Mont Blanc : What equipment do I need & can I hire it?

You will need the following as a minimum:

• Clothing. Warm clothing, including thermals, jumper, jacket and over-trousers (preferably water-proof material such as gore-tex).
• Several pairs of gloves (different thickness), mitts, warm hat. Spare extra warm jacket (down or similar).
• Boots. Sturdy mountain boots eg La Sportiva Nepal Extreme or similar.
• Hardwear. Crampons, Ice axe, helmet and harness. Karabiners, prussiks.
• Rope. Usually 30m of 9mm full rope will suffice.
• Others. Headtorch, insulated water bottle/flask, snack food, camera

Most of the hardwear can be hired from almost any outdoor shop in Chamonix. Ropes and clothing will need to be purchased.