What to Pack for Mont Blanc

This will be us, see the happiness!

Since we all may have some time on our hands, may as well start thinking about the trip! There are  sales going on, in particular at REI. It could be a good time to pick up a few things you might need for the trip.

As far as weather, keep in mind it will be in the low 70s during the day and low 50s at night. The sun sets early in September so 70 may sound warm, but it won't feel that way at 4:00 p.m. It could also rain, something we Californians are not thinking about in September.

Here are a few things on my list. Remember, our weight limit is about 33 lbs per person for the luggage transfer. When in doubt, leave it out

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING 

• 1 pair hiking shoes - I am going to wear trail runners, I am over boots......
• 3 or 4 pairs of good socks - I love Smartwool, they dry fast and never stink
• 4 tops (mostly long sleeved) - Smartwool due to no-stink  
• 2  bottoms - I like pants for sun-protection, I will wait for a sale at Athleta 
• Hat for warmth/shade - bringing a wooly hat and a wide sun hat 
• Light gloves 
• Waterproof jacket/pants - I am just bringing a rain jacket 
• Casual clothes and footwear for evenings - down coat (Patagonia sweater jacket, best thing I own), flip flops, yogaish pants and cozy shirt

ESSENTIALS 

• Small backpack - I prefer a waist pack like this
• Two water bottles 
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Small first aid kit - I am bringing a good one if you don't have one/don't want to bring it 
• A little hand-wash laundry detergent 
• Universal electrical socket adapter 
• Mobile phone - Macs has an app with maps that is detailed in the Trip Information Pack I emailed everyone previously, we will also have paper maps

USEFUL EXTRAS 

• Headlamp
• Whistle
• Map and compass 
• GPS navigation gadget - I will have one of these
• Books 
• Energy snacks - meals will be substantial but I will be bringing a few snacks just in case
• Walking poles - get adjustable for easy travel
• Neck buff - OMG this is ugly

OTHER BITS

• Start thinking about travel insurance. I am going to wait till after the current crisis to purchase it. I am seeing it is about $200 to cover the trip and your person right now. That seems like a lot for a $1,500 trip when we all have health insurance anyway. I will scope around a bit more.
• We all need to provide our traveler information to the company. The link they provided previously was broken. I have asked for a few one and will post it here when I get it.
• The rest of the trip fee will be due early summer.

Yup, will be redic.