What to pack for Toubkal
One daypack, one warm layer more than you think, and the passport you will be asked for on the way.
The short answer
Pack a daypack with warm layers for the summit, your own head torch, passport, cash in small dirham notes, snacks, toilet paper, flip-flops for the refuge and ear plugs. Wear broken-in hiking boots and bring a waterproof jacket. A sleeping bag, crampons and an ice axe can be rented in Imlil.
Leave your suitcase at your accommodation in Marrakech; several listings ask you to.
See which Toubkal treks still start on your dates
On the two-day treks you carry your own bag to 3,207 m unless you pay for a mule, so every item counts. Marrakech Day Trips - Tours lets you leave luggage at your accommodation or with its team, and Click Excursions asks you to leave large bags in Marrakech or Imlil. Pack the daypack the evening before the pickup.
Treks that lighten the load
Only a daypack on your back
Mules carry the main luggage on these summit treks, so the bag you carry holds water, layers and snacks.
- 3-day summit trekMarrakech Day Trips - ToursMules carry the main bags4.5 ★ (820) · from €171Book on GetYourGuide
- 4-day summit trek with two nights in ImlilMarrakech Day Trips - ToursMule team for luggage4.5 ★ (22) · from €191Book on GetYourGuide
Rent the rest in Imlil
Sleeping bag, crampons and warm clothes are on the rental list at the trailhead. Pack light and fill the gaps there.
- 2-day summit trek with mealsMarrakech Day Trips - ToursSleeping bag, crampons and warm clothes for rent4.7 ★ (1,691) · from €100Book on GetYourGuide
- 2-day trek with refuge nightClick ExcursionsRental list in Imlil on the listing4.6 ★ (1,358) · from €98Book on GetYourGuide
No sleeping bag to carry
On this village trek the sleeping bag comes with the package and you walk with a small backpack only.
- 2-day village trek via Tizi MzikMarrakech Day Trips - ToursSleeping bags included, small backpack only4.7 ★ (852) · from €65Book on GetYourGuide
The basics, all year
- Head torch. The summit walk starts in the dark. Bring your own: rented head torches were not fit for purpose, writes one reviewer.
- Passport. Click Excursions asks you to carry it, and the checkpoints on the way to the refuge look at it. See guide rules.
- Cash in small notes. For water and snacks at the stalls along the path, rental in Imlil and tips. A reviewer notes that places there do not take cards.
- Snacks. Food at the refuge is basic, and snacks on the way cost more than in Marrakech.
- Toilet paper. On the packing list of Berber Tours & Adventures and in several reviews.
- Flip-flops or sandals. Hiking boots are not allowed inside the refuge, and reviewers want them for the shower too.
- Ear plugs. You sleep a few hours in a dormitory with 20 or more people.
- Boots and a waterproof jacket. Rented ones are a gamble; sturdy ankle boots help on the scree.
Berber Tours & Adventures adds a sleeping bag, poles and gloves to its list. Water bottles, sunscreen and a power bank complete the bag.
Extra layers by season
| When | Add to the basics | Why |
|---|---|---|
| April to May, September to October | Fleece and a warm jacket for the summit, hat and gloves, sun protection for the day | Cold at sunrise even when the valley is warm |
| June to August | Sun hat, sunscreen, more water capacity, still a warm layer for the top | Hot in the valley, cold on the summit before dawn |
| November to April | Insulated jacket, warm gloves, hat, gaiters; crampons and ice axe when needed (rent in Imlil) | Snow on the upper slopes, a cold refuge, short days |
Summer guests still describe a cold sunrise at 4,167 m, in September one reviewer met snow on the summit, and in November another found it freezing on the way up. The gear for snow is on Toubkal in winter. Months compared on the best time to go page.
What you can rent in Imlil
Click Excursions lists a sleeping bag, poles, a rucksack, a jacket and gaiters for rent in Imlil; Marrakech Day Trips - Tours adds crampons, ice axe and warm clothes. ATLAS VERTICAL TRAVEL names gloves and a rain jacket in winter. Payment is in cash, and the quality varies, so check each item before you set off. A rented sleeping bag and poles were fine for one reviewer; boots and jackets are better brought from home. Compare what each trek includes.
Tell the operator about vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals when you book. Marrakech Day Trips - Tours offers them on request, and on the trail there is little to buy beyond snacks.
Packing tips from people who went
Small things come up again and again: cash, toilet paper, flip-flops, a quick-dry towel and gear for changing weather. Some tips come from guests of the village treks around Imlil.
“It's not an easy hike but your guide will get you through it, making sure you're well fed and have plenty of breaks. Make sure you bring cash (in small denominations) so you can purchase snacks and water along the way (there are plenty of small shops along the trail) AND TIP YOUR GUIDE WELL!! Also bring toilet paper!”
“It was a great experience. I'm really grateful that I booked it. Everything went great, from the transportation to the location to the pick-up after the hike. We were given plenty of food. Both lunch and dinner were served hot. I would recommend bringing slippers or flip-flops to the stopover, as you are not allowed to walk around there in hiking boots.”
“I recommend it more for advanced hikers, and I suggest having the right gear, because the weather can be unpredictable! :)”
“All three days of hiking were a reasonable level, some steep accents and descents but all felt safe and enjoyable following Mohamed. Would highly recommend this hike to all levels of hikers. Note, we found it helpful to bring quick dry towels and some loo roll.”
“2 days of accessible trekking (about 12 km and 700+ m per day). Spend the night in a simple Berber gîte (bring your sandals, soap, toilet paper, and towel) that's clean and comfortable (pillows, blankets, European toilet, and hot shower).”
Reviews by trekkers who booked through GetYourGuide.
FAQ
Do I need my own sleeping bag for Toubkal?
No, you can rent one in Imlil on most summit treks. Bring your own if you prefer; the refuge also provides blankets.
Can I leave my suitcase in Marrakech?
Yes. Marrakech Day Trips - Tours lets you leave luggage at your accommodation or with its team, and Click Excursions asks you to leave large bags in Marrakech or Imlil.
Do I need my passport on the trek?
Yes. Checkpoints on the way to the refuge check passports and the guide’s licence, and Click Excursions asks you to bring it.
What shoes should I wear on Toubkal?
Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support. The upper part is scree and, in winter, snow. A reviewer advises bringing your own boots rather than renting.
How much cash should I bring?
Enough in small notes for water and snacks, gear rental in Imlil and tips at the end. Reviewers found that places on the way do not take cards.
Bag packed, now the trek
Compare summit and village treks with what each includes.
See the comparison