01
FOOTWEAR & GAITERS
The foundation of every kilometre
Both Environments
Mountain
Waterproof mountain boots B1/B2 crampon-compatible, ankle supportCritical
Crampons 10–12 point; conditions-dependentWinter / Spring
Gaiters Mid-height or full; waterproof — for summit assault / deep snowCritical
Camp sandals or lightweight shoes For Imlil / Neltner HutOptional
Desert
Lightweight trail runners or desert shoes Breathable, sand-resistant lacingCritical
Desert gaiters / sand socks Prevents sand ingressCritical
Sandals or camp shoes For bivouac eveningsOptional
Socks — Both Phases
Merino wool hiking socks× 3–4 pairs
Thin liner socks× 2 pairs
Blister prevention (Body Glide / tape)Critical
02
CLOTHING — UPPER BODY
Layer system for −10°C to +45°C range
Both Environments
Base Layers
Merino base layer, long sleeve 130–200 gsm; worn both phases× 2
Lightweight technical tee Moisture-wicking, desert sun use× 2
Mid Layers
Fleece or grid-fleece midlayer 200–300 gsm; mountain essentialCritical
Down or synthetic insulation jacket Packable; summit layerCritical
Shell / Outer
Waterproof hardshell jacket 3L Gore-Tex or equivalent; can be hired in ImlilCritical
Lightweight windshell Doubles as desert evening layerOptional
Desert Specific
Long-sleeve sun shirt, UPF 50+ Light colour; loose fitCritical
Lightweight down or fleece jacket Desert nights can be very coldCritical
03
CLOTHING — LOWER BODY
Versatility across terrain and temperature
Mountain
Waterproof hardshell trousers Zippered ankles for boot clearanceCritical
Softshell or fleece trousers Mid-layer insulationCritical
Thermal base layer, leggings Merino or syntheticWinter / Spring
Desert
Lightweight trekking trousers UPF rated; zip-off legs optionalCritical
Loose cotton or linen trousers Evening/camp comfort; local styleOptional
Merino boxer shorts / briefs× 3–4
04
HEAD, HANDS & NECK
Sun, wind and cold protection
Mountain / Cold
Warm beanie / fleece hatCritical
Balaclava For summit push; severe windCritical
Insulated gloves Waterproof outer; liner glovesCritical
Neck gaiter / buff× 2
Desert / Sun
Wide-brim hat, UPF 50+ Legionnaire-style neck flap idealCritical
Lightweight buff / shemagh Sun, sand and dust protectionCritical
Lightweight sun gloves UPF rated; for long dune daysOptional
05
PACK & CARRYING SYSTEM
Carrying strategy varies by phase
Main Packs
Trekking backpack 40–55L Toubkal summit carry; fitted harnessCritical
Duffel bag 60–80L Mule / camel transfer bag; SaharaCritical
Small / Accessories
Summit daypack 20–25L For Toubkal summit dayOr use main pack
Waterproof pack liner / dry bagsCritical
Hip belt / shoulder strap pocketsOptional
06
SLEEP SYSTEM & SHELTER
Hut and bivouac conditions
Sleeping
Sleeping bag 3-season minimum (−5°C comfort); mountain + desert nightsCritical
Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth; essential if hiring the mountain sleeping bagRecommended
Inflatable sleeping mat Provided by operator; personal mat welcomeOperator supplied
Shelter
Bivouac tent or tarp Provided by operatorOperator supplied
Emergency bivvy bag / space blanket Lightweight; mountain emergencyRecommended
Travel pillow CompressibleOptional
07
NAVIGATION & LIGHTING
Summit starts before dawn; desert navigation
Lighting
Head torch 300+ lumens; summit start at 2–3 AMCritical
Spare batteries or USB-rechargeable spareCritical
Small backup torch / clip lightOptional
Navigation
GPS device or phone with offline maps Maps.me / Gaia GPS pre-loadedRecommended
Compass Baseplate; desert backupRecommended
Topo map — High AtlasPaper backup
08
HYDRATION & NUTRITION
Water management is mission-critical in both environments
Water
Water bottles 1L Hard-sided; insulated for mountain cold× 2
Hydration bladder 2–3L Desert carry capacityCritical
Water purification tablets or filter SteriPen / Sawyer SqueezeCritical
Electrolyte sachets or tabs Especially for desert heatCritical
Food & Cooking
High-energy snacks Nuts, dates, bars — if accustomed to snacking between meals while trekkingRecommended
Lightweight stove + fuel canister Mountain / camp useIf self-catering
Spork / titanium spoonEssential
Mug (insulated)Optional
09
TREKKING HARDWARE
Poles, ice axe, technical gear
Mountain
Technical
Trekking poles Collapsible; used in both phasesRecommended
Ice axe Standard walking axe; snow / ice conditionsWinter / Spring
Harness + belay device Not required for standard routeOptional
Accessories
Trekking pole baskets — snow + sandRecommended
Pole repair kit / spare tipOptional
10
SUN & SKIN PROTECTION
High UV at altitude + desert reflection
Sun Protection
Sunscreen SPF 50+ High-altitude UV is extreme; reapply oftenCritical
Lip balm SPF 30+Critical
Sunglasses — category 4 / glacier rated Side shields for snow / sand glareCritical
Goggles For summit in whiteout / windWinter / Spring
Skin & Eye
Zinc oxide / barrier cream Lips, nose, earsRecommended
Eye drops Lubrication; dry desert airRecommended
After-sun lotionOptional
11
FIRST AID & MEDICAL
Remote terrain — both phases
First Aid Kit
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)Critical
Wound closure strips + antiseptic wipesCritical
Bandages, gauze, medical tapeCritical
Elastic bandage (ankle / knee support)Recommended
Triangular bandage / slingOptional
Irrigation syringeOptional
Medications
Ibuprofen / paracetamolCritical
Altitude sickness medication Acetazolamide (Diamox) — consult doctorRecommended
AntihistaminesRecommended
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) Desert heat illness / GI upsetCritical
Prescription medications (personal)Critical
Medical glovesEssential
12
HYGIENE & PERSONAL CARE
Leave No Trace principles throughout
Hygiene
Biodegradable soap / shampooTravel size
Hand sanitiserCritical
Wet wipes / body wipes Desert waterless bathingCritical
Toothbrush, toothpaste, flossCritical
Microfibre towelCritical
Sanitation
Trowel Cathole digging in remote terrainRecommended
Waste bags (WAG bags) Where requiredCheck regs
Toilet paper + zip bags for pack-outCritical
Feminine hygiene products (as required)Personal
13
ELECTRONICS & POWER
Remote comms; minimal grid access
Power
Power bank 20,000+ mAh Multiple device charges over 10 daysCritical
Solar panel charger Excellent for Sahara phaseRecommended
Universal travel adapterFor Marrakech
USB-C / Lightning cablesCritical
Devices & Comms
Smartphone + protective caseCritical
Satellite communicator Garmin inReach / SPOT — remote emergencyStrongly recommended
Morocco SIM card Available in Marrakesh prior to vehicle transferRecommended
Camera Waterproof or dry bag protectedOptional
14
DOCUMENTS & ADMIN
Travel, insurance, emergency contacts
Documents
Passport (valid 6+ months)Critical
Travel insurance documents Must include mountain rescue + medical evacuationRecommended
Emergency contact list Laminated copy + digitalRecommended
Guide company contact details Omar, Team Toubkal: +212 673 102 408Recommended
Money & Misc
Moroccan Dirham cash Withdraw from ATMs in Marrakesh; EUR 200–300 equivalent recommendedRecommended
Small padlock Duffel bag securityOptional
Notebook + pencilOptional
Earplugs Hut dormitory / desert windRecommended
Target summit pack weight
8–12 kg
Desert day pack (mule support)
4–6 kg
Total expedition kit
16–22 kg
Transfer duffel (mule / camel)
≤ 15 kg
Packing Notes
- Pack your summit clothing at the top of your mountain bag; you will need it at 2–3 AM on summit day.
- Separate mountain vs desert gear into clearly labelled dry bags within the duffel — saves time at the transition.
- Merino wool base layers bridge both environments: odour-resistant, temperature-regulating, worth the weight.
- Desert nights in the Atlas foothills and Merzouga area can drop to 5–10°C — do not underpack insulation.
- Sand infiltrates everything. Use zip-lock bags for electronics, documents, and any open-top pouches.
- Altitude: acclimatise properly in Imlil (1,740 m) before ascending to Neltner Hut (3,207 m). Diamox consult recommended.
- All equipment should be tested before departure. New boots on a 4,167 m summit are a serious risk.