The Ultimate Packing List for a Winter Toubkal Climb
Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, presents a challenging yet rewarding winter climbing experience. The key to a successful climb is thorough preparation, especially when it comes to packing the right gear. This article provides a comprehensive packing list to ensure you’re well-equipped for the harsh winter conditions.
Clothing for the Climb
Feet: B1 or B2 winter mountaineering boots, trainers or light footwear for camp, optional hut slippers, 3-4 pairs of trekking socks, and extra thick socks for cold conditions.
Trekking Wear: 2-3 thermal t-shirts (long and short-sleeved, non-cotton), 2 fleece tops (one thick, one thin) or a Primaloft jacket, walking trousers (preferably with zip-off legs), shorts (if not using zip-off trousers), lightweight trekking gloves or liners, heavy-duty gloves or mittens, a warm hat, sunhat/cap, neck gaiter or Buff, waterproof over-trousers, a waterproof shell jacket with a hood, and a heavy-weight down jacket with a hood.
General Clothes for Camp
Extra trousers for evenings, long thermal top and bottoms, underwear, a swimming costume (optional), and a light towel.
Climbing Equipment
Climbing harness and helmet, ice axe with leash, and C2 minimum crampons. Note: these items are often supplied if needed.
Camping and General Kit
A soft expedition holdall (65-90 Ltr), waterproof rucksack liner or small dry bags, a day bag (35-45 Ltr) with ice axe loops, a 3/4 season minimum sleeping bag, a lightweight dry bag for the sleeping bag, an optional sleeping bag liner, a pillow case, a head torch with spare batteries, and a female urination device for women (optional).
Hydration and Nutrition
2 x 1ltr wide-necked water bottles, a water bladder (with a note on freezing issues), water purification tablets, Vitamin C and hydration tablets, water flavoring, and personal snacks or treats to share.
Hygiene Essentials
Hand sanitizer, toilet roll in a ziplock bag, plastic nappy bags, earplugs, wet wipes, essential personal hygiene items, and a lightweight towel.
Documentation and Money
Passport with photocopies, money for tips (£40-£50), a credit card, insurance documentation, airline tickets, and a money belt.
Extras for Comfort and Safety
Camera, trekking poles, sunglasses (Cat.3/4, 100% UVA/UVB, wrap-around style preferred), ski goggles, phone/book/Kindle/diary, charging cables, and plug adapter.
Personal First Aid Kit
Sunblock and lip block (SPF 30+/50+), anti-diarrhea tablets, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, throat lozenges, rehydration sachets, antiseptic wipes, plasters, blister plasters, personal medication, and vaseline for foot care.
A well-planned packing list is crucial for a safe and enjoyable winter climb of Jebel Toubkal. This comprehensive list covers everything from essential climbing gear to personal comfort items, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the challenges and delights of this unique adventure.
Why each item matters is covered in can you climb Toubkal in winter and do you need crampons for Toubkal. Harness, helmet, axe and crampons are supplied on our Toubkal winter climb.
