Danny's Tour Du Mont Blanc Kit List 2025

Posted by Danny Pearson on Aug 08, 2025

Danny's ultralight kit has been purpose-built for the Tour du Mont Blanc, designed for self-sufficiency, weather resilience, and long days in the Alps. At just over 5.5kg base weight, it strikes a balance between comfort, durability, and performance without excess. From the bombproof ULA Ultra Circuit Pack to the Mont Zero Superlight Sleeping Bag, every item has been chosen with intention. Gear built to handle technical trails, variable alpine weather, and the demands of back-to-back 15 miles+ days, covering some serious altitude, all while keeping me moving fast and light.

Jump to Danny's Kit List here.

Rucksack & Accessories – Total Weight 1,125g

This pack is tough as nails, built from Ultra fabric, and designed to handle anything the Alps throw at it. The SV (Small Volume) version of the Ultra Circuit 48 offers enough capacity for full camping gear while carrying beautifully over long alpine days.

There are lighter packs out there, but I chose this one for its comfort, durability, and water resistance, all essential when you’re sleeping outdoors for over a week. The Ultra fabric is waterproof (though seams are not sealed), so I’m counting on it to keep my gear dry in classic alpine storms.

I’ve added the ULA Flow Water Bottle Sleeve for quick, on-the-go hydration access, perfect for a 700ml SmartWater bottle, and the Ultra Shoulder Strap Pocket for keeping my phone close at hand for navigation and photography. The outer mesh pocket is ideal for storing sunglasses or snacks.

Shelter – Total Weight 728g

The Hyperlite Unbound 2 is a seriously lightweight shelter with generous interior space, something I’m very excited to experience on the TMB. I usually stick with a one-person tent to save weight, but at just 618g including the stuff sack, there’s no reason not to enjoy the extra room and comfort.

This shelter gives me absolute confidence in bad weather. Paired with Easton Nano Stakes, lightweight, strong, and easy to pull from tough alpine ground, and a spare guy line, it's an alpine-ready setup that stays under 750g total.

Sleep System – Total Weight 878g

I’ve opted for minimal weight without compromising sleep quality. The star of the system is the Mont Zero Superlight Sleeping Bag, filled with premium 1000FP down. At just 417g, it offers exceptional warmth for its weight, compresses down to a tiny size, and is perfect for alpine nights in August, especially when paired with a quality mat.

The Nemo Tensor Elite Sleeping Mat weighs just 268g, but still delivers excellent comfort and support, even after long days on rocky trails. While I often prefer wider mats, this regular mummy version keeps my base weight in check without sacrificing too much sprawl room.

The Fillo Elite Pillow adds excellent comfort for its weight, better sleep makes a real difference on 25km+ days, and the Alpenblow Micro Inflator gets the mat 90% full with minimal effort, saving lung power at the end of the day.

Cooking – Total Weight 295g

This is a streamlined, ultralight setup built for dehydrated meals and the occasional cup of tea.

At its core is the SOTO Windmaster, a proven stove that performs reliably in wind and altitude. Paired with the ECA617 Titanium Pot, I’ve got just enough capacity to boil water for meals without carrying excess volume.

The Snow Peak Titanium Single Wall Mug is a small luxury for tea breaks. The Delta Long-Handled Spoon keeps things mess-free when eating from meal pouches, and the PackTowl keeps everything clean while doubling as a wrap to stop rattling in the pack.

With food stops and refuges plentiful on the TMB, I’ll be cooking only when needed, and this setup is built precisely for that.

Hydration – Total Weight 199g

The Katadyn BeFree Filter remains my go-to for fast and reliable water treatment. At 0.5L, it's small and easy to stash in a side pocket, but still gets the job done when I need to fill up quickly and move on. Water is abundant on the TMB, but the ability to filter safely and efficiently, with minimal faff, is key.

The SmartWater bottle (700ml) is lightweight and durable, a trail classic. The CNOC VectoX 2L means I can transport 2L of water to camp.

Tech & Tools – Weight Total 686g

This is one area where I don’t skimp. The Tour du Mont Blanc is remote in places, and having a reliable electronics setup is integral to a safe and enjoyable trip.

The Garmin InReach Mini 2 provides satellite communication and SOS functionality, giving peace of mind in case of emergency. I've had to push the SOS button before, so I know how important they are.

My Suunto Vertical Solar Watch does the heavy lifting on navigation, meaning less time pulling out maps or draining my phone battery.

For power, I’m carrying two power banks, the Nitecore Carbo 10000 and the Nitecore NB Air Power Bank, as a lightweight backup, in case of failure or unexpected demand.

All of it lives in my Hyperlite Zippy Pouch, compact and easy to access when charging in hostels or at refuges.

Trekking Poles – Weight Total 494g

I’ll be relying heavily on my poles for this trip, not just for stability on steep alpine terrain, but also as a key structural element of my shelter setup. That’s why I’ve chosen the Leki Black Series FX Carbon, not the absolute lightest out there, but a rock-solid, dependable option that I trust when the terrain turns technical.

These poles are fully collapsible, packing down to just 40cm, which makes them ideal for airline travel and easy to stow inside my pack when climbing summits from camp or scrambling hands-free.

Worn Clothing – Weight Total 1,453g

My worn clothing is built around comfort, breathability, and durability.

The Rab Incline Light Pants strike an outstanding balance between mobility and protection. They’re breathable enough for big climbs but durable enough to handle rocky scrambles and brushy descents. I expect to wear them most days.

Up top, the Mammut Lenni Shirt offers a lightweight, quick-drying layer with a collar for sun protection and a relaxed fit for airflow. I find shirts like this far more versatile than a standard tee, especially when hiking through long sunny days with a pack on.

Footwear is a shift from my usual choice; I typically hike in trail runners, but for the rocky, high-alpine sections of the TMB, I’ve opted for Mammut Aenergy Mtn Mid GTX Boots.

SAXX Quest underwear is an essential; the comfort on long days is unmatched. Paired with Darn Tough socks, which have proven themselves mile after mile, I feel well set up for foot comfort.

Lastly, my Julbo Reactiv sunglasses provide adaptive lens tinting for changing light conditions in the Alps, meaning I don’t have to constantly take them on and off during mixed terrain or overcast sections.

This is a no-fuss, performance-focused clothing system that I can trust from col to café.

Spare Clothing – Weight Total 943g

The Turbat DJA Shorts are ideal for hot days, low valley sections, or just hanging around camp. Lightweight and quick-drying, they add a valuable alternative to my hiking trousers.

For insulation, I’m layering the Sambob Alpha 90 Hoodie over the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie or under the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket. The Alpha 90 is light, breathable, and warm when moving, while the Torrid felt like overkill at first. I'd been informed that the night can get incredibly cold, so it's worth the added weight.

My sleep system clothing includes a Capilene Long Sleeve and Midweight Long Johns, which double as an emergency base layer if temperatures drop lower than expected.

Rain Gear – Weight Total 292g

A minimalist but reliable setup for fast-changing alpine weather.

The Mont Lightspeed 3L Rain Jacket is a true ultralight shell, offering excellent breathability while still holding up to sustained rain. It’s fully waterproof, well-vented, and packs down to nothing, perfect for staying prepared without carrying excess. The Flashpoint Pants add lower-body protection without bulk, and are easy to throw on when needed.

Hygiene & Wash Kit – Weight Total 573g

I’m testing out the CuloClean portable bidet, which sounds strange until you try it. It’s a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to toilet paper, and takes up almost no space. Denttabs keep dental hygiene minimal and precise, with no risk of leaks, and a compact towel covers drying needs, whether it’s for a quick trail wash or condensation in the tent.

The La Roche-Posay SPF50+ is a non-negotiable; the alpine sun can be intense.

First Aid – Weight Total 173g

This is a stripped-back, experience-informed First Aid Kit tailored to the kind of issues I’ve encountered on long treks.

Pre-cut kinesiology tape helps prevent blisters, especially on toes, and Wool-it provides reliable anti-friction padding.

Hats & Gloves – Weight Total 185g

Between the Montbell O.D Vent Hat Wide-Brim Hat and the OR Swift Ultra Light Cap, I’ve got flexibility for sun protection depending on how exposed the trail is. The Buff is endlessly versatile, a neck gaiter, headband, face shield, and the OMM Core Beanie adds just enough warmth when the temperature drops.

The Black Diamond Deploy Gloves are compact but practical for cold starts, exposed ridgelines, or rainy days, rounding out a system that’s good from around -2°C to 32°C.