Top Tips for Winter Mt Toubkal: Your Essential Packing & Preparation Guide

Trekking Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, at 4,167m, is an exhilarating adventure, but smart preparation is key to a successful summit. With altitude, unpredictable weather, and varied terrain, being well-prepared can make all the difference between an enjoyable trek and a tough slog up the mountain.

Here’s everything you need to know about packing smart, layering effectively, tackling summit night, and key trekking tips to ensure a safe and rewarding ascent.

1. Kit Bag & Daypack – Pack Smart, Trek Light

Daypack (30–35 litres): What to carry on the trek

Organisation is key – know where everything is for quick access and minimal faff factor.
Essentials only – warm layers, waterproofs (jacket & trousers), gloves (liner & insulated), beanie, sun & UV protection (sunglasses, hat, buff, SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm with SPF 50), personal first aid kit & medication, snacks (both sweet & savoury), 2-litre hydration bladder and a water bottle with electrolytes, hand sanitiser, biodegradable waste bags & toilet paper, mobile phone/camera & power bank, rain cover (securely attached).
Use a dry bag inside to keep gear protected, with a separate dry bag for gloves & beanie.

Main Kit Bag (Under 12kg)

Your main kit bag will be carried by mules or porters, so pack light in a soft duffel bag (no hard cases or bags with frames and wheels).
Pack all your items inside dry bags to protect your gear, especially your sleeping bag.
Padlock your kit bag during travel and while trekking.
Leave extra belongings at your accommodation in Imlil before the trek.

2. Master the Art of Layering

Mt Toubkal’s weather changes rapidly, so layering effectively is crucial to regulate body temperature.

Waterproof Jacket (with hood) – A high-quality breathable shell (Paramo or Gore-Tex) is essential. Ensure it fits over your down jacket for extra insulation.
Down Jackets – Two is better than one – A lightweight down jacket and a PrimaLoft jacket offer better flexibility than a single bulky coat. Evenings in camp are cold.
Gilet – Core warmth without bulk – Helps with heat retention and ventilation.
Gloves – Warm, Waterproof & Insulated – Roomy enough to fit over liner gloves. Avoid tight-fitting gloves, as they restrict circulation.
Thick Socks – Essential for Summit Night – Fresh merino wool socks ensure warmth. Ensure your boots fit comfortably with thick socks.

3. Summit Night – Where Your Gear is Truly Tested

Fresh merino wool socks for summit night – A small but effective morale boost!
Wear a buff – Helps prevent cold air from irritating your lungs and protects against dust on descent lower down the mountain.
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers – Vital for warmth and wind protection.
Proper Hiking Boots – No Trainer style boots! – Your boots should be warm, waterproof, and broken in. Avoid running-trainer-style boots as they do not keep your feet warm nor are they compatible with crampons. Check out our Boots & Crampons advice for more details.

4. Sleeping Essentials – Stay Warm, Sleep Well

Synthetic vs. Down Sleeping Bag – Synthetic bags retain warmth even when damp, whereas down bags lose insulation if wet.
Waterproof Dry Bag for Your Sleeping Bag – Keeps it dry during transit.
Sleeping Bag Liner – Adds extra warmth and keeps your bag clean.
Earplugs! – The mountain refuge can be noisy as you’ll be sleeping in shared dorm rooms.

5. First Aid & Footcare – Stay Ahead of Small Issues

Altitude Headaches? Hydrate! – Drink plenty of water to help with acclimatisation.
Prevent Blisters – Apply zinc oxide tape before hotspots form.
Carry Personal Medication – In original packaging, in case of local restrictions.

6. Hydration – A Key to Altitude Success

Carry a 2-litre hydration bladder + a water bottle.
Summit night freezing risk – Bladder hoses freeze easily. Keep a backup bottle inside your jacket.
Electrolytes Help – Replace essential minerals lost at altitude.

7. Sun Protection – The High-Altitude Sun is Brutal

Category 4 Wrap-Around Sunglasses – Essential for UV protection and snow glare.
Buffs & Hats – Cover your face and neck to avoid sunburn.

8. Trekking Poles – Your Best Friend on the Mountain

Reduce impact on knees – Learn to use trekking poles before your trip.
Essential for both ascent & descent.

9. Snacks & Nutrition – Keep Energy Levels Up

Nuts, Trail Mix, Biscuits & Chocolate – Pack high-energy snacks you enjoy.
Appetite Loss at Altitude? – Bring treats you’ll want to eat.

10. Must-Have Reminders

Ear Plugs – Refuge can be noisy.
Hand sanitiser – Please use it at all times to help you and your fellow team-mates stay healthy.
Padlocks – Keep your gear secure.
Stay Organised – Know where everything is in your bag to conserve energy.

11. Top Tips for Winter Trekking – Crampons & Ice Axe Arrest

Winter trekking on Mt Toubkal brings extra challenges, requiring essential mountaineering skills to navigate snow and ice safely. Winter skills training will be provided to help you with the following essential skills…

Crampons – Know How to Use Them – Ensure they fit your boots properly and practice walking in them before your trek.
Ice Axe – A Lifesaving Tool – Learn how to use it for balance and self-arrest in case of a slip.
Winter Skills Training – Your Guide will provide instruction on using crampons and performing an ice axe arrest. Pay close attention and practice the techniques.
Stay Aware of Changing Conditions – Snow and ice can make the terrain more unpredictable. Always listen and follow your Guide’s advice.
No Glissading Unless for Training or Emergencies – Sliding down snow slopes (glissading) can be dangerous due to hidden rocks and ice. Only attempt it under Guide supervision for training purposes or in an emergency situation.

FAQs – Your Toubkal Questions Answered

How Cold is Mt Toubkal at Night?

Temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower. Layering well is crucial.

How Many Layers Do You Need for Mt Toubkal?

At minimum, pack three key layers:

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (Merino wool is ideal).
Mid-Layer: Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket.
Outer Layer: Waterproof shell & down jacket.

Common Trekking Mistakes

Not Training Properly – You need strong legs for the descent!
Wearing New Boots – Break them in before your trip.
Not Drinking Enough Water – Dehydration makes altitude symptoms worse.
Overpacking – Stick to essentials.

What to Sleep in?

Wear your thermals – This allows your sleeping bag to insulate properly and just in case you need to get up in the night.
DIY pillow – Use a pillowcase or your sleeping bag cover and stuff it with your down jacket or extra layers. This keeps your warm gear easily accessible in case you need to get up during the night.
Battery preservation – Keep all charging devices (head torch, power bank, phone, camera, etc.) inside your sleeping bag at night to prevent them from losing charge in the cold.

Final Thoughts – Pack Smart, Summit Strong

Trekking Mt Toubkal isn’t just about fitness – it’s about preparation. Layer up, protect your feet, stay hydrated, and embrace the challenge. With the right gear, mindset, and preparation, you’ll have an unforgettable experience summiting North Africa’s highest peak!