Tour du Mont Blanc Hike - 170km in 7 Days
(this list is just packing advice for a multi day hike, hut to hut with minimal food carried)
I did this hike entirely solo. These blog posts are told from my unique perspective; a woman who had never done anything like this before. Having only completed local, yet challenging day hikes at home in British Columbia with friends, pursuing a multi-day, strenuous hike on the other side of the world, alone, was definitely ambitious. Being the defiant lioness that I am, I thought I could handle this all on my own without securing a spot with a professionally guided tour group, like most people do. I still made my way around the mountain, faced a white-out blizzard snow storm, met an incredible group of women who I walked a few days with, and of course, succumbed to a few mini-meltdown, sob cry moments, peppered throughout the adventure.
Pack Strategically:
( **Please check back soon. I'll post more about the important things to pack to keep you safe, dry and happy...but for now here are some helpful tips I learned each day during this trek)
* I bought a Velcro cell phone holder that I strapped to the front hip clips of my pack where my mobile would always live. Granting me swift access to it for quick pics and selfies. Oh, yes, a selfie stick is a must if you’re travelling alone. I had many selfie stick, high alpine photo shoots.
* Proper hiking shoes are fine. I wore my basic Salomon gortex hiking shoes from a few seasons ago and my feet were never sore and never bore any blisters.
* Technical, lightweight and packable gear is essential.
* Blister pack (just in case), band-aids and electrolyte tablets.
* Waterproof shell jacket and emergency waterproof pants.
* A practical, compact travelling wallet. This pocketbook needs to be able to contain your travel documents, currency, cards, special notes (I laminated small pieces of paper that contained vital information in the event that my phone was misplaced - I also brought an extra phone and international SIM card ) while being small enough to slip into a safe compartment in your pack. A wallet that zips all the way around is best.
* I became skilled at packing my 38 litre Osprey backpack in the order as the day goes on. I put the ziplock bags containing my clothing into my pack in that sequence. Undies, socks, toiletries always on top.
* I tied a strong napkin hanky to the outside of my bag within reach for easy nose blowing. If you don’t have one, I learned a new, hanky free method for an effective nose blow, I like to call “Nature’s Hanky” – plug one nostril while sending some strong breath out through the other open nose hole. Works every time.
* I used a plastic bag that I was given with my “picnic” in it on the morning of day 2 of my hike in the Alps, leaving Auberge du Truc in France. That bag stayed with me the entire time. I had no idea how valuable two handles could be when my pack was stuffed and just couldn't bear any more Lululemon pants, I used that bag to contain my snacks and lunch in and tied it to the outside of my pack, making good use of an otherwise, single use item. A bag with handles is essential. It’s also great for packing out your waste. Leave no trace. Even in the Refugio’s. You cannot leave any garbage, you must carry it out with you. This is a rule they all have.
* Keep like-items together. Disrupting the harmony of your prudently packed bag by faffing around looking for that emergency electolyte tablet isn't worth the frustration. Keep it with your lunch in that precious plastic bag.
* A sleeping bag liner, quick dry towel, laundry and shampoo pocket wash 'leaves' and gloves.
*A few pairs of Merino wool socks and some flip fops, which are a great reprieve for your feet after a long day of walking. *All of the mountain huts prohibit outdoor shoes inside the refugio's. In exchange for your soiled footwear, they will provide a pair of crocks for use indoors, but I liked doing the method pictured here instead of wearing those awful looking rubber mules:
A chic, yet functional mountain wardrobe:
* I made sure I wore bright colours. It is important to stand out in life...and in the mountains. Especially if you are walking alone, for safety reasons. And photos always look great when your attire pops and contrasts against the hues of the mountain.
*Click on the link below to download my TMB Hike packing list*
* Wool head scarf - preferably pink or purple, like this one:
