Packing for High Atlas Hiking
The High Atlas Mountains range in North Africa runs for almost 1000 km, from the Atlantic coast to northern Algeria. It’s no wonder then that the local Berbers coined them “Idraren Draren” or “Mountains of Mountains.” When summiting the Toubkal Massif proper, this undulating mountain range appear as smaller stalagmites, chomping and swallowing the horizon.
Although Toubkal Massif is just over 4000 meters, around 13,000 feet, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is an easy hike that requires no gear. In actuality, it is a four-season hike, where sun can turn to rain, rain can turn to fog, and fog can turn to snow or, worst, to hail. It’s easy to find “What to Bring” lists in any guidebook or website, but here are five essential, easily forgotten items to bring when trekking in Toubkal in Morocco.
Hate carrying water, but got to have it? Although mules can carry most of your supplies when walking in the High Atlas, a better, eco-friendly idea would be to carry a water purifier. The newest, and probably best hiker-friendly purifier is the SteriPEN UV water purifier. It uses UV rays instead of chemicals to rid water of viruses, protozoa including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. (Costs run $99 to $130 for the Adventure Model)
After you’ve drunk plenty of purified water, you’ll not want to forget about what’s carrying all the weight—your feet. These appendages carry you 2-4000 steps per hour uphill, so it would be wise to bring a couple items. The first being a sturdy pair of silk and nylon liner socks to help prevent blisters. These socks you wear solely (pun intended) underneath your thicker, Merino- or smart-wool hiking socks. (Costs $9-$19)
If you do happen to get those blundering blisters nonetheless, you can easily relieve the reddening rub by applying a “second skin” material. It’s best to carry a lightweight kit with band-aids, scissors, needles, alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream, sports tape and the second skin material. (Blister Medic Kit Cost $9.95)
Two indispensable pieces of equipment you’ll need for trekking Toubkal is a pair of Nordic shock absorbing retractable hiking poles with wrists straps. These not only provide you with 4-wheel drive power, but also help you keep your balance and stay injury free, especially when descending. It’s a good idea to have an hour lesson with a trained Nordic teacher before using them on the mountain. (costs vary widely from $11.99 to $139.99)
Since we’re talking about protection, a vital piece of equipment is a pair of UV polarized sunglasses. It is quite possible to get snow blindness without snow or sun purely from the dense fog floating across the ranges almost every afternoon. You might want to think of a sturdy case with a lens wipe cloth, as the condensation could inhibit your grandiose views and safety.
Of course you will pack more necessities than the five mentioned here, but these above-mentioned articles are easily forgotten. Hiking in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco is often breathtaking and grinding on the body. With little planning, your hike, no matter the length, will be memorable and mesmerizing.
Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel Morocco Tours
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September 19th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
[…] Packing for High Atlas Hiking The High Atlas Mountains range in North Africa runs for almost 1000 km, from the Atlantic coast to northern Algeria. […]
October 26th, 2007 at 9:49 am
[…] with a booming economy and inbound flights from Europe, the USA and Asia. Beautiful scenery of the High Atlas Mountains, wonderful local foods like the chicken or lamb tagine and sweet raisin couscous, and, of course, […]