Tips for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

The TMB is an incredible hike but for the first timer there are definitely some key things to consider before you head out to start the hike, especially if you are camping.
In this video I go through eight tips to help you in your planning / build up as well as share some of the things we learnt along the way.
Links to my four TMB videos:
Part 1 - • Hiking the TMB with my...
Part 2 - • Hiking the TMB with my...
Part 3 - • Hiking the TMB with my...
Part 4 - • Hiking the TMB with my...

[@johneason6540]

My favorite part meeting and talking to other hikers🎉

[@GavinMetheringham]

Yes, other hikers really add to the experience got sure.

[@forrjuli180]

The Google Earth view is such a great idea! I made an overview outlining our stops and it's really helped me visualize the week in 3D.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Got to love technology!

[@dmgh9484]

Really helpful video; planning to do this in September. Will get solar panel on back of your video, as planning to camp. Many thanks.

[@phildrabble3153]

Really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great video ....all very useful tips!

[@joaoleiteneto668]

Once again, thank you very much fot the tips. This will be my first TMB and I'm very excited tp do it.

[@GavinMetheringham]

You're welcome!

[@mikespalding3622]

Thanks! That was an excellent Prep video.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thanks Mike.

[@juliaivanova6239]

thank you sooo much! amazing tipps!

[@phildrabble3153]

Thanks Gavin. I was thinking June but have now learnt that there could be snow so I will be looking at July too.

[@filipvinck9699]

Thx for sharing your video! I will start the TMB july 14 with my 15 year old son. So your video is very interesting.

[@GavinMetheringham]

That's really exciting! You will both have an amazing time I'm sure.

[@BartvanderLaan]

Helpful tips! I watched the series with your son and enjoyed it very much. You two seem to have a great connection. In august Im going for the tmb by myself but when my daughter is older I want to take her with on the tour as well.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thank you. Hope you have a great TMB in August and with your daughter at some point. Doing it with my son was special. I'm sure it will be for the two of you too.

[@ksmarquez59]

Great video! Thanks, going this summer, then the Belgian and Dutch F1 races!

[@GavinMetheringham]

Amazing! Sounds like a great summer!

[@thomasmckay]

great vid! thanks

[@rachelretallick4804]

Helpful tips!

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thanks 👍

[@dwarsfluitistje]

Awesome resource! Thanks for sharing all of this information. I'll be heading for the TMB with my 10-year old daughter next summer. We are indeed preparing, testing gear and putting in the miles already. Slowly increasing the steepness of the hikes too. Even in pretty little Belgium that IS possible. Looking forward to seeing more of your video's. Liked and subscribed to your channel.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thank you! Very excited for you and your daughter! It was one of the best experiences my son and I had together. Hope you have an amazing time.

[@travelsuperyoutubechannel9474]

Wow nice thank you

[@Ndzify]

Great video! Super excited to do this in August. A question that's a bit off topic - I was wondering if you have any recommendations for local sim cards there that work across France, Switzerland and Italy, incase u do need data?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thanks! I can't answer your question unfortunately. We were able to use our UK sims cards and data in France and Italy and then in Switzerland we used WiFi in La Fouly and Champex but did without our phones when hiking. If we had an emergency we would have used our phones in Swizerland but it would just be very expensive. Hope that maybe helps a little. All the best.

[@abiluff4280]

Super helpful thank you! Do you have any kit links? Specifically the solar panel and your roll mat!?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. Sorry, no product links yet. The sleeping pad was the Therma-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. They're about £130 but I knew if we looked after them they'd last us years. We liked the size and weight but there are others that are lighter and others cheaper that don't add much extra weight. The solar panel is harder as Anker don't do a 15w one and their 21w seems to be unavailable. There are other makes like Bigblue. Here's a link to a good review. www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-solar-charger I'll look to list the kit in the description.

[@abiluff4280]

Thanks Gavin! I've not heard many talk about solar panels as an essential but when camping and not relying on refugios it sounds like a great idea. Very helpful review you've found 👌

[@kev2880]

Some great advice thanks. Really interested in that solar panel you used, do you have a link or model number etc please?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. It's the Anker PowerPort Lite 15w but they don't make it anymore. I liked it because it was 350g and only two panels so no real care needed when leaning my backpack. The Anker PowerPort 21w is basically the same but three panels and therefore heavier but has the advantage of faster charging. The 21w seems to be a better balance of weight/wattage than most others. There are a few companies I've not heard of out there and there is a two panel 13w charger by MSC - MSC 13w Essential SunPower folding but I don't know if its any good. Hope that helps a little.

[@alanreid4448]

We're going in September. This helps a lot. Thanks Gavin

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thanks Alan. Have an amazing time!

[@DannyDrakey]

Did you go and do it? The planning is overwhelming for me

[@alanreid4448]

@@DannyDrakey We did and it was amazing. We used Macs Adventure to book accommodation for us and it worked out well. Is it the accommodation booking that you're having trouble with?

[@DannyDrakey]

@@alanreid4448 tbh think we have decided to camp, and wing it a little bit what time of the year did you go

[@alanreid4448]

@@DannyDrakey We started on the 9th September but by the time we finished lots of places were closing and ski lifts were shut. I think mid August start at the latest might be best.

[@garyburridge3736]

Great tips, great video, can i ask what comfort rating was your sleeping bag?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Not high enough! Not sure of the rating as it was an old one. But shortly after I bought a Mountain Equipment Classic 500 0°C - -6°C. Would have made such a difference and I think about right for tmb. I love it!!

[@drives2fst100]

Hi again Gavin, ok now we’ve seen all 4 of your videos. Loved them. We will be doing(attempting to do it) just like you guys with the exception that we will be staying in hotels and refuges. Still shopping for a solar charger and I’d love to use your game changer, but it seems way more difficult to do than you make it look. Maybe I will get better but I couldn’t seem to make it work like you do. I was wondering what you used to video everything? Was it your phone or a GoPro? Just wondered. Thanks

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi Karla, I used a Sony Rx100VA camera which is great for photos and actually not bad at video at 1080p (stabilised) but the audio is really poor on any mode. There are better options. I bought a GoPro Hero 8 not long after and much prefer that. If you look at my videos on the Swiss Pyramid or the one walking up Schilthorn, both were just using the Gopro and nothing else. It was still impacted by wind but just worked nicely and provided consistent results. The Hero 10 seems even better and the Hero 9 worth leaving alone (too many glitches). Alternatively iphones return amazing results these days. People take all sorts. I saw someone carrying a really heavy Canon 1D Mark IV (which must be about 2kg with lens!). I would say it depends what you’re filming and how much. I’d take a GoPro if I was going again probably with 3 or 4 spare batteries but then I was filming loads! On the solar side, if you’re staying in hotels and refuges you’ll have access to charging points. You would definitely be able to fully recharge at hotels. So whilst we took the solar charger (350g) and a 10000mah bank (180g), you could consider a 20,000mah battery bank (342g) or two 10,000mah instead (180g each). Or technically one 20k and one 10k based on the weight comparison with what we took!! Might not need solar.

[@graemehindshaw4221]

If you are staying in hotels/Rifugios then you just don't need a solar charger. They are heavy and actually slow to charge. A 10k mah battery will recharge a typical phone twice over.

[@relaxingsilentfilms-LosAngeles]

💯👍

[@drives2fst100]

Hi Gavin, thank you for all your great information. My husband and I are planning to enjoy the TMB next August. I was wondering if you could tell me where you bought your Anker 2 panel folding charger? I would like to be self sufficient in the area of charging our phones, etc. Thank you in advance. Best, Karla

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi Karla, thanks for your kind words. Glad it was helpful. That’s a good question! Anker clearly don’t make this panel any more. I checked the usual places (Ebay and Marketplace) and there are the odd 15w ones available second hand for anywhere between £75-120. Which isn’t great. The alternatives, I think, are tricky. The larger 21w Anker being the same width and only 62g heavier would have probably been my choice but that’s unavailable too! So something like the smaller Decathlon Forclaz SLR500 might work. Or maybe the Decathlon Forclaz 15w SLR900 which is 15w but three panels. For comparison, my 2 panel Anker weighs 355g, the Anker 21W weighs 417g and the Decathlon weighs 285g (SLR900 is 400g). So it depends how many things need charging. If it’s just two phones then the 10w is probably enough with a 10,000mah power bank. If you have cameras/devises with maps too then I think a three panel option may be needed, unless you can find a 15w two panel. There are others similar to the Forclaz models (I’m not advocating for any of them as I haven’t used them), something like the Nekteck Portable Solar charger - weighs in at about 490g.

[@drives2fst100]

@@GavinMetheringham Ok thanks Gavin. Thanks for the quick response. I researched and found all of those. I’m a fan of reviews and there are sure some sketchy ones out there. So I just thought I’d reach out before I went with others because yours seemed to work so well the entire time. I would hate to carry something that didn’t work. I’ll keep looking but the added weight and questionable success does scare me a bit.

[@stevenjan2003]

Hello gavin really enjoyed your tmb series can I ask did you take your walking poles with you from the uk plus what was the weather like in the evenings when yous camped out would you recommend a pair of thermals as a precaution for sleeping out on the route many thanks

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. Glad you enjoyed it! Yes we took our poles from the UK, in our backpacks (actually strapped to the side) but with the packs strapped extra to keep the flappy bits from flapping! We flew easyjet and they consider hiking poles dangerous and prohibited for carry on. Evenings were chilly enough to want something more than we had, one extra layer maybe with a hood, or like you say a pair of thermals. Our sleeping bag choice was wrong but just in the evenings even it would have been nice. 11-12 days camping and hiking was mentally tough so I'd have traded a few extra grams for the extra warmth.

[@stevenjan2003]

Many thanks for hanks gavin I preciate your advice and helpful tips happy trekking

[@rockbeetle]

Woohoo! Llyn y Fan Fach!!

[@GavinMetheringham]

PYF next!!

[@Liliandkai]

Great Video - really enjoyed it ☺️ The Nature looks amazing! There is nothing that makes more fun then to explore nature with a Camera😜 We went to Sri Lanka - absolutely amazing country - just dropped a Video from there - think you would love it there 😉

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thank you. Just watched the Sri Lanka one. It's a stunning country for sure.

[@progtom7585]

Thanks heaps for the video, if you had to pick one guide for solo hiking which one would you prefer?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thanks for watching! I'd probably go with Andrew McCluggage's book if I could only take one but I'd be tempted to download a digital version of the Cicerone guide onto my phone as well. No extra weight but could read up on the next day each day.

[@progtom7585]

@@GavinMetheringham thanks heaps!

[@user-ed4kx9jr9u]

Thank you! Do you think a 30 degree (F) sleeping bag is warm enough to use?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. Yes I think so. I have a mountain equipment classic 500 with that rating now and would definitely take it if I was going again. The general view online seems to be the same - 0(c)/32(f) ish.

[@TM-nw7bn]

Hi Gavin, I was really looking forward to taking TMB, but can only get time of work first 2 weeks of June. Everything I read and watch is saying late June. Would love to hear your opinion on this?.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. Everything I heard before we went was that the start of July was when most of the snow has gone and things like lifts open. But, people do walk it in June. Generally they are more experienced. Also if there has been less snowfall in winter/spring then routes are clear earlier. For a wide range of views the TMB group on Facebook is great. Friendly and sensible. You could ask the question on there if you have Facebook.

[@sarahflanagan746]

When you say ‘the right sleeping bag’ - what season bag do you recommend? Compared to what season you took with you?

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi Sarah. Great question. It depends on how much or little you feel the cold somewhat but I took a Rab three season bag that had definitely seen better days. Ok for one or two nights but 10/11 nights of cold builds up! It packed small and was light but that was about it. It's the one thing I put right as soon as I could. I bought a Mountain Equipment Classic 500. It cost a fair bit (although I got it in a sale), weighed 250g more and took up a little more space but it makes all the difference for me. Never realised how important a good sleep on a multi-day hike was! I think a 0°C/32°F three season bag by a good manufacturer will work FINE and then it's cost vs weight vs pack size which determines the bag. The Classic range is good and the 500 will give a good nights sleep. It's a good all rounder but there are plenty of others out there. Hope that helps.

[@phildrabble3153]

What time of year did you do the TMB? I am sure you said this in the video but can't remember. Have just ordered the books your recommended.

[@GavinMetheringham]

We started about 7th July.

[@stevenjan2003]

Hi gavin just to ask would you recommend a inflatable pillow for camping out during tmb tcx

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. We took Trekology inflatable pillows which are good value and about 100g... but I would definitely be rethinking that decision if I went again. I underestimated making sure I slept well and my head kept falling off he pillow or it would slide away wasn't! I think now I'd still be thinking inflatable (for the weight and space saving) but would be looking at something like the Thermarest AirHeadDown maybe. It's 50g heavier and 2 or 3 times more expensive but I'd have happily carried the extra 50g for better rest. The cost though is tricky. It's a lot to spend so I'd be shopping around for something larger than the Trekology for sure. Of course everyone is different. I move around a lot when I sleep so slid off my mat too!!

[@stevenjan2003]

@@GavinMetheringham many thanks gavin great info and advice I’m looking at sea to summit Aeros premium maybe large size and yep there’s a price to pay for the weight plus for comfort many thanks once again I was planning tmb this year but work commitments have put a pause on it this year but defo doing it next take care

[@GavinMetheringham]

@@stevenjan2003 yes the aeros premium large is a great shout. Sorry to hear you can't do the tmb this year. Enjoy the hiking you can do. Cheers.

[@DannyDrakey]

Was hoping you would mention, how to get showers if your just camping or what to do if your in the country’s where camping is forbidden etc

[@GavinMetheringham]

Thanks for watching. In terms of showers we knew from research that most of the campsites we were visiting had showers. Les Chapieux (end of stage 2) just has running cold water so we made do - just accepting we might smell a bit. We wild camped at Elisabetta but we were just before the season properly started and there were two tents there so figured that would be okay. Can't say it would be doable now. Again, cold water wash. We then had showers in the campsites we statyed at until we got to the campsite at Refuge Le Peuty, cold water washing. At Auberge we paid for food and used the shower in the Refuge next to the campsite. Our final night (cable car down and back up the next day) in Chamonix had a shower. A useful resource for you would be this page I think. tmbtent.com/guide-camping-tour-mont-blanc/#two

[@DannyDrakey]

@@GavinMetheringham thanks very useful much appreciated

[@bcamping1]

​@@DannyDrakey at le Peuty campsite, there was hot showers last summer. Start of july I was there. They were gas powered port-a-shower. I didnt use it tho, had swim in the river instead. River coming from the glacier was about 20 C.

[@rawveganfoodforthought2333]

I'm sorry if I missed it, but did you share the dates you went? I'm reconsidering my sleeping bag based on your advice.

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. Not sure I included the dates either! It was 7th-17th July. In terms of sleeping bags, mine really did have the stuffing already knocked out of it. I think a decent 3 season bag will do OK but I became a big fan of comfortable sleeping afterwards!

[@rawveganfoodforthought2333]

@@GavinMetheringham Thank you! Love your videos, and that you went with your son.

[@wandaesch7314]

Are pre booking for camping necessary

[@GavinMetheringham]

No, I didn't. We went early July though. If you know for sure where you will be and when you will be there and are going late July/August then you might want to.

[@Andrew.........]

Hi Gavin. I really enjoyed your Mont Blanc videos. It will have created a lot of memories for your son ( he probobly does not realise it yet😉) Very interested to know how you coped with your knees. Both my wife and I are in a similiar situation to yourself. We are looking at doing the TMB next year and are looking for ways to make it easier just in case one of us are getting too much knee pain. i.e Ski lifts, buses etc. any info would be very appreciated. I dont see a way to contact you privately. Feel free to contact me through email . Thank you.

[@GavinMetheringham]

I think it depends on what the knee issue is probably. All the scans I had came back with nothing notable. No arthritis and nothing that could be damaged technically. So I was encouraged that I couldn’t do any real harm as long as I listened to my body. The big difference for me came when I bought two knew straps. I bought one just to try for my right knee - one like this (UP Ultimate All in One ITB Runners Knee Patella Femoral Pain Knee Support Strap | Bailey Sports Therapy). It made such a difference to me when I next went out hiking that I went back to the shop to buy another but they didn’t have any more (this was I think 2 days before flying out!) so I bought a different one - like this (Ultimate Performance Ultimate Open Patella Knee Support | GO Outdoors). That’s why I was hiking the TMB in mismatched knee straps! I didn’t have a single issue the whole TMB. I had one twinge about half way through but nothing more. I wore them every day. Interestingly I didn’t have any knee issues for 18 months afterwards. I can’t say for sure but I think they supported my knees as they built up muscle to strengthen them, which at the end of the day was what the physiotherapy was about. Can’t say that would work from anyone else and certainly if there are underlying conditions it would be very different I’d imagine. In terms of aids along the way, that’s pretty difficult. We didn’t do any variants, we took the initial cable car up to Bellevue but other than that didn’t take any cable cars. There are at least three cable cars that could help though. The cable car down into Courmayeur would be a great idea. It was closed when we went but that descent is not very pleasant! The cable car from Col de Balme (again closed for us) and the cable car from Brevent back down to the valley would avoid the long walk. I don’t have any info on buses etc sorry but if you’re on Facebook there’s a great group ‘Tour de Mont Blanc’ and if you join that and search Buses, someone called Janet Lute has put together a fabulous document on buses/cable cars. I can’t link it unfortunately but it’s a great group full of useful information and I think Janet’s document would be very helpful. Hope that helps a little. Thanks Gavin

[@Andrew.........]

Hi Gavin. Thank you for your reply. You have given a lot of very usefull information 👍. I will look up that facbook page. I hope yourself and Sam have some more adventures together. Take care and thanks again.

[@zoellar11]

A very good video....a friend and I are meeting next week to walk the MB. Looking forward to it. One comment; at 10.38, you say that using trekking poles , "they will REDUCE their energy consumption overall". That statement is not correct.. Using trekking poles CORRECTLY will transfer some of the energy to your shoulder muscles and reduce the energy consumption from your leg muscles. Should muscles get little usage, overall, when compared to your leg muscle (too much!!!) so using poles will distribute the load which is a good thing. But using poles will NEVER REDUCE REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION. The laws of physics doesn't allow that to happen. Again, this energy is simply using other muscles...but in the end, the total energy going uphill is the same. Also, many hikers, dare I say most hikers rarely use them to "push off" but use them as an ornament. If you are not PUSHING OFF WITH THEM when ascending, a hiker is carrying extra weight. Thanks again for your video....lots of good tips.....!

[@GavinMetheringham]

Hi. Thanks for the comment. Good to know. Physics is physics. Totally agree on the pushing off and ornament comments too. No point taking them unless you use them properly. Cheers.

[@zoellar11]

One of your tips, mark your trekking poles with your name, is a great one. I just marked mine so no one can say they are theirs!