What to Pack for Trekking in Morocco: Atlas & Toubkal Packing List

Wondering what to pack for trekking in Morocco? Temperatures change a lot between the warm valleys and the high passes of the Atlas, so layers are the key. On our treks mules carry your main bag, and you walk with a small daypack. This list covers summer and winter.

Quick answer: pack light layers, a warm jacket, good boots, a headlamp, sun protection and a 20 to 30 liter daypack. In winter add crampons and an ice axe for Toubkal (rentable in Imlil). For the desert treks, see what to pack for the Morocco desert.

Packing by Season

BookSummer (Jun–Sep)Winter (Dec–Mar)
ClothesLight layers, fleece for nightsThermal layers, down jacket, waterproof shell
FeetHiking bootsWarm boots compatible with crampons
Head and handsSun hat, sunglassesBeanie, gloves, sunglasses
Toubkal extrasHeadlampCrampons, ice axe, gaiters
SleepingSleeping bag for gîtes and refugeWarm sleeping bag (−10 °C)

Read Toubkal in winter for snow conditions.

The Essentials

Daypack

20 to 30 liters, with 2 liters of water, snacks, sun cream and a light jacket.

Main bag

A soft bag of up to 15 kg, carried by mules between gîtes and camps.

Health

Personal medicines, blister plasters, purification tablets and travel insurance.

Money

Cash in dirhams for drinks and tips; there are no ATMs in the mountains.

Trekking gear in the mountains | equipo de trekking en la montaña
Trekking gear in the mountains | equipo de trekking en la montaña. Photo: Joshua Reddekopp joshuaryanphoto, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Treks

Toubkal

See the Toubkal trek 2 days and read how to climb Toubkal.

Villages

The Atlas villages trek or the Imlil day hike.

Expeditions

The M’Goun trek or the Sahara desert trek.

Good to Know

  • Dress modestly in villages: covered shoulders and knees.
  • Sleeping bags and gear can be rented in Imlil.
  • Leave unused luggage at your riad in Marrakech.

What to Pack for Trekking in Morocco FAQ

Do I need hiking boots?

Yes, boots with good grip are best on rocky Atlas trails.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

Yes for the refuge and camps; gîtes often provide blankets but a bag is more comfortable.

Can I rent gear in Morocco?

Yes, crampons, ice axes and sleeping bags can be rented in Imlil.

How heavy can my bag be?

Up to about 15 kg per person for the mules.

What should women wear in villages?

Loose clothes covering shoulders and knees are respectful and comfortable.

Plan Your Trek in Morocco

In short, pack layers, good boots and a small daypack, and leave the heavy lifting to the mules. Tell us your dates and we will prepare your trek.

Plan your trek: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all our treks in Morocco.