Planning your Mount Toubkal trek and wondering what to pack? You're in the right place. After many years guiding European hikers up North Africa's highest peak (4,167m), I know exactly what you need — and what you don't.

The Golden Rule — Pack Light

Mules carry your main luggage on the Toubkal trail — so you only need a small daypack (20-30 litres) for the actual hiking. Keep your main bag under 10kg and your daypack under 5kg.

Footwear — The Most Important Item

• Hiking boots with ankle support — absolutely essential. Break them in before your trek.
• Lightweight camp shoes or sandals for the refuge
• Thick wool hiking socks — bring at least 3 pairs
• Gaiters — useful in spring and winter for snow

Clothing Layers — The 3-Layer System

Base Layer

• Moisture-wicking thermal top — NOT cotton
• Moisture-wicking thermal leggings
• Bring 2 sets minimum

Mid Layer

• Fleece jacket or down jacket — essential even in summer
• Softshell trousers or hiking trousers

Outer Layer

• Waterproof and windproof jacket — Gore-Tex or similar
• Waterproof trousers

Accessories

• Warm hat and gloves — temperatures at the summit can drop to -10°C even in summer
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sun hat or cap for daytime hiking

Navigation and Light

• Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for the pre-dawn summit push
• Trekking poles — highly recommended for the descent

Sun Protection — More Important Than You Think

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV radiation is intense at altitude
• UV-protection sunglasses — not just fashion glasses
• Lip balm with SPF

Hydration and Nutrition

• 2-litre water bottle or hydration bladder
• Water purification tablets — just in case
• High-energy snacks — nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, chocolate
• Electrolyte tablets — helpful at altitude

First Aid and Health

• Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, paracetamol, ibuprofen
• Altitude sickness medication — ask your doctor about Diamox
• Rehydration sachets
• Any personal medication
• Travel insurance documents — essential

Sleeping and Comfort at the Refuge

• Sleeping bag liner — the refuge provides blankets but a liner adds warmth
• Earplugs — the refuge can be noisy
• Small towel

Documents and Money

• Passport — required for national park entry
• Cash in Moroccan Dirhams — no ATMs in Imlil or on the mountain
• Travel insurance documents
• Emergency contact numbers

What NOT to Bring

• ❌ Cotton clothing — dangerous when wet and cold
• ❌ Heavy suitcase — use a soft bag that mules can carry easily
• ❌ Expensive jewellery
• ❌ Too many clothes — you can wash basics at the guesthouse

Seasonal Additions

Spring (March–May) and Winter (December–February)

• Crampons — essential above 3,000m when snow is present
• Ice axe — for winter ascents
• Extra warm layers

Summer (June–August)

• Extra sun protection
• Lighter sleeping bag liner

Quick Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots with ankle support
• ✅ 3-layer clothing system
• ✅ Warm hat and gloves
• ✅ Headlamp with spare batteries
• ✅ Trekking poles
• ✅ Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV sunglasses
• ✅ 2-litre water bottle
• ✅ High-energy snacks
• ✅ First aid kit
• ✅ Cash in Dirhams
• ✅ Passport
• ✅ Travel insurance

Need Help Planning Your Toubkal Trek?

I am Said Ouahane, a certified local Berber mountain guide born in Imlil. I provide all essential equipment guidance when you book your trek with me — and I can advise on exactly what to bring based on the season and your fitness level.

📱 WhatsApp: +212 632 292 247
📧 Email: contact@atlasmountainstrekking.com
🌐 Website: www.atlasmountainstrekking.com

— Certified Local Berber Mountain Guide — Imlil, High Atlas Mountains, Morocco