My Exact Packing List For Summiting Mount Toubkal In Morocco (Detailed!)

If you’ve decided to summit Morocco’s Mount Toubkal — the highest mountain in North Africa — one of the most important things you need to plan is what to pack.

It’s very different from packing for a city or beach trip where you don’t need special equipment. To trek Mount Toubkal, you’ll need very specific gear and clothing if you want to safely and comfortably make it to the top.

(Trust me, you don’t want to get all the way to basecamp and realize you don’t have the right boots or warm enough layers.)

As an avid high-altitude hiker and someone who has successfully summited Mount Toubkal, I’m here to help. This guide shares exactly what I packed during my spring Toubkal trek, which items are especially essential and why, and what conditions you need to prepare for.

🔗 Note: This guide contains affiliate links to the exact items I genuinely use, love, and packed for my Morocco hiking adventure.

Mount Toubkal Quick Facts

• Overview: This Morocco trek is usually done in 2 days, hiking from Imlil to Toubkal Refuge on Day 1 and Toubkal Refuge to the Mount Toubkal Summit and then back to Imlil on Day 2.
• Recommended Company: Toubkal Guide. Note: It is required by Moroccan law to hire a guide to summit Mount Toubkal.
• Summit Altitude: 4,167 meters (13,671 feet).
• Toubkal Refuge Altitude: 3,207 meters (10,522 feet).
• Trail Distance: Approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) round-trip from Imlil.
• Elevation Gain: Around 2,427 meters (7,963 feet) of total climbing.
• Difficulty: Strenuous. While it isn’t necessarily technical, the steep scree and snow slopes (especially in winter and spring) require excellent physical fitness and additional gear like crampons and an ice axe.
• Free Planning Resources: Get my free Travel Planning Toolkit with budget calculator, Google Maps, planning cheat sheets, and more

Mount Toubkal Weather

Spring (My Trek)

My Mount Toubkal trek was the first week of May. On average, daytime temperatures were between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in the valleys like Imlil; however, as you climb higher into the High Atlas Mountains, you need to be prepared for much chillier conditions and even snow.

The summit was about 14°F (-10°C) during my hike, and there was deep snow for more than half of the summit push.

Not only that, but high-altitude weather can change in an instant — and it’s even possible to experience multiple seasons in a single day.

Other Seasons

If you are planning your trek for a different time of year, here is how the weather shifts and how you should adjust this packing list:

• ☀️ Summer (June to August): Expect very hot temperatures of about 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) in the valleys, while the summit hovers between a comfortable 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F). If summiting Toubkal in summer, you can ditch the heavy winter gear and crampons and focus on staying extra hydrated.
• 🍂 Autumn (September to October): Valleys sit around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), while the summit ranges from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F). You can pack almost identically to the list below, but you can usually leave the crampons behind unless an early winter storm dusts the peaks in late October.
• ❄️ Winter (November to March): A true high-altitude mountaineering expedition with freezing valleys at about 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) and brutal summit temperatures plunging to -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F). This requires heavier layers, crampons, an ice axe, and a 4-season sleeping bag.

Note: These are general guidelines. Check with your tour company for the latest forecast, and keep an eye on Mountain-Forecast.com.

Luggage Transfers On The Trail

Understanding how your gear gets up the mountain is key to packing efficiently. On a guided Mount Toubkal trek, your main luggage is carried by mules, who are steered by local muleteers.

With that in mind, here are some important things to know:

Bring soft luggage only: Mules cannot safely carry rigid suitcases, so you’ll want a water-resistant duffel bag (like the North Face Base Camp Duffle) or a large, frameless backpack that can be securely strapped to the mule’s pack saddle.

Keep it under the weight limit: Most trekking companies enforce a strict weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs) for your main duffel bag. If they don’t, I’d reconsider booking with them as they may not consider the mule’s safety.

Leave excess luggage behind: You’ll likely stay in Imlil the nights before and after the 2-day Toubkal summit trek. Most lodges in Imlil (like Atlas Imoula Guest House) or your tour operator can store your non-hiking luggage for free until you return from the summit.

You will carry your own daypack. This should contain your water, rain gear, warm layers, camera, and snacks for the day. Once the mules depart in the morning, you won’t have access to your main duffel bag until you arrive at the refuge.

My Recommended Toubkal Trek Layering System

When trekking, you want to utilize a structured layering system to keep warm and dry. Usually it’s a 4-layer system, but because it was very cold on Mount Toubkal’s summit in spring I used 5 layers:

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layer: Keeps sweat away from your skin (Merino wool long-sleeve shirts work best).
• Bonus Mid-Layer: I brought my insulated Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Jacket as an additional layer for summit day.
• Fleece Mid-Layer: Traps body heat while remaining breathable.
• Packable Down Puffy: Provides maximum insulation while packing down tiny into your daypack.
• Weatherproof Outer Layer: Protects you from biting mountain winds, rain, sleet, or snow.

Detailed Mount Toubkal Packing List

On that note, here is the exact packing list I recommend for trekking Mount Toubkal in spring. In case it’s helpful, I’ve also included links to the brands I used:

🧳 Luggage

• 1x spacious duffle bag. I use the highly durable and waterproof North Face Base Camp Duffle in medium. I’ve literally used this bag as a sled on a snowy downhill trail and everything inside stayed bone dry!
• 1x 20-35 liter day pack. I’ve used the G4Free 35L Day Pack for years now, which has essential features like padded and adjustable hip and shoulder straps, a chest strap to distribute weight more evenly, 7+ different pockets and compartments, a water bladder exit on the top, and a rain cover.
• Carabiners. I hook a few of these Rhino Lightweight Snap Carabiner Clips to my daypack so I can secure my water bottle, hiking poles, etc.
• 1x tote bag with zipper. I love this tear-resistant foldable bag that packs down small. It came in handy for keeping muddy boots (wrapped in bags) separate from my main luggage.
• 1x hiking fanny pack. Not essential, but helpful for quick front access to things like sunscreen, snacks, chapstick, and your phone. The Cotopaxi Allpa 1.5L Hip Pack is a spacious and sustainably-made option.

💦 Hydration

• 3L water bladder. I have used the 3L Platypus Big Zip EVO Water Reservoir for years. You will want a lot of water for summit day!
• Reuseable water bottle. I like to have a bottle on hand to add my daily electrolyte mix in — plus having extra water for summit day is a smart idea. My go-to bottle is the LifeStraw Go, as it also allows you to filter tap water to reduce plastic use.
• Electrolyte mix. I’m a fan of FITAID Hydrate, which works great and isn’t overly sweet.

🧥 Clothing

The following list of hiking attire is specifically for the 2-day Mount Toubkal trek. You can adjust the amount of shirts and underwear you’ll bring if your trek is shorter or longer. I actually added a few extra days of hiking the High Atlas to my Morocco trip itinerary and highly recommend it.

• 1x moisture-wicking t-shirts. You likely won’t wear this, but I always like to have a t-shirt just in case. Choosing merino wool t-shirts helps regulate your body temperature and reduces odors.
• 2x long-sleeve moisture-wicking base layers. I used one for hiking and one for a clean warm layer at the refuge. You can then wear the clean one on summit day.
• 1x insulated mid-layer. As mentioned above, I packed my Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Jacket as a bonus layer for summit day.
• 1x fleece. I never travel without my Cotopaxi fleece, which can keep you warm on summits and mountain passes — plus it’s cozy to wear at guesthouses.
• 1x packable puffy. This should be something warm and lightweight that easily packs down into your daypack. Personally, every packable puffy I’ve ever purchased is from Big Agnes; I’m currently using their Larkspur Jacket.
• 1x rain- and wind-proof jacket. The jacket I currently wear (Backcountry Unita Shell) has been discontinued, but another top-reviewed option is the Columbia Arcadia II Jacket.
• 1x hiking pants. I like the Coalatree Trailhead Hiking Pants.
• 1x rain-proof pants. I love the 33,000ft Packable Rain Pants, which keep you dry and pack down small. When it rains, you can pull these out of your pack and put them on over your hiking pants.
• 1x moisture-wicking legging. A pair of Merino Wool Leggings provides an extra layer of warmth on summit day. You can also wear these around the refuge the night before.
• 1x-2x neck gaiter. I’m a big fan of BUFF neck gaiters, which can be used as sun, wind, and cold protection. They’re also versatile and can be used as a scarf, hat, headband, and more — which is why you might want to bring more than one.
• 1x scarf. This will be essential for summit day. I wore a wool scarf over my neck gaiter.
• 1x winter hat. This will be essential for summit day.
• 1x warm gloves. These will be essential for summit day. Just make sure you choose a pair that also allows you to hold onto your trekking poles.
• Pajamas. Even though it was cold outside, I got very warm in the Toubkal Refuge dorm and ended up in a t-shirt and shorts. That said, it may be chillier when you visit.
  • Tip: Do not wear your summit day base layers as pajamas, as if you sweat in your sleep they will be damp.
• 2x underwear. I recommend packing bamboo underwear as they’re soft and moisture-wicking.
• 2x sports bra. Use 1 pair for hiking, and keep 1 to have something dry to change into at the refuge.
• 1x sock liners. Optional, but my OrrinSports Toe Socks Liners have helped me avoid blisters on treks around the globe.
• 2x hiking socks. Bring 1 midweight pair for hiking from Imlil to the refuge and 1 heavyweight pair for summit day. You can also wear the heavyweight pair as your clean guesthouse socks the night before summit day.

💊 Health & Wellness

• Travel insurance. I use SafetyWing — which offers affordable, comprehensive, and straightforward plans (no waiting for a quote!).
  • Tip: You should get the “Adventure Sports Add-On,” as once you wear crampons or carry an ice axe, the activity is considered mountaineering.
• Prescription medications. These should go in your carry-on in case your checked bags get lost, and should be kept in their original pharmacy-labeled containers. Consider asking your doctor about Diamox, which helps prevent altitude sickness by speeding up your body’s natural acclimatization process.
• Over-the-counter medications. Be prepared for regular high-altitude and travel ailments like headaches, sinus issues, diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach.
• Relief for sore muscles. My go-to is White Tiger Balm, which I use for everything from achy muscles to headaches.
• Sun protection. This includes SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a sun hat, and SPF lip balm.
• Toilet paper. Toubkal Refuge does not provide this, so bring your own.
• Soap. Toubkal Refuge also doesn’t supply this. I used these biodegradable soap sheets that take up almost no space.
• Toiletries. When trekking in the High Atlas, guesthouses don’t typically supply much, if anything, so bring everything you’ll need to shower and refresh. My personal toiletry kit included deodorant, travel toothbrush, mouthwash, toothpaste, floss, Vaseline, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bar soap, razor, comb, face wash, and moisturizer.
  • Note: Toubkal Refuge has cold showers, so I used the plant-based WONDERFUL Travel Flushable Wipes to freshen up. These can also double up as toilet paper, though avoid flushing them as plumbing can be fragile.
• Hair ties and headbands. You’ll want to keep your hair out of your face while trekking. For something stylish and multi-functional, I’m obsessed with these K’lani Hair Tie Bracelets.

Things You Don’t Need To Pack For Trekking Mount Toubkal

Now that we’ve gone over what to pack for summiting Toubkal, here are some things you won’t need:

Cute outfits. Everyone at the Toubkal Refuge is dressed strictly in functional hiking gear. Save your stylish clothes for your time exploring Marrakech and store them in Imlil during the trek.

Sleeping pad or pillow. The rooms at Toubkal Refuge feature raised wooden platforms lined with standard bunk mattresses and pillows.

Cooking gear or stoves. Your guiding company prepares all your hot meals, so you can safely leave backpacking stoves, fuel canisters, and heavy cooksets at home.