Climber roped in on snowy ridge approaching Mont Blanc summit with surrounding alpine peaks, part of Hiking in London Club 2025 Spartan expedition. — Mountaineers on the final ridge towards Mont Blanc summit during the Hiking in London Club 2025 Spartan expedition.

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Mont Blanc Summit Expedition: Spartan Guide (30 Sep–4 Oct 2025)

Spartans, our date with 4,805 m is coming. This guide explains what to wear each day, how to pack light without being cold or overheating, and how to stay comfortable in huts without showers.

See the full expedition itinerary

Layering principles

Base layer: merino for warmth and odour control. Recommended: Merino 250 Midweight top and bottom.
Mid layer: fleece or lightweight synthetic insulation (primaloft).
Shell: waterproof, windproof hardshell jacket and trousers.
Rule: if you are sweating on the climb, remove one layer; if you feel cold when you stop, add one layer.

What to wear by day

Day 1 – London → Geneva → Chamonix

Comfortable travel clothes: merino tee, light trousers, thin softshell or hoodie.
Travel shoes. Keep this outfit clean to reuse on Day 5.

Day 2 – Ascent to Refuge Tête Rousse

Base: Merino 250 Midweight top; merino socks.
Legs: trekking trousers; carry Merino 250 bottom if it is cold.
Mid: fleece or light primaloft.
Shell: hardshell jacket accessible for wind or rain.
Buff or cap; thin gloves in a pocket.

Day 3 – Climb to Refuge du Goûter (acclimatisation)

Same as Day 2, but keep hardshell trousers ready for snow or strong wind.
On arrival, change into a dry merino tee to sleep without moisture.

Day 4 – Summit day (start 04:00) and descent → Geneva

Base: Merino 250 Midweight top and bottom.
Mid: fleece or primaloft plus an extra warm layer (light down or thicker primaloft) for breaks and summit.
Shell: hardshell jacket and trousers ready at all times.
Hands/head: thin liner gloves plus warm waterproof mountain gloves; beanie and buff.
Feet: fresh merino socks to prevent blisters and odour.

Day 5 – Morning in Geneva → London

Use the clean travel outfit from Day 1 (kept in a dry bag during the climb).

Quick checklist

Top: 2 merino tees (rotation), 1 Merino 250 base top, 1 fleece or light primaloft, 1 extra insulation (light down or warmer primaloft), 1 hardshell jacket.

Bottom: trekking trousers, 1 Merino 250 base bottom, 1 hardshell trouser.

Accessories: 3 pairs merino socks, 2–3 technical underwear, thin liner gloves, warm waterproof mountain gloves, buff, beanie, category 4 sunglasses.

Footwear: B3 mountaineering boots (automatic crampon compatible), gaiters if needed.

Technical: helmet, harness, crampons, classic ice axe, trekking poles (confirm what the club provides).

Other: 35–45 L backpack, headlamp with spare batteries, 1.5 L water minimum, small thermos optional, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm, energy snacks, sleeping bag liner, personal first aid.

Hut hygiene (no showers)

Unscented wet wipes for armpits, feet, groin and neck; small microfibre towel.
Rotate 2–3 merino tees to air overnight; merino resists odour well.
Change socks daily; hang used pairs to dry each evening.
Use dry bags: one for clean clothes, one for used clothes to contain odour.
Small stick deodorant; anti-chafe cream for feet and inner thighs.

Spartan pro tips

Start summit day completely dry: change base layer if you sweated the previous day.
Eat and drink before you feel thirsty or cold; take short two to three minute stops.
Keep gloves and beanie in quick-access pockets; weather changes fast.
Avoid cotton. Use technical fabrics or merino only.
On the summit: layer up quickly, take the Spartan photo, descend with time margin.

Updated: 10 Aug 2025 · Hiking in London Club