Mapo Tapo Newsletter #26

Welcome back to Part 2 of our Tour du Mont Blanc series! Last week, we busted the biggest myths (like “It’s just a walk” 😅). Now, let’s get into the real logistics—because knowing how to book huts, pack smart, and navigate the trails can make or break your trek😇

Let's gooooo🏔

💡 Reality: If you wait too long, you might end up sleeping outside with the marmots. TMB huts book months in advance—especially in peak season (July–August).

 

📅 When to Book:

• December-January: Ideal for securing prime spots.
• February-March: You might find openings, but options will be limited.
• Last-minute? Some huts hold emergency spots, but don't count on it.

 

🎯 How to Book:

• Directly through Mapo Tapo! We’re among the few who locked in availability for June–September departures.
• Refuge websites (Most have online booking, but some still require old-school email or phone calls.)
• TMB Reservation Platforms (e.g., La Chamoniarde has links to major huts.)
• Direct Calls (French/Italian/Swiss hospitality = charming but sometimes slow on emails.)

 

🔥 Limited spots left—grab yours before they’re gone!

Imagine waking up here😍

💡 Reality: Every extra kilo (or pound) is going to feel 10x heavier by Day 3. Pack smart, not heavy🤓.

✅ Absolute Must-Haves:

 

👟 Good Trail Shoes or Boots 👟

• 🧗 Approach Shoes: La Sportiva TX4, Scarpa Gecko, Five Ten Guide Tennie (grippy soles & durable for scrambling).
• 🥾 Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegade GTX, Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX (more ankle support for rocky terrain).
• ☝Break them in before the trek—blisters are not the souvenir you want!

 

🌧️ Rain Jacket & Layers – The weather will change. Expect sun, rain, and even snow at high passes.

• 🌧 Rain Jacket: Arc'teryx Beta LT, Patagonia Torrentshell, Rab Downpour Plus (light, waterproof & breathable)
• 👕 Base Layers: Icebreaker Merino 200, Smartwool Classic Thermal, Patagonia Capilene (warm + moisture-wicking)
• 👚Insulation Layer: Patagonia Nano Puff, Arc'teryx Atom LT, Rab Microlight Alpine (light but warm)
  
  

🏔 Other Gear 

• ❄️ Microspikes (Early Season) – If you’re hiking in June, some sections will still be covered in snow. Best Picks: Kahtoola MICROspikes, Black Diamond Access Spikes
• 🏔️Trekking Poles – Your knees will thank you on the descents (~10,000m of elevation loss!). Top Choices: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork, Leki Micro Vario Carbon,
• Earplugs and Sleep Gear 💤 (Hut dorms = symphony of snoring😅) Sleeping Bag Liner: Sea to Summit Reactor, Rab Silk Liner (light & compact)

 

❌ What to Leave Behind:

• 👕 Too Many Clothes – You’ll end up wearing the same 2-3 outfits anyway.
• 🛏️ Bulky Sleeping Bag – Most huts provide blankets; a light liner is all you need.
• 📸 Heavy Camera Gear– Unless you're a pro photographer, a good phone will do just fine😉.

🔥 Pro Tip: Aim for a 7–9kg (15–20 lbs) pack, including water. Your back and legs will appreciate it.

Will you join us this summer? 🥰

💡 Reality: While the TMB is well-marked, trails can split, and it’s easy to miss an alternate route (ahem, the Fenêtre d’Arpette). Having the right app is a game-changer.

📲 Top Apps for TMB:

• AllTrails+ (Pre-download maps—cell signal isn’t a guarantee!)
• Maps.me (Free, works offline, solid for TMB routes.)
• Gaia GPS (More advanced users—great for tracking elevation.)
• Chamonix Tourist Office App (Useful for weather and last-minute hut updates.)

🔥 Pro Tip: Always carry a physical map as a backup. Tech can fail, but paper never runs out of battery🔋.

Say cheeeeeese😁

• 🌅 Start Early – Huts clear out around 7 AM, and trust us, hiking before the crowds is worth it.
• 💰 Cash is King – Not all huts accept cards, and ATMs are rare once you’re on the trail.
• 🏡 Rest Days Exist – Courmayeur (Italy) is a perfect mid-way spot to grab a real bed and indulge in 🍕 & 🍷.
• ⚡ Be Ready for Storms – Afternoon thunderstorms? Common. Plan to be off high passes by early afternoon.
• 🏞️ Respect the Trail – No wild camping in most areas, and always pack out your trash.
  

🎯 Final Takeaway: Planning ahead makes or breaks your TMB experience. Book huts early, pack light, and have a solid navigation plan—so you can focus on what really matters: the adventure of a lifetime.

Imagine the feeling of standing on top of it all🏔

More info about Hiking the TMB: Tour du Mont Blanc on the links below. 👇

 

🥾 5 days TMB Trip 👉 Hiking the TMB: Tour du Mont Blanc

🎒 Facts on Tour du Mont Blanc 👉 Facts on Tour du Mont Blanc

🗺 Tips on planning your hike 👉 What is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

😄 What people say about us 👉 TrustPilot reviews

🗺 App for Pre-downloaded Maps 👉 AllTrails

📍App for Offline Maps 👉 Maps.me

🏔 App for Tracking Elevation 👉 Gaia GPS

🌞 App Weather and last-minute hut updates 👉 Chamonix Tourist Office

👨 First record summit Mont Blanc 👉 Jacques Balmat

👩 First woman to summit Mont Blanc 👉 Marie Paradis

🚀 If you'd love to start planning your next adventure, we are here for you, just text Giulia on WhatsApp and she'll help you out 🥰👇

If you’re craving an unforgettable multi-day trek through jaw-dropping alpine landscapes, we’ve got just the trip for you—introducing our Tour des Dents du Midi in Switzerland! 🏔️✨

 

🌟 Fun fact: The Dents du Midi (aka “Teeth of the South”) is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the Alps, soaring over 3,000m high. This incredible trek loops around the entire massif, leading you through glaciers, wildflower meadows, rugged ridges, and charming mountain huts—basically, a real-life postcard. 😍

I wanna wake up to this view🥰

Discover Mapo Tapo through our travellers' eyes! In each newsletter, we'll be featuring a selection of our favourite snapshots taken during our trips worldwide.👇 Here's a sneak peak of our last trip to Norway

@ Mapo Tapo S.r.l. at Viale Piceno 6, 20129, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.

 

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