Essential Gear for Climbing Toubkal: Complete Guide & Checklist
- Altura Expeditions
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
If you’re preparing for the Toubkal trek and are unsure about what gear to bring, this is the most complete guide to make sure you don’t forget anything. From backpacks, technical clothing, and winter equipment, to essentials for sleeping in the refuge and moving around Marrakech, this page will help you plan your ascent to the highest peak in North Africa safely.
At the end, you can download a full checklist of Toubkal gear, ready to print or save on your phone.
Gear for Climbing Toubkal
Climbing Toubkal starts long before reaching the refuge. It begins in your backpack: what you choose to bring… and what you decide to leave behind. This guide is written from experience, helping you imagine each step from Imlil to Neltner while understanding why each piece of gear matters.
Backpacks and Transport – Your Base of Operations
The adventure begins in Imlil, among mules, stone houses, and the sound of the river. As you adjust your 20–30 liter daypack, you know it will carry your essentials all day. It needs to be lightweight, have a good waist belt, external pockets for water, and a rain cover, because weather in the Atlas can change without warning.
The rest of your gear travels in a 50–60 liter duffel carried by mules. Inside goes your spare clothes, sleeping bag, and everything you won’t need on the trail. To keep it dry, use waterproof bags or heavy-duty plastic bags. In the mountains, protecting your gear is protecting your adventure.
Proper Footwear – Where Every Step Begins
On Toubkal, every step counts. The terrain mixes smooth trails, rocky sections, scree slopes, and steep inclines. That’s why well-broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with solid soles are essential.
Once you reach the refuge and remove your boots, your feet will thank you for lighter shoes to rest. Some hikers bring trail runners for the first kilometers from Imlil, but the final ascent requires stability and protection. Technical socks of varying thickness help adapt to temperature changes and prevent blisters.
Technical Gear and Safety – What Truly Matters
Even in summer, some gear is essential. Trekking poles reduce effort and stabilize your steps on rocky terrain. A headlamp is critical if you start before dawn. Carry a personal first aid kit with plasters for blisters, anti-inflammatories, disinfectant, and your usual medications.
In winter, the landscape changes completely: snow, ice, and steeper slopes appear. Then, crampons and an ice axe are mandatory, along with heavier gloves and extra thermal protection. The mountain is the same, but how you move on it changes entirely.
Round out your gear with a power bank, multi-tool knife, map and compass, and a GPS if you like navigating independently. While the route is clear, personal safety gear is irreplaceable.
Technical Clothing – The Key Is Layers
The Atlas has a special trait: it can be hot in Imlil, cold in the refuge, and windy near the summit. That’s why layering is the key to what to wear on Toubkal.
The base layer is a technical or thermal shirt that manages sweat. Next is a fleece or softshell layer that keeps you warm most of the way. The outer layer is a waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) to shield you from dry mountain winds. At night or dawn, a down or synthetic jacket dramatically changes your warmth.
For legs, technical pants are comfortable and protective. On cold days, thermal leggings make a big difference. Finish the outfit with fine gloves, insulated waterproof gloves, a hat, and a neck buff.
Sleeping at the Refuge – The Bag That Saves Your Night
Entering Neltner refuge, the air smells of tea, soup, and drying boots. Even though the refuge is warm and crowded, rooms can be cold. A sleeping bag rated for –5 ºC comfort ensures a good night’s sleep. Carry a clean set of clothes for sleeping —light pants, a soft shirt, and dry socks— for added comfort.
Earplugs and a small quick-dry towel seem minor but make a huge difference in shared rooms with dozens of hikers.
Sun Protection – Essential Even in Winter
In the Atlas, the sun is intense. High-altitude sunglasses (category 3–4) are mandatory, along with high SPF sunscreen. The dry air can chafe lips, so a lip balm with sun protection is essential.
What to Bring for Marrakech and Imlil
After the mountain, Marrakech greets you with colors, chaos, and the smell of spices. Here, comfort is the only priority. Light clothing for walking, a thin jacket for the evening, and comfortable urban shoes are enough. Your main backpack is for Toubkal; Marrakech is enjoyed light.
👉 Download the complete Toubkal gear checklist
Save time, avoid forgetting anything, and prepare like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Toubkal Gear
What gear do I need for Toubkal in winter?
In addition to the basics, you’ll need crampons, an ice axe, thicker gloves, thermal leggings, and higher-protection sunglasses. Snow significantly changes the ascent.
Do I need a sleeping bag at the refuge?
Yes. Although blankets are provided, a bag rated for –5 ºC comfort ensures warmth and a good night’s rest.
What backpack is best for Toubkal?
A 20–30 liter daypack for walking, plus a 50–60 liter duffel for mule transport.
Are trekking poles necessary?
Not mandatory, but they make the ascent and especially the descent much easier.
Can I rent gear in Imlil?
Yes: boots, crampons, ice axe, poles, and sleeping bags. Still, bringing your own technical gear is recommended.
Get Ready for Toubkal: Download Your Complete Gear Checklist
Preparing the right equipment for climbing Toubkal ensures a safer and more enjoyable trek. With proper clothing, a reliable backpack, technical footwear, and essential gear, the ascent becomes comfortable and secure. Don’t leave anything behind—download the checklist now and start planning your adventure to the roof of North Africa.
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