About this guide
What to Pack for Toubkal
A practical packing list for a summer Toubkal trek — what you need, what you do not, and what the mountain will punish you for forgetting.
At a glance
Footwear
The single most important item.
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support.
Do not wear new boots on Toubkal — you will get blisters.
The scree on summit day is hard on feet and ankles.
Trekking poles reduce impact on knees during the descent by up to 30%.
A detail worth knowing
Clothing Layers
The mountain can be hot in the sun and freezing in the wind, even on the same day.
Bring: a base layer (merino or synthetic), a mid layer (fleece), a warm jacket (down or synthetic), and a waterproof shell jacket.
You will wear all of them at some point on summit day.
Do not bring cotton — it does not dry.
Local context
Sleep and Hygiene
A sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton) — the refuge provides blankets but a liner is more hygienic.
A small towel.
Wet wipes — there are no showers at the refuge.
Hand sanitiser.
Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste.
How to approach it
Gear
A headlamp with spare batteries — you start at 05:00 on summit day.
A 2L water bottle or hydration pack.
A small daypack for summit day (your main bag stays at the refuge).
A basic first aid kit with blister treatment, painkillers, and any personal medication.
Snacks — energy bars, nuts, dried fruit.
Timing & conditions
What Not to Bring
Do not bring a sleeping bag — the refuge has blankets and it is extra weight.
Do not bring a tent — you are sleeping in the refuge.
Do not bring more than one change of trekking clothes — you will not shower.
Do not bring jeans — they are heavy, do not stretch, and do not dry.
