What follows is more advice rather than a checklist to be ticked off. Trekking and walking the Haute Route is a good challenge in terms of terrain and weather and it’s important to be prepared for a vareity of conditions.

Weather, conditions and terrain on the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route.

Nearly all of our haute route trip is on tracks and paths that are well used, although they aren’t smooth graded trails but rather rough in places. This is nothing extreme, but you’ll want a proper pair of either hiking boots or very sturdy trail shoes if you are used to wearing those.

If we opt for the more technical cols along the route, there can be rough bouldery ground to scramble over. In which case, a pair of boots with some ankle protection is a good idea.

The weather and conditions can vary a lot, from heat around 30 degrees to colder weather with short lived snow on the high passes. But in general the weather is good for trekking and not cold although you will need a warmer layer in your rucksack every day.

Safety and emergency equipment

Our guides and leaders will have group safety equipment such as a first aid kit, emergency shelters etc. So don’t worry about that, and there is no need for you to carry large first aid kits for instance. But it is important that everyone has a small supply of medical items for personal use such as blister plasters, medical tape, and standard personal pain killers (paracetamol etc). Listed below.

Rucksack weight

During your initial meeting here in Chamonix and on the first day hike you will have plenty of time to discuss equipment with your leaders. Before your trip you should do some hikes with your rucksack and planned equipment, partly for training and also to see what works for you.

Over the course of the trip the benefits of a lightweight approach will pay off. A light ‘sack makes the walking easier and more fun especially on the uphills! Cut out the luxuries or “just in case” items. Every gram counts.

Your “drop bag” that we transport between hotels has a strict weight limit of 20 kilograms. And really, 10 should be plenty.

Chamonix is full of top quality outdoor shops. You can buy everything you need or have forgotten here easily, but it is worth testing the main items of equipment before arrival.

And with that, on with the kit list.

On the feet

Lightweight hiking boots or rugged trail running/hybrid shoes are enough. They do not need to be too warm or waterproof. Your feet will get too hot!

Something like the Scarpa Moraine is a good compromise.

Again, light to mid weight socks are fine. You should definitely get some miles done in your chosen shoes and sock combo before arriving in Chamonix. Test different socks in different conditions and ideally on a longer day walk.

Gaiters are not strictly required. Short ankle ones can keep dust, snow and anything else out of your socks.

For the snowy sections, and especially early season, it can be very useful to have some walking crampons. Either “walking” crampons or more heavy duty. These can be rented from us if required.

For the legs

You will need two layers for the legs. A lightweight hiking trouser, followed by thin waterproofs for rain or cold. Thermals or insulated pants are not required.
Avoid cotton as it soaks up the moisture then chafes and then gets cold. Save the jeans for the drop bag!

You might also want to hike in shorts which is a good option in the heat, with your trousers carried in your day pack. So if you like shorts bring them.

Here’s an example of hiking pants, they do a ladies’ version too, of course.

For your waterproofs, I’d recommend something like this: Zeta

Upper body clothing

You will need four layers for your upper body. Basically three plus a spare.

A short or long sleeved, thin wicking base layer. Again, no cotton. You will wear this in the heat, so choose something lightweight.

For the mid-layer you could pick a thin fleece or synthetic top. You might pull this on if it’s a little windy or cool in the morning.

Then your outer shell layer, which needs to be waterproof with a hood. It doesn’t need to be insulated, and actually it’s more flexible if it isn’t as you can wear it with your thin base layer and not get too hot.

The Arcteryx version is here (there are a lot of options with lots of different brands obviously)

Then the spare layer. Something warm as a backup. Another fleece or lightweight insulated layer. No big down jackets or anything too bulky or heavy. You may need to wear all four layers at the same time if required, so make sure you’ve tried to do that at home as well.

Finally, for the upper body, gloves. A thin pair to keep the chill off if it’s windy, and a medium weight ski type glove if it’s cold. So two pairs total.

Don’t forget your head

Something to keep the sun off your head and something else to keep it warm.
A buff or similar is useful too.

You’ll also need sunglasses as the sun can be very bright at altitude. Category 3 recommended and ideally some good wrap around glasses.

Hut equipment if required.

First of all you should read our short blog on what to expect from a mountain hut. They are warm, comfortable and good fun. Read first and then the following list will make sense (hopefully).

  • Lightweight sleeping bag liner (no sleeping bag needed). Cotton or silk. We have these for rent if required.
  • Ear plugs (optional)
  • Very small bag toiletries & wash kit.
  • Optional book/ipod/headphones
  • Spare base-layer/t-shirt for evening wear.
  • Spare socks for the evening.

That’s it. You should really try and have a minimal amount of extra clothing and wash kits for your hut nights. Enough to feel respectable without having to carry a ton. It’s good to “rough it a little” for a couple of nights and it will make the walking a lot easier if you don’t have too much weighing you down.

Paperwork and cash

You should carry your passport and insurance documents with you at all times. In Switzerland most places accept card but for small payments at the higher huts (if you want drinks, snacks or anything else) then you will need some cash. There are ATM’s in Chamonix for euros and we will stop in Switzerland as well, or bring some Swiss Francs with you from an airport exchange.

Put all that in a bag
A walking rucksack of around 30ltr is standard. Any smaller and you might struggle to get everything in and out easily. If you go too big you will end up filling it! So 30-35 litres is ideal.

It’s a very good idea to put essential items into sealable dry bags. I would recommend this even if you plan on using a rain cover.

Optional and Miscellaneous trekking items

Lots of folk like walking poles for a bit of extra support and balance. Get some that fold or telescope down nice and small.

  • Maps can be bought in Chamonix on day 1. Obviously your guides know where they’re going but a map is a nice souvenir too.
  • Same with a GPS – although there are many smart phone apps that you could use that are free.
  • A head torch for emergencies and finding the bathroom in the middle of the night at the huts!
  • High factor sunscreen and lip balm. Factor 50 recommended. The high altitude sun can burn much faster than at sea level.
  • Water bottle. One litre is normally enough and your guides will advise you on refilling opportunities for each days trek. Two litres maximum on a hot day. Any more is too heavy.
  • We use and recommend a water filter as well.
  • As mentioned earlier, a small personal blister kit is a good idea. Some medical tape, compeed blister plasters and normal plasters is a good idea even if you trust your boots.

In the drop bag

You will have access to your bag at each hotel with the huts being the exception of course.
A couple of spare hiking base layers and socks is a good idea. And there will be opportunity for some laundry on the rest day during the trip.