Mt Toubkal Roof of the North 8 Day Trek

Experience Required

The summit of Mt Toubkal is suitable for keen walkers/trekkers who are fit and able to walk for 4 – 5 hours in a day with a light rucksack. Ideally, you will be able to walk for consecutive days for this length of time. The altitude is manageable and not that great so this can be an amazing first venture to the high peaks before heading on other treks like Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro. If you choose to trek during winter, any previous winter walking experience is ideal although you will learn all you need on the trip itself.

Equipment

We can forward a detailed equipment list upon booking. However, you can also view our Recommended Equipment for this trip »

Over the years, we have gained an incredible amount of experience and expertise in outdoor equipment and clothing. We have applied this to each trip that we offer and recommend what we believe to be the most suitable items for your trip. We have also teamed up with outdoor equipment experts Cotswold Outdoor and as an EverTrekker, you can receive 15% off all equipment in-store and online.

If you are looking to climb Mt Toubkal from October to the end of April, then this is a rundown of what gear you'll need for this EPIC trek!

Day pack 

We usually recommended 20-30 litre day packs. Your daypack will carry your essentials for the day, water, suncream, waterproofs etc. Try to prevent buying a day pack that is too big as it makes it easy to overpack. You can check out an article HERE to check out all our favourite packs.

Good 4 season winter hiking boot 

A couple of recommendations which come to mind would be the infamous Meindl Bhutan or the Mammut Trovats. Essentially you need a study winter hiking boot which will provide you plenty of grip and support for the wintery terrain and conditions you can expect on Mt Toubkal this time of year. Please note, B1 boots are sufficient for this trip, this means they are compatible with C1 crampons which will fit on your boot to provide you extra grip in the slippery terrain. 

Crampons 

During winter, the ground is steep and covered in snow and ice so it's crucial to have a pair of crampons to provide additional grip. Whilst you can hire crampons from our team, I would always recommend bringing your own to ensure quality, plus it means you can get used to them beforehand. . 

For some more information about crampons, check out Dave’s guide HERE!

Duffel bag

We recommend an 80ltr duffel bag to carry the bulk of your equipment. This will be carried by a mule so be mindful to only bring your essentials. Your travel bag or suitcase will be kept safely for you in Imlil lodge whilst you are off adventuring! 

2-3 thermal base layer 

We would recommend 1 short sleeve base layer and 2 long sleeve thermal base layers. It's crucial that these are not cotton and are made of breathable fabric which will be quick drying, such as merino wool, smart wool or bamboo.

1 Midlayer

A midlayer fleece for added insulation when the temperature start to drop. Some brands we like are Rab, Craghoppers, Columbia and North Face. 

2 pairs walking trousers 

We recommend one winter pair and one lighter weight pair. The winter lined trousers are a lifesaver on cold summit days and the lighter ones are perfect for the approach to Refuge.

Walking trousers can vary in price quite a lot. From the likes of Mammut and Fjallraven, Rab and Montane to more budget brands like Peter Storm or Decathlon. 

Ensure you are looking at materials and the product's technology (are they breathable, flexible, water and wind resistant?)

Down Jacket 

I would recommend something like the Mountain Equipment’s Lightline down jacket, its a firm favourite amongst us Yetis at HQ. 

Essentially, you need to be looking at something with a 700 fill. 

Waterproof jacket 

A light waterproof is key and perfect to have to hand in your day pack in case of a shower. There shouldn’t be much rain at the time of year but you never know! I personally like The Rab Firewall waterproof. 

Gloves / mittens

The Painted Yeti recommends his trusted Montane prism gloves / mitt with a pair of liners. If you are prone to suffering from cold hands, the Titan Gore-Tex Snowboard/Ski Mitts may be best for you.

I used the Vulcan Heated cycling/Ski Gloves when I did Mt Toubkal, they are great gloves alone but the cool thing about these gloves is they use infrared technology to heat up the gloves too! 

You can check out my full review of the kit I tried from Vulcan Sportswear HERE. The kit would be ideal for a trip like this, remember, as an EverTrek customer you get 15% off, the code is in your members area!  

Hydration

Please be cautious that water bladders are prone to freezing in the cold weather conditions. We recommend bringing 2-3 water bottles (total 2-3 litres) instead which you can store wrapped in your day pack away from the direct cold. 

Bottled water is available to buy at the refuge, you will need to replenish your supply at this point. Bottles and snacks at the refuge are inexpensive, you will need to have cash. 

3/4 season sleeping bag 

If you run cold, it's always a good idea to bring a sleeping bag liner with you as they can have a big impact on keeping you cosy! 

Crucial toiletries

• TOILET PAPER! The refuge is very basic so you must remember to bring your own toilet roll. 

• Disposable wet wipes,

• Hand sanitiser

• Ear plugs (the refuge is can also be pretty noisy!) 

• Diarrhea kit 

• Hydration tables (We personally like the SiS ones) 

Others bits 

• 3-4 pairs of walking socks 

• Head torch is essential (remember to pack spare batteries)

• Power bank 

• Warm hat 

• Neck buff 

• Toiletries 

• Small quick drying towel 

• Sunglasses 

• Flip flops or casual shoes for around camp 

• Pack of cards or something to keep you entertained in the refuge in the evenings as there is little signal 

• Dry bags 

• Plastic zip lock bag to store rubbish until you are off the mountain 

• Lip balm 

The following kit is available to hire from our team in Morocco however please let us know beforehand so we can give them a heads up.

Sleeping Bag - 5 Euro per day

Down Jacket - 10 Euro per day

Crampons - 5 Euro per day

Ice Axe - 5 Euro per day

Helmet - Free

Duffel bag -5 Euro per day

This can be paid directly to the team in Morocco after you arrive.