Having the right equipment while trekking through the Atlas Mountains is crucial. Toubkal National Park is unique in the sense that mountains can either be covered by a white blanket of snow, typically between November and April, or they can be deceivingly hot. We guide treks all year round and wrote an article on the best times to schedule your expedition here.

There are a few pieces of equipment that are heavily encouraged no matter what time of year you are trekking in. Safety is our utmost priority on the mountain and we will help you double-check your gear and make sure that you aren’t missing any critical pieces.

Our packing list for the Atlas Mountains includes:

– Proper hiking boots/shoes (blisters and broken shoelaces are no fun 4167 m up)

– Warm layers (wind-breaking jacket, long sleeve)

– Gloves/cap (the wind can bring on cold gusts leaving your ears and hands numb)

– Sunglasses

– Water bottle

– Headlamp*

– Sleeping bag*

– Trekking poles* (not entirely necessary but can be helpful at certain points, especially in winter) 

*We partner with a climbing shop in Imlil and can help you rent whatever equipment you’d like. At the time of this writing, headlamps are $2, sleeping bags $5, and poles $7.

Other items that are useful include a light backpack, sunscreen, a camera, and a scarf. Between November and April, we will help you rent crampons and ask you to pack much warmer gear (leggings, wool socks, thicker gloves/hat). 

We use pack mules mainly for food, water, and sleeping gear. If at any point the gear you have on you becomes too heavy, let your guide know and they will either help carry your gear themselves or find room on the mules.

Exploring the Atlas Mountains is a unique opportunity that will not only help you realize the diversity of landscape in Morocco but also help you further understand the home of the Berbers and deepen your understanding of our culture. 

If you have additional questions about your packing list, feel free to ask me.

If you are feeling ready for your next adventure, click here to take you to our expedition calendar.

Trekking Atlas Mountains