clothing choices accordingly.

When it comes to footwear for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, choosing the right shoes is crucial for your comfort and safety on the trail. The varied terrain and long distances covered require sturdy and supportive footwear. Here are the essential footwear items to include in your packing list:

• Hiking Boots: Invest in a pair of high-quality hiking boots that provide ankle support, stability, and durability. Look for boots with a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Trail Running Shoes: If you prefer a lighter and more flexible option, consider trail running shoes. These shoes are designed for rugged terrains and are lightweight and breathable.
• Spare Shoes/Sandals: It’s a good idea to pack a pair of lightweight sandals or spare shoes to give your feet a break during rest stops or at the end of the day. Sandals are also convenient for crossing streams or cooling off your feet on hot days.
• Hiking Socks: Invest in high-quality hiking socks that provide cushioning, moisture-wicking properties, and blister prevention. Look for options with reinforced heels and toes.
• Blister Treatment: Pack blister treatment items such as moleskin or blister patches to prevent discomfort and manage blisters that may occur during the hike.

When choosing footwear, make sure to try them on and walk around in them to ensure a proper fit and minimal discomfort. It’s advisable to break them in before your hike to reduce the risk of blisters and hotspots. Additionally, consider investing in moisture-wicking and quick-drying socks to keep your feet dry and minimize the risk of blisters.

Remember, comfortable and well-fitting footwear is essential for a successful and enjoyable trek. Take the time to find the right shoes that meet your needs and preferences, and don’t forget to pack blister treatment items just in case.

Choosing the right backpack for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike is essential, as it will be your trusted companion throughout the journey. Your backpack should be comfortable, functional, and able to accommodate all your gear without adding unnecessary weight. Here are some key considerations when selecting your backpack:

• Capacity: Opt for a backpack with a capacity of at least 40-50 liters to fit all your essential gear, including clothing, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and other personal items.
• Comfort: Look for a backpack with adjustable padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a hip belt. These features distribute the weight evenly and provide added support, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.
• Accessibility: Choose a backpack with multiple compartments, pockets, and easy-access zippers. This will allow you to organize your gear efficiently and easily access items when needed.
• Durability: Invest in a backpack made with durable, water-resistant material that can withstand the rigors of the trail. Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers are also important for long-lasting performance.
• Weight: Consider the weight of the backpack itself. Look for lightweight options without compromising on durability and functionality. Remember, the lighter your backpack, the more comfortable your hiking experience will be.
• Extras: Look for additional features like external attachment points, compression straps, and a rain cover. These extras can help you secure additional gear to the outside of your backpack and protect it from the elements.
• Fitting: Before purchasing a backpack, make sure to try it on and adjust the straps to ensure a proper fit. The hip belt should sit comfortably on your hips, and the shoulder straps should not dig into your shoulders.

It’s also important to consider the weight distribution within your backpack. Place heavier items closer to your back and towards the bottom, while lighter items can be positioned towards the top or on the sides. This will help maintain balance and stability while hiking.

Remember, your backpack will be your home away from home during the hike, so choose wisely. Take the time to research and try out different backpacks to find the one that suits your needs and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Sleeping Bag

A good quality sleeping bag is essential for a good night’s sleep and optimal rest during the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. The Alps can have chilly nights even during the summer months, so it’s important to choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for the expected temperatures along the trail. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your sleeping bag:

• Temperature Rating: Look for a sleeping bag with a temperature rating suitable for the expected weather conditions during your hike. Choose a bag rated to a few degrees below the lowest temperature you anticipate encountering.
• Insulation Type: Sleeping bags come with different insulation types, such as down or synthetic. Down insulation offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, but it may lose its insulation properties when wet. Synthetic insulation performs better in damp conditions but tends to be bulkier.
• Weight and Packability: Consider the weight and compressibility of the sleeping bag, especially if you’re aiming to travel light. Lightweight and compact sleeping bags are more suitable for backpacking and won’t take up much space in your backpack.
• Size and Fit: Make sure to choose a sleeping bag that fits your body size and shape. A bag that is too tight will restrict movement and may be uncomfortable, while a bag that is too large will not provide optimal warmth.
• Additional Features: Look for features like a hood, draft collar, and zipper draft tube to help retain heat and prevent cold spots. A two-way zipper is also useful for ventilation and temperature regulation.
• Sleeping Bag Liner: Consider using a sleeping bag liner for added cleanliness and warmth. A liner can also extend the life of your sleeping bag by protecting it from oils and dirt.

Remember to properly store and care for your sleeping bag to maintain its insulation properties. It’s recommended to use a waterproof stuff sack or compression sack to keep your sleeping bag dry and save space in your backpack.

While the specific sleeping bag you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the anticipated weather conditions, investing in a high-quality sleeping bag suitable for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike will ensure you have a restful and comfortable sleeping environment throughout your adventure.

Having a reliable and suitable tent is crucial for camping along the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. A tent provides shelter from the elements and a comfortable place to rest after a long day on the trail. Consider the following factors when selecting a tent for your adventure:

• Capacity: Determine the number of people who will be sharing the tent and choose a size accordingly. Keep in mind that a two-person tent may be more comfortable for solo hikers who want extra space.
• Weight and Packability: Look for a tent that is lightweight and compact, especially if you plan on carrying it in your backpack. Ultralight tents are ideal for backpacking and can help reduce the overall weight of your gear.
• Season Rating: Consider the season rating of the tent. For the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, a three-season tent is typically sufficient. It is designed to withstand mild to moderate weather conditions in spring, summer, and fall.
• Weather Resistance: Ensure that the tent is made from quality material that offers adequate waterproofing and wind resistance. Look for features such as a waterproof rainfly, bathtub-style floor, and taped seams to keep you dry during inclement weather.
• Setup: Choose a tent with a user-friendly and straightforward setup process, especially if you’ll be camping in different locations along the route. Freestanding tents are convenient as they can be pitched without the use of stakes.
• Ventilation: Look for a tent with mesh panels and vents to provide adequate airflow and reduce condensation. This will help prevent moisture buildup inside the tent and improve overall comfort.
• Durability: Select a tent made with durable materials and strong construction. Reinforced stitching, high-denier fabric, and quality zippers will contribute to the long-term durability of your tent.

Consider your personal preferences, the expected weather conditions, and your budget when choosing a tent for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. Remember to practice setting up your tent before your trip to ensure a smooth and efficient camping experience on the trail.

Additionally, it’s essential to follow the Leave No Trace principles when camping. Pitch your tent in designated camping areas and be mindful of the local regulations regarding camping along the Tour du Mont Blanc route. Respect the environment and leave nature untouched for future hikers to enjoy.

Sleeping Pad

A comfortable and insulating sleeping pad is a crucial piece of gear for a good night’s sleep while camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. It provides cushioning, insulation, and helps to alleviate pressure points while you rest. Here are some considerations when selecting a sleeping pad:

• Type: There are two main types of sleeping pads: foam pads and inflatable pads. Foam pads are lightweight, durable, and provide good insulation. Inflatable pads are more comfortable and compact when deflated, but they require inflation and can be punctured.
• Insulation: Look for a sleeping pad with sufficient insulation to keep you warm during chilly nights. The R-value indicates the pad’s thermal resistance, with higher values providing better insulation. Consider the expected temperatures along the trail and choose an appropriate R-value.
• Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the sleeping pad, especially if you’re hiking and carrying it in your backpack. Look for lightweight and compact options that will not add excess weight to your load.
• Comfort: Choose a sleeping pad that offers ample cushioning and support. Thicker pads generally provide more comfort but may be heavier and bulkier. Look for features like contoured or baffled designs that can enhance comfort and stability.
• Inflation: If you opt for an inflatable sleeping pad, consider the ease and convenience of inflation. Some pads come with integrated hand or foot pumps, while others require a separate pump or can be inflated manually by blowing into a valve.
• Durability: Ensure that the sleeping pad is made with durable materials that can withstand rough terrain and regular use. Look for materials like ripstop nylon and check for reinforced seams and quality valves.
• Packability: Consider how well the sleeping pad can be packed and how it fits in your backpack. Look for pads that can be rolled or folded compactly to save space.

Testing out different sleeping pads and finding one that suits your comfort preferences is essential. Consider factors such as sleeping position, desired insulation, and personal comfort when making your decision.

Remember to properly care for and store your sleeping pad after each use. Avoid placing it directly on sharp or abrasive surfaces that can damage the material, and be cautious when inflating or deflating to prevent punctures.

Investing in a high-quality and comfortable sleeping pad will ensure a restful night’s sleep and allow you to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Cooking Equipment

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc means you’ll need to rely on your own cooking abilities to fuel your adventure. Having the right cooking equipment is essential for preparing meals and enjoying hot drinks along the trail. Here are some key items to include in your cooking gear:

• Stove: Choose a lightweight and compact backpacking stove that uses a fuel source appropriate for your needs, such as gas canisters or liquid fuel. Opt for a stove with a stable base and adjustable flame control.
• Cookware: Bring a lightweight cooking pot or set of pots with lids that can accommodate your meals. Look for durable materials like aluminum or titanium to minimize weight.
• Eating Utensils: Pack a compact and lightweight set of utensils, including a spoon, knife, and fork. Consider using a collapsible or foldable design for easy storage.
• Plates/Bowls: Choose lightweight and durable plates or bowls for eating your meals. Look for options that are easy to clean and can double as food storage containers if needed.
• Cutlery: Pack a small knife for slicing and food preparation, as well as a spatula or cooking spoon for stirring and serving meals.
• Cup/Mug: Bring a lightweight and insulated cup or mug for enjoying hot drinks like coffee or tea.
• Water Purification: Carry a water purification system, such as water filters or purification tablets, to ensure access to safe drinking water along the trail.
• Lighter/Matches: Don’t forget to pack a reliable lighter or waterproof matches to ignite your stove and start your campfire if permitted in designated areas.
• Cooking Fuel: Ensure you have enough cooking fuel to last throughout your hike. Calculate your needs based on the number of meals you plan to cook and estimated fuel consumption.
• Cooking Accessories: Consider additional accessories, such as a pot gripper for handling hot cookware, a compact cutting board, and ziplock bags for food storage.

Remember to familiarize yourself with local regulations and guidelines for cooking and campfires along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Practice Leave No Trace principles and use designated cooking areas when available.

Having the right cooking equipment will allow you to enjoy hot and nutritious meals while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Alps during your Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Food and Water

Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining energy and endurance during the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. It’s important to plan your meals and carry enough food and water to sustain you throughout the journey. Here are some tips for food and water on the trail:

• Meal Planning: Plan your meals in advance to ensure you have a balanced and nutritious diet while hiking. Include a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to fuel your body.
• Dehydrated Meals: Consider using dehydrated meals specifically designed for backpacking. These meals are lightweight, easy to prepare, and require minimal cooking equipment.
• Snacks: Pack a variety of lightweight and nutrient-dense snacks, such as energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and jerky, to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
• Instant Coffee/Tea: If you enjoy a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, bring instant coffee or tea sachets for a quick and convenient hot drink.
• Water Sources: Along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, you’ll have access to natural water sources like streams and rivers. Carry a water filtration system or purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water.
• Water Bottles/Hydration System: Carry at least two water bottles or a hydration system with a minimum capacity of two liters. Staying properly hydrated is essential for performance and overall well-being.
• Refilling Opportunities: Take note of the refilling opportunities along the trail, such as mountain huts, villages, or campsites, where you can replenish your water supply.
• Food Storage: Use resealable bags or lightweight containers to store your food and protect it from moisture and pests.
• Local Cuisine: Take advantage of the local cuisine during your hike. Visit local markets or shops along the way to try fresh produce, cheese, bread, or other regional specialties.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out your food waste and dispose of it properly in designated areas, following the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.

Keep in mind that the Tour du Mont Blanc hike can be physically demanding, so it’s important to fuel your body with adequate food and stay hydrated throughout your journey. Regularly monitor your water intake and adjust your food consumption based on the intensity and duration of your daily hikes.

By planning your meals and carrying enough food and water, you’ll have the nourishment and hydration necessary to tackle the challenges of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike and fully enjoy the experience.

Navigation Tools

Proper navigation is essential for safely navigating the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, especially as you traverse through various terrains and encounter different trail markings. Here are the essential navigation tools to include in your gear:

• Map: Carry a detailed and up-to-date map of the Tour du Mont Blanc route. Choose a map specifically designed for hiking, with accurate trail information, topographic details, and landmarks.
• Compass: A compass is a valuable tool for orienting yourself and determining your direction while hiking. Learn how to use a compass effectively before your hike to ensure you can confidently navigate the trail.
• GPS Device or Smartphone: Consider using a GPS device or smartphone app with GPS capabilities to track your progress, locate waypoints, and helps supplement your map and compass navigation. Ensure you have a reliable power source or bring portable power banks for extended use.
• Guidebook: An informative guidebook specific to the Tour du Mont Blanc can provide valuable information about the trail, landmarks, accommodations, and local highlights along the route. It can serve as an additional resource for navigation and trip planning.
• Trail Markings: Familiarize yourself with the various trail markings along the Tour du Mont Blanc route, such as painted markers, signposts, and cairns. Follow these markings and use them as a guide to stay on the designated trail.
• Knowledge of Route: Study the route and become familiar with the key landmarks, passes, and villages along the Tour du Mont Blanc. This knowledge will help you stay on track and avoid getting lost.
• Guide or Local Expertise: Consider hiring a guide or joining a guided group for added safety and local knowledge. An experienced guide can provide valuable insights into the route and navigate tricky sections with ease.

It’s important to note that relying solely on electronic devices for navigation may have limitations, such as battery life, connectivity issues, or environmental factors. It’s always wise to have a backup plan and carry physical maps and a compass as a reliable fallback option.

Before starting your hike, take the time to familiarize yourself with your navigation tools and practice using them. This will build confidence in your ability to navigate the Tour du Mont Blanc trail and enhance your overall experience.

First Aid Kit

Carrying a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any hiking adventure, including the Tour du Mont Blanc. While we hope you won’t need it, accidents and injuries can happen, and being prepared can make a significant difference in handling emergencies. Here are the key items to include in your first aid kit:

• Bandages and Dressings: Pack a variety of adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and adhesive tape to cover and protect wounds.
• Antiseptic Wipes and Ointments: Include antiseptic wipes or solutions to clean wounds, as well as antibiotic ointments to prevent infection.
• Pain Relievers: Carry over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Blister Treatment: Include blister pads, moleskin, or blister plasters to provide relief and prevent further irritation during long hikes.
• Tweezers and Scissors: Pack tweezers to remove splinters or debris and a small pair of scissors for cutting bandages or tape.
• Medical Gloves: Include disposable medical gloves to protect both you and the injured person during first aid procedures.
• Emergency Medications: If you have any specific personal medications, bring an extra supply in case of unexpected delays. Additionally, consider including antihistamines for allergic reactions and any necessary prescription medications.
• Emergency Blanket: Carry a lightweight and compact emergency blanket to provide warmth and insulation in case of emergencies or unexpected night stays.
• Emergency Contact Information: Include a list of emergency contact numbers, local emergency services, and any relevant medical information in case of emergencies.
• Moleskin or Athletic Tape: These items can be used to protect and support joints or muscles in case of strains or sprains.

It’s important to regularly check and replenish your first aid kit, ensuring that all items are in good condition and up to date. Additionally, consider taking a basic first aid course or familiarize yourself with first aid procedures to effectively respond to different situations.

While a first aid kit is an essential item, it’s important to note that it is not a substitute for professional medical care. In case of severe injuries or emergencies, contact emergency services or seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Carrying a well-equipped first aid kit will give you peace of mind as you hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, offering the ability to handle minor injuries and manage unexpected situations effectively.

Packing the right toiletries is essential for maintaining personal hygiene and comfort during the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. While it’s important to pack light, including these essential toiletries will help you stay fresh and clean during your adventure:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Don’t forget to pack a lightweight and travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain your dental hygiene.
• Biodegradable Soap: Choose a biodegradable soap that is suitable for both body and hair. This will allow you to keep clean while minimizing your impact on the environment.
• Quick-Drying Towel: Bring a lightweight and quick-drying towel that can absorb moisture effectively and dry quickly, saving space in your backpack.
• Hand Sanitizer: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean, especially before meals and after using restroom facilities.
• Wet Wipes: Pack a few wet wipes for refreshing and cleaning purposes when access to water is limited. Look for biodegradable options to minimize environmental impact.
• Toilet Paper: Carry a roll of toilet paper or a travel-size pack of tissue to ensure you have it readily available during bathroom breaks.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by using a high SPF sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is suitable for outdoor activities and sweat-resistant.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Keep your lips hydrated and protected from sunburn by using a lip balm with SPF.
• Insect Repellent: Depending on the time of year and location, insects may be present along the trail. Pack a travel-sized insect repellent to keep bugs at bay.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: If applicable, pack a sufficient supply of feminine hygiene products tailored to your needs.

Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and properly dispose of any waste, including toiletries. Pack out used toilet paper and other hygiene products to minimize environmental impact and maintain the pristine beauty of the trail.

By including these essential toiletries in your packing list, you’ll have the necessary items to maintain personal hygiene and comfort throughout your Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Personal Items

In addition to the essential gear and toiletries, there are certain personal items that you’ll want to have with you on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike to enhance your overall experience. These items can add comfort, convenience, and personal enjoyment to your adventure. Here are some personal items to consider packing:

• Camera: Capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments along the trail by bringing a camera or a smartphone with a good quality camera.
• Binoculars: Spot wildlife or take in sweeping views with a pair of compact binoculars, allowing you to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Alps even more.
• Journal and Pen: Record your thoughts, experiences, and memorable moments in a journal. Reflecting on your journey can be a meaningful way to document your adventure.
• Power Bank or Portable Charger: Ensure your electronic devices stay charged and ready to use with a portable power bank or charger. This is especially important if you rely on a smartphone, GPS, or other electronic devices for navigation.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays with a pair of sunglasses. Choose sunglasses with good coverage and UV protection.
• Hat/Cap: Shield yourself from the sun and keep your head cool by wearing a hat or a cap. Look for options with UPF sun protection.
• Earplugs/Sleeping Mask: If you’re a light sleeper, consider packing earplugs and a sleeping mask to help block out noise and light, ensuring a restful sleep.
• Book/Kindle or Music Player: Provide entertainment and relaxation during downtime by bringing a book, Kindle, or a music player loaded with your favorite tunes or audiobooks.
• Personal Identification and Documents: Carry important identification documents, such as your passport, identification card, travel insurance, and any necessary permits or reservations.
• Cash/Credit Cards: Carry some cash and a credit or debit card for emergency purposes or for purchasing supplies along the route.

While personal items may add weight to your backpack, they can greatly contribute to your comfort and enjoyment on the stunning Tour du Mont Blanc hike. Consider your personal preferences and the activities you enjoy to determine which items are essential for your journey.

Keep in mind that the weight of your backpack is important, so prioritize lightweight and compact versions of these personal items when possible. Focus on items that will truly enhance your experience and leave behind anything that is not essential.

By including a few personal items that bring you joy and enhance your experience, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Optional Gear

In addition to the essential and personal items, there are several optional gear items that you may consider bringing along on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike. These items can enhance your comfort, convenience, or provide additional safety measures. While not essential, they can be valuable additions to your gear list. Here are some optional gear items to consider:

• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles provide extra stability and support, especially during steep ascents and descents. They can also help alleviate strain on your knees and joints.
• Portable Camp Chair: If you enjoy relaxing at camp after a long day of hiking, a lightweight and compact camp chair can provide much-needed comfort and relaxation.
• Hammock: For those who prefer a unique sleeping experience, a lightweight hammock can be a cozy alternative to a tent. Ensure you know the camping regulations and availability of suitable trees along the trail.
• Portable Solar Charger: If you plan on using electronic devices extensively or require frequent charging, a portable solar charger can provide a renewable power source and keep your devices charged during your trek.
• Bear Canister: If you’ll be hiking in areas with a bear presence, a bear canister can be used to store your food securely and prevent wildlife encounters. Check local regulations and requirements before carrying one.
• Whistle: A lightweight whistle can be an essential safety item to attract attention in case of emergencies or to communicate with your hiking party.
• Extra Clothes/Footwear: Depending on the length and conditions of your hike, you may choose to bring an extra set of clothes or additional footwear for comfort and versatility.
• Travel Pillow: If you value added comfort during sleep, consider bringing a compact travel pillow to provide support and cushioning for your head and neck.
• Waterproof Dry Bags: Protect your gear, clothing, and electronics from moisture by using waterproof dry bags to store them inside your backpack.
• Repair Kit: Depending on your level of comfort with gear repairs, carrying a small repair kit with items like duct tape, extra tent stakes, and a sewing kit can be useful in case of emergencies.

While optional gear items can add convenience and comfort to your hiking experience, it’s important to carefully consider their weight, functionality, and personal preferences before including them in your pack. Assess your own needs, the specific requirements of the trail, and the expected weather conditions to make informed decisions about optional gear.

Remember that lighter backpacks contribute to better mobility and reduce the strain on your body during long hikes. Balance the desire for additional comfort with the need to pack efficiently and maintain an appropriate weight for your hike.

By choosing optional gear items that align with your specific hiking style and preferences, you can further customize your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure to meet your comfort levels and enhance your overall experience.

Preparing for the Tour du Mont Blanc hike requires careful planning and packing the right gear. By having a comprehensive packing list, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this iconic trail. Remember to prioritize lightweight and compact items that are suitable for the varying terrain and weather conditions. Pack essentials like clothing, footwear, a reliable backpack, and a comfortable sleeping bag. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary navigation tools, a well-stocked first aid kit, and toiletries for personal hygiene.

Consider personal items that will enhance your experience, such as a camera to capture memories, a journal to reflect on your journey, and a power bank to keep your devices charged. Optional gear choices, like trekking poles or a portable camp chair, can add an extra level of comfort and convenience to your hike.

Throughout your adventure, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect the natural environment, and adhere to local regulations. Be mindful of the impact you have on the land and wildlife, and leave the trail as beautiful as you found it.

As you embark on the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, take the time to thoroughly prepare and pack all the necessary gear. Striking the right balance between carrying essential items and keeping your backpack as light as possible will greatly enhance your overall experience. Enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes, challenging trails, and rich cultural heritage that the Tour du Mont Blanc has to offer. Happy hiking!

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A Complete Guide to Preparing for the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a stunning trek that offers breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and a challenging adventure through the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this guide will help you prepare for this iconic journey, covering everything from the best times to hike, essential packing tips, accommodation options, and training advice. With the right preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this magnificent circuit.

With the TMB Guide to assist you, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this magnificent circuit.

Table of Contents

• 1 What is the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)?
• 2 Why Should You Do the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• 3 How to Plan for the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• 4 What Should You Pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• 5 What Are the Different Routes for the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• 6 What Are the Accommodation Options on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• 7 How to Train and Prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• 8 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)?

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes, encircling the Mont Blanc massif and crossing three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trek offers hikers the chance to experience the stunning alpine landscapes, including picturesque villages, lush meadows, and towering glaciers. The TMB attracts both seasoned trekkers and beginners, making it a must-do adventure for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Why Should You Do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Embarking on the TMB is more than just a hike; it’s an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and personal challenges. The trek offers the opportunity to explore the majestic beauty of the Mont Blanc massif, encounter charming mountain villages, savor local cuisine, and witness diverse wildlife.

How to Plan for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Choosing the Right Season to Hike

The best time to hike the TMB is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is most favorable, and the trails are clear of snow. This period offers stunning views of blooming alpine meadows and the opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife. However, summer is also the peak season, so be prepared for crowded trails. Hiking in the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) can offer a quieter experience, but be aware that weather conditions may be less predictable.

Deciding on a Direction to Hike

You can hike the TMB in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The choice depends on your preferences and fitness level. Hiking clockwise offers a more gradual build-up of difficulty, while hiking counterclockwise allows you to tackle the most challenging sections early on. Both directions offer stunning views and unique experiences, so consider what will work best for you.

Creating a Budget

Budgeting for the TMB involves considering costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and any trekking agency fees if you choose to use one. Accommodation can range from camping (the cheapest option) to staying in mountain huts (refuges) or hotels. Meals at refuges are typically more expensive than self-catering, so plan accordingly. Trekking agencies often offer packages that include accommodation, meals, and guiding services, which can help with budgeting and logistics.

Obtaining Necessary Permits and Passes

Depending on the specific areas you plan to hike, you may need to obtain permits or passes. This is especially true for high-altitude routes or protected areas within the TMB. Research the specific requirements for France, Italy, and Switzerland to ensure you comply with local regulations and enhance your hiking safety.

What Should You Pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Clothing and Gear

Packing the right clothing and gear is crucial for comfort and safety on the TMB. Essential items include:

• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and well-broken-in.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layering is key—include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
• Backpack: Comfortable and of appropriate size to carry your gear.
• Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability on uneven terrain.
• Navigation Tools: Map, compass, or GPS device.

Food and Water

Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels on the TMB. Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruits. Hydration is equally important—bring a hydration system or water bottles and consider a portable water filter for refilling from streams. Refuges along the route offer meals, so plan your food supplies accordingly.

Navigation Tools

Having reliable navigation tools is crucial for successfully trekking the TMB. Bring a detailed map of the route, a compass, and a GPS device. Even if you’re using digital tools, it’s always wise to have a physical map as a backup.

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for handling any injuries or illnesses that may occur on the trail. Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any personal medications you may need.

What Are the Different Routes for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Classic Route

The Classic Route is the most popular and well-traveled path on the TMB, spanning approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles). It offers a balanced mix of challenging ascents, stunning views, and cultural experiences. Key landmarks along this route include the Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, and the Mer de Glace.

Alternate Routes

For those seeking a different experience, the TMB offers several alternate routes. These routes may include less crowded paths, more challenging terrain, or unique viewpoints. Some popular alternates include:

• Val Ferret: A quieter, more secluded option on the Italian side.
• Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise: A more technical route for experienced hikers.

What Are the Accommodation Options on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Mountain refuges are the most common form of accommodation on the TMB. These mountain huts offer basic amenities, including meals and shared sleeping quarters. Staying in refuges allows you to experience the alpine atmosphere and connect with fellow trekkers.

For those who prefer a more rustic experience, camping is an option along the TMB. There are designated campsites as well as areas where bivouacking (camping without a tent) is allowed. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Hotels and B&Bs

In towns like Chamonix, you’ll find a range of hotels and B&Bs that offer more comfort and amenities. These accommodations are perfect for resting before or after your trek.

How to Train and Prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Physical Training

Training for the TMB should focus on building cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. Include activities like trail running , cycling, and long-distance hiking in your training regimen. Strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and core workouts will help prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.

Mental Preparation

Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Develop a positive mindset, set realistic goals, and familiarize yourself with the route and potential challenges. Visualization techniques, mindfulness practices, and positive affirmations can help build mental resilience.

Familiarizing Yourself with the Route

Study maps, guidebooks, and online resources to familiarize yourself with the TMB route. Understanding the terrain, trail conditions, and key landmarks will help you navigate more confidently and enjoy your trek to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tour du Mont Blanc and why should I prepare for it?

The TMB is a popular long-distance trek around Mont Blanc, crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland. Proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable adventure.

How can I use this guide to help plan my trip?

This guide provides comprehensive information on the TMB, including route details, accommodation options, packing tips, and training advice. Use it to plan your trek and make the most of your experience .

What should I pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Pack light but be prepared for various weather conditions. Essential items include hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a backpack, navigation tools, and a first aid kit.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The TMB is challenging but suitable for hikers of all levels with proper preparation and fitness.

Are there any safety precautions I should take while on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Always prioritize safety by carrying proper gear, staying on marked trails, checking weather forecasts, and bringing a first aid kit.

What are some other helpful resources for preparing for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

In addition to this guide, consider using online forums, guidebooks, and maps. Contacting local tour operators can also provide valuable information and assistance.

Related posts:

adventure , experience , Fitness , life , tour , travel , Trip

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Making smart choices about what to pack (and what to leave behind) is a vital part of setting yourself up for a successful and enjoyable Tour du Mont Blanc experience.  It’s simple- the heavier your pack, the harder your effort . However, with a little thoughtful planning, you can keep your pack weight manageable while still ensuring you have everything you need to be comfortable on the trail and while relaxing at the refuges, campgrounds, and villages along the way.  

 Below you’ll find a detailed Tour du Mont Blanc packing list that will provide you with great,  trail-tested gear that won’t weigh down your backpack too much .

In This Post

• TMB Packing Basics
• Camping-Specific Gear List
• Refuge-Specific Gear List
• Personal Gear List
• Miscellaneous Gear List
• Women’s Clothing List
• Men’s Clothing List

Everything you need to plan your TMB – all in one place.

Whether you prefer mountain huts or hotels, fastpacking or meandering, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.  Our Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc  is the ultimate tool to help you plan your perfect trip.

When you purchase a guide, you’ll get instant access to all the information you need to plan your trip in our planning portal as well as in a downloadable PDF eGuide.

• Planning Portal Access: Get instant access to our online trip planning portal complete with 9-day, 11-day, and 12-day TMB itineraries.
• Accommodation Insights:  You’ll get information on accommodation options for every stage, including where to book when popular huts are fully booked!
• GPS Maps:  Every guide comes with custom GPS maps for three different itineraries. Download the maps for offline use so you’ll always be able to find your next campsite.
• Expert Advice:  Find detailed maps for every stage, accommodation & booking information, packing lists, and much more.

We’re confident this is the best resource available for camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.  Pick up your guide below and if you’re not satisfied for any reason we’ll give you a full refund!

( 100% Money Back Guarantee )

Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Basics

There are limitless ways to hike the TMB; you can customize the length of your trek, your accommodation preferences, your meal options, and so much more. Your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list will need to be tailored to your individual itinerary and needs.

Someone who is using a luggage transfer service and staying in refuges will have a significantly different kit than someone who is carrying all of their own camping gear and cooking their own meals. Despite all of this variability,  there are a few basic truths about packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc that apply to everyone.  These include:

• Keep your backpack as light as possible! (see the next section for more on this)
• It is essential to dial in your footwear.
• Bring hiking poles and learn how to use them prior to your TMB trek.

How much should my pack weigh on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

This isn’t easy to answer, since there are a ton of factors that influence how much is too much for any individual hiker. Some things to think about…

• How fast are you hoping to hike? Generally speaking, lighter=faster
• Have you completed a multi-day through hike with this specific backpack and this amount of weight before? 
• Are you injury-prone or do you have any chronic knee, hip, or back issues? 

As a very general rule,  campers should keep their pack weight below 13kg , including food and water.  Those staying in refuges should carry no more than 9kg . If having your luggage transferred along the trail,  most transfer services will limit you to 18kg , and your daypack shouldn’t exceed 4kg.

If you are backpacking for the first time or have a chronic injury, the weight of your pack should be significantly less than these guidelines.  Generally speaking, less is more.  Here’s a few tips for lightening your load:

• You only need a couple of shirts . Same goes for underwear and socks. Before you write us off as total dirtbags, hear us out. First, you’ll have plenty of time and sunshine to wash and dry laundry. Second, clothes are heavy, so cutting out everything but the absolute essentials will make a huge difference.
• Plan out when/where you’ll restock food provisions and  don’t carry more food than you need.
• Consider leaving your bulky camera equipment at home . Unless photography is your passion, most smartphones take great photos and save a ton of space and weight.

Footwear on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail runners will all work for the trail conditions on the TMB,  but you need to make sure they will work for  you  too. This means that you should bring a pair of boots or shoes that you know  from experience  don’t cause problems for your feet. Ideally,  you should put at least 30 miles on them  in various terrain and weather conditions to reduce the chance of running into issues on the trail.

A nasty blister can be catastrophic on a multi-day trek like the TMB! That being said,  you also don’t want your boots/shoes to be  too  broken in , as you need them to hold up faithfully for many miles of gnarly terrain. I know we’re asking you to work some Goldilocks magic here, but it’s definitely worth it!

In terms of other specifications, we feel that  the only other must-have is a good, grippy Vibram (or similar material) sole  for steep descents and loose paths. Otherwise it’s up to personal preference when it comes to how much ankle support you need, waterproof versus quick-dry, sturdy versus lightweight, and so on.

You’ll also want to make sure you have some good socks. Socks are one of those rare things in life where you really do get what you pay for, and  high quality socks can be a game changer . Once again, try to do some hiking in a few different types to figure out how what you like in terms of thickness, cushion, and height. We love merino wool for its quick-drying and anti-stink qualities. While we think it is a great material for hiking clothing and socks, it is worth considering if merino wool is right for you before committing to it for your TMB hike

If you’re blister prone,  consider trying sock liners. Many hikers swear by them. Other tried-and-true blister prevention tactics include putting bodyglide on potential hotspots or wearing toesocks.

Trekking Poles

BRING THEM. Enough said. Seriously,  these are a total game-changer on a tough trek like the TMB . You (and your knees) will be so glad to have them on steep sections, and this is especially true for campers who are carrying heavier loads.

The same rule for shoes applies to backpacks: make sure you complete several hikes with your bag packed the same way (and with the same weight) you’ll carry on the TMB. Also similar to shoes,  backpacks need to be broken in through use,  and your body needs to get used to the feeling of wearing it for extended periods of time.

In terms of size, most campers will need between 45 and 65 liters. Those staying in refuges will find that 30-40L is perfect. If you’re purchasing a new one, most good outdoors stores have experienced staff that will help you find the right fit and style for your needs.  Don’t forget to bring a pack cover  (included with many newer backpacks) to protect against rain. This is an absolute must-have.

Battery Backup

If you plan on  using your phone as a GPS  to navigate along the TMB (which we highly recommend!), it’s imperative that it stays charged. Most accommodation providers will allow you to charge electronics, but this isn’t a guarantee everywhere. Carrying a small  battery backup  or one of these nifty  portable solar panels  will give you a little  more freedom and peace of mind .

Down Jacket

We’ve found this to be a  perfect piece of gear for the Tour du Mont Blanc . It can be quite chilly in the Alps in the early morning and evenings, but a heavy fleece or bulky jacket can really sabotage a lightweight pack. Down jackets are warm, super packable, and very lightweight. Besides a light waterproof rain jacket, this is the only outer layer you should need.

The Cicerone Guide to the TMB  is an excellent resource for anyone planning a TMB trek. This thorough guide covers everything from the history of the hike to interesting sights you’ll see along the way, and of course provides a comprehensive breakdown of every stage.  It is also available as an e-book,  meaning you can download it to your phone to really optimize your packing!

We also love  Trailblazer’s Tour du Mont Blanc Guide .  It is  incredibly detailed  and has great resources for finding accommodation and other services at every point along the trail.

In our opinion, the Cicerone guide feels more organized and easy-to-navigate, while the Trailblazer guide has more in-depth and comprehensive information. The bottom line?  You can’t go wrong with either,  and you’ll be glad to have at least one of these great resources!

Get The FREE TMB Essentials Handbook

Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!

Your TMB Essentials Booklet will be emailed to you shortly. 

Camping-Specific Gear

If you plan on camping along the TMB,  there’s a lot more gear you need to think about than just your hiking basics.  Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered!  

Use this camping gear list in conjunction with the personal items list, miscellaneous list, and men’s or women’s clothing list to put together your perfect Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.   Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc  is definitely worth carrying the bigger backpack.

We love the  flexibility and independence  it gives us, and many of the campgrounds are downright luxurious. With the right gear and a manageable pack size, you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience conquering the TMB with your own tent.   

Most valuable piece of camping gear: Nemo Astro Sleeping Pad

Confession: This was the third sleeping pad I purchased in a three year quest to find the right fit.  Until I got the Nemo, I just assumed it wasn’t possible to get a good night’s sleep while camping.  

Not only do I sleep warm (thanks to its 20 degree insulation) and comfortably, but this is also one of the most compact and lightweight options out there. It’s quick to inflate and a breeze to pack away. A good night’s rest and extra space in my backpack make this my favorite piece of camping gear.

Refuge-Specific Gear

If you’re planning on sleeping in mountain refuges and hotels along the TMB, you can enjoy the benefit of a shorter packing list! This list has a few items you’ll need  specifically for sleeping in gites and refuges.  

While you don’t need much, there are some essentials that you’ll be glad to have for these communal accommodation situations. Use this list in conjunction with the other lists (except for the camping gear list) to ensure that you’re well prepared for your TMB adventure.  

Note: there are some repeats on this list that we’ve also included on the other lists. However, we wanted to highlight items on this list that are especially important for anyone who is staying primarily in refuges. 

Read more: TMB Accommodation and Refuge Guide

Most valuable item for Refuges: Mack’s Earplugs

Getting quality sleep is so important for your body to feel recovered and fresh on a long-distance trek. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to sleep well in the dorm-style sleeping arrangements commonly found in TMB refuges. 

Being packed like sardines into a room full of Olympic level snorers doesn’t have to ruin your night though!  It’s amazing what a difference some good earplugs can make. We find that we sleep much more soundly with these comfortable, effective earplugs. They’re a huge step up from those cheap foam ones- these stay in place and block out way more noise. Sometimes the little things can make the biggest difference!

Personal Gear

Whether you’re camping or staying indoors,  these items are must-haves for the TMB.  While we’ve included some toiletries that are absolutely essential for this hike, we’ve left it up to you to determine your personal list of additional self care items (comb, toothbrush, prescription medication, etc).  

Use this list in conjunction with the camping gear list OR refuge list, and the miscellaneous and clothing lists to build your perfect kit.

Most valuable personal item: Black Diamond Trekking Poles

We absolutely love our Black Diamond poles for their lightweight design and durability.  I can’t imagine tackling some of the steep, loose sections of the TMB without my trusty poles!  

They make a significant different in our perceived effort on tough climbs and descents, and they’ve saved me (a serious klutz) from falling countless times! Their telescoping feature makes them easy to pack away for international flights, just be sure they go in your checked baggage.

Miscellaneous Gear

These odds and ends are the  unsung heroes of the TMB packing list.  From getting your stinky shirt clean to keeping your phone charged, these items help your trek run smoothly. Make sure to use this list in addition to the other categories to complete your personal Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. 

Most valuable miscellaneous gear: Anker Powercore 10000.

Chances are, you’re getting out on the trail to get a break from the constant demands of screens and technology and that’s wonderful. However,  don’t underestimate the importance of having a charged cell phone on the TMB.

Your phone can be your  navigational device , your camera, your guidebook, and your notepad all in one. Charging opportunities can be unreliable along the route, so a battery backup can be an absolute lifesaver. This one is dependable, relatively small, and can fully charge your phone 1.5-2 times.

Women’s Clothing

When you’re wearing the same clothes for nearly two weeks in various weather conditions and while doing some serious trekking,  it is imperative that those clothes are comfortable and high quality.  

Although your individual preferences may look a little different, this list is an excellent starting point to ensure you’ve got all the essentials.

Emily’s most valuable clothing item: Ex officio underwear

Perhaps this may seem like a strange choice for my favorite piece of gear, but  it truly was a game changer for me  on the TMB. As a woman, I’ve found it to be so annoyingly difficult to find good quality, comfortable underwear designed for outdoor sports and travel.

And not that it should matter, but most of the ones that do exist are extremely ugly. Ex officio changed all that for me. What’s even more amazing is that you can rinse them out at the end of each day and they’ll be totally fresh and dry by morning. This makes it so you can get away with packing just a few pairs.

It’s an added bonus if you can pack clothes that will work both on the trail and in town.

Men’s Clothing

When you’re wearing the same clothes for nearly two weeks in various weather conditions and while doing some serious trekking, it is imperative that those clothes are comfortable and high quality.  Although your individual preferences may look a little different, this list is an  excellent starting point  to ensure you’ve got all the essentials.

Ian’s most valuable clothing item: Icebreaker Merino Wool T-Shirt

After years of hiking and traveling in synthetic tech tees,  switching to Merino wool was a major upgrade.  Like synthetic materials, Merino is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, but unlike the synthetic materials I can hike in it for days without any funky smells.

Plus, I find it to be more comfortable and stylish, since it looks just like a normal t-shirt. This was convenient for times when I wanted to wear it off the trail. Icebreaker makes an all around great shirt that is well worth the price. 

Let Us Make Your TMB Trip A Success

We have used our experience, research, and passion to create effective and trail-tested resources for all TMB hikers. If you plan to trek without the support of a tour company, our resources can help you with the logistics of preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

• Camping Guide (Our Best Seller): If camping is more your style, our dedicated camping guide is just for you. It includes detailed campground descriptions and camping-specific itineraries.
• GPS Digital Downloads (2nd Best Seller): Navigate the TMB with ease using our GPS files, updated yearly and compatible with most devices. The files cover the entire trek, including common alternate routes.
• Guide to the TMB:  Our comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about the TMB. It’s available on our online planning portal and as a downloadable eGuide. The guide includes accommodation recommendations, offline GPS & maps, and video fly-throughs of the trail.
• Custom Itineraries:  We’ll help you design a TMB itinerary that fits your specific needs, including your trip length, accommodation type, hiking ability, budget, and more.
• Custom GPS Files:  For a truly personalized experience, we can create a GPS file customized to your specific itinerary, including your accommodations and route preferences.

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all the information you need for your best TMB experience. We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

While you don’t need to go out and buy all new gear for the TMB, a few key items can make a big difference on your trek. These tried-and-true lists are the perfect starting point for putting together your ideal kit. Remember to keep your backpack as lightweight as possible, and be prepared for mountain weather!

Keep Reading

Be sure to check out all of our Tour du Mont Blanc posts below.  If you’re looking for more great resources, check out our guides and custom itineraries .

• TMB Trip Report – Know what to expect!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Logistics – Don’t forget the small details!
• How to Navigate on the TMB – Turn your smartphone into a GPS!
• How to find all of your campgrounds on the TMB – Know where you are and where you’re going!
• How to train for the TMB – Avoid being the last person to the campground!
• 10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc- The quick and dirty basics
• Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc – The essential resource!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Photo Galley – Find some inspiration!
• How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free – save BIG on your TMB costs!
• How Much It Cost Us to Hike the TMB
• Tour du Mont Blanc Map
• Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide
• Tour du Mont Blanc – Shortcuts, Detours, & Public Transit

7 thoughts on “Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List”

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Awesome information! Thank you for doing this.

How many bags did each of you carry and how much did they weigh?

Thanks, glad you found the information useful. We each carried one bag that weighed between 23lbs-27lbs (10.5-12 kgs) depending on how much food and water we were carrying at the time. We found this weight pretty manageable and didn’t feel like we had to sacrifice anything we wanted to bring.

Thanks so much for those all tips above to hike TDMB, I know the sleep shet is 100% required and what about sleepinig bag? Is necesary to use in refugies?

Hi Cesar, Sleep sheets are definitely required for the refuges, but you do not need a sleeping bag. Refuges will typically provide a blanket and a pillow. Have a great trip!

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We’re Emily and Ian, outdoor lovers and planning nerds who live in Boulder, Colorado. The only thing we love more than researching and mapping out our next adventure, is actually being out there on the trail. Between the two of us, we’ve been to over 30 countries, and much of our travel in these countries has been on two feet or two wheels. When we’re not in a far-flung destination, we spend a lot of time exploring the amazing camping, hiking, and biking destinations in our home state of Colorado. Learn More About Us

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Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List: Find out the Key Items to Bring

Quick navigation, passport or id, hiking boots, power adapter, first aid kit, 2l water bottle, battery pack, sleeping bag liner.

• Other items to pack

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What usually comes after booking a long-distance walking tour as epic as Mont Blanc? The never-ending tally of what you need to do before you go, with packing igniting the most stress-induced, head-scratching headaches. Thankfully, we’ve provided the ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc packing list, hopefully easing the need to reach for the headache-reducing Advil sitting in your cupboard. So grab your notebook, pen, or open another tab on your computer, and take note of the following items to pack to ensure total comfort on your trekking adventure. Soon enough, you’ll kiss all packing stress goodbye while the wonderment of Mont Blanc envelops you.

Your passport (if you’re travelling internationally) and ID (for those within the European Union) should sit atop your ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc packing list! And while you’re here, pause reading this article, and check if your passport remains valid for at least three months after your trip. If so, you’re good to go. If not, you need to update your passport as soon as possible!

We recommend keeping your necessary documents, passport/ID, health insurance information, proof of immunization and important emergency numbers, which you can find via our article on how to prepare for trekking Mont Blanc . Of course, you can keep this information on your phone, but it’s always helpful to have everything recorded if something were to happen to your phone (knock on wood).

For proof of immunization, check your government website and that of the country you’re visiting to make sure you have the right documentation and vaccinations.

Your passport should sit atop your packing list

If you’re carving through the Alps with a luggage transfer, feel free to skip this section, but if you’re carrying everything mentioned on this Mont Blanc packing list, you’ll want a high-quality backpack. First things first: comfort. You’ll traverse around 10.0 km - 28.0 km a day, so put comfort first. Consider the following when shopping for your hiking backpack:

• Lightweight
• Ventilated back
• Padded hip strap (this will help take the weight off your shoulders and put it on your hips)
• Seek an internal frame over external
• Get a rain cover

If you have a luggage transfer, you’ll need a microcosm of the typical hiking backpack. Look for a daypack bag with a waistband, a chest strap to help spread the weight evenly, and a rain cover.

You want to ensure you have comfortable, trek-friendly attire on the trails

Does anyone else stress hard when it comes to packing clothes? More often than not, knowing which clothes to bring and leave behind can be the most hair-pulling part of packing. You want to ensure you have comfortable, presentable clothes when you’re in the charming villages, but you also need trek-friendly attire on the trails. Then, there’s the weather to consider. Is it going to be hot? Cold? (Thankfully, our article on the best time to hike Mont Blanc unveils more details on the weather sweeping Mont Blanc throughout the year.) Will you need waterproof boots? Clothes? Before you spiral further, pause, and take a look at the list below, which will hopefully help point you in the right clothing-related direction:

• 3-4 t-shirts
• A couple of long-sleeved shirts to put under your short-sleeved shirts
• A lot of underwear—make sure they are breathable, quick-dry, and won’t aggravate your skin (test them out before!)
• A couple of sports bras for the ladies
• 1 or 2 fleece or wool sweaters
• A couple of leggings or outdoorsy pants tailor-made for activity or designated hiking
• At least 4 pairs of merino wool/high-quality hiking socks
• 1 or 2 wool or fleece toque/hats
• Mittens or gloves for extra warmth
• A hat for sunny days
• A change of non-sweaty, non-hiking clothes for the evenings—you want to be comfortable
• A change of casual clothes for the villages if you’re stopping in these en route
• Waterproof pants
• Flip-flops or comfortable, easy-to-pack shoes to slide into in the evening—you may want flip-flops for the hostel showers

What you pack for clothing may vary depending on which Mont Blanc tour you decide to take! For example, if you go on the self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights in Hotels , you may want to pack an extra casual shirt or pants, but only if you have space!

Hint: look for quick-dry and lightweight material and avoid cotton and denim. These materials can cause blisters and chafing—just the worst. If it’s frigid out there, Merino wool is also a good choice as it holds warmth well (and it can be odour-resistant—bonus).

Sure, clothing may be the most stressful when it comes to plotting your packing list for Mont Blanc, but choosing the right hiking boots may be the most essential. Your hiking boots must fit well, be equipped to carry you through the alpine terrain sweeping three European countries and survive the weather.

Before you go, lace up your boots and head out on a few walks before you go to break your shoes in and help prevent blisters later on! Not sure where to start when sifting through the endless brands and styles of hiking shoes? Open our article on how to choose the best hiking boots for you in another tab and look through it after piecing together your packing list. The research never ends, does it? Don’t worry! You’ll be exploring Mont Blanc soon enough!

Your hiking boots must fit well

Big fact: most refuges don’t take credit cards. While this may be an inconvenience, it’s also kind of cool to think that you’re so deep in the mountains that not even credit cards will work (at most locations). So be sure to calculate how much cash you’ll need before you go. The kicker? You’re travelling to three countries; therefore, different currencies are necessary. Take Euros for Italy and France, and Swiss francs for Switzerland. However, several accommodations in Switzerland do accept cards, so you may only need Swiss francs for snacks or transportation if you need to use them.

There are ATMS in Chamonix, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Argentière, La Fouly, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac.

If you’re travelling from North America (or various countries outside of Europe), don’t expect your phone and computer charger to fit in a European outlet as they use a different voltage. Bring a couple of adapters along to keep your electronics charged.

Uh, oh, you feel a blister forming, now what? Act fast! Go into your hiking first aid kit , pull out your RockTape Blister Kit , and stop the blister in its tracks. Other things to pack into your small first aid kit are painkillers, sanitizer, tweezers, topical antibiotics, tensor bandages, and any personal medication.

While streams en route require a water filter, it’s safest to fill up your bottle before you go to your refuge or buy a 2L bottle if available to take with you for the day. Make sure it’s leak-proof when you buy it! Test it out by filling it up, shutting the lid, and shaking it as hard as you can. Nothing sucks more than a leaking water bottle, especially on a trekking adventure when a) you need water b) damp clothes are never fun.

A collapsible water bottle is also an excellent idea for saving space.

It’s safest to fill up your bottle before you go to your refuge

Some series of events or intentional timings may propel rising with the sun or traversing the trail while the daylight dips below the mountainous peaks. In this case, you’ll need a headlamp to light your path as you make your way.

Have an older phone? Obsessed with taking photos and capturing the moment? Bring a solar-powered or any type of battery pack along with you to ensure your phone produces enough juice throughout the day.

Warning: the refuges and hostels along the Tour du Mont Blanc can be loud. Avoid moaning at those still awake while you try to sleep by wearing earplugs to bed. The sleeping quarters can be tight in some refuges, so earplugs may prevent you from snapping and hitting a nearby snorer with a pillow (don’t do this even if you have earplugs—fight the urge!). Our article on Tour du Mont Blanc accommodation shares a ton of information on the refuges—check it out to learn more!

While you’re paying for refuges, you may encounter beds with slept-in sheets; in this case, a sleeping bag liner will help you rest easy knowing you aren’t sharing a bed with old skin cells—sorry for the gross image) Bring a sleeping bag liner or lightweight sleeping bag to snuggle into at night. The accommodations will likely provide blankets, granting extra insulation if the temperature drops significantly during the night.

Another thing to bring is a microfibre towel, one that barely adds any weight for showering or whatever else you use a towel for. It’s always nice to have one!

Your ultimate packing list should be planned well in advance

Other items to pack:

• Hiking poles
• Water filter—if the sign along the trail says eau potable, you can drink the water
• Energy bars—However, you will have a lot of chances to enjoy tasty food along the way, as our Tour du Mont Blanc guide reveals in detail
• Small camping pillow (same reason as the sleeping bag liner)
• Multi-purpose soap
• Bags to store dirty, sweaty clothes

Your ultimate packing list for Mont Blanc should be planned well in advance to break in your boots and ensure the utmost comfortability as you carve through the wild landscape painting parts of Italy, France, Switzerland on the ever-so incredible Tour du Mont Blanc.

Check out our series of articles planning an incredible Tour du Mont Blanc!

• Complete Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
• How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• How to Prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Packing List for the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Where to Stay on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• When to hike the TMB?
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Tour du Mont Blanc
• 10 Interesting Facts about the TMB

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The Daily Packers

The ultimate tour du mont blanc packing list.

• July 10, 2020
• Alps , Europe , France , Gears , Italy , Mountains , Switzerland , Thru-Hiking , TMB

Introduction

Packing properly is a tough thing to do. And while we pack our bags, we all ask ourselves “should I take this”, “shouldn’t I take that”?

One thing is sure, is that you want to enjoy your Tour du Mont blanc and  carrying an overloaded bag is not the right call to do.

The heavier you pack will be, the harder it will be and the more tired you going to be.

We most certainly made mistakes while packing our bags and that is why we are now writing this Tour du Mont Blanc Packing list article.

Table of Contents

Type of hiker.

There are lots of options on the TMB and mostly hikers will either be:

• Only camping 
• Camping + Refuge
• Only refuge

Based on that, your pack load will be slightly different. Someone camping will have to carry its tent and will most probably also bring all its cooking set. Someone that mix, will also have its tents but will certainly avoid bringing the cooking set to bring down the weight of the packs and someone going to refuge will have the lighter pack.

The most important gears

Now, whatever the type of hiker you are, there are some principles the lighter, the better :

• Good footwears are the most essential.
• Then come you backpack that you will be carrying every day
• Walking poles are a must to help you along your journey

How many kilos should my pack be?

There is not a straight answer to this question, and it will depend on your physical condition as well as on the type of hikers:

• Campers should not go over 13kg
• If you mix it, stay between 9kg and 12kg
• If you stay in refuge , go at top 7 to 8kg

Footwear - Shoes

Make sure that you have great footwear for your TMB. For such a trail, hiking boots or hiking shoes are a great choice. Keep in mind that you will go through mountain lands and will face dirt trails, snow trails, rocky paths, and cross rivers.

Be sure, that you have enough space in front of your toes. Often a hiking shoes are bigger than your regular footwear. The reason is that while going downhill your feet will move in the shoes. If there is not enough space, your nails will touch the shoe and with time you going to loose them.

Light or heavy boots?  For example, a light boots will be the Salomon X Ultra Trek GTX or X Ultra Mid GTX while a heavy ones will be Tecnica Forge GTX. For longer trail you will prefer heavy boots because they will last longer. A 10-days trek can damage lighter shoes.

I (Alex) have hiking boots Tecnica Forge GTX and Tina has hiking shoes the Salomon x Ultra 3 GTX and now that we finished it, I was much better in mine. I could cross river without thinking much or even walk on snow for longer time. My feet were never wet while Tina’s were most of time under those trail conditions.

To finish with the shoes, be sure that you use them for at least 70km before going on such a trail. This way, the shoes will fit you perfectly.

Salomon x Ultra 3 GTX

Tecnica Forge GTX Men / Women

Footwear - sandals.

Sandals are a great footwear for the end of the day. Yes, it will add an extra weight but once you reach the end of the trail or are near the end, switching to them feels amazing. Be sure to opt for sandals that are open but still hold your feet.

• I am using Columbia Santiam 3 Straps and Tina Meindl Capri 3 Straps

Columbia Santiam

Meindl Capri

Footwear – socks.

Good socks are also important, especially if you get easily blisters or sweat a lot. For that Merino shocks are the best. Comfortable, breathable, and dry quickly.

Smartwool Socks

Most probably the most important after the shoes. You will have it on the back all day long with some 7 to 13kg in it. A good backpack will make the difference. Professional packs are made for extended use and are more resistant. Don’t forget the rain cover!

What size of backpack should I bring?

• Campers will have between 50L and 70L
• People staying in refuge will have around 40L

In the past, we were using Quechua Forclaz bags, but we switched to Osprey Atmos / Aura 65L . It’s a game changer as the bag also rest on our hips releasing a bit our shoulders.

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Osprey Aura AG 65

Trekking pole.

Long and extended hike are prone to injuries and fatigues. Your body will be under pressure of carrying the pack weight plus hiking up and down. Trekking pole will relieve you from some weight and potential problem. We hiked in the past without them and over time our knees got injured or painful. With the pole our whole body is more balance.

• We are using Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork (Men)

Black diamond alpine carbon cork (women).

Nothing beat a hiking pants. We are in love with them as they are light and stretchable. In addition, most of them offer the possibility to turn pants into shorts of a 2/3 pants.

And do not forget to get a belt as overtime your pants might get loosen.

• For Men: 1 Hiking Pant ( Salomon ) and 1 Hybrid Pant/Short ( The North Face )
• For Women: 1 Hiking Pant ( The north face ), 1 Legging ( Prana )

WAYFARER STRAIGHT PANT W

WAYFARER STRAIGHT PANT M

Comet Pant W

Chest wear – t-shirt.

While hiking you want to layer up. Your mid layer should either be a down jacket or a hybrid one. This way you will keep warm at night and early in the morning and will not be bother by the weight during the day.

• We are using a Ternua Hybrid or Patagonia

Women's Micro Puff® Hoody

Men's Micro Puff® Hoody

Chest wear – rain jacket.

Here, you will have two options. Either a hard-shell or a soft-shell rain jacket. Nowadays both have great protection against the rain. Often a hard-shell will still offer a better protection has the jacket is heavier. Instead the soft-shell will give quicker a wet feeling but will be much lighter.

• We are using Patagonia torrentshell 3l as hard-shell rain jacket

Patagonia TorrentShell 3L Women

Patagonia TorrentShell 3L Men

As any hiker most probably have have, a cap and sunglasses are almost mandatory to bring. In the Alps, the sun can be very strong, and you will need to protect you head to avoid getting sunburns or feeling dizzy during the day.

Specific Gears

Battery bank.

Mostly, you can recharge your mobile phone along the way but if you plan on taking pictures with it, it would be better to bring a power bank with you. This way you are sure you will always have your phone charged and won’t miss a great picture.

We brough with one that has solar panel to recharge it during the day.

Solar power bank

Maps & guidebook.

That is an extra but a cool one. Along the trail you will not have any information on what you are looking at. A guidebook will provide you will lots of useful information and at least you will know which mountain is that or what is this glacier.

Refuges specific gears

Sleeping in refuge along the TMB does not mean you will be in a 5* hotel. You will still need to bring some gears with you. While you won’t need as much as a camper, you will still need to bring a microfiber towel and a sleeping bag or at least a sleeping liner .

After you may also want to add ear plugs or a sleeping mask if you stay in dormitory.

Sea to Summit Premium Blend Silk/Cotton Liner

microfiber towel

Sea to Summit Trailhead

Camping specific gears.

If you are camping or mixing it, you will have a bunch of additional gears. We would recommend mixing things up and to do some camping along the way. Some spots are absolutely amazing and nowadays camping gears are super light and convenient. 

We got ourselves:

• Sleeping bag Valendré GRASSHOPPER 400 DUVET
• Sleeping mat Sea to Summit Ultralight insulted orange
• Sleeping Pillow Sea to summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow Regular
• Liner Sea to summit Silk/Cotton Travel Liner Traveller
• Tent MSR Mutha hubba nx 3

Yes, we opted for a 3 people tent. The MSR tents are great backpacking tent are a 1-person weight 1.1kg, two people 1.5kg and a 2-people 2.1kg. With this tent we have lots of space as a couple and in case of heavy rain we can put all our gear inside.

MSR Mutha hubba nx 3

Sea to Summit insulted

Sea to summit Aeros

Sea to Summit ultralight insulted

Cooking specific gears.

If you plan on cooking some of your own meal, you are looking at even more gears. You will need a burner, gas bottle, pots, pants, glasses, cutleries…

• Cooking Set: Sea to summit Xset 31 5Pc: (1 pot 2.8L, 2 bowls, 2 mugs)
• Cutlery: Sea to summit Camp Cutlery Set 3 Pieces
• Bruner and Gas: MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe

Sea to summit Alpha set 2.2

Sea to summit Cutlery Set

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

MSR Pocketrocket

Other gears.

In addition, don’t forget to bring with you soap and shampoo, we usually bring dry ones that are lighter and better for such trip. Your toothbrush and toothpaste, sun cream (we use 50+), toilet paper (you never know what can happen. We always bring one or two rolls with us.

While hiking there are additional items that you may consider carrying with you:

• Swim short for him to chill during the evening

Swiss Army knife

• Travel Tripods
• Compression bags
• 3L Water pouch
• Flexible water bottles

Tripod + Remote

Eagle Creek Compression

Black Diamond 325 headlamp

Salomon Soft bottle

Liked what you read? Check out our over guide of the TMB

There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing – Sir Rannulph Fiennes

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Each class is a full-body stretch designed to release any physical tension from your body and help you unwind your mind. At the same time, you will become more in sync with your body.

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What to pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Out of all of the long-distance walks in Europe , the Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the most popular. And once you start trekking it, it's not hard to see why. With outstanding views that'll have you feeling like you're on top of the world, this walk, while it might be beautiful, isn't for the faint-hearted.

Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc takes several days, so it's paramount that you pack the right gear. If you don't know where to start, we've put together a list of all the essentials you'll need to make your trek stress-free. 

Wet weather clothing 

No matter the time of year, you should always be prepared for light showers or unexpected heavier rainfall. This means you should be packing water-resistant clothing such as pants, jackets, and other wet weather gear. 

Ensure you have clothing that can be easily put on or taken off during your trek in the event of unpredictable weather. Wearing multiple layers also allows you to keep warm in the mornings and then cool off later in the day when the sun comes out. Think neck warmers, thermal clothing, a fleece and gloves. 

Sunstroke isn't something you want to deal with on a trek, so sun protection is a must. Instead of a baseball cap, try a hat that's more of a sun cap with flaps to protect your neck and head. 

Hiking shoes

Before you even think about attempting the Tour du Mont Blanc, make sure you have comfortable, worn-in hiking shoes. And no, we're not talking about  new  hiking shoes. If you have bought new shoes for the trip, make sure you wear them multiple times before you go as you don't want to get blisters on day one. 

You simply cannot attempt the Tour du Mont Blanc without a sufficient backpack. While the bag itself needs to be lightweight, it also needs to be big enough to fit all of your daily essentials such as a first aid kit, a reusable drink bottle, retractable hiking poles, and various snacks for the trek.

Mini first aid kit

Since the Tour du Mont Blanc takes you over sometimes challenging terrain, being prepared for the most common ailments is super important. Whether you've got a blister from the hiking shoes you  thought  were going to be comfortable and need a band-aid or you've woken up with a headache, packing a mini first aid kit that's small enough to carry in your backpack is a great idea. 

Reusable drink bottle 

This one's a no-brainer. Tour du Mont Blanc is physically demanding and you'll need to make sure you're fully hydrated before attempting to trek for several hours. There are a few stops along the way where you can fill up your reusable bottle. 

Regardless of the season, you should always pack sunscreen and apply it daily before you head out. The last thing you'll want is sunburn during your long-distance trek! While it might seem like you don't need it in winter, the UV rays can still be high (even if the weather is overcast). 

Retractable hiking poles 

Since you'll walk for multiple hours every day, your lower body may need a helping hand. To take the pressure off your legs, consider packing a pair of retractable and shock-resistant hiking poles. You can carry them with you in your backpack when you don't need them but can whip them out when you're feeling a bit tired. 

Visitor guide/trek notes

If you're traveling with us, your Intrepid leader will already be clued up on where to go and how best to hike the mountain. However, if you want to be extra prepared then packing trekking notes or a Mont Blanc visitors guide with you is worthwhile. This will just give you extra information on what to expect, weather conditions you could encounter, and any warnings to heed. 

Head torch 

If you have room in your bag, a head torch can come in handy, especially for early morning starts, evening walks outside your lodge to see the stars, or during low visibility due to weather conditions. 

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Andrew Delmenhorst

What to pack for the tour du mont blanc, a packing guide, clothing, travel documents, footwear, toiletries and electronics. it's all here..

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a demanding trek that passes through the Alps of three countries. To walk beside towers of granite formed some 15 million years ago and to gaze down on valleys strewn with houses so small they seem to be plucked from a monopoly board, is to venture into another world. Preparing for this hike correctly will allow you to absorb the experience with minimal stress and worry. 

Get your docs in order

Europe is friendly to tourists. All three countries visited on the tour belong to the Schengen Zone of the EU. Included here are the countries who do not need a visa to enter EU to enter the EU and those countries who do need a visa to enter EU . The list was taken from the EU Immigration Portal. During high season, you should make reservations at Refuges (mountain huts) and hotels. The peak time to hike the TMB is from Mid July to the end of August. During this time, some refuges will be filled to capacity. Furthermore, if you want private rooms or rooms that have only 4 - 7 people, you will want to reserve your accommodation far ahead of time. Otherwise, you will spend the night in dortoirs, which have between 10 - 30 people sleeping in the same room. It's also a good idea to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Bad weather in the higher elevations of the alps can lead to missed reservations. In addition to a visa, you should also take with you the following documents. 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• Travel insurance details.
• Euros and Swiss Francs - most of the mountain huts will only accept cash. 
• Itinerary and contact numbers of alternative accommodation along route in case of bad weather or injury.  

Picture: Looking into Italy from Switzerland on the Grand Col Ferret.

Pack for four seasons

The tour de Mont Blanc ranges in elevation from 2,200 feet in the valleys to 8,800 feet on the passes. Even in the summer, you will have to deal with alpine conditions and it is not unusual to find snow on some of the passes. In the valleys, you will be comfortable hiking in shorts and a t-shirt. When the weather is bad, however, you will want long underwear, fleece and a jacket. Bringing layers here is important so that you can adjust to the temperature, wind and precipitation. You should avoid cotton at all costs as it tends not to dry quickly. Choose a base layer that is made of synthetic material. A mid-layer fleece should always be kept handy, especially when hiking over passes like Col de Seigne and Col de Fours. Also, If you're planning on staying in the refugios, it is imperative to have earplugs, lest you suffer a night of chainsaw snoring from a fellow hiker.

• Technical hiking pants 
• Shorts 
• Earplugs and Eye mask
• Moisture wicking base layer shirts and underwear- should be non cotton (synthetics are best when it's warmer, merino wool or silk for when it's colder)
• Long sleeve shirt made of synthetic material
• Mid Layer Fleece
• Light, wind proof Jacket
• Waterproof Rain Jacket 
• Waterproof gloves
• Synthetic hiking socks
• T-shirts and Hoody / sweatshirt for refugios
• Long underwear tops and bottoms
• Hiking socks 
• Gaiters, especially if hiking in June
• Hiking Boots that are worn in (important)
• Flip Flops - for the shower.
• Hats (wool and with sunbill)
• Gloves (waterproof recommended)

In the picture on the left, the man in the foreground is on a day hike. Notice his backpack is extremely lightweight and meant only to carry water bottles and a few essentials. On the other hand, the hiker in the background is camping on an extended multi day hike.  

The second pictures was taken 2 days later on the TMB near Col de Fours. Here you can see the difference in clothing worn at higher elevation. 

Keep it down, the weight that is

If you plan at staying at the refugios and carrying all your gear with you, you should look for a backpack with between 50 - 70 liters capacity, depending on how heavy of a packer you are. Some self guided tours include the option to have your bags transported for you from hut to hut. If you will be having your bags transported for you, you should then choose a smaller day bag, between 30 - 50 liters and another bag that will be transported each day. The lighter your bag, the better. A flashlight and headlamp comes in quite handy at night in the refugios, especially when you need to make a run to the bathroom and don't want to bang into 4 other beds in the process. The route is well way marked, still when the weather is bad or the clouds are hanging low, a compass and map can be extremely helpful. 

ACCESSORIES / FOOTWEAR

• Backpack (30 - 50 liters for day bag, 50 - 70 liters if carrying all belongings and staying in the mountain huts rather than camping)
• Duffle Bag (only if having bags transported - max 15 kg for many transport companies)
• Towel (quick dry)
• Dirty clothes bag
• Camelback or waterbottle (1 - 2 liters)
• Flashlight / headlamp
• First-aid Kit
• IGN Maps (3630OT and 3531ET) 
• Guidebook (The Tour of Mont Blanc by cicerone recommended)
• Hiking Poles (recommended)

The first picture shows a typical sign for the Tour De Mont Blanc (TMB). The second picture shows a hiker that has packed light for the TMB.

What about food?

If you are staying at the refugios, there is no need to carry food with you with the exception of snacks or lunch for the day. The Mountain Huts provide a half board service that consists of dinner and breakfasts. The dinner is usually quite good and a 3 course affair. The breakfast, on the other hand, is nothing special. Just something to provide you calories for the days hike. What many people do is get the halfboard with the Huts and then stop somewhere along route for lunch. On the route, you are seldom more than 10 km from some accommodation or a store. 

Popular snacks:

• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate as it contains more calories per ounce)
• Trail mix 
• Sausage / cheese from the region (charcuterie)
• Fresh fruit (you can pick some up almost daily)
• Energy bars
• Blueberries found along the path

Bring some change

Most Mountain huts will provide you with showers, however a few will charge you for hot water like Rifugio Elisabetta in Italy. The showers are generally of good quality, but don't expect luxury. If you plan on staying in some communal dorms or dortoirs, it is imperative to have earplugs, lest you suffer a night of chainsaw snoring from fellow hikers. You will also need to leave your hiking boots in a mud room, so make sure you have either a lightweight pair of shoes or slippers for the evenings. 

HYGIENE 

• Sunscreen 
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc
• Shampoo, soap
• Insect repellent 
• Anti-diarrhea 
• Blister plaster or moleskin
• Pain Killers
• Slippers or light weight shoes. 

TIP: Stuffing some newspaper inside of your hiking boots can help soak up moisture from your hiking boots. 

A bit about  electricity

At some Huts, charging plugs can be in short supply. It’s a good idea to bring along a little of your own energy. A 10,000 mAh portable charger should get you 3 to 5 charges on a normal phone, if not more. Plugs in Europe are type C. 220 volt / 50 hz.

ELECTRONICS

• Portable charger
• Universal Adapter

After leaving his corporate gig, Andrew has been traversing the world, finding adventure wherever he goes - like walking 500 miles (800 km) across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, hiking the 5 sacred mountains of China, biking 800 miles from Brussels to Florence and taking a 1850 miles (3000 km) road trip through Bolivia.

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A multi-day hike through three countries, high in the Alps can be a daunting prospect for those who love an organised suitcase! This advice and the packing list below should hopefully help you avoid panic packing an unnecessarily heavy bag and have you adventuring happy (and with everything you need).

Good walking boots are an absolute must. Don’t attempt to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc in anything other than a good pair of walking boots. For a summer season hike, we suggest three-season walking boots with good ankle support. If you are buying new boots, head to a good outdoor retailer who will give you advice, and make sure you gradually wear them in on shorter and varied terrain walks before starting the trail.

Take a comfortable pair of shoes for evenings in the towns too, and if you are staying in the refuges some slip-on light sandals or trainers can be useful for indoor evening shoes too.

Side note: Socks!

There is no point spending money on boots and then not using the right socks. Wearing one pair of good quality walking socks is ideal, and take a minimum of two pairs on your trip and preferably three (you can hand-wash at your accommodations).  Bridgedale are a brand we love , and opting for a merino wool sock is a great way to keep the feet warm, dry, and able to breathe. We also have some  tips for avoiding blisters on the blog .

Packing List

Essential clothing/footwear.

Good three-season walking boots (worn in)

Comfortable shoes to walk around town in the evening

Light slip-on shoes for indoors in refuges

3 x Pairs of good quality walking socks

3 x Base layer tops – ideally thermal, and Merino Wool is a good choice.

1 or 2 x warm mid-layer tops

1 or 2 pairs of walking trousers. Zip-off options are great. No jeans.

1 or 2 pairs of shorts (if you don't have zip-off trousers)

1 x warm hat, 1 x lighter hat or cap (to protect from the sun)

Waterproof and breathable jacket eg. Gore-Tex

Waterproof and breathable trousers eg. Gore-Tex

1 x extra warm layer. A natural or synthetic down jacket or vest is easy to pack away, light to carry during the day, and perfect for keeping the chill at bay when you stop to rest or in the evening.

"Buff", snood, or neck gaiter

Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. Remember you won’t need much as you’ll only be wearing it for a short time.

Nightwear and underwear (a set of under-tights or “long johns” can be useful for under the trousers on colder days)

Essential extras

Rucksack to carry daily + waterproof cover or liner bag. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight and improve walking stability. The size will depend on whether you have booked luggage transfer. Do not be tempted to take too big a bag, as you will likely over-fill it! 

Larger rucksack (if you have booked luggage transfer)

Towel for showering in refuges, if you will be staying in mountain huts/refuges

Water bottle or camelback

Sunglasses & sun cream (an SPF lip balm is ideal too)

Walking poles a personal choice, but we recommend them on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs)

Sleeping sheets for refuges. Available in outdoor stores. Blankets and pillows are provided but this sheet is a light sheet/sleeping bag which will cover the blankets and pillows.

Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too)

Pocket knife or cutlery can be useful for picnics

Money belt/pouch

Waterproof storage bags in various sizes can be useful. Zip-loc freezer bags are ideal. Store your phone/food/anything else you need to stay dry. Also these are perfect for taking waste away with you (you should never leave any waste on the trails).

Energy bars/snacks  - 2 per day

Toiletries (don’t forget your toothbrush!)

Toilet roll/tissues

Small first aid kit: Inc wound dressings, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream, crepe bandages, triangular bandages (you can buy excellent pre-prepared first aid kits with all you might need from outdoor stores or drugstores)

Prescribed medication

Blister Plasters

Insect repellent

Antiseptic gel or wipes

A little washing detergent for handwashing clothes

Electrical socket adapter

Phone and charger

Ensure you have downloaded your online maps and route guidance from the Macs Adventure app, and have all other maps/documentation with you.

• Following the Covid-19 Pandemic, please ensure you have suitable face-masks. Guidance on this may change, please keep an eye on local advice for any destination you travel to and always follow the latest safety advice. 

Useful extras

Book to read or Kindle,

Notebook and pen

Macs Adventure will provide you with all the mapping and guidance you need, you can also access the Tour du Mont Blanc Map by downloading our incredibly handy  App - Download Macs App . Much of what you pack is down to personal preference, but it is always important to be prepared for every weather eventuality as even a completely clear forecast can change. Thankfully both waterproofs and sun protection are fairly light items to pack, so make sure you don’t forget either. Happy packing, and have a safe and fun adventure!

If you are still in the early stages of planning your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure, don't hesitate to contact our team on [email protected] for advice on the options available.

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Tour du Mont Blanc Camping – The Ultimate Guide

Tour du Mont Blanc Camping – The Ultimate Guide 

Tour du Mont Blanc Camping was added to my bucket list when I saw it featured on someone’s Instagram (social media for the win – for once!). I drooled over photos of tiny European towns, pastries galore, astounding mountain views, and a little bit of misery. The perfect combo for an epic trek, right?

I will share everything you need to know about backpacking or camping the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike. This post is super detailed.  What to pack, when to go, where to camp, and cost. I’ve included an itinerary at the end of the post that includes the distance each day in kilometers/miles and the height gain/loss in meters/feet.

(Updated May 2024)

If you’re reading this, I hope you’ve already bought your plane tickets.

If you haven’t, let me convince you that you should.

11 Reasons to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc might convince you too.

Jump to Tour du Mont Blanc Camping

The tour du mont blanc at a glance:, about the tour du mont blanc, the best time for tour du mont blanc camping.

• Clockwise or Counter Clockwise?
• How to Get There
• How Much Time is Necessary for backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Pros and Cons of Backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc
• What to Pack
• Cost of Backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Cicerone Guide

• 11 Day Itinerary for Backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Day 1 Les Houches – Bionnassay – Les Contamines
• Day 2 Les Contamines – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme – Les Chapieux
• Day 3 Les Chapieux – Col de la Seigne – Rifugio Elisabetta
• Day 4 Rifugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur
• Day 5 Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti
• Day 6 Rifugio Bonatti – Grand Col Ferret – La Fouly
• Day 7 La Fouly – Champex
• Day 8 Champex – Alp Bovine – Col de la Forclaz OR Champex – Fenetre d’Arpette – Le Peuty
• Day 9 Col de la Forclaz or Le Peuty – Col de Balme – Tre le Champ
• Day 10 Tre le Champ – Refuge La Flegere
• Day 11 FINAL DAY of backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc! Refuge La Flegere – Le Brevent – Les Houches
• Advice for Backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Distance: around 105 miles
• Time: 10-12 days, typically done in 11
• Where: Through Switzerland, Italy, and France
• Elevation: 32,800 ft height gain and loss
• Best Time to Go: Summer – End of June thru September

This trek, also called the TMB, is incredible and unique. You get to hike all day and eat your way through Europe. Mont Blanc, a massive 15,771 foot mountain, is the reason for this loop trek in the Alps. You hike around the entire Mont Blanc mountain range; you pass through mountain towns with the best, most buttery pastries, pizza, and chocolate while admiring views of these stunning mountains. The trek is most commonly hiked in 11 days, 10 nights and is around 105 miles.

The start of hiking season on the TMB depends on the previous winter. An end of June or first week of July start is your best bet. Hiking season goes through September. The TMB can sometimes be hiked in October, but you will not have the luxury of refuges and restaurants being open.

Every year, the UTMB (Ultra Trail Marathon) takes place at the end of August ( check dates online ). It would be best to avoid conquering this trek during that time. If you do go during the race, be sure to reserve your accommodations ahead of time.

Hike the TMB Clockwise or Counter Clockwise?

Because this trail is one large loop, you can choose to hike it in either direction. Most people hike it in the anti-clockwise direction . If you choose to do it clockwise, you will be traveling against the flow of people and will not see the same people on the trail each day. This is your choice. My friend and I hiked it counter-clockwise so that is what I will be referring to in this guide.

I can’t say which is better, but we definitely enjoyed running into some of the same people throughout the trek and swapping stories about the trail. My vote is for counter-clockwise.

How to Get to the Start of the Tour du Mont Blanc Trail

Easiest : Fly into Geneva, Switzerland and take a 2 hour bus to Les Houches and Chamonix. We visited an information desk at the airport and easily booked our bus tickets after we landed in Geneva. Verify the times here. Bus tickets were $10-15.

There are also some train options that are worth looking into depending on where you might be coming from in Europe.

I love the website www.rome2rio.com  to check out different ways to get places.

How Much Time is Necessary for Tour du Mont Blanc Camping?

Plan for a solid 11 days of hiking. You can do it in less, but if you’re planning on backpacking/camping, I don’t recommend planning for a shorter time limit. You won’t be as easily able to add extra miles to your day because your heavy pack will slow you down. It is not an easy hike, and we were super slow.

Pros and Cons of Tour du Mont Blanc Camping

The difficulty of this hike varies significantly depending on how you want to hike it. Some people hike with a tour group that drops off their belongings at the lodges each night. They only have to carry a small day pack. Others hike it and stay at lodges along the way and are only required to bring changes of clothes with them.

But not you, my friend. You’re reading this because you want the misery of carrying a heavy pack along the trail each day. You want to make this difficult trek the most difficult it can possibly be by doing The Tour du Mont Blanc Camping instead of just day hiking it.

Pros of Tour du Mont Blanc Camping and Backpacking

• You have WAY more flexibility in accommodations. If you rely on lodges, you might be out of luck if you don’t book ahead of time. With a tent, you know that you will always have somewhere to sleep.
• To me, camping is the way to go. You spend all day and night in nature, totally immersing yourself in the trail. It’s awesome.
• It will save you a ton of money. Some campsites are free. All are relatively cheap. You can spend all this extra money on pizza.
• You will feel like a badass.

Cons of Tour du Mont Blanc Camping and Backpacking

• You’ll hear “wow that’s a huge backpack” 100 times because very few people choose to backpack and carry a tent on this trail.
• While others are sleeping in hotels, you’ll be cooking on your camp stove and sleeping in the cold.
• Italy has some weird anti-camping laws, so it makes it difficult to camp wherever you want during that section.
• It’s more painful. If you’re reading this and are considering backpacking it, you already know this.

I like to refer to the 4 Ps for this trail: Pain, Pizza, Pasta, and Pastries. You must suffer the first P to appreciate the other 3 Ps. Backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc allows you to accomplish the 4 Ps.

The beauty of this trail is that you can do a bit of both backpacking and non-camping nights. We spent 3/10 nights in lodging due to the lack of campsites in those areas, and it felt SO luxurious and necessary. However, we saved a crap ton of money by camping 7 of the nights, didn’t have to make reservations ahead of time, and had flexibility in how much we hiked each day. If you’re undecided or have more questions, email me at [email protected] .

For more backpacking inspiration, check out the 10 Best Bucket List Backpacking Trip Ideas .

What to Pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc Camping

This will depend on when you decide to trek. If you’re going mid-summer, you won’t need as many warm clothes. If you go in September like we did, pack ALL THE LAYERS. The weather can change by 40 degrees day to day. Be prepared.

For the only packing list you’ll need, I wrote a post and included every little thing that we brought with us. 

Cost of Tour du Mont Blanc Camping

This can vary GREATLY from person to person. If you camp every night, cook on a camp stove, and don’t splurge on anything, you can do this hike for a couple hundred bucks. You can also stay in a lodge every night, eat exclusively at nice restaurants, and pay for someone to carry your stuff from room to room and spend thousands of dollars.

Or you can be like my friend and me. We ate like queens sometimes but then cooked noodles at our campsite on other nights. We put up our tent in the freezing cold at a free campsite but then stayed in a hotel one night. The two of us didn’t have big splurges, but we fully enjoyed our trip.

We spent around $1000 total for the two of us for the 11 day trek. This included campsites, refuge bed and board for 2 nights, 1 night in a hotel in Courmayeur, food, and alcohol. I’m going to bet that most people can’t spend 11 days in Europe and only spend $500.

I have a feeling costs have gone up since we did this hike. Luckily, there is an awesome website to help you calculate the approximate cost for you to hike this.

While we’re on the subject of money, it’s important to note that you are traveling through different countries. France and Italy both use the Euro. Be sure to get cash before heading out on your trek because many places only take cash. (I haven’t heard of any TMB robberies, so err on the side of having too much cash with you.)

Switzerland uses the Franc. You can get Francs once you arrive in Switzerland, but many places in Switzerland will also accept Euros.

I am awful at calculating between currencies, so I suggest downloading an app ahead of time so you aren’t stuck scratching your head and wondering if you just overpaid for a campsite.

A book called Trekking the Tour of Mont Blanc exists, and you must buy it. As great as this blog post is, you have to own the guidebook and bring it with you. It’s like the Bible of this trek, and every other blog post recommends it as well. We did very little planning ahead of time and were able to complete the whole trek thanks to this book.

11 Day Itinerary for Tour du Mont Blanc Camping

I am going to go through your 11 days of Tour du Mont Blanc camping with a quick overview of each day and how to get to where you’ll camp. If you would like a more comprehensive description of each day, read my other post with a full itinerary (even MORE detailed).

Also, because I had NO concept of how far a meter or kilometer was, I have included the height gain/loss in meters/feet each day and how far the distance is in kilometers/miles.

This itinerary is Anti-Clockwise and starts in Les Houches. I am only going to list camping options for accommodations unless there isn’t an available campground. If you’re hoping to stay in hotels the whole time, this isn’t the itinerary for you. 

For a 1 page printable itinerary, download here.

11 Day Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Itinerary

Day 1: Les Houches – Bionnassay – Les Contamines

Distance: 16km/10mi

Height Gain: 646m/2119ft

Height Loss: 633m/2076ft

Time: 5.5 hours

Where to Camp: Camping le Pontet (not far off the trail)

When you arrive in Les Contamine, stop and have a drink, then stop at a market to buy what you might need for cooking. It will be 3 days before you encounter more grocery stores. Read the start of Stage 2 in the guide book for how to get to the campground. It is around 45 minutes past the town.

When you see the lake/restaurant, turn right into the park before the lake. Curve left around the lake then right towards the campground. You’ll take a right on a road and then reach the entrance.

Camping Le Pontet has a small camp store, optional (sort of expensive) dinner, hot showers, and paid wifi.

Day 2: Les Contamines – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme – Les Chapieux

Distance: 18km/11mi

Height Gain: 1316m/4317ft

Height Loss: 929m/3047ft

Time: 7.5 hours

Where to Camp: Free camping in Les Chapieux (on the trail)

Les Chapieux is the tiniest town (not sure it’s even considered a town), so you can’t miss where to camp. You can camp in the big meadow behind the public toilets.

There is a small store and public restroom. No wifi or showers. Plan to eat a camping meal this night – the restaurant was only open to hotel guests, and the small sandwich shop was already closed by the time we arrived.

Day 3: Les Chapieux – Col de la Seigne – Rifugio Elisabetta

Distance: 15km/9.3mi

Height Gain: 1004m/3293ft

Height Loss: 258m/847ft

Time: 5 hours

Where to Stay: Rifugio Elisabetta or camp somewhere above the Rifugio

This is one of the nights where camping is tricky. To wild camp in Italy, you must camp above 2500m/8200ft or risk a huge fine. Rifugio Elisabetta is at 2200m/7200ft, so you would need to keep climbing up past the refuge for another 1000ft or so.

From the research I did, it sounds like if you keep climbing past the refuge you will hit some flat areas for camping that can’t be seen from the road.

Snow and freezing temperatures were expected for this night, so we opted to stay at Rifugio Elisabetta, which was 47 Euro per person and included a “bed,” dinner, breakfast, and a stunning view of a glacier. If the refuge is full, you can wait it out until 6:30pm (their cut off for people arriving for reservations). If people don’t show, you can take their spots. We were lucky and 2 beds opened up – it sounds like this happens frequently. Make a reservation ahead of time, though, if you know exactly what night you are staying.

** A note about the refugio beds – I have stayed in many hostels before but have never experienced this level of cramming people into small spaces. The refuges don’t really have a choice.. there is nowhere else to stay close by, so they fit as many people as they possibly can into very small rooms. You basically sleep on a long raised area, right next to another person. Bring earplugs and a sleep sheet.

Day 4: Rifugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur

Distance: 18km/11.1mi

Height Gain: 460m/1500ft

Height Loss: 1560m/5118ft

Where to Stay: at a hotel in Courmayeur

Unfortunately, a campground in Courmayeur does not exist. (I checked again recently, 2024.) I should probably move there and open one, but alas, you’ll have to stay in a quaint hotel instead. You can go through a lot of extra effort to take buses to camp elsewhere (like 14 miles away), but we didn’t really want to leave the trail to find a campground.

Accommodations in Courmayeur are not expensive, and it’s SO worth it to stay in a private hotel room with your own bathroom. Gah, luxury!

We stayed at Hotel Edelweiss for 90 Euro/$97, and this included an AMAZING breakfast. They also did all of our nasty laundry for 5 Euro.

**Plan to do your laundry in Courmayeur. There’s a laundromat, but it isn’t open on Sundays. If your hotel does laundry for cheap, treat yo self.

Speaking of treat yo self, please eat at Pizzeria du Tunnel . Order pizza AND homemade pasta. My eyes tear up just thinking about that meal.

Day 5: Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Height Gain: 860m/2821ft

Height Loss: 101m/331ft

Time: 4.5 hours

Where to Stay: Rifugio Bonatti

I know, I’ve told you to stay indoors for 3 nights in a row. I wasn’t happy about it either, but these are your best options.

Rifugio Bonatti is a couple hours hike from any town, and to camp you’d have to go way off the trail and take a bus to Val Ferret. You’d miss out on the TMB.

Rifugio Bonatti is in the most incredible location. I can’t believe it even exists in this remote area, surrounded by mountains. I love camping, but I also loved staying here.

Cost is 70 Euro per person and includes dinner, breakfast, and a 1 minute (literally 1 minute, not exaggerating) hot shower. You can buy sandwiches for the next day as well.

Day 6: Rifugio Bonatti – Grand Col Ferret – La Fouly

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Height Gain: 895m/2935ft

Height Loss: 1410m/4625ft

Time: 6.5 hours

Where to Stay: Camping des Glaciers

Back to camping! Camping des Glaciers is a fantastic campground. You can’t miss it.. you’ll see signs before you even get into town. It’s a 10-15 minute walk into town. The campground has hot showers, a cooking room, and free wifi. Cost is around $10 per person. Pick up groceries in town if you need them! And if you want to eat at a local Swiss restaurant, this is the tiny town to do it.

Day 7: La Fouly – Champex

Height Gain: 420m/1377ft

Height Loss: 565m/1853ft

Where to Stay: Camping les Rocailles

Camping les Rocailles is located just past the city center. It has laundry, hot showers, a cooking area, and wifi. If you buy groceries in town (and you should), they’ll give you a little crate that you can carry to the campground and leave there. Cost is 34Euro/$36 for 2 people.

** We did laundry on this night to get us through the rest of the trek. I highly recommend this.

Day 8: Champex – Alp Bovine – Col de la Forclaz OR Champex – Fenetre d’Arpette – Le Peuty

* This was the only day that we took a major alternate route. If you have a clear day and want to cross a difficult mountain pass, do the alternate route from the guide. If there’s any chance of bad weather or if you’re worn out (understandable), keep to the regular route; we heard it’s very pretty too.

Main Route:

Height Gain: 742m/2434ft

Height Loss: 682m/2237ft

Where to Stay: Camp next to Hotel de la Forclaz

The camping is near the hotel, and you have access to some of the hotel facilities – toilets, showers, and optional expensive food. Price is $8 per person + $6 per tent.

Alternate Route:

Distance: 14km/8.6mi

Height Gain: 1199m/3933ft

Height Loss: 1139m/3736ft

Time: 6.5 hours +

Where to Stay: Camp in a field in Le Peuty

The alternate route is a doozy. It involves some rock climbing and a very intense incline. We were the only ones out there with packs on and that made for a mildly terrifying hike.

The camping at Le Peuty is in a field right as you come into the town. You’ll see some porta potties that are actually showers, a plain building with public toilets (NO TOILET PAPER), and a covered area for cooking. If it’s not full already, you can eat dinner at the small lodge across the street. Camping is $6 per person but no one ever came around for payment while we were there.

This was our least favorite “campground,” but we couldn’t complain much because it was free.

Day 9: Col de la Forclaz or Le Peuty – Col de Balme – Tre le Champ

Distance: 13km/8mi

Height Gain: 1069m/3507ft

Height Loss: 1178m/3868ft

Where to Stay: Chalet Pierre Semard (on the trail) or Camping du Glaciers in Argentiere (30-40 minute hike off the trail)

Chalet Pierre Semard is in Les Frasserands, not too far off the TMB trail. This campground offers free wifi, food, laundry, and hot showers. Around $10 to camp.

We stayed at Camping du Glaciers , and it was our favorite Tour du Mont Blanc Camping site of the trip. You get hot showers with unlimited time, a heated hang out room, free wifi, and you’re within walking distance of some awesome restaurants (delicious pizza). If you’re in need of groceries, you’ll have to stay here. Cost is 6 Euro per person and 3 Euro to rent a site.

*** Important to note – once you leave these campgrounds, the only free drinking water is at the cable car station at La Flegere – and if that’s closed already, you’re out of luck. Stock up or pay for water at the various stops.

Day 10: Tre le Champ – Refuge La Flegere

* Listed is the main route, but I highly recommend taking the variant to Lac Blanc. It’s beautiful. Follow the sign/the guide.

Distance: 8km/5mi

Height Gain: 733m/2404ft

Height Loss: 257m/843ft

Time: 4 hours

Where to Stay: Wild camping outside of Refuge la Flagere

Refuge la Flagere was closed and under construction when we hiked the TMB in 2019, so we wild camped an hour past the refuge. I’ll relay what I’ve read about camping at la Flagere here — it’s open again!!.

The refuge staff can point you to where you should set up your tent (or look for fellow campers). You can use the refuge’s facilities if you buy a beer. Drinking water is not available at the refuge but is available at the cable car station. Stock up before it closes. And treat it, per their website.

You can set up your tent at sunset and must take it down by sunrise.

If you want some solitude, keep hiking for about 45 minutes until you reach open grasslands. We wild camped here and had the most glorious view.

Day 11: FINAL DAY of The Tour du Mont Blanc Camping! Refuge La Flegere – Le Brevent – Les Houches

Distance: 17km/10.5mi

Height Gain: 772m/2532ft

Height Loss: 1546m/5072ft

Where to Stay: Somewhere in Chamonix or Les Houches

YOU DID IT. To celebrate backpacking the Tour du Mont Blanc, I recommend treating yourself to a hotel and a LARGE meal.

Advice for Tour du Mont Blanc Camping

Bring a camping stove and cook meals along the way. This helped us to save money, but it also kept us from having to decide on a restaurant/go out to eat every night. Sometimes we wanted to put our pajamas on and stay at our campsite.

Keep the Cicerone guide close by during the day. The trail is pretty straight forward, but there are quite a few variants. Use the guide to make sure you’re on the right path. We read about the next day every night before bed, and we kept it easily accessible in our packs.

Train for it. Run a marathon. Walk on the stair master. Strengthen your legs and lungs.

Try to mentally prepare yourself for the chance that you might have days that are 100% cloudy when you can’t see a thing. We had a couple days in a row where we couldn’t see any of the mountain passes that the guide described. Instead, we were hiking totally uphill with zero rewards. It was quite depressing, so try to accept it before you go.

I truly hope this guide helps you plan the best trek. My Tour du Mont Blanc Camping trip is something I will never forget, and I’d love for more people to experience it like we did.

Happy Hiking!

More on the Tour du Mont Blanc: Detailed Itinerary , Packing List,   11 Reasons to Hike the TMB

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Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra Pack Review

I often find myself in need of a framed backpack. While I love my frameless bags, most of the thru-hikes I pursue involve at least a few long water carries, heavy snow gear, or six-day food hauls. Keeping my pack weight in the magic sub-20-pound range necessitated by frameless designs isn’t always feasible. Still, I don’t love adding an extra pound of frame to my base weight.

Enter the Superior Wilderness Designs SL40: a framed, ultralight pack that can carry heavy loads without blowing up your base weight. 

Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra At a Glance:

MSRP: $349 (some options add cost) Typical weight: 19.9 oz (pack + frame with no Y strap, back pad, or bungees*)

• Main Body: 17.85 oz in Large torso, Small hip belt
• 2x Tubular Aluminum Frame Stays: 2.0 oz in size Large
• Foam Back Pad: 0.75 oz
• Bungee for Foam Back Pad: 0.25 oz
• 2x Side compression Bungee: 0.4 oz
• Removable Y Strap: 1.15 oz**
• Sternum Strap: 0.6 oz**

*Maxing out these optional add-ons would increase pack weight by 3.15 oz

**SWD delivers packs with extremely long webbing throughout for maximum body compatibility. I trimmed them to fit my needs, removing 0.25 oz from the hip belt and 0.2 oz from the load lifters and sternum strap. I did not trim the Y strap, but this is possible as well. Your mileage may vary depending on your own body and needs.

Cruising the Haute Route Pyrenees, in ultralight style

• Main Pack Body: Ultra 200X back and bottom panel, Ultra 100X front and rolltop***
• Shoulder Straps and Side Bottle Pockets: Ultragrid in blackout and avocado, respectively***
• Mesh Pocket: Venom UL stretch mesh***
• Padding: 1/2-inch closed cell foam and 1/8-inch 3D spacer mesh

*The entire pack can be made of black Ultra 200X for a modest weight penalty. Other colors of ultragrid are available for the bottle pockets, and the outside pocket can be optioned with ultragrid instead of stretch mesh as well.

Dimensions:

• Volume: 40L internal, ~10L external
• Side Bottle Pocket Size: Fits 2x 1L Smartwater bottles each
• Shoulder Strap Width: 2.5”

Intended Use

The SL40 is an ideal pack for long-distance hikers with low-volume kits but who occasionally need the extra support of a robust frame. Long food carries, winter gear, and bear cans will easily be accommodated, despite the lightweight design.

Circumstance of Review

This pack saw over 800 miles of action prior to review, including the Haute Route Pyrenees (HRP), Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB), and Walker’s Haute Route (WHR). It also saw some hard miles in America’s deserts and snowy early-season backpacking in the Colorado Rockies.

Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra Features

Tubular aluminum frame.

The SL40 is a framed backpack with dual 7075 aluminum tubular stays. These beefy frame pieces are exceptionally strong and stiff for their weight and will haul about anything you can fit into the pack. A pair of tubular stays weighs just two ounces, compared to the 4+ ounces of a comparable bar stock frame.

Real Load Lifters

Load lifters are a piece of webbing and an adjustable ladder lock that connect the top of a pack’s frame to the shoulder straps. When the frame extends up to or above your shoulder height (as is the case with the SL40) adjusting the load lifters will shift the weight of the pack, as well as help reduce the amount of weight transferred to your shoulders.

Enjoying the view in the Pyrenees mountains. You can see the load lifters angled up from the shoulder strap, connecting to the frame. The frame extends about 5″ past where the shoulder strap is stitched.

Ultralight Design Philosophy

At first glance, the SL40 may appear like a pretty basic pack. There are no hipbelt or shoulder strap pockets, no zippered compartments, and no roll-top compression straps out of the box. The core ultralight design philosophy is more about the simplicity and absence of gear, rather than getting lighter versions of complicated products. All these features add weight, and leaving them behind creates an incredible sub 20oz (1.25 lbs) framed pack that can haul just about anything. 

Modular Accessory System

Despite the lack of convenience features out of the box, SWD does leave a series of webbing and cord tabs around the pack to support their large ecosystem of modular accessories. 

The top of the pack features three pairs of webbing loops intended for use with a top strap or Y strap. This is an important feature for transporting bear cans, pack rafts, or other bulky gear externally.

The shoulder straps have the standard daisy chain of webbing for adding on pockets, phone holders, or water bottle sleeves.

The hipbelt webbing is more minimal, sized perfectly for SWD’s hip belt pockets but not much else.

There’s one last secret webbing loop, inside the water bottle pockets. This tab is for the removable roll-top vertical compression (RTVC) straps. By default, the roll top of the pack clips to itself in a donut, rather than stretching down. If this doesn’t suit your style, they provide this easy option to revert back to a more familiar closure system.

New in their ecosystem with the SL40 is a series of cord and bungee-based accessories. Down the sides of the pack and across the bottom are a series of short cord loops. In many ways, they function similar to regular webbing loops for compression straps or holstering gear to the outside (such as foam sleeping pads or skis). The pack ships with one pair of compression bungees, but you can easily make your own lashing with shock cord or static paracord.

Tubular vs. Bar Frame Shape

This pack uses a tubular (hollow circle) aluminum frame, as opposed to the bar (rectangular) frame that most packs in the sub-two-pound category have. Users of many traditional packs from brands like Osprey and Gregory will be used to seeing tubular aluminum, but it is surprisingly absent from the cottage and ultralight pack industry.

Why has SWD made the leap to a tube frame? Deep, hollow cross-section shapes are more structurally efficient than the thin and flat bars often used in packs. This means a stiffer, lighter frame that will more effectively transfer weight to the hipbelt.

At the same time, the hollow shape does introduce a potential new failure mode: local deformation, aka “denting.” Imagine what happens when you whack that cardboard tube a little too hard against your sibling or a countertop. The leading edge folds over into the hollow area and stays that way.

Theoretically, a tubular aluminum frame could experience this if it was hit or dropped too aggressively. In reality, this almost never happens. I felt the frame has a sufficiently thick sidewall to prevent this under any normal or peripheral use case. Dan Durston has also said this failure mode has never been reported in his Kakwa packs, backing up that this is an unlikely event.

The pack body with one compression bungee. In the middle is the black, tubular 7075 aluminum stay for the SL40. On bottom is a silver 7075 Bar stock frame for a SWD Long Haul 50. Despite the tubular frame weighing half as much as the bar frame, I can barely flex the tubular while the bar moves with ease.

7075 vs 6061 Aluminum Frame Material

The frame stays on the SL40 use a premium 7075 aluminum blend, produced by Easton. You might be familiar with Easton as the maker of a wide variety of aluminum products, including tent poles for many major brands and my favorite stake, the Easton Nano. 

While the average backpacker may not be familiar with aluminum chemistries, this is a meaningful upgrade. The standard 6061 aluminum used in many bar frames (such as the HMG Southwest and Windrider series) is less stiff, heavier, and often deforms under heavy loads. This often means these packs get less comfortable and carry differently as they are loaded up, leading to back pain and rubbing. 

Using a premium 7075 frame means consistent, high-level performance.

Should a pack frame end at the shoulder strap, or above?

On a framed pack, there is a huge rift between packs that end at the shoulder strap and those that rise above by a few inches. An extended frame allows the pack to effectively use load lifters for a better, more adjustable fit and less strain on the shoulders. Ending at the shoulders makes the frame less effective, and makes load lifters ineffective. The taller the frame extends up, the more weight it can shift off your shoulders. If you are between sizes, I would recommend going for the taller size.

Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra Pros

Super light framed pack.

The weight of this pack is its show-stopping feature at just 19.9 oz (1.25 pounds) for the main body and frame. Getting a two-piece frame pack under 28 oz is hard enough on its own, and to do it with comfortable straps and a stretchy pocket is almost unparalleled.

Most hikers are going to want to add a few more convenience and comfort features, such as a top strap and some compression bungees for stashing poles. Even so, an average configuration of 22 to 24 oz beats the competition by a fair margin. I loved having the extra load-carrying capacity of the frame without having to compromise on my pack weight. It came in handy many times on unexpectedly long water and food carries.

Easily Accessible Bottle Pockets

The side bottle pocket is often a love-hate relationship on packs. When the top edge is high and cut straight across, they stay in place well but become hard to get in and out of without taking off a shoulder strap. When they are cut low and angled down towards the front, they can be accessed with ease but also tend to eject themselves when bending over.

On the SL40, I finally have bottle pockets that I can easily use, without the accidental drops. Over 800+ miles of use, I only once dropped a bottle out of the bag. In this case, it was while bending over and only having a single bottle on a side.

I think the cut height and angle is the perfect in-between, provided you use their preferred bottle configuration of two 1L sSmartwater or Lifewater bottles on each side. More on the drawback here below.

The Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra hipbelt (above) vs the SWD Long Haul 50 Hipbelt (below). The SL40 is more tapered and is sewn directly to the pack body, while the Long Haul 50 stays wide until the end, and features a “floating” design.

Comfortable Shoulder and Hip Belt

Despite the low overall pack weight, there is no compromise in the cushioning on the shoulder and hip belts. In fact, while most companies are using 0.375 inches of foam, SWD is using a full 0.5 inches of premium Evazote foam. Evazote is considered the best-in-class performer for lightweight padding because it rebounds better and longer from compression.

Something about the spacing, padding, and shape of the shoulder straps also makes the sternum strap unnecessary for me. This obviously won’t work out for everyone, but to me it indicates a high level of refinement missing in many packs.

Another small detail is that SWD uses the finishing ⅛-inch layer of spacer mesh “wrong side out,” meaning that the part you touch and feel is a smooth black fabric instead of a series of pea-sized holes that easily snag pine needles and dirt. I prefer this layering over the alternative “right side out” that usually collects little rocks and needles over the course of a trip.

Mesh Pocket Swallows Gear

The SL40 has an option for an Ultragrid or Venom Mesh outside/back pocket. I decided to use Venom Mesh hoping its stretch would help keep things in place, whether it is filled up or hardly used.

I was a little concerned when unboxing that the mesh was too tight, with no pleats at the bottom and only a little spare fabric at the top. My concerns quickly faded as I started to load it up with all my “outside” gear. I was typically able to fit a water filter, 2L empty bladder, rain jacket/pants/gloves, sunscreen, spare snacks, and even occasionally an Alpha Direct fleece before I felt it was truly maxed out.

The Venom Mesh pocket punching above its weight class. Yes, that is a bag of chips sticking out of the top.

Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra Cons

Low on convenience features.

As mentioned above, this pack is slimmed down to only the essentials. Convenience features, such as hip belt pockets and complicated compression systems, are left out in favor of simplicity and lightness.

While their ecosystem of removable accessories can make up most of the difference, having them completely removable means there is extra overhead in materials and hardware. If there is a feature you always use and can’t live without, such as shoulder strap bottle sleeves, they are going to weigh more and function just a bit worse than having them built in from the start.

Some options can be built in via an a la carte “custom” order page or negotiated by email, but these will make the pack un-returnable in case of mis-sizing or other issues.

Accessories Are a Bit Complicated

The current iteration of the SWD Y-strap is a bit better than the last, with the pack attachment points using a captive clip for the ladder locks rather than a large “G-hook.” Even still, having all three pack attachment points and one of the side-release buckle pieces adjustable makes it a bit annoying to manage and leaves lots of loose ends that can flap in the wind. I would personally prefer they take this down to just two (one for the V part of the strap, one for the straight part) and leave the rest as low profile, fixed bartacks. 

Similarly, the side compression shock cords are easy enough to operate, but moving them requires a bit more work and a knot (girth hitch) to attach to the cord loops. I actually prefer this system, but moving them to different positions after cinching was a bit of a pain.

Minimal Hipbelt

The sewn-in hipbelt on this pack is fairly comfortable but is not quite as good at transferring heavy loads as the larger, “full wrap” hipbelt found on SWD’s other framed pack. The “Wing” design used here is likely to perform worse for people with large waists as well, since the padded section will not wrap very far towards the front.

On a late-season desert trip, I ended up carrying 14L of water into a canyon to set up a basecamp. The pack held up to my 38-pound total pack weight fine, but I just couldn’t quite get comfortable with the hipbelt after the first few miles. This eased off significantly once the total weight was more in the low 30s, and after a few more weeks of hiking where my body was better adjusted to wearing a pack all day.

Those consistently carrying mid-30s loads may want to look to packs with a more complete hipbelt design.

Low Volume Difficult to Manage on Thrus

Currently, the SL design is only available in a 40L internal volume design. This is manageable for most ultralight backpackers, but in practice I found it a bit tight for long food carries. With a bulky two-person DCF tent hogging my internal volume, I often had to strap my food bag to the top using the Y strap when carrying more than four days. Perhaps if I used a more compact silpoly tent or didn’t love potato chips so much, I could get to five days internally.

The scuttlebutt online is that an SL50 (50-liter internal volume) will be released eventually, but I haven’t seen any commitment to that on their website so far.

A 4++ day food bag strapped to the top since it didn’t fit inside my bag.

Bottle Pockets are Super Specifically Optimized

I ended up really liking the bottle pockets on this pack but realized quickly they were optimized only for Smartwater bottles. I find Smartwater bottles comically tall and often opt for Essentia’s similar, but shorter and fatter, one-liter bottles instead. The slight difference between the two shapes was enough that fitting two Essentias on each side was a tight squeeze. I couldn’t access them while walking, while Smartwater-shaped bottles were a breeze.

Similarly, 1.5L Essentia bottles could work by themselves but were awkwardly tight in one direction while wobbling a bit in the other. I ended up just having to commit to the tallest, skinniest 1L bottles I could find to make it work with ease.

No Taped Seams by Default

Challenge Outdoors, the manufacturer of the Ultra fabrics used on this pack, recommends taping seams for stability and strength. This has the added benefit of making the pack highly waterproof since the fabric itself is waterproof as well. Missing this part of the construction isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean you’re missing out on a nice layer of extra protection and stability.

If you want your pack taped, it’s a hefty $75 custom charge from SWD and will add about two ounces to the total weight. You can also buy a full roll of tape from Ripstop by the Roll for about $40 and do it yourself, with the added benefit of keeping the leftover yardage for repairs of all your laminate products (such as EPLX and DCF). Note that if you tape yourself, you will need to let the tape’s glue cure for about 24 hours before use for full adhesion and strength.

The Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra is an incredibly light pack that can also haul heavy loads when called to duty. In many ways, it makes a perfect bag for mountain west thru-hiking (such as the PCT or CDT), where generally conditions make a low base weight easy to achieve, but you might need to pack on the weight for those few long water carries, six-day resupplies, or stints of snow hiking with an ice axe and bear can. 

At $350, this pack falls in line with industry pricing on framed ultralight bags. I think it is an great value for a unique product, and I trust it to last many more miles of long-distance hiking. Given the high standard these packs are made to and their small-shop domestic production, the price is more than reasonable.

Shop the Sierra Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra

A Few Comparison Items

Pilgrim Ultralight Gear Highline 40

• MSRP: $330 (base price)
• Weight: 20 oz (dependent on customizations)

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L

• MSRP: $ 400
• Weight: 20.4 oz

LiteAF 40L Curve Full Suspension

• MSRP: $345 (base price before customizations)
• Weight: 25/34 oz (dependent on sizing)

The Superior Wilderness Designs SL40 Ultra was donated for purpose of review

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

I've hiked thousands of miles across the deserts and mountains of the world. I like to push my limits, whether its big miles on trails or difficult terrain off trail. When I'm not in the wilds, I love to geek out on maps, gear, and hiking skills. My major trail adventures include: Long Trail (LT) | 2018 | SOBO 130 mile Section ||| Continental Divide Trail (CDT) | 2021 | SOBO Thru ||| Nolan's 14 Route (N14) | 2021 | SOBO Thru ||| Pfiffner Traverse | 2022 | SOBO Thru ||| Skurka's Wind River High Route (WRHR) | 2023 | NOBO Thru ||| Haute Route Pyrenees (HRP) | 2024 | EABO Thru ||| Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) | 2024 | CW Thru ||| Walker's Haute Route (WHR) | 2024 | EABO Thru ||| and a few thousand miles of unnamed routes and adventures in between.

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Garmin Enduro 2 GPS Watch In-Depth Review: Tested to the Limit!

When Garmin first announced the original Garmin Enduro about 1.5 years ago , it was met with mostly confusion. How could an ultra-running focused watch not have maps? Sure, it had amazing battery life, and even a nifty nylon strap. But instead of the device building atop the then popular Fenix 6 series, it actually removed features from it in order to achieve battery life. So in effect, it was a ‘Fenix 6X Minus’.

Fast forward to the Enduro 2 though, and Garmin aims to fix that by bringing out what is essentially a ‘Fenix 7X Plus’. It’s got every single feature of the Fenix 7X series , but adds more, both in hardware and software. The new Enduro 2 has the longest battery life of any Garmin watch, and depending on how you tally the solar figures – any watch in the endurance sports market. It’s got a flashlight that’s twice as bright as the Fenix 7X, and it’s got new trail-focused features to automatically identify trail junctions before you go down the wrong path (even if a course isn’t loaded).

I’ve been testing the Enduro 2 over the course of the summer, putting it through its paces. Both day-to-day workouts and regular 24×7 activity tracking, but also the epic 170KM Tour du Mont Blanc, with the aim of trying to complete it on a single battery charge (while still using all the features at full-tilt). Which, is a great way to get this review cooking!

First though, note that this watch is a media loaner, and it’ll go back to Garmin shortly. This review is not sponsored (nor does any company get to preview anything I review), and I don’t take any advertiser money from any companies I review. And as regular readers know, if something is crap, I’m gonna tell it brutally like it is – no matter the brand. Once this unit goes back, I’ll go out and get my own for any future testing needs. If you found this review useful, you can use the links at the bottom, or consider becoming a DCR Supporter which makes the site ad-free, while also getting access to a mostly weekly video series behind the scenes of the DCR Cave. And of course, it makes you awesome.

What’s New & Different:

Trying to compare the Enduro 2 to the Enduro 1 in the newness category would produce a massive list of features, well beyond the list of features that are new in the Fenix 7 Series alone. That’s because the Enduro 1 lacked many of the Fenix 6 features around mapping/music/navigation, so those too would have to be included. So instead, I’m going to simplify it. I’m going to group all that Fenix 6 to Fenix 7 stuff in a few bullet points, and then focus on what’s unique about the Enduro 2 compared to a Fenix 7 here, as well as the new Forerunner 955 features added to the Enduro 2 that are also currently in public beta for the Fenix 7/Epix . A complete list of all Fenix 6 to Fenix 7 features is found here .

With that, the newness:

– It starts as a full-featured Fenix 7X: This means it has full downloadable maps, music, payments, WiFi, etc – It’s got longer battery life: Upwards of 150 hours in GPS-only mode, or up to 81 hours in Multi-Band mode (see chart below) – Added new Next Fork feature: This automatically identifies trail/road junctions on the map – Added SatIQ: This automatically changes GNSS types to give you the most accurate GPS for the tough conditions (deep mountain canyons), while then reducing battery burn when higher levels of GPS power aren’t needed (e.g. open fields) – Updated Flashlight: The flashlight on the Enduro 2 is 2X the brightness of the Fenix 7X series – Slightly thicker than the Fenix 7X: While it’s the same width/height footprint, the Enduro 2 case is 1mm thicker (17mm) than the 7X (16mm) – Includes almost all new Forerunner 955 Features: This includes Training Readiness, Training Status 2.0, HRV Status, and Running Power (among others). It does not yet include Morning Report. – Added Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP): This common training metric is finally on Garmin watches natively, and shows your pace adjusted for the gradient you’re running on. This has been on platforms like TrainingPeaks and Strava for years – Added Auto Rest Timer: This automatically tracks your rest/aid station time, without manually having to trigger it like in the Enduro 1. – Added course arrows/chevrons: Finally, you can see the correct direction of travel on a course, useful on complex/overlapping routes – Added a few extra sport modes: Beyond the Fenix 7 ones, it includes Sail, Sail Race, Hunt, and Duathlon – Includes two straps in the box: The Enduro 2 includes both a nylon strap as well as a silicon strap. – Price increases to $1,099: Essentially $100 more than the Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire for the extra battery & strap

Many of the software features here on the Enduro 2 have already made it to the Fenix 7 series in the beta over the last two months. In fact, the inclusion of features like SatIQ in the beta were mostly a means for Garmin to test this more widespread before it launched as a marquee feature of the Enduro 2. Of course, the Fenix 7 gets to keep that, and the Forerunner 955 will see it in beta very shortly as well. For the other software features (Next Fork, GAP, Auto Rest Timer), here’s the plan for those:

SatIQ: In Fenix 7 Public Beta already, FR955 Public Beta very shortly Next Fork: Fenix 7 quarterly release later this year Grade Adjusted Pace: Fenix 7 quarterly release later this year Auto Rest Timer: Fenix 7 quarterly release later this year Course Arrows/Chevrons: In Fenix 7 Public Beta already, already on Forerunner 955 production

In terms of battery life, here’s the complete chart for the Enduro 2, showing the battery life:

And here’s how it stacks up against the Fenix 7X series:

Of course, I dive into the battery aspects in much more geeky depth down below, along with everything else for that matter. So with that, let’s get right into it.

What’s in the Box:

Inside the box, you’ll find it virtually identical to that of the Fenix 7 Series. So that means you’ve got the watch, the standard Garmin charging cable, and some paper stuffs. Except, the difference is the Enduro 2 comes with an extra strap. So you get both a silicon strap and a nylon strap.

Here’s a closer look at that fabric strap, which is the same as on the Enduro 1.

For size comparison, it’s the exact same as the Fenix 7X, except just 1mm thicker (depth). But the case size width/height is the same, as is the display/solar strip/etc…

Above you can see the complete Fenix lineup from above, it’s visually the same top-down as the Fenix 7X, but with titanium instead. Weight-wise, it’s lighter though, coming in at just 70g with the nylon, or 92g with the silicon strap. The Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire (non-Titanium) is 96g.

The Basics:

This section is going to be focused on all the non-sports features of the watch, things like basic usability, 24×7 activity/health tracking, phone integration, etc…. In other words, all the basic day-to-day features that don’t (typically) involve sweat and suffering. If you’re looking for even more details on daily usage, you can check out my full Fenix 7 Beginners Guide , mainly because that’s the underpinnings of this watch, and everything is essentially the same here.

To begin, the Garmin Enduro 2 has five buttons, just like most Garmin fitness/outdoors watches. Three on the left, and then two on the right. In general, the upper right button is your confirmation button, and the lower right is your back/escape button. The left buttons are for navigating in the menu. And you can long-hold any of the buttons to either access different menu items, or assign quick-access buttons.

However, the Enduro 2 like the rest of the Fenix 7/Epix series is also a touchscreen that allows you to touch/tap/swipe items. Generally speaking, aside from trying to actively use the touchscreen in the shower with high-pressure water hitting it, I haven’t had any normal rain/sweat issues using the touch portions. Obviously, you lose a bit of precision when it gets really wet – like any other touchscreen device. What’s notable though with Garmin’s approach is that there is *ZERO* dependency on using/requiring the touchscreen. You can use it when you want, or not use it at all. In my case, I mostly use buttons, except only occasionally touch in mapping (and I turn it on per-sport profile). It’s just a personal preference in that I find button usage so much faster. But to each their own.

In Garmin’s approach, virtually all of the sport profiles have touch disabled by default. This means you enable it on a per sport profile basis, or, across the board on all sports on the watch. Additionally, you can enable/disable it for sleep as well, though I’ve never had any errant sleep-induced touchscreen fails on the Enduro 2 or Fenix 7. In fact, there appears to be some clever coding that basically requires slightly more force to get ‘away’ from the watch face into the widgets/other areas, so that errant touches are ignored.

In any case, speaking of that watch face, it’s fully customizable. You can pick from any number of default/stock watch faces, or download one of probably thousands from the Connect IQ Store. You can also make your own watch faces from photos/pictures. You can tweak each of the data elements on the watch face below, such as swapping out sunrise for steps, or Vo2max for altitude. The possibilities are pretty close to limitless.

Or as noted, you can grab any other watch face from the Connect IQ Store. Essentially all Fenix 7X watch faces are compatible here:

As we swipe down from the watch face we’ve got the widgets. Or rather, the widget glances. Each of these widget glances can be expanded to show far more details about that specific topic area. You can re-arrange them, add other ones, remove ones you don’t want, and generally customize it as you see fit. In fact, with the Enduro 2 you can even put widgets into folders, creating a widget house of cards:

As noted, you can tap on any widget to expand details about it. For example, here’s the steps widget. That has both today-specific information, but also historical data in it as well:

All of the data that you see on the watch is synced into Garmin Connect, which is Garmin’s web platform that has both a smartphone app and a website. You can access it from desktop (including a desktop sync app), as well as on your phone. Sync occurs automatically via Bluetooth and WiFi, as well as via USB cable if that’s your jam. Here’s that same step information, displayed from the smartphone app (Garmin Connect Mobile):

Ultimately this is true for every one of the different metrics Garmin tracks from 24×7 heart rate, to stairs, to breathing rate, and so on. Garmin continues to add a mind-boggling amount of health/fitness metrics. Some you might use, but many you may never look at again. Ultimately, Garmin’s strategy here is that different folks want different things, and the data is there if you want it, or can be ignored/closed off if you don’t.

Most of these metrics are driven by the optical heart rate sensor on the bottom of the Enduro 2. This sensor operates 24×7, capturing data at 1-second intervals. During workouts, Garmin increases power to the sensor to maintain accuracy despite the pounding of workouts (as all companies do). Metrics being logged from this sensor include heart rate, breathing rate, HRV, blood oxygen levels, and then all the downstream metrics of that like training load and recovery-related items. The Garmin Enduro 2 uses Garmin’s Elevate V4 optical HR sensor, which is the same as on the Fenix 7/Epix/Forerunner 955/Forerunner 945 and Venu 2 series (among others). The green light is for regular heart rate recordings, while the red light is for blood oxygenation levels (Garmin calls this Pulse Ox):

Beyond obvious metrics like heart rate or breathing rate, there’s a slew of algorithmic metrics. These are things that are unique to Garmin (or, at least Firstbeat, the company which Garmin acquired that develops algorithms but still licenses them to other companies). For example, one is Body Battery. Body Battery is basically your energy level. You recharge it every night, and then decrease it during the day, or during periods of relaxation (like sitting on the couch watching TV). However, with the Enduro 2 there’s also Training Readiness, which is aimed at figuring out if you should train (or, to what intensity).

Think of it like this: Use Body Battery on vacation to see the impacts of your day when you don’t care about training. Whereas, use Training Readiness when you are trying to get workouts in. Again, tons more later on this in the ‘Training Readiness’ section.

I’ve found Body Battery pretty solid at matching how I feel. Do note that it’ll take a few weeks to nail your exact body (in fact, most of these metrics do), but once it does, it’s pretty good at it. Of course, just because you go to sleep doesn’t mean you refill the tank every day. As you can see above, some nights I get good sleep, and other nights less so. Like trying to charge an electric car, if you unplug it too soon, the tank isn’t full. The areas where Body Battery tends to struggle is exceptionally long/hard days, like traveling overnight on a redeye without sleep – or simply working through the night. In those cases, usually Body Battery gets down to the single-digit numbers and just kinda creeps to a stop. It knows you are screwed, you know you are screwed, and everyone just looks at each other and says ‘It is what it is’.

In terms of sleep, the Enduro 2 automatically tracks your sleep each night, and can be viewed on the watch or on Garmin Connect afterwards. This includes sleep times, and a guesstimate of sleep phases. At this time, the Enduro 2 does not yet have Garmin’s new ‘Morning Report’ that was launched on the Forerunner 955. Though, that’s coming in a near-term firmware update to the Enduro 2 as well as Fenix 7/Epix series watches.

If you want to see details about your sleep itself, you can do that from the sleep widget:

As is usually the case with Garmin watches, it’s pretty solid for me in terms of identifying the times I woke up/fell asleep (and was awake at night). These were all spot-on. However, I’m not evaluating sleep phases. If I look at the viable home options to compare sleep stages/phases in terms of accuracy, those devices aren’t that accurate by themselves (only about 80% accurate). We’d never accept comparing other features like optical HR accuracy to an “80% accurate chest strap”, so I won’t accept doing so here. However, I also don’t put much stock in the sleep phase/stage details anyways, so, I’m not too worried about it. I’ve found in general, if you’re getting enough hours of sleep, and that’s uninterrupted sleep, then that’s the main thing to focus on. And the watch can/does at least tell you that correctly.

As part of your sleep-related information, you’ll also see the new HRV Status widget. HRV is Heart Rate Variability, and I’ll dig into it more in the Training Readiness section. HRV is measured on the Enduro 2 constantly through the night, and then Garmin displays that in 5-minute increments within the HRV timeline graph shown. That chart also shows your max values for the night. It’s 100% normal that there’s this much fluctuation in it, as your values are often tied to different sleep phases.

Again, I’ll dig into this down in the Training Readiness section.

Next, we’ll briefly touch on blood oxygenation levels, which Garmin calls PulseOx. You can configure this to be off, during sleep only, or 24×7. It has two basic purposes in a Garmin wearable, one is around sleep (as potentially an indicator of sleep-related issues), and two in high-altitude environments as an indicator that something is about to go horribly wrong. Two totally different use cases (note: medical folks and such also monitor blood oxygen levels too for other reasons). For the first one – sleep – you can track your Pulse Ox readings each night. It’s the red LEDs that’ll light up on the back of the watch.

This will consume additional battery, lowering your overall battery a fair bit. Though, not as much as the 24×7 mode, which consumes a crapton of battery. I don’t use either due to battery draw, but only utilize it in spot-checks with respect to Health Snapshot (more on that in a second). However, in terms of accuracy, I find that if you treat it the same way you’d do an actual blood oxygen test with an approved/medical-grade device, you’ll get good results. Which is to say, sit still. And that’s the exact same way the FDA certifies blood oxygen medical-grade devices: Sitting still. If you swing your arms around, you’ll either not get good results, or Garmin these days won’t even give a reading. They (and others) have gotten smarter with just giving you a warning that there’s too much movement for a valid result.

Next, there’s the smartphone-related notifications. These notifications automatically come in when paired to your smartphone, and depend on how you’ve configured the notifications on your phone. Meaning, which apps notify you on the watch are set on the phone, not the watch. Garmin just displays them per those settings. There is support for many, but not all emoji:

Note that you can’t reply to any of these messages, at least not on iOS, because of limitations imposed by Apple and letting text message apps reply. But, you can dismiss them, which dismisses them on your phone as well.

Next, while ostensibly for any use, be it sports or non-sports, the flashlight on the Enduro 2 is twice as bright as the Fenix 7X. Garmin says they accomplished this by removing much of the filter on the Enduro 2, which makes the LEDs slightly more visible during the day, but a substantially brighter light. Here’s the Enduro 2 and Fenix 7X side by side during the day:

And here’s the two lighting me up from the same distance, at full brightness setting. For more details on how the flashlight works in terms of features and different options, check out my Fenix 7 review flashlight section .

Finally, there’s the Connect IQ App Store. For each watch/device that’s had this since launch of it earlier this year, I’ve outlined it at the end of my review, hoping, praying, it gets better. And in the case of the Enduro 2, it’s gotten marginally better than the last few watches to have it. But first, the two-second explainer. The idea is that Garmin has a curated list of apps to choose from, and you can easily tap to download/install them, all without having to dive into your phone, or the Garmin Connect IQ App Store on your phone. And yes, technically speaking it achieves that. This time around, it showed me 9 apps to download (better than the 2-4 most other devices have shown me).

And this time around, 2 of 9 the apps were directly relevant to a trail/adventure watch like the Enduro 2 (WikiLoc and Komoot), with one app awarded half-credit (Hydration Tracking). The others were all generic (Deezer/Strava Relative Effort), or kinda out of left field (Surfline, and Supersapiens – which requires specific hardware).

I think I might make it my life goal here to try and get this section not to suck. There’s so much opportunity and potential here to highlight amazing Connect IQ apps, especially ones focused on the watch’s capabilities. A watch like the Enduro 2 should be packed with a list of 10-12 deep-adventure focused Connect IQ apps and data fields, and these should change often. Garmin has annual awards for Connect IQ apps – why aren’t any of those award winners listed here? While I’m sure someone uses the Strava Relative Effort CIQ app, never once since it’s come out has anyone asked about it here in the tens of thousands of comments posted each year. Which probably tells you nobody cares about it, so why is it highlighted to download?

Lastly, while it probably won’t matter to many people, do note that in general, virtually all of the functions that involve the smartphone app require internet to function. Meaning that while the watch will happily collect data without internet (as I did for 8 days), and do so for a very long time (days/weeks/etc…), it won’t sync that data to the phone without internet. That’s because the Garmin Connect smartphone app itself is merely showing data from the Garmin Connect online platform.

The exception to this would be if you use the Garmin Explore app (also free), which then does allow syncing of data (namely tracks/routes) back and forth to a phone that doesn’t have internet. And again, this has no impact on viewing any of these stats on your watch itself, but only if you were spending extended periods of time without internet, analyzing your stats on the smartphone Garmin Connect app would not be possible. You can however still plug in your watch to a computer, and download the workout file and analyze that.

Sports Usage:

Undoubtedly, if you’re buying the Enduro 2 watch, it’s for sports usage. Though, I suppose some might just buy it for its ultra-long battery life. Either way, this section is all about the sports modes and how they work. The Enduro 2 has more sport modes than any other Garmin watch, save the Fenix 7 series, for which at present it matches. Keep in mind that sport profiles by themselves are really only a part of the Garmin sports picture.

Beyond the actual doing of the sport, there’s all the training load & recovery bits, which I cover in the next section in more detail. And of course, if you’re aiming to load a course or do other navigation/routing things, then that’s also intertwined into these sport modes. However, I’ve also split out that into the ‘Navigation and Routing’ section lower down.

And finally, within all these areas, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of features. And there’s a strong likelihood you’ll never use 95% of them. But the reality is you’ll use 1-5% of them, every single day. And which 1-5% you’ll use will vary wildly from person to person. I use sports features every day that others never use, and vice versa. It’s fundamentally why Garmin leads this category. And perhaps more importantly, over the last few years, the software quality has increased substantially, largely through open firmware beta programs that go on for months .

With that, to get started, you’ll tap on the upper right button to open the sports profile listing:

The sports modes available on the Enduro 2 are as listed below, albeit some of these aren’t really sports per se, but fall under the sport mode section in the Garmin world, like the Map Manager or Connect IQ Store.

Run, Hike, HRV Stress, Health Snapshot, Bike Indoor, Treadmill, Bike, Open Water, Navigate, Expedition, Track Me, Map, Map Manager, Connect IQ Store, Multisport, Trail Run, Ultra Run, Virtual Run, Track Run, Indoor Track, Climb, MTB, eBike, eMTB, CycloCross, Gravel Bike, Bike Commute, Bike Tour, Road Bike, Pool Swim, Triathlon, Duathlon, Swimrun, Adventure Race, Strength, Climb Indoor, Bouldering, Ski, Snowboard, Backcountry Ski, XC Classic Ski, XC Skate Ski, Snowshoe, SUP, Surf, Kiteboard, Windsurf, Row, Row Indoor, Kayak, Golf, Tempo Training (Golf), Tennis, Pickleball, Padel, Project Waypoint, Walk, Cardio, HIIT, Yoga, Breathwork, Pilates, Floor Climb, Elliptical, Stair Stepper, Jumpmaster, Hunt, Fish, Tactical, Boat, Sail, Sail Race, Horseback, Tides, Reference Point, Clocks, Other

The handful of notable differences to a Fenix 7 at this point would be Hunt, Sail, Sail Race, and Duathlon.

Each of these sport profiles are fully customizable, be it things like the data pages and data fields, or the aspects like auto-lap or auto-pause, or even ancillary settings like ClimbPro (for hiking/running/cycling in the mountains/hills) or alert settings. Every sport has a slate of these that can be tweaked, and you’ve got two main ways you can tweak them. First, is on the watch itself, and second is on your smartphone.

The Enduro 2 keeps with the Fenix 7 series and allows phone-based configuration for virtually every setting on the watch, including not just sport modes, but all the watch settings too. From GPS/GNSS satellite modes to widgets, even generic settings – all can be configured from the phone. About the only thing that can be viewed but not configured on your phone is downloading maps or adding new sensors. Those you’ll need to do from the watch itself.

If you crack open the Garmin Connect Mobile app, and then go into the settings, here’s a tiny sampling of what you can tweak. This also includes built-in sensors like the altimeter, barometer, and optical HR sensor, but you can’t add external sensors here (like a power meter):

The Enduro 2 allows up to 8 custom data fields per data page, and then atop that, allows essentially a limitless number of data pages that you can create. I mean, I’m sure there’s a limit somewhere. But if you find it, you need to step back and seriously evaluate your data page habits. Beyond custom data pages there’s also stock data pages with things like power gauges, heart rate graphs, and elevation pages.

And again, remember each sport profile has its own data pages, that can also be specific to a sport profile. For example, cycling has cycling power, whereas something like swimming has stroke rate, and so on. By and large Garmin has done a good job at just making the defaults for all of these pretty solid, so it’s not like you have to start from scratch on these.

With all your data field desires documented, it’s time to start the activity. If it’s an outdoor sport profile, it’ll go off and find GPS, which usually only takes a second or two. If it’s an indoor profile, then it only needs to lock your heart rate in (it’ll largely have already done this). And then if you’ve got any external sensors, it’ll connect to those automatically.

At this point you can load a custom structured workout, or a course. Or, navigate to something else entirely. The watch will give daily suggested workouts based on your recent training load, for both cycling and running. It’ll also automatically display any workouts from platforms like TrainingPeaks, if you’ve connected those.

With all that set, we’ll just start with a simple run, and get cookin’. This concept carries to pretty much all sport modes, so it’s a good example. You can see as I start running I get my pace, distance, and other metrics as configured:

If you’ve got a Garmin Running Power-enabled accessory, such as an HRM-PRO/PRO-PLUS , HRM-RUN, HRM-TRI, or RD-POD, then you’ll also get running power displayed too. Unfortunately, this does still require some sort of accessory, unlike Apple/Polar/COROS that just do it natively from the wrist.

Further, for running modes (but not hiking), you’ll get Stamina, if you’ve enabled that, which will show how much time/distance your body theoretically has left at the current intensity. You can also view this after the fact in Garmin Connect. This can be used for pacing in both training and racing, but mainly racing – and mainly long-distance racing.

I dive into this in more depth in my Forerunner 955 In-Depth Review , within the sports section – showing how it works for both interval workouts as well as longer steady-state workouts and multi-hour efforts. Overall, I’ve found it reasonably close for most longer efforts, though a bit more wobbly for shorter efforts.

Most of the sport features are the same here as the Fenix 7 & Forerunner 955, so I won’t rehash them over and over again. However, one of the new ones on the Enduro 2 is Grade Adjusted Pace. This formula has been used for many years by many companies to help you compare flat courses to hilly courses. Basically, it ‘adjusts’ your pace to account for gradients. Here, let me show you. First, on this page I’ve configured both Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP), and regular pace. And you can see when I’m running on flat ground, it’s the same:

However, as I go up this 7% incline, it starts to separate. I’m roughly maintaining my real-world pace despite the difficulty in doing so, but as a result, the unit shows me a grade-adjusted pace that would be faster.

The inverse of this concept applies as I go downhill, where now it shows me that it’s easier to run downhill than flat-ground:

Of course, none of this changes your race time or finisher place. But it can be super useful if you train on hillier routes, but want to understand roughly how that would look on a flat course. Again, this isn’t new in the running world, and has been used by coaches and athletes for many years. It’s just the first time we’re finally seeing it natively on Garmin watches. Also, note that the GAP data field is shown to the exact second, as opposed to rounded to the nearest 5-seconds like the rest of Garmin instant running paces. You can see GAP afterwards on both Garmin Connect (summary and charts), as well as on the watch itself (average).

The next new Enduro 2 feature is Auto Rest Timer. This mode is available in the Ultra Trail Run profile, and will automatically track your paused time when you stop running. This concept originated from the first Garmin Enduro watch, but required manual pressing when you (likely) went in/out of an aide station. The idea being that it’ll track the rest time, but doesn’t actually stop your watch recording. So even if you forgot to resume it, it wasn’t the end of the world since your watch was still recording behind the scenes. With the Enduro 2, it now adds an Auto Rest/Pause timer to do it automatically, no buttons required. This option is within the Ultra Trail Run Profile:

You can leave it on automatic, or, you can customize the speed threshold (just like you could on Auto Pause previously). But you’ll notice that has two options: Start the Rest Timer, or Pause Activity. With starting the Rest Timer, it’s that ‘virtual pause’ we talked about (but again, recording still continues). Whereas if you select “Pause Activity”, it’s a legit pause of the timer/data. I wouldn’t recommend that.

So, if you leave the defaults, it’ll go into the Rest Timer mode, and changes the screen to a black background. Note that it inverts the coloring on all your data pages, so you know that you’re in Rest Timer mode.

And then, post-activity you’ll get a summary of those times after the fact. Practically speaking, the main difference between this and ‘Moving Time’ is that you get more detail on where these pauses occurred.

Once your workout is completed, it’ll show you the summary from that workout. Here’s a simple run I did this weekend that illustrates that fairly well, with a gallery of what’s shown on the watch:

Additionally, you’ll get a slew of information in Garmin Connect (both mobile and website), so here’s a quick gallery of some of those data pages as well:

Rounding home, the Enduro 2 supports the new Race Calendar and Race Widget, which lets you add a race to your Garmin Connect calendar, including the exact course and date/time, which in turn allows the race widget to look up weather conditions as it nears, as well as seasonal conditions when further out. But more importantly, using that course information, it’ll figure out an estimated finish time based on your recent workouts:

Beyond that, it’ll also actually change your structured workout recommendations (Daily Suggested Workouts) to account for that race. For example, longer runs for a marathon, and shorter but more intense workouts for a 5K or 10K race. It’ll also automatically taper your workouts ahead of the race, and create training blocks as well. It’s reasonably impressive the way it works for running races, though for cycling or triathlon events it doesn’t do much right now.

Finally, we’ll wrap up on some of the sensors bits. First up, the Garmin Enduro can connect to a slew of sensor types, both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart. These sensors are used across a wide range of sports. Here’s the full listing at present:

Club Sensors, Headphones, Heart Rate, Speed/Cadence, Foot Pod, Tempe, Lights, Radar, Power, VIRB, Shimano Di2, Shifting (e.g. eTAP), Extended Display, RD Pod, Muscle O2, Xero Laser Locations, inReach, DogTrack, Smart Trainer

Note that you can have multiple sensors of the same type, and give them names. Such as multiple power meters for multiple bikes, or perhaps multiple chest straps floating around.

Additionally, the Enduro 2 can broadcast your heart rate (and even running pace/cadence) to 3rd party apps and devices. This means you can broadcast your watch’s heart rate (from the optical HR sensor) to your bike computer, or to apps like Peloton or Zwift. It does this on both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart. You can configure this within the sensor settings, including to automatically broadcast when you open up/start a sport profile:

I find this useful in cases where the accuracy of the optical HR sensor is perfectly fine (such as indoor cycling), and I just need to broadcast it to Zwift or Peloton.

Now, I had planned to write an entire section about Training Readiness and Training Status 2.0, as the Enduro 2 launches with these features that came out on the Forerunner 955. And in fact, I have an entire section in that review on it. Training Readiness is an umbrella feature that basically does a far better job at telling you when to rest, and when to train – than just Training Status by itself:

This includes HRV status and basically every new training load/recovery feature of the Forerunner 955 except Morning Report, which is coming soonish to the Fenix 7/Epix series. And indeed, all these features were mostly working just fine over the course of the summer…until last week. The day I ended my 8-day trek (which was done as a single activity on the Enduro 2, paused each night with ‘Resume later’), all that went to crap. I mean, it broke…hard.

It retroactively zapped my nightly sleep and HRV values from the days I very much had them. It then flat-lined my Acute Load, putting it at ‘13’. It won’t actually leave ‘13’, despite more workouts since then. Like, the numbers are frozen there, almost a week later. And it back-ported my entire hike’s training load to the start date of the hike (July 27th). In other words, it created a giant hole, and has put me deep into the ‘Detraining’ category, since it basically grouped 8 days of intense hiking onto a single day almost two weeks ago now, and then zero’d out everything after that.

Garmin has been doing some digging since this happened, and they believe they understand the cause, though I’m not getting the impression this is going to be an easy fix. And I can see why. Today, they assign training load to the start date of an activity. And in 99% of cases, that works perfectly fine. But, not in multi-day treks. And that ignores the legit bugs that involve retroactively deleting sleep/HRV data, and having my Acute Load just be frozen.

Ultimately, any activity that stretches over multiple days (using the ‘Resume Later’ feature) breaks all of the Training Status 2.0 features (including on a Forerunner 955, or a Fenix 7/Epix if you’re running the beta). Specifically, it breaks it on any days that are part of that set. So in my case, July 27th to Aug 3rd. Even though it showed each night it was recording sleep/HRV data properly, it actually wasn’t seeming to write/save it. Starting on August 4th it resumed writing/saving it, so I’m good on those pieces. But here on Aug 9th my acute load is still stuck hard on just ‘13’.

Now, I grant you that I’ve not had a reason to do a long trek like this before. So had it been any other review, I’d probably never have noticed this. But given this was an ultra-long battery watch, I figured hey, let’s give it a whirl as one giant activity file. To which, I’m sure the Garmin Enduro team is like “Couldn’t you have just gone for a pleasant day-hike or something instead?!?”.

Setting my Training Status multi-day trek issues aside for the moment, there’s no watch on the market that even comes remotely close in terms of sports features to the Garmin Enduro 2 (or it’s Fenix/Epix siblings). And yes, like most Garmin watches, you’re not likely to use all the features, or even a fraction of the features. But, that’s kinda Garmin’s point: Everyone uses different features, especially in sports. And in this case, they aim to cover everyone’s favorite feature – even if it’s something you yourself might never use. Because undoubtedly, your must-have sport feature is something that someone else never uses.

Mapping & Navigation:

When it comes to navigation, the Enduro 2 includes all of the existing features of the Fenix 7 series, but actually adds some newness too – specifically, Next Fork. And we’ll get to that in a moment. But first, let’s quickly talk about mapping, then courses and navigation, and within all that, Next Fork.

The major feature change from the Enduro 1 to Enduro 2 is now the inclusion of maps, and everything that comes along with that. The Enduro 2 contains 32GB of map storage, like all Fenix 7 Sapphire units. This means that you’ve got maps for the region you bought it in pre-loaded, as well as the ability to download maps for any other region on earth, free. The maps included are what Garmin called TopoActive maps, which means they’re a blend of topo maps and maps with all the underlying trail/street/POI data, plus Garmin’s heatmap layer, called Popularity Routing.

You can see which maps are pre-downloaded on your unit under the Map Manager feature, as well as add other regions. You can also do this from a computer using a USB cable and Garmin Express. Within the Map Manager you can see/manage how much space you have, and how much space each map requires.

You can see above that the TopoActive Europe Maps about 11.5GB. And on the previous page it showed I had 15.8GB available. Remember, maps download sizes here are less about landmass size, and more about the amount of trails/roads/points of interest/etc… since that requires more data space.

For context, here’s the current sizes of these maps as of August 10th, 2022. These will undoubtedly change slightly over time, but shouldn’t change too dramatically over the years:

TopoActive North America: 9.4GB TopoActive Europe: 11.5GB (*See update below for added Europe breakout) TopoActive THID: 1.9GB TopoActive MENA: 1.4GB TopoActive Australia & New Zealand: 1.8GB TopoActive Africa: 4.4GB TopoActive Japan: 3.9GB TopoActive Hong Kong & Macau: 17MB (yes, megabytes) TopoActive South America: 6.1GB TopoActive Taiwan: 96MB TopoActive Korea: 213MB TopoActive SGMYVNPH: 1.2GB TopoActive China Mainland: 6.5GB

In addition, for Europe, Garmin has added the ability to download specific regions when you connect via computer instead. This is super helpful if you’re a bit tight on space. They are as follows:

Europe Whole: 11.5GB Europe West: 6.3GB Europe Central: 6.4GB Europe East: 6.2GB

In the case of the Europe map sub-regions, they overlap a bit, which is why if you add each component individually, it’s far more than just downloading the main Europe one. I’ve added all of these regions below in a gallery, so you can see exactly which countries are part of which regions:

Note you can only toggle one of the Europe regions, or all of Europe. So it’s either all of Europe, or just a single region. I suppose since two regions takes up more than the total download, I guess that’s why.

Anyways, with that all settled, the next piece is how you want to navigate/route. For 99% of you, that’s likely to be just from a pre-created course. That’s something like a GPX/FIT file, or, from a course/route you’ve created with an online platform/service like Strava, Komoot, or otherwise. Frankly, it doesn’t really matter – they all end up the same place here. If you create it on a platform like Strava or Komoot (and many others), it’ll automatically sync to your watch upon creation. Whereas if you want to drag an actual .GPX file onto the watch (or up to Garmin Connect), you can do that too. Alternatively, you can create courses on Garmin Connect by just clicking around (both smartphone app or website).

For the purpose of this section, I’m going to walk through what I did for my 170KM Tour du Mont Blanc, which was an 8-day trek I finished up last week. In that case, I downloaded a .GPX file of the route from the official Mont Blanc site. I initially had many other copies of the route I’d downloaded from other sources, but all of them kept giving me 200 maximum course point errors on the Enduro 2. Frankly, it’s annoying AF, and nobody at Garmin can give me (or even themselves) a good explanation on why a given course trips that TrackPoint threshold and others don’t. After asking this question pretty consistently for about 9 months now, I’m reasonably confident they actually don’t know either.

To illustrate this, the above Tour du Mont Blanc route failed, saying the final 394 course points won’t be shown (2/3rds of the course). Yet, a virtually identical one (in terms of route and distance) succeeded, simply because…well…nobody knows. If you go beyond the course-point limit, then it’ll still route just fine, but it won’t give you turn-by-turn prompts. Honestly, if you’re above 200 course points, you probably don’t want to hear it chirp at you every single switchback anyways (I turn that off). Still, it’s frustrating this is somehow still an issue for Garmin.

Now, the bit of good news with deciding on the official .GPX file is that their Mont Blanc site even lets you toggle on/off a slew of waypoints, life refuges, camping spots, etc… Which, is awesome, because those actually get consumed on the Garmin Enduro 2 as proper waypoints that show up in Up Ahead, super useful for later.

First though, we’ll load up my final course, where I can see the elevation profile, map, and other top-line stats:

And with that, I pressed to start my course and begin my hike. As I’m hiking I can use the map page if I want to (though, it’ll burn substantially more battery if you left it visually on that page), or, you can wait for any turn prompts. The Enduro 2 now shows your exact route with directional arrows, something that’s super useful when you’ve got a course/route that may be a loop or such.

If you go off-course, it’ll give you off-course warnings immediately. Depending on the situation, it’ll be in as little as a few seconds, or as much as 10-15 seconds. You can use different pages to see where the course is, including the course page which has an off-course amount as well as compass heading of which way you’re supposed to go.

As I mentioned earlier, one of the accidental benefits of ending up with the official course .GPX is the baking in of the waypoints. I had been previously trying to build out all my waypoints manually. But this means they all automatically showed up on what Garmin calls ‘Up Ahead’. This lets you customize the icon and name for each waypoint, and then shows you the distance (per the trail, not as the crow flies) to each waypoint. It’ll give you a small countdown when you get within about 50m of it.

This page is/was hands-down one of my favorites. For long days on a mostly well-established trail, I don’t really need the map page. I just want to know how long till the next refuge/col/campground/etc. And this did exactly that.

However, my actual favorite page is ClimbPro. ClimbPro requires a course be loaded (or, at least, an end-point be loaded). From there it’ll automatically calculate each climb (and descent) and show your position on the climb. This includes the distance to the top, ascent remaining, ascent rate, and the climb profile. That bottom item (ascent rate), you can actually change to whatever data field you want.

And if you dig into the ClimbPro settings, you can turn this on for Descents as well (albeit not for cycling activities), which was super useful on some of my descents that lasted hours of rock-garden suffering.

Now’s a good time to explain the new Next Fork feature. This feature automatically looks at the routable map information and figures out which trail/street/path you’re on. Then, it shows the distance until the next junction in the trail. This feature DOES NOT REQUIRE a route be loaded at all. Nor does it require a trail be named. As long as the trail exists on the map, it’ll show it (and even the tiniest of no-name mountain goat paths in the Alps seemed to show up for me). You can see here I’m 0.58km away from the next fork, even though I’m 174m away from the planned route (exemplifying that it doesn’t depend on any routes).

The main appeal here is mostly when you’re not following a route/course, perhaps on either familiar territory, or even just out for a hike without having bothered to create/load a course. The idea being that it gives you a heads up when a junction is occurring, as sometimes those trail junctions could be overgrown and you’d never even know you passed the trail fork. I actually found it useful though even with a course loaded, specifically in cases where the trail had maintenance and I was pushed to an alternate trail for a short period. In this case I was able to roughly judge how long it was till the fork in the trail that merged me back again to my main trail.

Finally, it’s worthwhile noting that by default the Enduro 2 won’t try and re-route you onto different trails if you go off-course. It’ll keep your original route as-is, with hints for you to get back on track. But, you can change that if you want it to recalculate on the fly, in which case you can change the setting from ‘Follow Course’ to ‘Use Map’. I wouldn’t recommend that though unless you only care about the end point. In my case, the journey (route) was the destination.

Lastly, it’s worthwhile noting from a navigation/routing standpoint, there are other ways to route/navigate that don’t require loading a course. They include the following navigation options:

– Point of Interest: Pick an item from the built-in POI database, such as a town/monument/service/etc… – ‘Around me’: This lets you look at the map around you, and visually pick out where you want to go – Back to Start: This will navigate back to the starting location using the route you came on – Navigate Activities: This will treat a past activity as a course, basically repeating it – Saved Locations: This lets you navigate to locations you’ve previously saved – Sight ‘N Go: This lets you utilize the compass and then lock a direction and have it keep you navigating in that direction – Coordinates: You can manually enter in the exact GPS coordinates you want to go to – Use Map: You can zoom in/out/around on the map, and pick the exact point you want to go to (such as the top of a mountain)

All of these items will navigate via routable trails/streets/etc. Meaning, if you pick the top of a mountain, it’s not going to just draw a line to the top of the mountain and say ‘Good luck!’. It’ll figure out the trails to get you there.

It’s this wide range of navigation methods where you really start to see the difference between something like a Fenix/Enduro/Epix series watch, and their competitors. Practically speaking though, once you set a GPS coordinate point though, most all of these work the same way as courses/routes. Also practically speaking, 99% of the time you’ll probably be loading a pre-defined course.

Finally, it’s worthwhile noting that the Enduro 2 supports the Garmin Explore app. This oft-forgotten app is designed for backcountry usage without cellular range. It lets you manage courses/waypoints/etc from your phone, and then sync them to the watch – all without internet. Whereas the Garmin Connect app requires internet for any sync at all.

While I do appreciate this app exists, and also appreciate it’s gotten a bit more attention lately with the Garmin inReach devices being integrated into it, I’d argue this app really needs some strong attention. It’s got a massive amount of potential as the only off-line solution, but it seems clunky and often confusing to use. It mostly comes from Garmin’s handheld device realm, and feels like they’ve been working to make it more compatible with wearables, but just haven’t invested the time into the user interface to make it fully logical for this decade.

It’s ironically an app feature area that none of their competitors comes close to, and Garmin should find a way of embracing that competitive difference with deeper features that cater to the outdoor/adventure realm. Ignoring all the organizational chaos for a second, from a feature standpoint I’d love to be able to see all of the ClimbPro climbs in a route on the Garmin Explore app, so I can game-plan the next day’s worth of trekking when out of cell-phone range. Or, download stats about the trek/activity to date. Or, have clean/proper integration with Garmin Connect for syncing my Routes/Course library to Explore pre-trip, such that it doesn’t become a complete dumpster fire on Garmin Explore (as it is now).

In any case, there are endless navigation-related options in the Enduro 2, and the above just touches on the most popular ones, and how I used it specifically both in the Tour du Mont Blanc trek, but also in other hikes/treks/courses over the course of the summer. Ultimately, despite my minor quirks with it, the power in Garmin’s navigation/mapping platform is hard to beat.

Solar & Battery:

The main reason you’d likely buy the Enduro 2 is for the additional battery life over the Fenix 7. In the case of the Enduro 2, that’s largely provided by the larger battery inside. However, there is some additional battery from solar power. The Enduro 2, like a number of other Garmin watches, has solar technology built into it. The company has been doing this since the Fenix 6 series, and it’s now found on the Fenix 6, Fenix 7, Enduro 1, Instinct, Instinct 2, and Forerunner 955 watches – as well as the new Edge 1040 Solar for cycling.

The Enduro has two basic solar panels on it:

A) A thin rim surrounding the inside edge of the display, which is easily seen (red edge above) B) A layer below the glass but above the display, that is essentially invisible to you (the rest of the display)

Note that the display sizes are *IDENTICAL* between the Fenix 7X and Enduro 2. The Solar band space is taken from the bezel, not from the display. In other words, you’re not losing display size for the solar strip, you’re losing bezel size. On the Enduro 2, you’ve got a few places you can see the solar intensity level. Depending on the watch face you choose, it can appear there. However, you can also see it within the solar widget glance, and then solar widget:

This shows you solar power over the last 6 hours, as well as a small sun icon at the top, which is broken out into 10 pieces, each indicating 10% of full intensity. Technically speaking, full intensity is considered 50,000 lux conditions. Once you get to 100%, then the full sun icon lights up, no matter how sunny/powerful it is outside.

However, 50K lux actually isn’t crazy bright. For context, on a mildly sunny day in January in the Netherlands, it’s 10-40K. Similarly, a summer day in the Alps and I was getting about 70K lux. All of Garmin’s figures for watch solar battery assume 3 hours a day at 50K. So in the winter that might be tough for folks, whereas in the summer on vacation, that’s probably trivial. Garmin notes that if you go beyond the 50K conditions, it’ll leverage that power – even though the icon itself won’t show more than the full sun indicator.

The Fenix 7 and Enduro 2 series also list exactly how many lux hours you’ve gotten that day, and for the past 7 days:

Though, unlike the Garmin Edge devices, it doesn’t convert that to actual usable hours. Hopefully they do that at some point.

As a quick recap before we dive into usage, here’s the official Enduro 2 solar battery specs:

So, let’s look at battery burn across a few activities, in differing weather. Note that for all of these activities I used SatIQ, which automatically changes the GNSS (GPS) satellite systems to achieve the most accurate tracks for that specific environment. Meaning, if you’re up in the mountains in dense trees, it’ll go to dual-frequency/multi-band, which burns battery life faster. But, get yourself to a meadow/field with open skies, and it’ll pair it back to GPS-only, with what is likely the same visual track accuracy level, just far less battery burn.

The option called ‘Auto Select’ is actually that SatIQ feature. SatIQ is the Garmin branding around it, but Auto Select is the option in the menu. It’s kinda like the Garmin Outdoor team sat down, picked a great name for it (SatIQ), and then sent it to the dev team to implement. At which point whichever developer was tasked with implementing it just went “Nah, automatic selection is what it is, so that’s what I’m putting in the user interface. Check…done…next!”

The SatIQ feature essentially rotates through these three GNSS modes:

Least Battery: GPS-Only Middle Option: All Systems All the powers: All Systems + Multi-band (aka dual-frequency)

It does not use the ‘UltraTrac’ option in the rotation, since that dramatically reduces the GPS recording rate. In the case of the above, they’re all still every second. Whereas UltraTrac basically goes to a once per minute-ish configuration (it’s complicated).

First up, here’s the battery on a trail run I did, which is a bit on the shorter end of things. All of these battery burn charts are done with the DCR Analyzer, which displayed the recorded battery levels in the files. Note that in general, the longer the activity, the more accurate the data (since the battery level is only updated when it changes digits – e.g. 82% to 81%). First is that trail run though, about an hour, so right on the fringe of showing up correctly here. This time with a chest strap, so we’ll get more battery out of it than using optical. You can see it trends at 91 hours (estimated) based on that trajectory, though again, it’s a bit shorter than I would want for deep analysis.

Then, we’ve got an almost 2-hour ride. You can see it trends toward about 61 hours, but this is including having external sensors connected (Garmin Rally power meter with Cycling Dynamics, and Shimano Di2).

Then a 3-hour hike through a blend of dense trees and then open sand dunes. This was with SatIQ enabled on the Enduro 2, versus multi-band on the Forerunner 955. This was ending in the dark of night, with the navigation page too, so I burned a bit more battery here with backlight and such on the Enduro 2.

And finally, the 8-day Tour du Mont Blanc. In this one, doing it as a single activity I’m able to see not just how the battery burned during the day with GPS during the hike, but also the battery burn each night between when I ended my hike and woke up (in fact, the watch appears to quietly wake-up and write the battery levels into the file at 10PM, 12AM, and 6AM each day).

With SatIQ left on, it would automatically shift between the different GNSS modes depending on the environment. So when I was atop a ridgeline with open skies, it’d be burning less battery. And then when I was deep in the trees (like on day 6), it’d be hard at work keeping it accurate. And indeed, there’s very clearly alignment between these:

Garmin was able to pull the exact time spent within each GNSS mode for this activity, and it broke out as follows:

• All Systems : 79.18 %
• All Systems + Multi-band (aka dual-frequency): 20.82 %

Napkin-wise, that makes sense to me – the vast chunk of my time had largely good sky visibility. Though, I would have expected some GPS-Only time.

Keep in mind a few things. First, I didn’t pause GPS during any of my stops (including lunch stops inside a refuge, which would spike the GPS power draw to overcome being inside). The only exception being the last day when I realized I was getting tight on battery, and then the 2nd to last day when I took a 2-hour detour off the route to a nearby town for food. Second, the lengths of each day above (in hours/distance) varied, but were generally 6-9 hours each day of GPS time. But that’ll impact things quite a bit, the point of the above is mostly just quick illustration. I did not see any obvious/meaningful connection between solar time each day, and battery life.

But ultimately, I managed to complete the entire 170km/8-day trek on a single Enduro 2 battery, without re-charging…just barely.  I came running into town with it showing a predicted under “2 hours” of Hiking GPS battery remaining, and just 3%, which changed to 2% by the time I finished saving the file.

These numbers are pretty much in alignment with what Garmin lists on their specs. In fact, better in some cases, since Garmin assumes you don’t stop. Meaning, it assumes with a 78-hour ‘All Systems’ GPS activity that you press start, and don’t stop until hour 78. In my case, I did stop, but then burn battery in regular watch mode (with optical HR for sleeping/etc…). Certainly, if I had been smart enough earlier in my trip, I could have gone quite a bit more, since it lists moving time at 44 hours (out of the 58 hours recorded GPS on time, again, likely due to food breaks). Still, I’m pretty impressed by it.

Accuracy (GPS/HR/Elevation):

For this section I’m going to take a look at accuracy in three core areas: GPS (or GNSS), Heart Rate (optical), and barometric altimeter (elevation). I’ll do this compared to either known-good data sources (a sign-post for elevation), or other chest straps (Polar H10 or Garmin HRM-PRO Plus). And for GPS tracks, I’ll be looking primarily at where I actually went, or where the trail went on the map. Meaning, if a unit has me floating across a river and I didn’t swim across it, then I’m reasonably confident it’s incorrect.

We’ll start easy, and then get more and more difficult with more and more units. First, if we look at a hike I did through forests and then sand dunes here in the Netherlands , you can see it’s virtually identical to the Forerunner 955, despite the Forerunner 955 being in multi-band/dual frequency mode. In this case, the Enduro 2 was in ‘Auto Select’, so it could pick its best chance for GPS success.

As I zoom in on a particularly deep tree section, there’s virtually no difference, as the Enduro 2 has likely ramped up the GNSS type to multi-band to compensate. And, the trails are spot-on with where I ran.

So next, stepping it up one little notch at a time, here’s a trail run loop I did this weekend. Basically, I did repeats of a hill on trails in reasonably solid tree cover, circling over and over again. I was in particular looking for how close each loop was.

There’s the broader loops above, but if we look at them more tightly, you’ll see it’s virtually identical, again using Auto Select (SatIQ). Albeit, you can see little sections where, on the most recent firmware update a few hours prior, it reset my 1-second recording to Smart Recording, so the data fidelity isn’t quite where I had configured it. Sigh.

Next, I did a trail run in the woods south of Paris, for an area known well for trail running. Lots of ups and downs.

This is with the Forerunner 955 forced on multi-band, whereas the Enduro 2 is allowed to roam via SatIQ for whatever it feels is best. Virtually identical, and exactly where I ran, even including going down the wrong path and back up again.

Here’s me about to cause some trouble. I’m aiming to go back and forth up and down the city/downtown district of Amsterdam, with tall buildings, all very tightly spaced together (closer than NYC streets actually).

Here’s what I’m running in between:

For the most part, on the bottom section, all the units were very close, with the Enduro 2 setting down the best track (on the roadway). As I made the turn, to come back up the middle section the FR255 got a bit perplexed, and then everyone went slightly askew as I crossed the street. Undoubtedly, their signals reflecting off the buildings as GPS signals do in these environments. Still, we’re only talking perhaps a dozen meters off the route. I wrapped around again for another pass on the top section, and the Enduro 2 absolutely nailed it. The FR955 and FR255 were offset, but they were also on the side of my body, so that might have just been dumb (bad) luck.

Finally, let’s look at some Tour du Mont Blanc sections. I haven’t had time to fully analyze all these files yet. I carried four watches with me, including the Enduro 2, and most of those watches created daily files. So it’s a big chunk of stuff. However, let’s focus on just one day of it, arguably one of the most difficult GPS days as I make my way back from Switzerland into France.

Note that the Enduro 2 was on my right wrist, while the Forerunner 955 was on my left wrist. The Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire was on my upper right backpack strap, while the COROS Vertix 2 was on my upper left backpack strap. There’s no perfect way to keep four watches equal over the course of 8 days. Just in the same way that different body types will block signals differently.

Here we can see all the units are very closely aligned, though, the COROS is a bit more wobbly than the rest. This is what I tend to see across the board from the Vertix 2, which was in an All Systems configuration (not in multi-band, because it’d have burned too much battery). The Garmin units were all in SatIQ/Auto Select, so they could ramp up/down the GPS types as required.

Another similar example here is where the COROS Vertix 2 cuts across a river randomly, rather than following where I actually went on the crossing/path (that you can see on the map below). The Enduro 2 pretty much nails this here.

And again, at a high level, things tend to look similar between the COROS Vertix 2 and the Enduro 2. But as you zoom in you see more and more of the nuanced differences, where COROS tends to be more wobbly. This is exactly what I’ve seen over the past near-year, comparing the COROS Vertix 2 to Garmin’s newer multi-band/dual-frequency offerings (e.g. Fenix 7/Forerunner 955/etc…). And this matches what virtually every other reviewer is seeing as well: Despite using the same GPS chipsets, Garmin just seems to get the edge almost every time when it comes to trail accuracy, be it in regular or multi-band mode.

And finally, one more time here where you see little wobbles from that red line of the Vertix 2, whereas the Enduro is much smoother through this. Which isn’t to say the Enduro 2 is always perfect. There were a handful of times where it’d be on the wrong side of a small one-lane country road or such. The challenge in those cases is I’m not sure which mode (GNSS) the unit’s in, while in Auto Select. I’d love to see a graph overlay on Garmin’s site that shows which mode it’s using. While that feature has geek-appeal, I think it also actually has significant marketing appeal, as it illustrates just how powerful Garmin’s SatIQ algorithm seems to be.

When it comes to elevation, most of my validation was throughout the 26 climbs that I had to do, validating that the number displayed on the watch matched the one shown on a signpost at the top of each pass. Of course, that always begs the question – is the measurement for that post at the base of the post? At the top of the post? Somewhere in between? So many questions!

I’m going to add in a bunch more elevation comparisons as I sift through my 1,200 photos and hours of videos. But this one was notable, because I could easily find the photo that showed 1,527m, while the Garmin Enduro 2 showed 1,530m. The Fenix 7 showed 1,532m, the Forerunner 955 showed 1,550m, and the COROS Vertix 2 showed 1,543. All of these were self-calibrating their altimeters.

Finally, a couple of brief optical HR notables. This is the same optical HR sensor as the Fenix 7 series. Keep in mind that with a Nylon strap Enduro 2, you’re substantially lighter than a Fenix 7X (of any variety). And in general, the lighter a watch is, the less it’ll bounce around, which means it’ll usually be more accurate.

First, a trainer ride with some intervals compared to the Forerunner 955 (optical) on the other wrist, and a somewhat jumpy looking Garmin HRM-PRO Plus on my chest:

You see some slight lag coming off the intervals for a couple of seconds, but pretty much the norm for intervals and optical HR. Nothing that you’d likely notice by itself.

Next, some hill repeats I did, again, compared to the Garmin HRM-PRO Plus. In this case we see one odd spike on the HRM-PRO Plus on the 2nd interval when I actually tripped but managed to catch myself in an epic face-plant avoidance move. I don’t think my HR spiked that high like the HRM-PRO Plus says, but it’s hard to know for certain. But otherwise, the rest of the intervals were very close between the Enduro 2, with only the usual couple seconds of lag on the optical HR side.

You can see this lag here: more easily, where the HRM-PRO Plus strap goes up and down quicker than the optical HR, by a handful of seconds (both the ups and the downs).

I’ll be adding more data sets to this, including some rather intense sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc, once I finish organizing/consolidating all the files.

Ultimately though from a GPS accuracy standpoint, not only does the Enduro 2 continue some of the best GPS accuracy we’ve seen in the industry, but with SatIQ now, it does away with the need to always leave it in multi-band/dual-frequency mode, which otherwise burns significant battery life. The fact that I could use Auto Select/SatIQ for the entire 8-day hike on a single battery, yet still maintain crazy good GPS accuracy is a testament to that. I suspect it won’t be long before SatIQ becomes the default mode across the board, given how well it seems to do at switching between those modes.

(Note: All of the charts in these accuracy portions were created using the DCR Analyzer tool .  It allows you to compare power meters/trainers, heart rate, cadence, speed/pace, running power, GPS tracks, and plenty more. You can use it as well for your own gadget comparisons, more details here .)

The Enduro 2 is at this point the best watch that Garmin makes. At least if ‘best’ is measured in terms of features, battery life, accuracy, and overall capabilities. It’s not perfect (more on that in a second), but in terms of where it ranks, it’s effectively Garmin’s Fenix 7X Plus. It’s everything a Fenix 7X is, but with just a bit more. A bit more battery life, a bit more flashlight illumination, a bit more bands, and a bit more features. All for just a bit more money ($100). It’s a smart decision on Garmin’s part, as I suspect most people that were looking at the Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire, would probably give reasonable pause to spending an extra $100 to get an extra nylon strap, more battery life, and more flashlight power. Whether or not the handful of software features unique to the Enduro 2 remain that way, we’ll have to see.

Overall, I’ve had a solid experience with the Enduro 2. While I’m not usually a big-watch kinda guy, it’s worked well for me, and was easy to see out on the trail. I’m super happy with the GPS accuracy (as well as optical HR accuracy), and the new features, specifically the Next Fork and Grade Adjusted Pace are handy. I don’t think I’ll have much reason to use the Sail or Sail Racing sport profiles, but hey, maybe someone wants to get me a boat.

The singular area that the Enduro 2 failed on me was Training Status 2.0 features, upon finishing my 8-day hike. Up until that point, it was working great. But as outlined in the sports section above (towards the end), a significant bug related to the “Resume Later” feature, meant most of the Training Status functions on the watch become useless. While Training Readiness scores are still good and happy, the training-focused recommendations/guidance is broken. I get that many will say this is a niche edge case , and I’d agree, if not for the fact that the Enduro 2 as a watch is arguably a niche edge case . The entire purpose of this watch is long battery life for multi-day activities. That’s explicitly how Garmin markets it. But the new features Garmin has introduced simply don’t support that niche. Hopefully, Garmin can implement fixes to address that.

Found This Post Useful? Support The Site!

Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.

If you're shopping for the Garmin Enduro 2 or any other accessory items, please consider using the affiliate links below! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this website a lot. Even more, if you shop with TPC (The Pro's Closet) , you'll save $40 on purchases over $200 with coupon code DCRAIN40 ! The Pro's Closet has been a long-time partner of the site here - including sponsoring videos like my cargo bike race , as well as just being an awesome Colorado-based company full of good humans. Check them out with the links below and the DCRAIN40 coupon!

Garmin Enduro 2

Here's a few other variants or sibling products that are worth considering:

Garmin inReach 2 Mini Satellite Communicator (2-way)

And finally, here’s a handy list of accessories that work well with this unit (and some that I showed in the review). Given the unit pairs with ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart sensors, you can use just about anything though.

Garmin Cadence Sensor V2

This is a dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart cycling cadence sensor that you strap to your crank arm, but also does dual Bluetooth Smart, so you can pair it both to Zwift and another Bluetooth Smart app at once if you want.

Garmin HRM-DUAL Chest Strap

This is one of the top straps I use daily for accuracy comparisons (the others being the Polar H9/H10). It's dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart, and in fact dual-Bluetooth Smart too, in case you need multiple connectons.

Garmin Puck Charger (USB-C)

Seriously, this will change your life. $9 for a two-pack of these puck Garmin chargers that stay put and stay connected. One for the office, one for your bedside, another for your bag, and one for your dog's house. Just in case.

Garmin Speed Sensor V2

This speed sensor is unique in that it can record offline (sans-watch), making it perfect for a commuter bike quietly recording your rides. But it's also a standard ANT+/BLE sensor that pairs to your device. It's become my go-to speed sensor.

Garmin Index S2 WiFi Scale

This wifi-connected scale will track your weight and related metrics both on the scale display and in Garmin Connect (plus 3rd party apps like TrainingPeaks). It'll also then sync your weight to your watch/bike computer, to ensure accurate calorie data.

Garmin HRM-PRO Plus

The HRM-PRO Plus is Garmin's top-end chest strap. It transmits dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart, but also transmits Running Dynamics & Running Pace/Distance metrics, stores HR data during a swim, and can be used without a watch for other sports. Also, it can transmit XC Skiing Dynamics as well.

And of course – you can always sign-up to be a DCR Supporter ! That gets you an ad-free DCR, access to the DCR Quarantine Corner video series packed with behind the scenes tidbits...and it also makes you awesome. And being awesome is what it’s all about!

Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!

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255 Comments

Great job! Is it compatible with the DI2 buttons to change screens during a bike ride?

Not to my knowledge, no different than the Fenix 7 in that regard.

Great review, as always.

I hope Garmin keeps adding and improving the flashlights on their watches – that would be a killer feature, for me. I think they should orient the flashlight at the front edge of the flashlight though, to illuminate in front of you and/or at things you are holding/pointing at.

Ray – what would you recommend as the best way to piece together a seemingly continuous 30-day gps activity, like the longer bike tours/races (like Tour Divide, Silk Road Mountain Race, etc.) I’ve not really tried editing activities together in Garmin Connect, and it seems like trying to pause activities at rest periods and resume later might be risky (and maybe mess up recovery metrics/sleep tracking?).

Definitely not doing the Resume Later feature that Ray is using. I have never used this feature while logging my thru hikes out of fear it will corrupt something somewhere. Plus, I feel that each day (or periods between majors rests, if you will) should be treated individually anyways.

If you want to merge them all at the end, I would use the “Fit File Repair Tool” (Google it). Is is a clunky MS Access based application that is a bit slow; but it is easily the most flexible and comprehensive tool out there for this sort of thing and is updated frequently. Unlike some of the web-based tools; it does factor in the Garmin analytics and will re-summarize merged files for you. The downside is the developer will ask for a few shekels from you; but it is worth it.

Yeah, I’d agree – for 30 days, there’s a strong likelihood either you or Garmin is going to screw up at some point. Even managing to not press ‘Save’ for 7 nights was tough. It was like my singular goal in life to try and have it as one single activity, and was hyper-aware of it on the Enduro 2 each night.

That said, I managed to screw it up on both the COROX Vertix 2 on day 4 I think, and then the Fenix 7 running the Alpha build killed ended it on Day 3.

It’d actually be really cool if there was just a way to simply resume *any* activity you wanted to, from that point.

And of course, that’s all sidestepping the multitude of what I hope/presume are temporary Training Status bugs.

“It’d actually be really cool if there was just a way to simply resume *any* activity you wanted to, from that point.”

Off topic, but actually it would be nicer to start a workout mid-run/mid-ride. To this day I do not understand why that is not possible. I can start navigation, so why not workouts?

On a related note…

> Ultimately, any activity that stretches over multiple days (using the ‘Resume Later’ feature) breaks all of the Training Status 2.0 features (including on a Forerunner 955, or a Fenix 7/Epix if you’re running the beta).

Are you sure this is limited to Training Status 2.0? I have a Fenix 6S Pro and I once left an activity in “Resume Later” and went to bed. The next morning I noticed that my sleep wasn’t recorded and thus my body battery is near zero. I assumed this was a “feature” – it seems they purposely block sleep metrics if there is an unsaved activity. Of course this is not exactly the same as the issue you had and I didn’t really continue with that activity so I can’t say if there would have been a similar problem with the load being assigned to the starting day, but maybe.

Oh, now I see this:

> Even though it showed each night it was recording sleep/HRV data properly, it actually wasn’t seeming to write/save it.

So it did actually record sleep data in your case (at least to some extent). In my case it showed “No sleep data recorded” in the morning, so I guess it’s different.

Andreas, it is a really good point! somehow I recall this was possible on the FR610 back then. While running, you could say: alright lets do this workout now. May be I’m wrong… old stuff…

It’s actually a thing I miss a lot since I switched from my V800 to the Fenix 6 (and then 7). Was really baffled when I noticed that that feature isn’t there.

In that case, I would end the activity every night and start a new one the next day.

A resume function, certainly welcome, but a function to combine multiple activities into 1 would be a great as well. For me it doesn’t matter whether this can be doe on the watch or only in Connect.

Yeah, I’d agree. I’d be happy for a multi-select ‘this/that/this/that’ option in Garmin Connect/mobile to merge together 4-5 days worth of hikes into one. That’d be great for when I just didn’t feel I trusted a single activity this big.

what do you use, then, when you take a long lunch break, like 30-45 min, or go into town to resupply and return to the trail the same day? I’m interested in knowing if Resume Later causes chaos in shorter periods of time or if it is only when it is used overnight into another day….

During a training run, I would generally just use the stop/start button to pause the workout and not bother faffing about with scrolling down to the resume later feature.

If it was going to be a really, really long time then pause and resume later turns off the GPS and it requires pushing start twice to resume the workout recording instead of once.. It works fine to use resume later and then immediately continue moments later except that there is a slight warmup time for the GPS acquisition.

I think the main issue with resume later other than the slight GPS warmup time is the risk of accidentally selecting discard or save. I have accidentally saved a workout more than once trying to scroll down to the resume later without dedicating sufficient attention to what I was doing.

Great review and awesome to see Garmin fixing the oversights with the original Enduro in this release! I assume you will update when you get answers on if/when Next Fork, GAP, and Auto Rest coming to rest of fenix line?

Yup, just got those answers!

All those features will be coming to the Fenix/Epix series in a “future quarterly update this year”. In theory, the planned idea was that the Fenix 7/Epix beta would go to production today (to match Enduro). But I’m not sure if they’ve decided it’s ready or not. We’ll see.

And then with that, I don’t know if this is considered Q2 or Q3. I’d assume Q3 (technically), but not really sure.

Do they come to the fr955 as well?

And when you say it will come to fenix 7, what does that mean for FR955?

Indeed, GAP and Next Fork will be nice to see on FR955

For the number of race points it is a limit that has existed for a long time before it was even 50. Why some exceed and others not it is according to their algo of map matching which puts your gpx on OSM routes. If the file is very good then you risk to have a lot of turns and points if it matches less well then you have less points.

If you want a more accurate map for the alps I made this: link to ravenfeld.gitlab.io

Oh yeah, I brought it up in my Instinct 2 review as well. My point is that:

A) The limit shouldn’t exist in 2022. This is purely a Garmin problem, nobody else has this problem. B) If a limit exists (as it does), then someone should be able to very clearly document the limit. And nobody can. I’ve asked many times, to some very smart (and good) people, and it all falls apart the moment we get to the definition of a “track point”. Is a track point a turn? No, it’s not. Is it a section of course? No, kinda, maybe. Is there a direct correlation between a distance and track points? No, not that either. You can have 250 track points on a 30KM course, and 600 track points on a 180KM course. But how?

And it’s not that I technically care per se. It’s that I’m honestly tired of loading a course and having it fail, and then having no real re-course. Take the Tour du Mont Blanc route. There’s no way I’d successfully manage to re-create that 180KM route into say, three courses. Assume I managed to accurately do that, it’s painstaking and time-consuming. But the real kicker is that after loading half a dozen TMB variants, the night before out of pure dumb-luck I pulled down one from a portion of the official site I’ve never seen before (and isn’t ranked anywhere in Google search), and it worked perfectly.

That’s the piece that annoys me. Either fix the limitation to support a device that can go 150 hours on a single charge, or find a way to clearly document the limitation and offer tools to easily split apart routes.

(End minor rant….)

The problem with max limit course points is because when you send a course from Garmin connect mobile to the device, the GC puts a course point on every turn. So a long course exceeds the limit. But, if you download the course from the Garmin Connect web, then it’s clean from turn course points and you can transfer it through USB to the directory Garmin/Newfiles. Now Garmin has already fixed it. When you create a course in Garmin Connect mobile, you can choose Turn Notifications On/Off and transfer it to your device. No more course point limit messages.

But ultimately, the Turn Notifications on/off isn’t really fixing the problem. It’s just putting blinders on it (since the course point limitation, despite the ugly message, only really impact turn notifications).

But there are legit reasons why you’d want turn notifications. For example, MTB or road cycling, they are actually reasonably useful. Whereas hiking, often a bit less so.

Right now I transfered a course with turn notifications on and off. With the off option, I didn’t get the warning message 🤔

The problem is, for trails, it puts these turns on every tight turn and switchback. That makes them useless on most courses. On many of my courses, I end up with a turn notification every 30 seconds. UpAhead helped as it only shows custom course points, but you can still quickly run into the limit on a longer course, making UpAhead just as useless since your custom course points are also truncated.

I now always create course with custom course points at the trail junctions, and use the “Download to PC” trick to avoid having GC add in the automatic ones. That way I only get the notifications I want. This could be a lot of work, though, on a course as long as what you did.

This doesn’t make much sense. The device is requesting (or maybe being pushed) a course from GC. GC should know what the device is and what limitations that device has. I shouldn’t add course points that make a file invalid on the device and it should have smarts to trim useless course points (for example, use the trail fork functionality to remove points where there is no decision point) or auto split a course for you.

This ignores the fact that the limit shouldn’t be so low link to navigation-professionell.de Notice the old devices have the same limit as the newer ones. The newer ones have more memory, they should be able to handle more. Though there is a good chance this is legacy code no one wants to touch

Excellent as always, Ray. I bang on about this constantly, but my one real ongoing irritation with my Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is the lack of available colour options for 26mm nylon bands like the one on the Enduro. They’re such a weight saver and, to me at least, a lot more comfortable to wear while sleeping. Do you think they’ll ever offer more than black or charcoal grey?

Yeah, I don’t know why Garmin hasn’t done more in the nylon strap areas. I think it’s one of the best physical hardware things Garmin has made. The strap is just *SO* good (and this comes from someone that generally doesn’t care much about straps, also, ignoring that my end-piece fell off for whatever reason). But in terms of the velco/stickness levels and usablity, they’ve really nailed it.

As to why it isn’t offered (as the premium upsell it is), for other sizes (or colors) seems like an easy missed-money-opportunity.

I am 99% certain from my own futzing around that the limitation it is actually the invisible points that Garmin uses to give the turn notifications. If you use a course with no turn points the alert never happens. And the alert is telling you in unclear language that at some point turn by turn alerts will stop. Then you get just off course alerts.

I am stunned that Garmin cannot articulate this to you. That is ridiculous. It’s also a ridiculous limitation that should not exist.

Good news is that Garmin has added a check box to not include the useless automatic turn points for trails. They would get added for every slight turn and switch back, adding in so much noise, you wouldn’t notice the important custom course points. So if uncheck that box before sending to your device, you only get the custom ones and those work pretty well.

The alternative has always been to download the course to your PC and then copy it to the new files folder. That never included the automatic course points added when you “Send to Device”.

There are two issues here though. 1, as Ray says, no excuse to have the limit in 2022. 2. No excuse to include every bend and turn and not just trail junctions in 2022.

On the original Enduro, the limit was about 200 points and with the automatic turn points, I could easily hit that in a ten mile run. The Enduro2 matches the other F7 devices and I suspect it’s well over 1000.

I think #2 is more complicated than you might imagine. In the simple case there is good map data and yes it seems obvious. In back country, especially in Africa where I have done a lot of trail running the trails are not mapped or only some random selection of some paths and Jeep track are mapped. So having the turn alert only at the next fork is not practical if the underlying map data is not very accurate and complete.

I suspect the entire system for loading courses is basically unchanged for many years and was based on assumptions that were originally for handheld and then early fenix watches that had no map. It was just breadcrumb navigation. So the smarter device making the course had to bake in the turn points. And also there were hard memory limits on those devices that no longer exist.

Why this limitation still exists is mysterious but I think it indicates we are talking about an area of the feature set that only a small number of users and testers ever exercise.

It needs attention though. These days the watch should probably ignore baked in turn by turn and calculate its own regardless of the course length. Starting with the fenix 6, the watch calculates its own elevation data even if the GPX course has none for the climb pro feature. That is super-nice but not as critical as staying on course in the wilderness.

I agree. It’s very complicated, and no solution will be perfect, but using the data from Next Fork would be far superior to the current method, throwing every thing at you. I always create custom courses, and put custom course points at any spot I care about. With the current algorithm, the noise pretty much forces you to turn off turn notifications on the trails for both running and MTB. Thankfully, turning off turn notifications, still gives you custom course point notifications.

Interesting having ClimbPro on a watch. But how far can anyone trust there is no time lag as there is on Edge 1040 ? My 1040 have a time of 15-20 secs. On accent/decent grade %. My old Edge 520 is spot on…

Did you have any chance to follow up on this issue ….

My plan is still Weds/Thurs to go out of town to the place to do the Edge 1040 test.

That said, on a bike you’re moving far faster than while running or riding. I’ve heard nobody (ever) complain about gradient display lag on the watches with ClimbPro (it’s been there for I think 4-5 years now).

Loved the video – the beginning of it had a bit of a “Sound of Music” vibe to it – was expecting you to pull out a guitar and start singing “The Hills are Alive….” Thanks!

I mean…I can’t be putting all my footage out there before the full Tour du Mont Blanc Trek video…

This looks nice. Thanks for the review. Would be interesting to hear your comments on this vs. Garmin’s hand-held hiking GPS devices.

kinda bummed about the flashlight… idk just me!?

Nice review as always, just ordered via your amazon link.

“Honey, I don’t *want* to go away for a week and do an epic hike around Mont Blanc. I *have* to do it for this review!” :-)

>which is broken out into 10 pieces, each indicating 10% of full intensity. Technically speaking, full intensity is considered 50,000 lux conditions

Has there been a CIQ app or anything that tries to leverage the solar data for UV / sun exposure measurement for the user? Obviously the main use case for the solar panels is power for the battery, and “wear sunscreen and a hat” isn’t exactly rocket science, but over the course of a summer it could be interesting data.

The correlation between the watch’s exposure to solar radiation and the wearer’s UV exposure is poor enough to make such a function (or at least relying on it) potentially dangerous. From a purely scientific point of view, on an overcast day, clouds can filter out a lot of solar radiation (low charging) whilst UV can still fully penetrate them (high sunburn risk). From a practical point of view, I’ve just come back from 2 weeks in Egypt where I was in direct, intense sun for much of the day several times, yet I was surprised how much of that time my Descent G1 Solar was only getting maybe 10-20% solar exposure just because my wrist was facing the wrong way or at the wrong angle.

Yeah. I live in NZ and my solar graph was maxing out VERY quickly back in March and April. It’ll be interesting to see how it performs this coming summer. Unfortunately skin cancers here are more of a “when” than an “if”.

“The Enduro 2 allows up to 10 custom data fields per data page”

Are you sure that’s correct? Your images seem to indicate that it has a max of 8 fields per page (same as Fenix 7x, 6X, etc)

Great review! I was not expecting a new Enduro model any time soon, so this is a welcome surprise.

Great review as always. Thanks for what you do. It has helped me out a ton! I was wondering if you had heard any updates about the beta software for the 945 LTE? I’m getting antsy for the new features :).

Is that you in the background of the battery burn chart?

How easy is the screen to read compared to the Fenix 7 solar sapphire? I find the F7 pretty tricky in a number of light conditions (too much reflection)….

Sorry, forgot to say TOTALLY EPIC review. An 8 day adventure hike was above and beyond the call of duty!

I’m struggling to understand Garmin’s lineup strategy these days. They seem determined to blur the line between all of their models and have a good half dozen or so watches basically overlap each other in hardware terms. Enduro is 1100 and is basically a Fenix 7x “plus” with a better battery and a better flashlight. But the tactix 7 pro is also 1100 and has… a green light and a flat bezel? Then there’s the epix which is 100 less and doesn’t have the flashlight but has a screen that outclasses all of these. I’d love to hear what they say is the reason someone would buy a Fenix 7x over this. Or this over a tactix 7 pro (which I presume has a similar battery if not the new flashlight) It seems they just killed their own products which has been out for all of 6 months (and 4 months for the tactix)

Then there’s the software. It’s great that they’re bringing all features over to all of the watches, but the one thing everyone wants, the morning report, isn’t apparently coming in this next release. Which means according to their quarterly schedule, we all have to wait until… December for the morning report?

Edit: the tactix 7 is 1100, the pro is even more at 1300, so it’s 200 more than this new Enduro…

Epix has also a smaller screen (Epix is a Fenix 7, not a Fenix 7X) and worse battery life.

Why someone would get the standard 7X instead of a the Enduro? Maybe weight, maybe looks. I prefer the look of the standard Fenix over the green dashes at the bezel of the Enduro. Also standard Fenix prices have already fallen, in Europe you can get the Fenix 7X for about 850€ and the Fenix 7 for about 750€. Wheres you can’t get the Tactix easily, but it looks like they fluctuate around 1000-1300€ (depening on standard vs. pro). And you can’t get the Enduro at all, because that just launched and I haven’t found a listing for that one so far.

How many days of daily use data (steps, stress, BB) etc. are the watches Epix2, Enduro 2, Fenix 7 able to save before we need to get back online to sync them?

I’m not aware of any limit. It’s definitely not storage these days, since all these watches have storage for literal years of data (which is otherwise used for things like music or extra maps).

The longest I’ve done was a couple of weeks and it was perfectly fine. Hear in mind that the more days you skip the longer the sync lasts (and it didn’t look linear to me). So I expect that for longer syncs it’s possible for connection to just time out

However, I guess that should only be a problem if you sync via the mobile app. USB sync via Garmin Express or Wi-Fi sync on a Fenix shouldn’t take that long?

En mi experiencia, no entiendo el porque de la falla, lo primero que se me viene a la mente es que pasaría en un ultra-trail de 100millas, o se dieron las condiciones de eliminar rastro, o ser invisible como en los instinct en modo stealth

there was that glitch a few years back when their servers were down for over a week and suddenly my 5X wouldn’t allow me to record a new activity b/c my previous ones hadn’t been cleared. I’m guessing you are right and they fixed that issue-at least I hope they fixed it.

Damn. I have just bought Fenix 7x Solar. Literally few days ago. I would never understand this company’s portfolio policy :)

Solar is so far great but I am bit dissapointed about the temperature range it seems to work. Apparently solar doesn’t work in below zero temperature. What I probably can understand – technologynis where it is. But it’s a pity, as I plan to use it mostly during winter ultra races. Probably battery itself is more than enough, but you know… I feel like a kid who had his candy stolen ;)

Why do you say that? I haven’t heard that before. My real house solar panels thrive in the cold. They’re actually far less efficient in the sweltering summer heat. Of course in the winter the sun’s angles are terrible, so you win and lose I guess

The photovoltaic cells work fine in the below-freezing temperatures, but as I understand it lithium-based batteries cannot be charged below freezing.

It’s Garmin who says this in the manual. I think it is more related to battery and charging than solar. As you said – PV work better when cold.

“ It’s everything a Fenix 7X is, but with just a bit more. A bit more battery life, a bit more flashlight illumination, a bit more bands, and a bit more features. All for just a bit more money ($100). “

You forgot: a little bit more weight, a little bit more thicker” :)

Fun fact: Not entirely. :)

The Fenix 7X Solar (base) is 96g (have it in front of me at the moment on a scale). The Enduro 2 with nylon is 70g. The Enduro 2 with included silicon straps is 91 g. Both… lighter.

I suspect the Sapphire Titanium one is lighter, but I don’t have one of those around, and am too lazy to look it up. :)

Do the waypoints, life refuges, camping spots, etc count under the 200 point course point limit? Is it the announced turns that fall under the course point limit?

I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think so. Only because that would have hurt me considerably, as the GPX file I loaded had a ton of those (maybe 50-75?), and it loaded just fine.

Garmin isn’t clear: link to support.garmin.com Doesn’t really correspond to: link to topografix.com link to en.m.wikipedia.org

Maybe it’s the number of rteType?

link to support.garmin.com

Makes it sound like the points were stored as the wing type of point? Not sure

Yeah, I’ve mostly given up asking on this topic. I’ve asked a lot of people at Garmin, very smart people that are incredibly deep and knowledgable within the product teams – and nobody really knows with a definitive answer on any of it. It’s all wishy-washy answers that use the word ‘varies’.

I’m sure there’s an actual developer or two that can probably explain it (assuming they’re still there), but I haven’t found that developer/person yet. So, I’ve changed my tact: I’m just gonna keep pointing out the limit is silly in 2022, and hopefully solve the confusion by just removing the limit.

Somewhat feels like legacy code that no one wants to risk shattering. You would expect a complete regression test for navigation would be substantial. Maybe they’ll find a super motivated intern to drive the entire thing through a simulator pumping in synthetic position data. If it were just bumping up the limit I would like to think someone would have slammed it into a beta by now.

Over the years there have been reader comments in various articles that may have implied some of the rough edges are not easily corrected. The comments for Ray’s review of the original Enduro may cover some that ground. I can’t find it in an a casual DCR site search, but I thought there was a much older posting that had a vaguely recent comment that implied some structures in the course file were re-used for incompatible features. Course points & turn-by-turn do get mentioned in that context a bit.

Maybe when winter weather settles across Kansas super-intern will give it a go.

“it shows me that it’s easier to run downhill than flat-ground”

As any (ultra)trailrunner knows :)

Until it gets really steep right

Then GAP should possibly go back the other way again. Ouchy

Yeah, I can say that after a week of steeps, I’ll take going up over going down any day.

If you can go fast downhill is easier than going slow with less braking. Though practically that is hard as you don’t want to fall by losing grip or breaking your ankle

I’ll second what others are basically saying. While it depends somewhat on the technical nature of the trail, on very steep terrain (and also at altitude), it is much easier (cardiovascularly) going down than going up. And also much easier on the muscles to go fast downhill, than try to slow yourself with quad braking.

The trick to running down mountain trails is to run them like a downhill skier. You’re leaning forward, perpendicular to the mountain, and going as fast as you can safely navigate the terrain. You slow down by bounding side-to-side on the trail, not by braking with the quads (which will exhaust completely before you get down). It feels completely reckless and counter-intuitive at first, but once you get the feel for it, it’s both faster and much less taxing (and much more fun). I improved my time on a mountain marathon (first half up to peak, 2nd half down) by 49 minutes in one year, by changing to this strategy, with no change in fitness.

Interesting perspective on gap: link to pickletech.eu Wonder if the Garmin method is generic or tries to fit you personally

I’ve seen a similar ‘Resume Later’ issue on my 945 before. I stopped (resumed later) a home strength activity with the intention to finish it later. Which I forgot to do so the watch stayed in the waiting state overnight. The following day I couldn’t work out why my sleep data was terrible. Until I went to do a run later – the penny dropped when I saw the option to continue the strength session from the day before, instead of starting a new activity.

While I haven’t done that too many times it’s not entirely a niche issue with multi day activities. You can just do it by mistake

The Enduro isn’t the only watch struggling with Training Status 2.0 features. I’ve got a 955 and the Training Load “stuck” after a couple of weeks and is still stuck. No training suggestions etc. Judging from replies to my post on Garmin Forums, I’m far from the only one. Garmin are apparently working on it!

Does the running daily suggested workout feature now support GAP as a target type, or is it still limited to just pace or heart rate? It would be nice to have GAP workout targets in hilly areas so that the watch doesn’t beep when you slow down while running uphill.

Still just regular pace from what I can see.

Hi thank you so much. Looks like most of the features like SatIQ, next fork, GAP and auto rest timer are coming to Fenix 7 relatively soon. Do you know if any of these features will also be available for Fenix 6 series and is there anything for Enduro 2 that will not go to Fenix 7?

I’m not aware of anything planned for the Fenix 6 series. But then again, they randomly decided to launch HRV Status on it…so…I suppose anything is possible.

Interpreting HRV info requires a large data set. Seems like they added the feature to the Fenix 6 to get a larger data set of HRV. If so other new features are unlikely unless it helps them in some way

I may have overlooked it, but have you informations to share about the battery capacity F7x: Enduro 2? I assume the battery of the Enduro 2 has more capacity (Enduro 2 is heavier/ ticker as a F7x, brighter flashlight..).

Thanks in advance.

It is a bigger battery, though, I don’t think Garmin publishes the exact specs anywhere. Last time went down this rabbit hole (battery size/charging rates) with them, they got a bit skittish for some reason.

I just checked the manual and it’s not listed there.

Thanks. Ok, we have to wait until one unscrew a device…

It is conceivable that they can be 2 batteries, since they increased their thickness, they are different repositories.

I have seen tear down photos of the enduro 2 and the fenix 7X which show the battery.

Battery in Fenix 7X has 534mAh and Enduro 2 has 660mAh.

This tracks exactly with the 120% battery range spec of the enduro 2 over the fenix 7X.

On a tangentially related note, I’m 99% certain that the Coros Vertix 2 achieves the substantially longer standby time than the enduro 2 (and the fenix 7X) entirely because it samples the optical HR sensor less frequently for all day HR tracking and HRV than Garmin does.

I think Coros in general bends over backward for battery life and chooses battery over data precision when they are in conflict. I suspect this is also related to the reason the Coros multiband tends to slightly underperform relative to Garmin using the same chip in difficult conditions.

That’s not good or bad. It’s a legitimate engineering choice but I think it’s interesting.

That is definitely true on other stats, though, for the GPS side of the house, it’s mostly the antenna design.

I think because the COROS companion app is fairly limiting in those secondary stats (plus, all the HR-driven stats Garmin computes in the background that COROS simply doesn’t have), many don’t realize those gaps. And certainly, for some, they don’t matter.

As with every watch released: this might be the one replacing my fenix3hr. And then not replacing it :)

As for your list of sensors, my F7X as well as my 945 LTE both recognize the Concept2 Indoor Rower and Bike (both being equipped with the PM 5) and record all necessary data, including power, cadence/stroke and distance. Since the Enduro 2 is based on the F7, I would guess it does the same. BTW, it was fun to follow your tour on Strava and Instagram, thanks a lot!

Yeah, in those cases they’re just following the same ANT+ standards as the cycling side (so technically, are cycling sensors). It was a good move on their part to adopt that years ago.

Thanks for being a DCR Supporter!

Hi Hoot, I’m a Concept2 rower – can I ask exactly how you paired the 7X up to the PM5 to get all that data, or is this just what you’re seeing in Connect after the logbook feeds it back out to Garmin??

When you open the PM5 menu, click on Connect, then click on more options and pick the first option. Then take your Garmin and go to add sensors and it should recognize the rower as “Trainer”. But I think it doesn’t work with all watches. I had a Venu2 and an Instinct and both could not connect. Fenix 6&7, Enduro, Epix and FR 945 LTE definitely can.

Excellent – thank you. I’d never bothered trying this before as I’d assumed nothing would happen. It’d be cool if Garmin and Concept2 could work out between them how to correctly label the machine on the ANT+ channels it’s using. I’ll be trying this tomorrow.

GAP, finally a metric that does not require an external accessory that can account for gradient.

Hello Thanks a lot for this review. Love the TMB (done 4 times as « off » activity before doing UTMB 😀)

– Could you confirm that Next Fork feature is available whatever the map is (or does it require Garmin Map) ? – Considering the Ultra Run profile and Auto Rest Timer : it is unclear if this feature stops or not the GOS during rest time (at aid station) to save the battery and preserve distance calculation . This feature was annonced when ultra run profile was launched on Fenix 6. For the Enduro 2, Garmin French website mentions this… but not the US website !! I experienced this last weekend on Epix 2 with last beta firmware : the GPS is not stopped :-( Any information about this last point ?

A) For Next Fork, it doesn’t require a course/route loaded, and appears anytime you’re located on a trail/street, as long as you move briefly so it knows which direction you’re going. I’m not sure I understand the Garmin map question, unless you’re trying to load 3rd party maps (remember the Enduro 2 includes free downloadable maps everywhere)

B) No, I can’t imagine the GPS is stopped, as the threshold is by default set to 12:00/km. So in order to determine said threshold, they’d likely use the GPS. Certainly I could see how they could leverage the accelerometers and then key-off of that to re-ignite GPS. But my guess would be the savings would be super minimal there, since most people don’t spend long at an aide station.

Thanks for answering !

A/ You are right I was unclear : does Next Fork applies only for Garmin TopoActive map ? I use the french 1:25000 TopoPro (actually sold by Garmin)…

B/ OK, actually my question was not about Auto Rest Timer, but « manual » rest timer. I think to stop the GPS during the rest time can be handy for (very) ultra trail : I spent more than 6 hours in the (different) aid stations during my 1st UTMB ! This feature was the promise for Ultra Run profile, but (again) seems not to be (fully) implemented (only rest timer)

A) Ahh, hmm…I’m not sure there, my assumption is that if it’s a routable map (meaning, you can normally do routing on it), then it’ll probably work

B) Manual rest timer is the same as Auto Rest Timer (the GPS/timer technically keeps running in the background, it just marks a portion of the file as ‘Rest’). What you’re looking for is really ‘Resume Later’, which does turn off the GPS (and what I used for my hike). Even using the standard ‘Pause’ option doesn’t turn off the GPS. The risk of course is that you forget to hit pause.

Realistically though, with SatIQ, even the Fenix 7X will easily make the UTMB cut-offs. If you look at my activity, it had 58 hours of GPS on-time, including 14 hours of stoppage time (lunch/etc I didn’t press stop for). So I had 44 hours of ‘moving’ time according to the file. And this was with navigation enabled, and optical HR enabled. If I were running UTMB myself, I’d probably use a chest strap, just to significantly reduce the battery burn even more.

Just my two cents…

B/ Ray, the main pro to stop the GPS at aid station and NOT the time (you are always on race !), is not to save the battery, but to have a « clean » track and avoid over-estimated distance (due to steps done during your rest time) – see image above :-) This was exactly the aim of the Ultra Run profile…

Any idea if or when there will be garmin nylon strap available for Epix 2 (22mm wide)?

I haven’t heard of any yet. Though, there are apparently 3rd party ones on Amazon and such.

There are plenty on Amazon in different colors for a fraction of what the Garmin band costs. In fact I am wearing one right now.

Hi Ray, One comment on “no internet is required” – indeed, the watch stores everything perfectly fine, but, AFAIK, syncing FROM the phone doesn’t. So, for example, if you have a route saved in Garmin Connect and you want to transfer it to the watch – you can’t do it without the internet connection, because the app tries to sync everything with the cloud before sending the route to the watch.

Correct. GC requires Internet, though, Garmin Explore doesn’t (but doesn’t sync all the things GC syncs, just stuff like routes).

This one is good. link to amazon.pl

Thanks for the review of these nice looking watches. I hope these software features will come to the Forerunner 955 ASAP. Considering the horrendous amount of bugs still in the current firmware an update bringing new functions will hopefully make up for some of the long suffering…And obviously fixing the old bugs!

This new watch model explains the lack of updates though.

Hi Ray, do you know if the new sports profiles (Hunt, Sail, Sail Race, and Duathlon) will show up on the Fenix 7 Series updates eventually?

The following profiles are now added to Fenix 7 via update 9.33: – Fishing – Hunting – Sail – Sail Race – Reference point

Hey Ray, Thanks for another great review. However, I find it odd to speak of SatIQ moving to the fenix 7. Indeed, only the sapphire editions of the fenix 7 will get SatIQ. In other words: only a fraction of fenix 7 will get it!

You are probably using a fenix 7 sapphire, and therefore it’s a no-brainer to you. But for all those of us with a fenix 7, fenix 7s, fenix 7X, fenix 7solar, fenix 7s solar, fenix X solar there is – sadly – no SatIQ and no GNSS multiband. There are (inconclusive) forum discussions if Garmin used the same GNSS chipset in the non-sapphire and sapphire editions and is limiting multiband via a software switch or if they implemented different chipsets. Funny enough, being on Garmin’s beta programme with a fenix 7s, the newest software (9.28) tells me in the “What’s new”-log that the newest feature (on top of the list!) is SatIQ. Sadly, that is – as before – courtesy of the fenix 7 sapphire edition. Unless of course you opted for the (much) cheaper forerunner 255/955.

Yea, the whole Sapphire vs not debate is messy. But ultimately, I think it’s tough to blame Garmin for deciding to offer multiband at a lower price point down the road.

As for SatIQ on non-Sapphire, it’s gone back and forth on whether or not it supports GPS-Only at the lower end. So, I’d say that story isn’t done being written yet. Which, is probably why it’s a bit confusing in beta at the moment.

All that said, based on the sales data I see through various 3rd parties, the Sapphire units seem to be far more widely sold than non-Sapphire.

Imho it’s just bad costumer expectation management on Garmin’s side. Rolling out the new fenix 7 line in January with multiband as the top-of-the-pops premium-sapphire-only feature – to give it to a mid-priced forerunner only some 4/5 months later? We are not speaking of iterations later. But the very same iteration/generation of watches. It’s not so much that multiband is missing on non-sapphires, but that fenix per se seizes to be the has-it-all option. Anyhow, interesting to hear that sapphires beat non-sapphires at the counter.

Garmin seems to indicate GPS-only is included (assuming that they only called out GPS only and Multi-Band because they are the lowest and highest power/sensitivity, with All Systems in between):

On this topic, do you know more about how it works? For example, is it constantly tracking signal strength from all satellite systems and changing continuously or only at start of and set intervals (for example, every minute) during activities? Seems the battery life benefit of this may depend on the approach.

Honestly, now I lost the overview of the different features of all these watches.

Does the Fenix 7x not include the Forerunner features you listed: “This includes Training Readiness, Training Status 2.0, HRV Status, and Running Power (among others). It does not yet include Morning Report.” or why are these listed explicitly as ‘Forerunner Features’.

And what is the difference between “Active Time, Elapsed Time” and the now “Rest time”. I currently have the 6X and set it up to pause, and at the end, I get an activity active time and an elapsed time.

Also, I thought you could trigger GAP via Garmin Connect for quite a while now or am I mistaken?

These features are currently in beta for Fenix/Epix, which should go public release soon.

These are “Forerunner Features”, because they arrived with the release of the FR955.

“Finally, it’s worthwhile noting that the Enduro 2 supports the Garmin Explore app. This oft-forgotten app is designed for backcountry usage without cellular range. It lets you manage courses/waypoints/etc from your phone, and then sync them to the watch – all without internet. Whereas the Garmin Connect app requires internet for any sync at all.”

Hey, I did my first bike packing adventure a week ago and being on the road, I actually came across the issue of not being able to add waypoings on my mobile. That’s possible via the mentioned Explore app? I’ll try that. Whether or not it needs internet would not be an issue to me… but I wasn’t able to create waypoints in Garmin Connect, I can only see them. Or did I just miss it in Garmin Connect?

Great review!

Q re an Enduro 2 public beta: I love some of the new features on the 7X through the beta program, including the HRV status/monitor and the stock glance (for the day job!). Is Garmin going to be creating a beta program for the Enduro 2 soon? The watch is amazing but it’s too bad some of the newest Fenix beta features aren’t accessible (unless I’m missing it somehow).

All the new features in beta on the 7X are already on the Enduro (including the HRV status widget). I think I show it up above. :)

Thanks – had missed it. Much appreciated

So the two items I’m specifically focused on were in beta version 9.24 for the Fenix — the HRV status widget glance and stocks widget glance. They don’t seem to be available on the Enduro 2. (The HRV function is, including in the stress glance, but not the same HRV status glance. And the stock quotation doesn’t seem available at all.)

Sounds like they may come once the Enduro 2 has another update or a beta option. We will see — and if I’m missing something please let me know!

Great review. What are your thoughts about the Epix vs the Enduro? Also, for cycling do you have a favorite between the Fenix 7, Epix or Enduro? Thanks BR

Epic Review! In addition to the chevrons, it looks like the course track itself is thicker and more prominent than on the Fenix 7 / 955. Is that how it is in real life?

Garmin is telling me that the Enduro 2 that I just ordered will not have the new software features (morning report, HRV, Training readiness) at launch. Eventually there will be a Beta program for the Enduro and that is when these features will first be brought over to it. 3rd quarter is the estimate. I thought you said in your video that all of those features sans the Morning Report came with the Enduro 2 out of the box. Please clarify. thanks for the great work as usual!

Who at Garmin?

I mean, there’s only one Enduro 2 firmware track, and all these features are in it (and have been in it), and are advertised as being in it.

Though, to clarify, Morning Report was never advertised as part of it for launch. As both my post and Garmin’s stuff makes clear. But HRV and Training Readiness are very much part of it.

Here is there reply: You are correct that the Enduro 2 will not immediately have all the same features as the Fenix 7 series since it will take our engineering team time to write the new software.

As it is, the only reason there is public knowledge available regarding the Fenix 7 series having the new features through the current Beta, was our new Beta program announcing the features coming over from the Forerunner 955 series released shortly after the Fenix 7 series. Also, due to the Beta, we can confirm the Q3 2022 official update will have the features in the Fenix 7 series/Epix 2 series current within the Beta. (It should always be said engineering can make last minute changes if there are any issues that become apparent up to the day of release of the official update.)

The support person’s name is Chris by the way at Garmin. Not sure what the correct answer is. I have a Enduro 2 arriving tomorrow so I guess I will find out then.

In the near future, the Enduro 2 will mirror the Fenix 7 series software but will need to go through its own Alpha then Beta series of updates before the final software release into the Enduro 2. I am sorry, we do not have a public available timeline when to expect this will happen for the Enduro 2 but we can confirm the updates will be added into the Enduro 2 series too.

Steven, if you go back and watch Ray’s video again roughly at time stamp 7:30 it is very clear all but the morning report is there not sure what needs clarification.

Yeah, this was…umm…unexpected.

I went back to Garmin after your message, to get a bit of clarity on what happened. And in short, bugs happened.

The 8.40 firmware you see is the manufacturing firmware. The same was true of the Fenix 7 and every other Garmin watch. It’s basically the ‘safe’ firmware that units are made in the factory, upwards of months before release. Same thing GoPro, Apple, and countless other companies do.

The assumption is that upon first setup, it’ll offer a newer firmware that fills in all the features (plus a slate of bug fixes). That newer version is what I and I others tested for review (and is the same as the latest Fenix 7 Beta firmware).

The secondary working assumption from Gamrin was that everything was going to go-live at the same time (Enduro 2 with the new firmware, Fenix 7/Epix with the new firmware, etc…) – one big boom of new firmware and new product day. Except, bugs happened. And apparently given the delays, serious enough bugs that the new firmware is being held for an extra week or two. Obviously, I identified some moderately severe bugs in my review (my Acute Load still doesn’t work). But I know others in the Fenix 7 side have seen bugs too. Once in that situation, Garmin is left with the choice of leaving people on a ‘known good’ 8.40 firmware, or a newer firmware with potentially severe bugs but new features.

The good news, is that you can go to the Fenix 7 Beta program page, and they’ve officially added the Enduro 2 to it. It’s all the same firmware. That’s also good news longer term in that those are viewed as the same. Garmin says they plan to have this firmware release by the end of August (so about 2ish weeks away).

Hope this helps!

This seems more like an Epix 2 with a flashlight and solar, than an enduro 2, no? Am I missing something?

Will confirm tomorrow when my Enduro 2 arrives. I hope Ray is correct as Garmin support told me these features are not yet in this device and will be coming via a beta update later this quarter. Fingers crossed.

It will be there, I have seen more than one video that clearly shows shows the items you are referencing, mine will be arriving tomorrow as well not concerned at all :)

So its there you just have to add the Beta build to get it.

Hard pass at this price.

Is there any information on how quickly SatIQ enables/disables additional satellite systems and/or multi-band?

Running in Brussels is very challenging for my F6X, going from open space to small alley and in between the glass facades in the European quarter sends the GPS track all over the place. So I wonder how fast SatIQ picks up additional satellites mid-run. Anyone have any info on that?

You could have it always in multi-band mode but then it just eats more battery than needed.

It seems fast enough to account for it in the highly concentrated business district of Amsterdam. Check out the GPS track from that above. I also used SatIQ in the same tiny street/big glass buildings blend in Copenhagen too.

(Plus a multitude of other places over the last nearly two months. It works pretty darn well in my testing in terms of switching.)

Great review (as always)! You say that the Enduro2 has larger battery inside compared to the Fenix 7X. How much larger? Do you have any info about the mAh? I was wondering is the better battery life affected by software “polishing” and fine tuning? The Enduro2 uses a newer software version than the officially released Fenix 7X firmware. Can we expect the Fenix 7X battery life to be improved as well once the new firmware is available? Does Garmin share any info about this?

Garmin hasn’t released mAh at this point. But the battery specs are roughly 20-30% higher than the 7X, so I’d presume it’s 20-30% larger, which would make sense given the larger case depth (keeping in mind the battery is only a portion of what’s actually inside the unit).

Hi Ray, Great review, and I really like the look of this watch. One thing, you said that the Enduro 2 is 17 mm thick and the Fenix 7X is 16 mm, but the Garmin site has the Enduro 2 at 15.6 mm and the F7X at 14.9. Thanks for all your great work Ben

Great review as always. Any chance you could show us the solar harvesting graph for the trip?

Please do a test navigating with the map north up and going south yourself. I hope Garmin will learn that it should change the position of the arrow during navigation from the middle of the screen to a position higher up the screen, so viewable distance north/south is more similar (true on the 6x and 7x en most probably also on this enduro2). Certainly when approaching a point that will trigger the largest part of the bottom half of the screen to become black to show the name/distance to the next point it is (almost) impossible to see what really is ahead further than a really short distance.. I really like the map north up and 2 data fields so I almost never have to change data screens, but in certain situations it is just a pain to see what is coming.

I received my new Enduro 2 today and after registering for the Beta program with this device, i was able to get the latest beta software version 9.28B and I did get the same new features that are on the Fenix 7 with the beta software. So all is just as you said it would be. I will enjoy trying out this device and seeing how it compares to my Fenix 7X. I already love the new Flashlight with the 2X brightness! Hoping the new battery is much better than my 7X as I kill that battery between golfing multiple rounds per week, biking outdoors (6 hours per week) and numerous walks along with indoor biking and strength training. Can’t get a week with the 7X without needing to charge it. Thanks for all the great work you do Ray.

I’ve been having a similar issue with my 7XSS – I tend to listen to music when I run, and that is *hammering* my battery. I think SatIQ will probably help a bit.

Anyone experiences issue with playing music during running, not yet tried with another activities (lastest official FW for now, Spotify provider, highest quality audio download)? Sound is interrupted or even paused. I don’t know what is really cause but I do know that issue frequent happens at the begining of running and when near to high building, seem that positioning function takes too much CPU usages which causes interruption?

Hi Hakun, I can’t even get Spotify to play via my Enduro 2. How did you manage to get this working? I can see number of songs downloaded to watch in playlist. Headphone connected. All controls working, But when hitting play, nothing happens

Is the number of IQ data fields still limited to two?

Great review , but so the question remains, should i upgrade from my Fenix 6X pro solar to F7 X Pro solar or the enduro 2 or should i wait a bit longer for the Fenix 8X pro solar…

whats your thoughts…. cheers marc

I’ve got absolutely no idea what Garmin’s Fenix release cycle will look like going forward. I’m sure there’s some at Garmin that would prefer every 12 months (akin to what Apple does with Apple Watch), but I think practically speaking, Garmin will probably go back to the every 14-16 months it previously was for the Fenix lineup (pre-COVID).

That said, there’s certainly the case to be made for trying to get the Epix series in all sizes sooner rather than later. Again, no real idea here.

FYI my Enduro 2 came with firmware 8.40 and did not include any of the new features such as HRV and training readiness and SatIQ etc.. And there is no update available yet.

Al these new features are currently available in the Beta build (including for Enduro 2), here: link to forums.garmin.com

As to why that’s the (unexpected) case, I’ll explain in a separate comment up above in a second (replying to a different thread).

i had my Enduro 2 loaded with firmware 8.39. No native runningpower, no racecalendar. Hopefully they will release the upgrades soon.

Correct, see above. Here’s the full explanation: link to dcrainmaker.com

Are there any chances of the GAP, ultra-running profile, climb-pro, or other ultra/trail running advantageous features making it down to the instinct 2/2 solar? Just curious…

As much as I’d like to be able to pay for a high-end fenix/epix/enduro the instinct price range is much more reasonable.

Each individual Euro map seems to have overlapping parts with others. This is probably the reason why combining them makes no sense and why the sum of the file sizes is larger than whole Euro map size :)

Good catch on the overlapping. :)

I purchased the Epix 2 just over 30 days ago 🤦🏻‍♂️

Would have gone w/Enduro 2 if had been an option.

I don’t understand this?

Why didn’t you buy the 7x then? Seems the enduro2 is just a longer lasting 7x. Seems the only reason to get an epix over the 7x/enduro2 is for screen quality or desiring the smaller watch size……

Would you have any thoughts on Epix 2 v Enduro 2 for a user who didn’t necessarily need the battery life of the Enduro, but hates having to charge Smart watches. I feel for Mr the Epix screen is a nice feature, so it feels lie a toss up between the battery and strap of the Enduro vs the screen of the Epix.

Thanks for all you do on this site!

Ray, I know it’s been asked but I didn’t see any confirmation if the GAP feature will. are it to the 955.

Anyone able to share an opinion on GAP vs Power? I have been a Stryd user for a long time and the main feature is the responsiveness to hills vs pace or HR. Wouldn’t GAP be the same as power in that 80% uphill would be slower than 80% downhill? I like that it doesn’t require an accessory and that it is native. Training for NYC Marathon I think GAP would be so beneficial with the bridges and uphill climbs.

I love geeking out on tech and your website (and videos) has been satisfying that itch for years now. The question is: can the native watch faces be edited from the phone?

While you can tweak many things from the phone note (including which watch face and the sport data fields), you can’t actually tweak the specific complications are on the stock watch faces from the phone. Not sure why, but I suspect it’s just that the complexity of that UI hasn’t been built-out yet in the phone app.

Thanks, Ray.

I have my enduro 2 set to every second and auto select. I have yet to have a single activity where the gps track is correct.

Yikes, that looks properly dorked up.

A) Is that track offset in any obvious way? Meaning, the shape of the track is correct, but it’s offset by 50m/100m/500m? Looking at that shape, it doesn’t quite seem like it’s offset to any obvious road in that frame.

B) Have you tried forcing to Multiband?

C) Failing that, I’d do a hard reset. And failing that, I’d ring up Garmin support. You may simply have a defective unit.

Funny enough, no there is no rhyme or reason to the track. I can send you the two fox files of the activity. I ran on the roads not through fields and condo complexes. Even when it’s in the road it’s like a 4 year old scribbled outside the lines My last activity was an out and back and on the way back it did the same thing.

I also realized that I think garmin knows the data is faulty because the internal algorithms and gyroscope had the correct pace and distance at least as far as I can tell with the incorrect gps data.

I have not. I suspect I can probably delete the data lite data stored and have harming find it all again then switch it to multi band and let it find everything again to see if that helps. I suspect the switching is the issue. I have a fenix 7x and a 955 where these issues are not present but also no auto select.

Yeah, while I wouldn’t rule out an Auto Select issue, what you’re seeing seems totally out of left field. I’ve been using Auto Select for a good two months now, and never had anything like that. To me, that just seems like straight-up useless data.

The issue has been fixed. I ended up deleting the remote SW folder entirely which houses all the data life data. It did take about 4 minutes after that for the watch to gather all the data again and get a lock. Then did a hard reset. I ran on the road then through some dense tree cover and auto select nailed it perfectly today. If this changes I’ll let you know.

Adam, If I may ask, why would you get this enduro2 if you already have a 955 and a Fenix7?

Not to be snarky, but I spent the good part of this weekend trying to find out the differences between all current models and I am still lost. It’s downright confusing and even though the reviews by DC are great, I miss an overview and differences between the entire range.

If all models get the same firmware updates, what is the point of having different models?

have you been able to ask Garmin if the new running features will also be available on the Forerunner 955? SatIQ is in the new beta. What about GAP, Next Fork, Auto Rest Timer? Also Widget Glance Folders would be great.

Do you think the enduro 2 will last a 250km 6 day race (probably 30ish hours of active time)?

I got an Enduro 2 a few days ago but I don’t see the Training Readiness or HRV functions on it. How do I get the 955 features?

I got a new firmware update today, V. 9.33. HRV als well as Trainign Readiness are mentioned in the Firmware Notes on the watch… For HRV it takes some days (17..18 days?) for suggestion/analytics.

See also: link to forums.garmin.com

Not to be repetitive but to be clear and concise: Has Garmin committed or indirectly stated that the Enduro 2 will receive all of the features (via future releases) of the Fenix 7x and 955?

What the correct data for battery life Fenix 7x? in manual: All + multi 36hr in your review(fenix 7x) picture: All + multi 38hr here you shows on picture that: All + multi 55hr Is something changed from software updates that garmin increase this mode life? +13 or + 32 hours is a huge difference for making a decision in choosing fenix or enduro. Thanks!

Same question here! Garmin still says that it is 36hr without solar for the 7X Pro SS but that may be the case before Sat IQ was rolled out for the fenix. Would like to know for sure…

Would like to see table with comparison to Enduro 1. Selfishly trying to decide if I need to upgrade my Enduro 1 to Enduro 2

im researching for weeks now. fenix 7x . epix2 or enduro2.? i have now a polar gritX pro titan Like the reviews @DCR youtube and i look the same videos for multiple times There is to much choice in this garmin range, and so much complains about battery drainage & stuck buttons in the fenix section. for now its look like the enduro2 is the best in accu and a flashlite. but i cant choose.

I know this post is a bit centuries old now but can you or anyone in the Rainmaker universe comment on the nylon strap after swimming? does it stay soggy for a long time or do you even notice? this is the last piece of information I am factoring before I replace my 920xt (yes still going strong, though the buttons are starting to stick). Any info would be awesome!

I would be curious to know what’s the sound/beeper volume compared to Fenix 7X. The beeper is too quiet on 7X (especially when using varia radar) (compared to my previous 945 and my friend’s Enduro 1). How’s Enduro 2 in this regard? Same as Fenix 7X or louder (as Enduro 1).

I’ve found a close to 3% battery drain an hour if you leave the map page up, which is a bummer when you are on non standard lines, such as heading down or up a boulder field, or route finding in general. I know most of the time people aren’t route finding at the level I do in the Rockies, but def have to make sure to remember to swipe away from the map after looking.

I’ve yet to test battery drain if you lower the map detail, perhaps that could be an option. If that does impact battery would be super cool to be able to have a page for a less detail map and the full.

Is anyone else’s enduro 2’s start/stop have different response than the other buttons?

Has Garmin reconciled Physio TrueUp sharing of Body Battery or Sleep yet? So, it also appears that we need to add HRV Status and Training Readiness to the list of unsupported shared metrics. It would be nice if they could consolidate this in GC as a central hub. It would make it easier to switch between watches depending on activities. That becomes more relevant when balancing between using this chunky Enduro 2 and a slimmer Forerunner depending on activities/day use/sleep/etc…

Hello DC Rainmaker, this is the first time I found out of your site. In this article I see you have tested the Enduro 2 in the Dutch Dunes.

I live in the Netherlands as well and I have very bad experience with Garmin Enduro and Garmin Fenix 6X in GPS performance when running in the woods and dunes.

I used to have a Polar V800 with very good accuracy, but the Garmin GPS performance is extremely disappointing.

Garmin support has tried everything for me, but in my experience the Enduro 1 and Fenix 6X are simply not accurate in GPS performance for running.

Do you think it makes sense to switch to more recent Garmin models? The Fenix 7X, Enduro 2 or Marq 2? Can I expect better GPS performance for running?

Based on the Luxembourg experience (forests, hills), the difference between Garmin 6 Pro, which I am using and the 7x, which I tested, is huge. The time to find a signal and the quality of the movement is much better on the 7x.

Thanks Sebastian. Do you also see better performance in the distance of the training and kilometer intervals?

I would love to see a date of field that would display total stoppage time for ultras.

Correction: *data field

How did the FR 955 do on your trip in terms of battery life? Were you still able to use it over the 50+ hours of hiking in GPS mode?

I had the FR955 on multiband mode so it was burning more battery (it’s spec’d for about 20hrs in that config – without navigation, but I had navigation enabled). I basically had to charge it every 2 days in that config (I was hiking 7-10 hours/day, and didn’t want to run out mid-day). Obviously, with SatIQ now, it’d probably get a fair bit longer.

Does Enduro 2 has the same DLC coating as 7X Sapphire? I can’t find this information but side by side seems identic to Fenix 7X Sapphire. Thank you

Question about the Grade Adjusted Pace. If you’re getting your pace data from a footpod, will that data be used to calculate GAP, or does it use the GPS data regardless of what input you’ve set for regular pace?

Awesome review! Thank you for such in-depth detail.

Two questions: 1- Is the screen display AMOLED? 2- is the watch face Sapphire glass?

I am one who foes not pre-load maps for hiking and like the idea of the ‘Next Turn’ feature. Can’t wait to try it out!

1. No 2. Yes

The function of PacePro is available only for Fenix7 and Enduro2. I have a Fenix 5x Plus and I would like to know if there is any application in Garmin Connect IQ that is similar to PacePro that can be downloaded to my Fenix 5.

Hi, any news on the multi day use corruption of training status 2.0? I did a 7 day adventure race (in adventure race mode), and my epix is useless in all training status data afterwards. Acute load in 0 even though i’m training almost everyday (funny enough, in the main screen it says Acute Load High, but going into it shows as zero and detraining).

Is anyone else seeing issues with the latest 10.43 software on their enduro2?

Since mine was updated It can’t find or connect to any of my HR straps. I have swapped batteries and also confirmed I can connect to them from other devices. Have tried restarting watch to no avail. Leaning towards downgrading the software on my watch but can’t remember which version my watch was on before.

Now confirmed that my strap (Polar H10) works fine with my old Enduro so it is definitely a recent Enduro2 issue and the only change I’m aware of is the software update.

I can’t find either the ANT or Bluetooth H10 sensor from the Enduro2. Usually you can detect both, although I usually use ANT.

I can also connect to the Bluetooth H10 from my iPhone using the Polar app.

Will try to downgrade to the previous production release tonight (I think it was 9.33)

I also wasn’t able to connect

Yeah, I’ve heard of a few people having connectivity issues to external HRM’s on the latest firmware across a number of devices (both Fenix/Fenix variants, and Forerunner 955). I haven’t run into that myself (nor has my wife), so there must be some very specific thing that causes it. But yeah, there’s some reports of it with the latest firmware. :-/

OK, glad to know that I am not just doing something dumb ;)

Where can I find old software version downloads…. if I go to Garmin website for Enduro2 the Updates section just shows lots of “null”.

Can’t seem to find it via google. I think the previous prod version was 9.33, which is probably what I was on as I don’t use the betas.

Wow….so garmin’s response to me when I told them there software update had stopped my HR straps working was that they couldn’t give me any support because the HR strap I told them about wasn’t there’s….thanks a lot…asked me to contact the manufacturer….erm….it worked until you updated the software on my watch….

Have now gone back and told them: A) that is crappy service for a $1000 watch after you did a software update and broke functionality B) I also have an HRM4 that won’t work anymore that does work on my old enduro so will you support me now?

Will see what they say….I guess will just have to wait until enough people see the issue and they figure out what they screwed up.

That’s terrible customer service. Garmin supports HRM accessories from 3rd parties on ANT+ and Bluetooth. The implicit statement is that your HRM is faulty rather than the watch.

I used the alpha and beta and release of the new firmware and I have had no problem with Polar H9 and H10 which I’m using on Bluetooth or with an HRM-Run on ANT+.

I have a fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and I have a mate with another one also fine with his HRM-Run and HRM4. I have a 3rd friend with an Enduoro 2 which is also fine with his HRM.

Maybe there is a different spec of supplier on the ANT+/Bluetooth chip on a small percentage of the fenix 7 generation of devices? Or possibly it has some kind of an internal fault that happened to coincide with or caused by the stress of writing the firmware and the power cycling for the update. (One of these friends fenix 3 packed it in a few years ago exactly during a firmware update but when we disassembled it, it was clear that the gasket seals were disintegrating and there was internal corrosion from moisture intrusion.)

Garmin should send you a replacement when basic functionality fails on a new unit.

In general, if you’ve got the downloadable Alpha builds, you can find the previous prod version inside that. So for example, the last Alpha build before it went beta is here: link to forums.garmin.com

You can download the .ZIP file, and inside that you’ll find the old production version.

Seems weird that it would just suddenly go wrong timed with a software update.

I gave up on email support and used the chat yesterday and got someone much more helpful who took me through the support procedures to confirm all the software component versions and then asked me to test out after a force restart. He was also interested to know about other non-garmin sensors not working and asked me to also try my Stryd.

Basically none of my every day sensors work and they all work on my Enduro1 (HRM4, Polar H10 and Stryd). I offered to dig out my inreach mini and confirm if I could connect but he said no need.

He agreed something clearly wrong but said couldn’t find any other reports. I told him what Ray had said above.

He opened a case for me and asked me to upload the garmin folder for my watch (which I have done).

Waiting for a case number and hopefully some information on how to resolve.

Not sure whether I should try to force it back to the old version now as I suppose they may want to debug or something. So will wait a little bit. Can switch back to my Enduro1 for a bit.

Thanks. Will download that so I at least have it because right now they are refusing any way to help me roll it back.

At least if I get it then I can choose to roll it back later if they make no progress.

Did you try to reset the watch? I’ve had a similar thing on a different watch and solved it that way.

You mean a factory reset? No I have not and they didn’t suggest I try. I probably could as I hadn’t really gotten around to setting it up fully in terms of data screens.

You have had all sensors stop working after a software update and a factory reset fixed it?

Have now tried a factory reset after discussing with garmin support about whether it was worth trying. They were quite hopeful that it might fix the issue and provided I didn’t mind losing everything I could try it.

Factory reset didn’t make any difference and also discovered I can’t pair the watch with my phone either (presumably because Bluetooth isn’t working). I didn’t actually test the phone connection before the factory reset so not sure if this is new but would presume it didn’t work before.

Have updated them and asked them when I can expect some response (or a replacement watch if this isn’t a software issue).

Clearly the Bluetooth/ANT+ chip has failed or the driver for that component was corrupted during the download and install process.

Maybe you would have success by forcing a downgrade and then reinstalling the firmware again, if you have access to one of the alpha download firmware bundles that includes the downgrade.

OK, so when I pushed them on a timeline or hardware replacement they have now suggested it could require a hardware replacement given a factory reset didnt resolve. The last production version was 9.33 so I can find that if I download the 9.35 alpha build (which I have now done).

I am going to suggest to them that I backdate and see if that works before we do a hardware swap but given they have basically been very against any suggestion of rollback in our previous conversations I am going to check with them whether they are OK for me to try to roll it back…in case anything else goes wrong. If they want to just give me a new watch then so be it.

Personally, I’d do the roll back and see if that fixes things. What do you have to lose? They’ve already basically agreed they are willing to do a swap so there is nothing you can do software wise that would change that. You can’t mess it up more than it already is messed up. Given that no one else has seen this specific issue, or at least come forward, the most likely scenarios are either something got corrupted during install, or they made a tweak that uncovered a hardware issue you already had. Since you don’t have any settings you really care about, it will take little effort to roll back. Going to a previous version usually does the equivalent a full device reset, which can be a headache if you’ve spent a lot of time configuring it. If you do the role back and get it working, I’d suggest you then do the update again to 10.43. If it breaks again, you know you need to get it swapped. If it just works, you can decide if the hassle is worth it.

Yes. Exactly my thinking, too. I’d also say to do the 10.43 update using Garmin Express over USB to eliminate the wireless component of the process.

And if you can stand in a circle of chicken blood and pour salt over your left shoulder during this process, that cannot hurt. 🪄

Makes sense. They hadn’t quite fully agreed to do a hardware swap so I was just confirming that. Expecting them to email back today but, yes, if they are fine to do a swap anyway it can’t really hurt. I have downloaded the 9.35 alpha which has 9.33 build in (which was my last production release).

I already did a factory reset yesterday so the watch isn’t setup at all.

Interestingly I found another weird thing with 10.43 yesterday before the factory reset….the backlight wasn’t coming on when I pushed buttons, despite having it set to be on for button presses. When I did the factory reset that did seem to resolve but no idea why that wasn’t working. I had been wondering to myself for a day or so “this screen seems dark” but was so busy with other stuff (and talking to Garmin about the other issue) that I didnt actually look closely and realise it really wasn’t working.

As I said, fixed by the factory reset but still a little weird.

Let you know what Garmin say and whether the rollback fixes anything.

Rollback to 9.33 resolves the issue, at least with Garmin HR strap. Detects it first no problem on first attempt. Going to re-try my other sensors and confirm they all work (ANT and bluetooth) and then try to do the upgrade again.

Good to hear it’s working again.

When you re-pair to the phone, at least on iPhone, you need to first remove the watch from both GCM and from the phone BT settings. Otherwise it most likely won’t find it. That’s a general issue just so you don’t think it’s a problem with your watch.

Seems like it was something going wrong with the update as I have just re-installed 10.43 again (over the air because Garmin express kept crapping out and hanging when I tried to add it). All my sensors continue to work fine this time.

I can only presume something went wrong with the update last time…

Thanks everyone for the help and advice. If anyone else sees this issue then it would appear it could be a bad install and reverting and re-installing might help..

Thanks. I didnt see any issue with connecting to my iPhone…but trying to get it setup in Garmin Express is being a total pain…

First Garmin Express hung when I launched it with the previous setup for my Enduro2 so I removed that and am trying to add it back in….it finds it but after I type my login to gamin connect it gets stuck saying “This may take a minute” with a spinning wheel and stays that way for like 10 mins….

I generally find Garmin Express on Mac to be pretty flakey….

This climbpro colours in hike mode, is exclusive in enduro 2? In fenix 6x, i have a green climb 😜

Great review Ray! Any idea what the two progress bars on the standard watch face are indicating? I’ve searched the user manual and the forums/internet but nothing says exactly what the bars are indicating.

The top one is VO2Max, and the bottom one Recovery. The labels right atop/below them. ;)

That said, it’s mildly confusing AF, because in this case it shows a top-end green label for a VO2Max of 49, which, no offence, shouldn’t be given the very top score in this chart. However, perhaps that’s showing trending direction. But either way, same-same.

Great in-depth review as always Ray! 👍

Regarding explore app, it really comes handy in situations with no data connection. But my Fenix 6X had occasionally lost activity data (GPS points) from some random point during activity. File was corrupted when trying to open it on computer and even watch wouldn’t sync to connect until I removed the activity from watch. Started happening since I had explore app on my phone. Luckily it didn’t happen during any of sentimentally important races 😂 However, it never happened again after i removed explore from the phone. I didn’t bother to report this to Garmin, since it would take some extra time and patience to explain everything 🤷‍♂️ Since I upgraded to Fenix 7, maybe I should try again with explore 🤔

Hey Marco, That issue is resolved for quite a while. It happened when you synced a course to the watch from within garmin Explore during an activity. You could see the correctly registered part in explore and exactly see when the sync happened. The app is improved quite a bit now. Routes created in Explore can even be altered during navigation (the course on the map on the watch changes as well, but there is still a minor issue with navigation, but starting navigation on the same course solves that and can be done from within the app or on the watch itself).

There is a bug with the Enduro and Enduro 2: it will reboot and loose your workout. I have spoken with Garmin and they have said it will be fixed in a firmware update but for now there is no fix.

The reboot happened to me yesterday for the first time when I was 14 miles into my run. :-( I didn’t lose the run, not sure why but maybe it was because of my garmin heart rate monitor; only thing I can think of.

I’m curious about how much a handheld GPS (e.g. the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr) would improve on the best possible tracking from a high-end watch like the Enduro 2 — Ray, have you ever/recently included a handheld GPS in your testing?

The reason I’m curious is for mapping purposes — e.g. for adding a new hiking trail to OSM. Also maybe I should just hike with an Edge 1040 😂

I haven’t seen any better tracks from the 1040 vs Fenx 7 while on the trails, either on the MTB or hiking. Both in Multi-Band GPS mode. I think the Edge devices are tuned more for higher speed. I don’t have any experience with other handhelds, but would be surprised if they are much, if any, better.

Hi Hein – thanks for being a DCR Supporter!

I very rarely use Garmin’s handhelds, but they’ve never really been focused on higher-end GPS accuracy (obviously that’ll change with multiband, but I’m not convinced it’d be any better than the watches).

As for Edge 1040 vs Fenix 7 on MTB, I haven’t really seen any meaningful difference in multiband mode. I’m sure there are probably edge cases for both (e.g. body blocking scenarios), but not enough in the terrain I’ve tried to see a difference.

HI Ray. Quick question, can I set up Di2 Bluetooth to change data screens on Fenix 7/Enduro 2 as with Edge?

Thank you for the extensive review. I have a question if you don’t mind, my Enduro 2 Navigation is a little moody since it turns on or Off the directional arrows by itself… The route shows as PURPLE all the time no matter what your change it to and the directional arrows appear and disappear as they please… Do you have the same issue? Or is it some setting that I am not doing right? Appreciate your support. Thank you

Thanks for your entertaining reviews.

Hi- I’m not a techy kinda girl. So, my question might seem elementary. I’m doing the Javelina Jundred in October 2023–my first 100-miler. I’m deciding between the Garmin Enduro 2 and the Coros Vertix 2. I only need GPS to track my distance/pace/time, and music. I’m guessing the race will take me 28-30 hours. Which watch would have the battery life for my GPS tracking (only distance, pace, and overall time) and music? I appreciate any guidance! Anne

I have some questions related to training status, recovery and so on: How do “they” (the devices themselves or Garmin Connect) handle issues where you wear multiple devices, such as an Edge on your bike and Enduro 2 on your wrist, when you go for a workout? Do they affect the training status twice or do they understand that it is just two recordings of the same activity since they happen simultaneously? If they end up as duplicates in Garmin Connect, do you have to delete one of them? (or if they have different sensors attached, how can you merge?) Do they recalculate the training status if you remove a duplicate?

I have had issues when I wear a Polar watch that syncs to Garmin Connect along with the Edge and even my Wahoo trainer or a Zwift activity – Garmin Connect believes I’m exercising three times as much as I actually do ;) Would this confusion be reduced if I wear a Garmin watch instead of a Polar watch?

In Strava I keep only one version of each activity (generally I’d keep Edge’s recording of outdoor activities and Zwift’s recording of indoor activities), but I don’t really want to _delete_ all that data, particularly when I have other sensors attached (such as my blood glucose sensor, power meters, core temp sensors or whatever else I’d attach).

It would be great if you could make an article about how to best manage this and whether some of the systems (such as Garmin Connect) would be able to successfully merge data from various sources instead of showing them as duplicates. So far, with experience from Strava, Garmin Connect, Trainingpeaks and WKO5, my impression is that none of them are able to merge the information successfully.

I love my Garmin Fenix and Garmin products in general. However I cannot recommend Garmin watches until they change the charging cable connection on the watch. It only takes a grain of sand for the whole connection to fail. I have been through 4 charging cables and still have issues everytime I try and charge the watch.

I can’t believe this is still unchanged..

“ The main reason you’d likely buy the Enduro 2 is for the additional battery life over the Fenix 7.”

I could not figure out what may be the reason of the poorer smartwatch battery life of Enduro 2 compared to that of Enduro (1).

50 days (no solar) dropped to 34 days (no solar) without citing any reasons. Even if there are differences between these two watches I could not find any substantial difference in smartwatch features.

What is more suspicious that is the better battery life of Enduro 2 in the same gps modes. OK, I know that a watch can work totally differently in low and high power modes, but anyway Enduro 2 seems to be more optimized as regards battery demand.

My only bet is that the battery life of 50 days of Enduro (1) is a huge overestimation of reality, while that of 34 days of Enduro 2 is correct.

Can someone please confirm any of these two data?

The battery life of

The Enduro 1 was a highly unique piece of hardware, basically custom-made for ultra-long battery life – but at the price of things people actually want (maps, among others). As noted, with the Enduro 1, Garmin started with a Fenix 6X, and then took a bunch of things away. Whereas with the Enduro 2, Garmin started with an Fenix 7X, and added a bunch of battery life (without killing other features).

The battery life is only longer on Enduro 1 for smartwatch mode, not for GPS modes. The Enduro 2 easily beats those, blowing them away. So not sure what specs your looking at. The Enduro 2 uses an entirely different GPS chipset.

I believe one of the biggest battery savers on the Enduro 1 was the reduced memory. As Ray said, they took out a bunch of features, like maps. I don’t know for sure, but no maps would have allowed the on chip memory to be smaller, not needing to process maps. So memory requirements were greatly reduced. It also didn’t have WiFi. Another potential battery suck even while in smart watch mode.

The Enduro 2 really is a super set of the F7X, so completely opposite design philosophy from the Enduro 1.

I think the main thing that Garmin did with the Enduro 1 is underclock the processor relative to a fenix 6X. I think the maps are not present primarily because they would have been painfully slow compared to the fenix 6X and also coincidently map screen draws a lot of extra juice.

(Incidentally using a large battery, underclocked processor, and reducing the sensor sampling rate is how Coros achieves its battery life. This is also why the smartwatch mode of Garmin burns more power than Coros. Garmin has more fine-grained all day oHR sampling driving their health and recovery metrics.)

The Enduro 2 is literally a fenix 7X with around 25% larger battery. It’s like a fenix 7X with an extended fuel tank. Why did they do that rather than making the fenix 7X have a larger battery in the first place and just have the one SKU?

I think they “miscalculated”.

My suspicion is that Garmin planned to have the fenix 7X be the generational superlative watch but late in the development cycle Coros released the Vertix 2 with similar checkbox features of multiband gps, maps, and music along with “140 hours” of GPS range.

The fenix 7X launched with “122 hours” of GPS range — which would have been mind blowing had the Vertix 2 not launched 5 months earlier. The enduro 2 gives Garmin the bragging position of “150 hours”.

Thanks to all of you for the replies. I guess that is the point I was looking for: (I deliberately put aside the battery life of gps modes, because I has been aware of the different gps chipsets)

“ I think the main thing that Garmin did with the Enduro 1 is underclock the processor relative to a fenix 6X. ……… Garmin has more fine-grained all day oHR sampling driving their health and recovery metrics.)

Hmmm, a deliberate underclock, I deem this the 2nd most evident potential reason after a much bigger battery as the most evident.

Anyway the latter could not be the main factor, because the volume of the case of Enduro is just appr. 5% bigger than that of Enduro 2.

my focus is NOT on maximum battery life for recorded outdoor activities with gps per se, because I am too old and weak to dream on long lasting activities.

I regard battery life specs of gps modes and smart watch mode as a compounded (combined? pls select the correct word :-) ) budget, and see how to maximise the number of days provided that the long term avg of my daily gps usage is between 1 and 2 hours.

Theoretical examples:

a) using 1 hour/day I would use just appr. 20% per month due to recorded activities, but in the meantime Enduro 2 would run out of the juice after 27-28 days, because smartwatch mode would eat 2.94% / day (no solar, so battery life is 34 days).

b) using 2 hours/day I would arrive at 23-24 days.

Hence allowing that the specs are simply a set of overestimations (for all the watches) I can say that an Enduro 2 would give me around the double of the real compounded/combined battery life of my F6X, It is true that the ratio of the smart watch mode battery life is just around 1.6 (34/21), but that of gps mode is 2.5 (150/60).

By now I realized I need no map on my sports watch, because in case of its rare need I could use my phone equipped with a pretty good gps and with some offline maps.

So I wonder what other drawbacks of Endure (1) can be apart from no map, no wifi. Maybe I will re-read its in depth review again.

Other than the missing functionality and no multi-band GPS, drawbacks of the Enduro 1 are that it’s very sluggish at times with the UI. And no touch screen. Having the combination of buttons and touch screen really do make for a much better interface. Unless you are trying to save money, I can’t imagine why someone would take an Enduro1 over an Enduro2. And if it’s money, I look at the F7X before I’d consider the Enduro1. Seems like they are having a lot of sales at this point.

“ Unless you are trying to save money, I can’t imagine why someone would take an Enduro1 over an Enduro2.”

Just because of all those extra days for the “lazy”. I mean 50/34 is still appr. 1.5.

I am not kidnapped by the magical circle of absolute battery life data, but I learnt that adding a ciq datafield and/or watchface to F6X means a solid goodbye to the battery life specs.

So I am a hostage of the relative battery life data. :-)

Functionality is not my priority any longer, I guess this change in my behaviour is one of my post-Covid symptoms. :-))))

Other than maps the main drawback of the enduro 1 relative to the 6X is slow menus and general response to change views. The 7 series has a generational performance improvement that also makes the regular 6 series feel slower. The enduro 2 is much more responsive in this way than the original enduro.

The other issue which may be a positive is that the firmware of the enduro 1 is closer to its end of life than the enduro 2 so it is getting few to no feature upgrades. On the other hand it may be more mature and debugged. On the 3rd hand any bugs that still exist may be less likely to be fixed.

“The other issue which may be a positive is that the firmware of the enduro 1 is closer to its end of life than the enduro 2 so it is getting few to no feature upgrades.”

I think this point can’t be overstated enough – at least in terms of firmware updates. The Fenix 7 series is still the top dog and still getting major feature firmware updates each quarter, a plan that’ll continue for quite some time. The Fenix 6 is a sunset device that’s basically just getting bug-fix type updates at best, and a handful of quirky minor features if it aligns to some other Garmin business priority (e.g. CIQ sometimes). Enduro 1 is part of that Fenix 6 firmware sweep.

I don’t think there’s anything meaningful in terms of stability issues on the Fenix 7 series to be of concern.

If you are only interested in battery life at a less premium price then why not the Instinct 2X? Or another brand that has less advanced features but comparable or better battery range like the Coros Vertix 2 or the Suunto Vertical?

Although I never mentioned price as a factor thanks for pointing to Instinct 2X. I simply missed its release I had thought gefore your advice that only 2 and 2s existed.

I checked its main features and loved it, especially the lack of the solar feature, which is something I’d like to avoid.

Btw is it a faulty idea that a battery of a watch with solar feature deteriorates faster along the time vs that of a non-solar watch???

After checking all the remaining features I was still happy, but just when I checked the photos I realised that the same sort of case size as that of F6X does not mean the same display size. I have a poor eyesight, already wearing multifocal glasses even when cycling, so I cannot sacrifice any of the display area.

As regards non-Garmin my answer is that maybe I am trapped by Physio TrueUp (I have an Edge 530, and I do use its map quite frequently).

Anyway I will be digesting your contributions. Thanks again.

Let me repeat my only question that was not answered 1.5 months ago:

“ Btw is it a faulty idea that a battery of a watch with solar feature deteriorates faster along the time vs that of a non-solar watch???”

I looked for this both in May and now and found no analysis that the characteristics of a charge from a solar panel kills a battery faster than a charge with almost constant parameters (volt, ampere, watt). And I looked for not just smart watches with solar, but as a general question related to solar panels.

Some feedback and some story telling, because finally I bought an Enduro recently.

Re ekutter: “Other than the missing functionality and no multi-band GPS, drawbacks of the Enduro 1 are that it’s very sluggish at times with the UI. & Brian Reiter:”Other than maps the main drawback of the enduro 1 relative to the 6X is slow menus and general response to change views.”

I do not find Enduro to be slow at all. It can happen that getting some extra years since the day I started to use GPS watches my expectation and the accuracy of my “time realization” have decreased :-), but I honestly say I do not find this watch to react slowly.

Re. “If you are only interested in battery life at a less premium price then why not the Instinct 2X? ”

As I replied earlier money was not my primary or secondary driver in my decision, my goal was just getting the feeling I would have a watch which would not require a weekly recharge either.

But I re-evaluated everything and realized price would be nonetheless mattered, because I needed Enduro not a new and only sports watch, but “just” as a primary watch and in spite of my former idea to get rid of my Fenix 6X I would keep the latter for the very few occasions I want to see a map on my “wrist” like a “performance hiking” event.

So the fair approach was to sum up the money I spent on F6X and the price of Enduro. As a consequence I thought I would give up getting an Enduro (see price of USD 800 or 900), but maybe as the extended effect of Amazon Prime Day I saw in mid July that Enduro is sold on amazon.com only for USD400 or so. For me as a Hungarian customer VAT and customs fee add appr. 32%. plus shipping cost, of course. As a curiosity we in EU have to pay VAT and customs on shipping, cost too.

This total cost of low 500ish in USD would have been just around my limit, but a sort of worry remained the warranty issue bought something in the US. I love the EU guarantee of 2 yeara, so after checking ebay sites and filtering the offers following common sense I found an Italian seller who sold new Enduro for EUR 449 and “make an offer” was an option. I made and my offer of EUR 351 was accepted.

As always low price is suspicious, so I checked not just the rating of the seller, but whether the account was hijacked calling the seller on the phone number specified on ebay, I checked on web which business had used this number earlier and when, I even checked google street view to decide which sort of business could be in the background. Because the chance to hack an account, to use its physical address as a fake address and to steal the phone number of the same entity is pretty low.

Finally it seemed that this price of appr. USD 320-325 meant not a simple scam, so I paid. End of story telling, conclusion is I bought a new Enduro which had not registered before on garmin.com, whose S/N was not used. And after a use of a full week I can say, which works flawlessly and hich in fact has a brutal battery life.

Additional notes:

I had been prepared myself that there would be no maps, wifi and music, from which I had never used music, I just used music controls on my F6X. I was quite happy when I realized that Garmin did not link music controls to music, so Enduro also has music controls as a feature.

There was something I had not considered properly, the altitude calibration. Because if there is no maps on the watch, there is no DEM map either. So map-DEM data is not used for altitude calibration, only connected-DEM data from the phone. And as I figured out only at start, and not continuously. But forgetting this factor was not a bad news for me, because I always had the impression that older altitude calibration method excluding DEM data (just using barometric data “backtested” by the average of GPS elevation data) caused less inaccuracy than the latest barometric data + DEM data method.

So I am a happy camper and my first two runs show that on flat and almost flat terrain there is less fake total ascent data with Enduro than with Fenix 6X.

Garmin would never ever admit that their guys, Tracy Olivier ( link to patents.google.com ) and Scott Burgett ( link to patents.google.com ) invented such a good automatic continuous altitude calbration method in the early years of this millenium which works better in many cases and eliminate the most of the fake ascent/descent effect of the barometric drift caused by weather changes than the most recent method incorporating map-DEM data.

It is just a sidenote, because I have been wandering away from Enduro: DEM data would be a perfect final solution if the resolution of the underlying DEM data would be much much higher and there would be much much less effect on imperfect interpolation between the locations with accurate altitude data.

Given that Garmin have just released the new fenix and epic pro watches….. Where does the enduro stand in the line up? Can you see an enduro pro being launched soon?

In the market to purchase a new watch

enduro2 or fenix 7X pro SS or Epix 2 pro?

Re ekutter: “Other than the missing functionality and no multi-band GPS, drawbacks of the Enduro 1 are that it’s very sluggish at times with the UI. & Brian Reiter:”Other than maps the main drawback of the enduro 1 relative to the 6X is slow menus and general response to change views.”

I do not find Enduro to be slow at all. It can happen that getting some extra years since the day I started to use GPS watches my expectation and the accuracy of my “time realization” have decreased :-), but I honestly say I do not find this watch to react slowly.

Re. “If you are only interested in battery life at a less premium price then why not the Instinct 2X? ”

But I re-evaluated everything and realized price would be nonetheless mattered, because I needed Enduro not a new and only sports watch, but “just” as a primary watch and in spite of my former idea to get rid of my Fenix 6X I would keep the latter for the very few occasions I want to see a map on my “wrist” like a “performance hiking” event.

This total cost of low 500ish in USD would have been just around my limit, but a sort of worry remained the warranty issue bought something in the US. I love the EU guarantee of 2 yeara, so after checking ebay sites and filtering the offers following common sense I found an Italian seller who sold new Enduro for EUR 449 and “make an offer” was an option. I made and my offer of EUR 351 was accepted.

There was something I had not considered properly, the altitude calibration. Because if there is no maps on the watch, there is no DEM map either. So map-DEM data is not used for altitude calibration, only connected-DEM data from the phone. And as I figured out only at start, and not continuously. But forgetting this factor was not a bad news for me, because I always had the impression that older altitude calibration method excluding DEM data (just using barometric data “backtested” by the average of GPS elevation data) caused less inaccuracy than the latest barometric data + DEM data method.

Garmin would never ever admit that their guys, Tracy Olivier (link to patents.google.com) and Scott Burgett (link to patents.google.com) invented such a good automatic continuous altitude calbration method in the early years of this millenium which works better in many cases and eliminate the most of the fake ascent/descent effect of the barometric drift caused by weather changes than the most recent method incorporating map-DEM data.

I have a weird issue on my Enduro 2. I am on the latest production firmware (13.22).

I am basically looking for an easy way to disable GPS whilst at indoor aid stations during a multi-day ultra so that the GPS doesn’t jump around all over the place and increase distance while Im sitting still. Have seen this happen before so want to try to figure it out. The Ultra mode rest timer doesn’t disable GPS and I have seen people saying “its easy, just go into the menus and disable and re-enable GPS” but I have seen weird behaviour:

I have a custom power mode setup called “Race” that basically has nearly everything disabled except for accessories and Satellites are set to GPS-Only. This basically gives me 132 hours and this is the setting I would use most of the time. For the purposes of this test I configured “Trail Run” mode to use this power mode. All of that works fine as expected.

In order to find a quick and easy way to disable GPS completely and then re-enable I figured I could just create another power mode called “GPS OFF” and switch power modes whilst in the aid station and then switch back as I leave. According to Garmin switching power modes during an activity is fine.

However, what I find is that when I switch power modes it correctly updates the battery hours remaining in my data field but it doesn’t seem to disable and re-enable GPS properly.

The only way I have to tell if GPS is working or not is via the GPS signal strength data field and the map. I can’t find any other useful data fields.

What I find when I test is that I get a GPS lock….start an activity….walk for a bit….seems to be working correctly…..then I go into the menu by holding the up key…and then choose “Power Mode” as the second item in the menu (below trail Run settings”) and then I choose my “GPS Off” mode. When I then go back to my data fields I see battery hours remaining has jumped to about 275 hours but the GPS signal strength still shows full strength. If I then walk a bit I was seeing that distance continued to increase (I guess this is because it is estimating based on movement of the watch – Can this be disabled somehow?). The map page also disappears. But if I then go and flip the power mode back to my “Race” setting which has GPS-On I then suddenly see the GPS signal strength go all grey (i.e. 0) but the battery hours remaining goes back to 132 hours. The map page also re-appears. If I then go to the map page I can basically see that the watch doesn’t know where I am and I get the flashing ‘?’ and seemingly no matter if I stand there for a few minutes it doesn’t get a lock and the signal strength stays zero (i.e all greyed out).

So it seems like it does turn GPS off when I switch modes (map page disappears) but for some reason the signal strength data field still shows full strength but then when I re-enable the GPS it doesn’t turn back on properly and that is when the signal strength updates to off. The map page re-appears without a good lock and with a flashing ‘?’. I waited a good few minutes and there is no way for me to tell what it is doing.

Has anyone else tried this?

I also tried to just disable the GPS by itself (ie. outside of switching power modes) but the problem is that because I have the watch in a custom power mode it won’t allow me to change the GPS settings of the activity (the Satellite settings under “Trail run Settings” is greyed out and says “Race mode enabled” (which is my power mode).

So, if power mode swapping doesn’t work to turn GPS on and off and I can’t do it separately from the menu. Does anyone else have any good ideas about how to do this?

Seems like a bug if the power mode swapping doesn’t work and will email Garmin but not really holding my breath.

What you described is simply a bug that Garmin should have fixed, or should now.

“(I guess this is because it is estimating based on movement of the watch – Can this be disabled somehow?”

I surmise the only way would be to ruin the internal sensors of the watch, no option in the settings to use those sensors or not, it is decided by Garmin.

A workaround would be to forget the switch off/switch back on approach, but to accept that any real move counts. So if you acquired a footpod (either one from older generation, which are kot sold any longer, or a more costly Stryd) and set it as a source of distance you would get rid of the fake extra distance coming from GPS wobbling while indoors, but your walking distance in the stations would be still added. And never mind the ugly gps track due to their portions coming from station effects.

I do not participate in e

If the Enduro2 has every feature that the Garmin Fenix 7x Pro sapphire solar has ( I’m assuming ECG soon ) plus longer battery life and 2x brighter LED light why would anyone buy the Fenix 7, won’t this kill Fenix 7 sales?

Hi. I’ve recently bought Enduro 2 and after reading your test I have some question: 1. The issue with longer activity (more than 1 day) and Training Status was fixed? I will have 4 days kayak trip and I’m not sure if better is stop activity at the end of a day and have 4 activities or just like you, stop with later resume option (I’ve never use it) 2. About Auto Select (SatIQ). When I choose simply activity as Running it really works? Does it mean that Enduro 2 check my position on its built map, so knows if I’m in a park with high trees or on wide street without high building? How it works? I wonder what to set as default. Auto select or All + Multi-Band. I want to have good and quick pace indication when I run intervals (20-60s) but not use up the battery more than I have to. 3. I have the impression that when I run in the park (normal run or intervals) it shows me a slower pace. Is it possible?

I set 1s data saving for better measurements.

2. SatIQ does work. It uses less power than multiband but almost the same result. The watch detects the quality of satellite signal it has and only enables multi band when it needs it for better performance. I generally use Auto. It works well in most cases.

3. “Pace” which is current pace on Garmin running is still not great. 1km pace is very good but pace can be wonky. If you want fast response and accurate pace for intervals you should use a footpod or an HRM pro and set the pace and distance to be from the HRM pro. Alternatively do those things but use power targets rather than pace for short intervals. Alternatively — and this is the pro move — use RPE for short intervals and just use the watch as a timer and to capture data for later.

I have HRM Pro. How can I set it and how it can work better than data from gps (I think pace it count somehow using these data)? Of course I want to see pace on watch during interval. Usually I take a look 1-2 times during fast run.

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