My 2024 Ultralight TMB Gear List - Sub 8 Pound

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  • Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
  • My Full 2024 Ultralight Sub 8 lb Gear List for the Tour du Mont Blanc!
    Get 20% Off My Favorite Trip Planning & Navigation App! - bit.ly/3StZwTd
    My Gear:
    ESC The Mallory 25L Prototype Pack - bit.ly/3PGb1H9
    Black Diamond Carbon Z-Pole - bit.ly/3RUwo7f
    Sea to Summit Silk Blend Bag Liner - bit.ly/3yqiVhQ
    Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag - bit.ly/3hr6s0L
    Aeros UL Pillow - amzn.to/39NsCpR
    Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad - bit.ly/4a1jyfB
    Evolved 750 Pot - bit.ly/48xEeuv
    ESC Ti Spoon - bit.ly/4cURJaa
    Katadyn Be-Free Filter - amzn.to/3LUlwDG
    2 CNOC 500 ml Hydriam - bit.ly/3WSP1wa
    CNOC Quick Straw - bit.ly/3YwV0aY
    CNOC Quick Cap - bit.ly/4d9IMJL
    Hilltop Food Bag - bit.ly/3dBJgf0
    ESC The Mirage Sunhoody - evolvedsupplyc...
    Patagonia Running Shorts - bit.ly/3L6F0oI
    Merino Buff - amzn.to/3LTOGTr
    EE Visp Rain Jacket - bit.ly/47NFWHw
    Evolved Outcast Jacket - bit.ly/3L2Mc51
    Patagonia Capilene TShirt - bit.ly/3SBrCfY
    Icebreaker Merino Tights - bit.ly/3yoxa6N
    Darn Tough Merino Running Socks - amzn.to/43aYLBO
    MH Gloves - amzn.to/3dBTr3c
    ESC Trail Cap - bit.ly/3SKHTiV
    Topo Pursuit 2 - amzn.to/4dyYAWf
    Ombraz Leggaro Sunglasses w/ Side Shields - bit.ly/3GLeApZ
    Movo USBC Mic - amzn.to/4cdp6DJ
    Ultrapod 3 - amzn.to/3YAH3c6
    Anker 10,000 PD - amzn.to/3AlOd9X
    MOKIN 40W Plug - amzn.to/49D0FOP
    Shezi Cable - amzn.to/49z5sRd
    Nitecore NU 25 Headlamp - amzn.to/3PLRc1q
    iPhone 15 Pro - amzn.to/46wSyTX
    Apple AirPods - amzn.to/3JGha2b
    Thread Wallet - amzn.to/4fBHetV
    Hilltop Ditty Bag - bit.ly/3dBJgf0
    Rawly Cork Ball - amzn.to/3yB5Y4J
    Leuko Tape - amzn.to/2xYkDGr
    Victorinox Classic SD Knife - amzn.to/2GHkaKx
    Deuce of Spades Trowel - bit.ly/3SDTPCO
    Travel Bidet - bit.ly/3WBBE1J
    Bamboo Tooth Brush - amzn.to/2WEkMZc
    JT Lip Balm - amzn.to/3fyFouW
    My Podcast - theoutdoorevol...
    Patreon - / darwinonthetrail
    Get A Weekly Video Podcast, New Gear Sneak Peeks, & Unseen Trail videos with a pledge as low as a $1/month - / darwinonthetrail
    ** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
    - Camera -
    Fuji XT-4 - amzn.to/3aG6N0j
    - Lense -
    Fuji 23mm 1.4 - amzn.to/3O9iNF1
    - Sound -
    Rode Video Mic Pro+ - amzn.to/2Q5qFxH
    DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that
    if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra
    cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make
    videos like this. Thank you for your support!
    Contact information:
    Website: www.darwinonthetrail.com
    Instagram: Darwin_Onthetrail
    facebook: darwinonthetrail
    Musicbed SyncID:
    MB01XY6ZLG6VU9D

КОМЕНТАРІ • 117

  • @Dreoilin
    @Dreoilin Місяць тому +40

    I've done the TMB before - to anyone reading this, make this trip a priority. You won't regret it. Go with friends or alone you'll have an amazing time. This gear list is definitely solid advice. I'm looking forward to picking up some Evolved Supply Co. Gear soon.

    • @Schwals
      @Schwals Місяць тому

      +1 It is one of the most impressive tour i ever made.

  • @chillahification
    @chillahification 17 днів тому +2

    Interesting. Did the TMB 2 weeks ago. Finished in 9 days with the full camp setup. While I can attest the refuges well frequented we met a lot of people going full camp mode and sleeping at camping sites. Usually that gets you water, a small store, shower, toilet and a way to wash your clothes. 10€ a person plus 7€ a tent or so. Only in 🇮🇹 it's a little bit harder, could stay in a Refugio there. That said can't confirm your fear of bad coffee at all. It was a treat to have so many stops with nice espresso or americano.
    Food and water supply is good on this trail so can really cut the weight there, but no need to sleep in refuges every night - that's hella expensive.

  • @GhostTrainPhoto
    @GhostTrainPhoto Місяць тому +6

    The roommate and I just got back from backpacking the Blue Lakes, both of us thought we packed minimally and still ended up carrying 30-40lbs respectively. Obviously, the bear canister that we're required to have did add a significant amount of weight and our 7lbs tent probably doesn't help either. We're hoping to do the TMB soon, but we desperately need to figure out how to get our base weights down without completely breaking the bank. Thank you so much for these videos, we've been using your gear recommendations for years and it hasn't let us down yet.

  • @davidbuchanan7766
    @davidbuchanan7766 Місяць тому +10

    TMB is on my list for 2025. Turning 50 next year's so seems the perfect time

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +4

      DO IT! It would be a great way to celebrate 50!

    • @damiano_damiano
      @damiano_damiano Місяць тому

      You will find many 50+ hikers 👍🏼
      Especially French hikers

  • @pngit1
    @pngit1 Місяць тому +1

    I drove down from the UK and did this last year, I camped every night, there are several free camp sites or wild camping is also easily done. I did a mix of both and had no problems at all. I’m 48 and had no problem completing the walk. If you’re used to walking all day you should be fine completing this.

  • @neilquinn
    @neilquinn Місяць тому +5

    TMB was nice I did it a couple of years ago also in ~ 8 days. About 1/2 camping 1/2 huts.

  • @ClaireReese-d2g
    @ClaireReese-d2g Місяць тому +2

    The towel and collapsable water bottle are on my list now!

  • @josiebones1
    @josiebones1 Місяць тому +1

    TMB is definitely on my bucket list. I just put together my bikepacking kit, minus a few odds and ends, so I'm looking forward to that video. I'm planning my first trip as soon as it cools down a bit in the fall.

  • @coreyogles2664
    @coreyogles2664 Місяць тому +1

    What a beaut I think you plucked the Mallory right out of my dreams. Thru hiking the Via Alpina next summer, here I was debating between an Evolved Supply Co. Ranger and a Black Diamond Distance 22. It looks like a gorgeous marriage of the two that I would trade an internal organ for if that turns out to be true. Signed up for news via your website, I really hope you get it launched before next summer

  • @richardinacan
    @richardinacan Місяць тому

    the TMB is one of the highlights of my life, 100% would do it again. I'm glad I camped it too, selecting and using the gear it's a part of the experience that i really value.

  • @christiannisonger6445
    @christiannisonger6445 Місяць тому +3

    Finished the TMB last month. I was probably a week or so before you. I did the slow 11 days classic route. It was fantastic. Thanks for all you do, you’re a pretty good dude.

  • @jakejohnson2428
    @jakejohnson2428 Місяць тому +5

    Go get it baby!🎉

  • @Lizzybeth1973
    @Lizzybeth1973 Місяць тому +1

    Looks a lot like my Camino gear list. I carried a similar style pack with the running style vest and water bottles up front which worked great. I need to check out those CNOC bottles 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @stby_outdoors
    @stby_outdoors Місяць тому

    I love that these new packs are uniquely designed and are more than just bigger or smaller Rangers. I could see this next one being a great day pack 🤙🏻

  • @CharlesTracey
    @CharlesTracey Місяць тому

    Your attention to detail is amazing. You would have made a great engineer, but luckily you found a better vocation.

  • @Harry-Giles
    @Harry-Giles Місяць тому +5

    Just got back from hiking a modded version of the TMB. Second time around and utterly beautiful.

  • @BreathNino
    @BreathNino Місяць тому +4

    Going to do the TMB in 3 weeks time 😁😁😁 but with the camp set up

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +1

      Nice!

    • @MrOhthethingsIsee
      @MrOhthethingsIsee Місяць тому

      I’m interested in the idea of camping as well. Any recommendations for information about the camping sites?

  • @markallen9824
    @markallen9824 Місяць тому +7

    Will we see a video showing us the hike? That looks fantastic!

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +2

      Not sure... didn't really shoot enough footage for a "Full Video"

    • @itsallthesametome
      @itsallthesametome Місяць тому +3

      @@DarwinOnthetrail Doesn't matter, your videos are good quality, I'm sure you can edit something together even if it's just hiking footage. I'd love to see it, as would we all.

  • @philamongthehills501
    @philamongthehills501 Місяць тому

    I greatly enjoyed the TMB with you and the rest of the group and looking to go back to Italy with my wife next year. Others seemed surprised I was so old. Was just at local bike shop regarding a new touring bike

  • @johneason6540
    @johneason6540 Місяць тому

    I just dud the TMB, I think I was 2 weeks ahead of you. You went thru the same company. I had such a fantastic time, I will do it again. We had tough weather and still a lot of snow to hike thru. But best of memories, we had 7 hikers and a guide. Awesome group.

  • @-xj9cw
    @-xj9cw 29 днів тому

    love the color selection for the collection of clothes

  • @stigcc
    @stigcc Місяць тому +1

    6:03 Glad to see you are using Norrøna🇳🇴. Another norwegian brand that has taken off the last years is Lanullva, very comfortable!

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +1

      I really dig Norrona’s stuff! Well made & fits me very well

  • @RideAlongside
    @RideAlongside Місяць тому +1

    Great kit buddy!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Looking forward to an update on the bikepacking gear.
    - Nick
    Prescott, AZ

  • @tc2156
    @tc2156 Місяць тому

    Darwin, the new bag looks great! So many small “day packs” either don’t have hip belts or they are “one size” which aren’t comfortable for us short people. I currently just use a 12L running vest as my day pack, but your bag has me intrigued. I’d like to carry better “10 essentials” when day hiking. I hope your new bag will be available for short torso people. I’ll keep an eye out for its release.

  • @mattheweagles5123
    @mattheweagles5123 Місяць тому +1

    I've not considered the TMB but I am starting a Camino next month

  • @johnhelmuth9718
    @johnhelmuth9718 Місяць тому

    The TMB is 100% on my bucket list.

  • @debsmith7050
    @debsmith7050 Місяць тому +2

    Such fun! It's keeping you young Nic 🥰

  • @davidfranson8118
    @davidfranson8118 Місяць тому +3

    Love the looks of that fastpack you're testing out! Hope it will be available in the not-too-distant future!

  • @TheUltralightMindset
    @TheUltralightMindset Місяць тому

    Carried a very similar kit on the TMB two weeks ago. Great hike. Loved it!

  • @charlesashmore9571
    @charlesashmore9571 Місяць тому +1

    OK just got the Ranger and now you drop this new pack...just take my money go on!

    • @nancyst.john-smith3891
      @nancyst.john-smith3891 Місяць тому

      I hate to tell you this, but there will always be another model. Learn to “Love the one you’re with”! 😂 It’s not about collecting gear, it’s about being out there as long as you can.

  • @AntHikes
    @AntHikes Місяць тому +11

    I wild camped the TMB and there were lots of other doing the same in 2023.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +4

      It does seem appealing, but I do dig the Refugio's!

    • @AntHikes
      @AntHikes Місяць тому +2

      @@DarwinOnthetrail There are some challenging stretches where you are not meant to wild camp, like in some of Italy and Switzerland, but there are usually paid campgrounds to fall back on. It can be pretty social doing the camping. I am doing the TA this year, I wondered if that's something you ever considered doing?

    • @jennifer1424
      @jennifer1424 Місяць тому +4

      The refugios seem great and there are a lot of appealing aspects to them, but also wondering, as an introvert, if it’s overly depleting to have to be social and around people all evening/night/morning. What was your experience? I typically look forward to that time alone in my tent- but also don’t want to miss out.

    • @damiano_damiano
      @damiano_damiano Місяць тому

      Guys, Rifugios are great, and I use them last time I did TMB, but they can be quite expensive 😅 that’s the only drawback…
      To bivouac with a tent is a completely different experience, more in contact with nature but less contact with the community of hikers.

    • @domo3552
      @domo3552 Місяць тому

      ​@jennifer1424 Many refugios let you pitch your tent nearby for free, and it's kinda good practice to buy a meal at the refuge. Personally, I don't particularly like sleeping in the refuges as more often than not they are stuffy, noisy & crowded. Pitching your tent outside gives you the best of both worlds - social if you want, peace, quiet & fresh air at night - with access to the loos of course!

  • @koalaXluv
    @koalaXluv Місяць тому

    I'm planning to do hut to hut in the Dolamites, this is super helpful!

  • @trailtocamp
    @trailtocamp Місяць тому

    It's good that you do these lists. Reason being its always good to see what, ( someone like your good self ) uses and gives honest feedback and reviews on what works and doesn't work on different hikes ect.
    I do like the look of those new Cnoc 500ml water bottles and the cap with tube.
    It'll save those who struggle getting their bottles back in the chest pouches, stopping and getting annoyed.
    Did that small camera stand do OK, or would you of preferred the slightly taller stand with bendy legs to make filming a bit easier?

  • @texasermd1
    @texasermd1 Місяць тому +1

    Lots of great stuff here. Thanks for the video! 👍👍

  • @wolfeadventures
    @wolfeadventures Місяць тому +2

    Awesome. Did you film in ProRes? Interested to see how it comes out.

  • @CLH126
    @CLH126 Місяць тому +2

    Excellent! As usual. :)

  • @lindagrant3232
    @lindagrant3232 Місяць тому +7

    The only time I stayed in a hostel, someone snored so loudly that I had to go outside to get any sleep!

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +6

      Earplugs were definitely in that "First-Aid" Kit 😉

    • @damiano_damiano
      @damiano_damiano Місяць тому +1

      ⁠@@DarwinOnthetrailoh yeah, I would say they’re in the “survival kit” 😂

  • @karlstriepe8050
    @karlstriepe8050 Місяць тому

    Hope to see a TMB video series. The wonderful Follow Bigfoot channel, before he retired from vlogging to take up fathering, did a great TMB series.

  • @damiano_damiano
    @damiano_damiano Місяць тому

    Well done 👍🏼
    Great set up for
    - I agree, rifugio’s coffee is terrible 😂

  • @michaelallen9571
    @michaelallen9571 14 днів тому

    The ultralighters amaze me with how they seem to get lighter and lighter for a multi day trip

  • @einfach_rausfahren
    @einfach_rausfahren Місяць тому

    Nice, TMB also on my list. What a nice pack that is, will it be available somewhere?

  • @nizhnykid8580
    @nizhnykid8580 29 днів тому

    Thanks for sharing your gear, techniques, and experience. What phone holder you use on your tripod?

  • @Dyshof
    @Dyshof Місяць тому

    This is great man, thanks. I grew up in the Swiss alps. I personally hate the style of overnighting in shelters, "Hütte" as they are called in the German speaking part, and I am jealous of the endless wild landscape in the US without a forester or hunter or shepperd banging on your tent at 6am to tell you its forbidden.......

  • @pnwprospecting
    @pnwprospecting 27 днів тому

    Have you looked into the new trail we have here in Oregon called the blue Mountain Trail? It’s roughly 500 miles and so far only 14 people have threw hiked it

  • @pnwprospecting
    @pnwprospecting Місяць тому +2

    Hope to see you in Cascade locks

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +2

      I'll be there! Come say hey at the Evolved Supply Co. booth!

  • @HawkeyeOnaMission
    @HawkeyeOnaMission Місяць тому +3

    Nice looking pack. Can't wait to see it.

  • @AbelZBurnett
    @AbelZBurnett Місяць тому

    There's something about the phrase "pit zips" that makes me giggle

  • @deannnerem6589
    @deannnerem6589 Місяць тому +1

    West Highland Way and Great Glen Way in the Scottish highlands

  • @jorisev
    @jorisev Місяць тому

    I've been wanting to do the TMB, but have heard that it's getting quite busy. Honestly, there are plenty of alternative multi-day hikes in the Alps that are just as stunning, but less well known because they don't circle the famous Mont Blanc.

  • @jimdye7431
    @jimdye7431 Місяць тому +1

    thats a cool pack

  • @philratton
    @philratton 9 днів тому

    Hi Darwin! One question, now that you are taking more climbing trips, what do you think about freestand vs non freestanding tents?

  • @bradblakeney610
    @bradblakeney610 28 днів тому

    Can you direct me to a video if you have done one on collapsible water bottles for hiking. Thanks

  • @livinlarge1247
    @livinlarge1247 22 дні тому

    Dang, wanting to do a hike likevTMB 4aWhile Darwin. Almost scored an awesome old Alps painting from one of those famous 19th Century artists (Frederick Biernstadt I tgink) in Green Bay & it slipped out of my hands.

  • @pyronymph-868
    @pyronymph-868 Місяць тому +1

    Omg my everyday purse/backpack weighs this much.😮 I need to downsize.

  • @ChrisLowResDream
    @ChrisLowResDream Місяць тому

    thanks ❤

  • @jorisvanlaar
    @jorisvanlaar Місяць тому

    That pack prototype looks great!
    I couldn’t quite see, but it doesn’t seem to have water bottle pockets on the sides right?

  • @EventyrsorenDenmark
    @EventyrsorenDenmark Місяць тому

    Cool. Thanks ❤❤❤

  • @KrizAkoni
    @KrizAkoni Місяць тому

    Nice tight setup!

  • @bimazivanovic4784
    @bimazivanovic4784 Місяць тому

    When will we get more info on the new pack?

  • @lianalehua7424
    @lianalehua7424 Місяць тому

    I understand you're showing a prototyple, but the provided link seems a bit of a switcheroo... link is the the Ranger pack, which doesn't have the same running vest straps. Very interested in the Mallory. Is there an anticipated release date and/or pre-order available? Thanks!

  • @JohnCountsDrunkenpost
    @JohnCountsDrunkenpost Місяць тому

    I clicked every single link in your description. Your welcome. And some links are already broken. I was looking for a better rain jacket and pants, but $250 is too much for me personally.

  • @michael-lucanatt8009
    @michael-lucanatt8009 Місяць тому

    I see you used Pursuits, what time of year did you do the Tour? Does it considerably more wet later in the year to justify boots or GTX trailrunners?

  • @colbypark1311
    @colbypark1311 Місяць тому

    Random question with the bidet, do you use filtered water to clean up or dirty water?

  • @laribarr5936
    @laribarr5936 Місяць тому

    What’s the quick drinking straw? Cheers

  • @ryanmallory3432
    @ryanmallory3432 Місяць тому

    Just curious how you landed on the name Mallory for your pack.

  • @WolfCat8922
    @WolfCat8922 Місяць тому +2

    When are you going to do extensive paddle trips?

  • @PierreFarrugia
    @PierreFarrugia Місяць тому

    I am doing the EBC in mid march, do you have idea about tea houses bedroom temp at night ? I am looking foward for some mountaineering videos, TMB is in my bucket list and close to home .

  • @russlybarger5321
    @russlybarger5321 28 днів тому

    I would lose the coffee cup, add my superlite hut shoes and a multi- tool/knife. 2 essentials.

  • @PierreFarrugia
    @PierreFarrugia Місяць тому

    Darwin can you make a video how you shoot with iphone ? Settings equipment ?

  • @mariannesparks7870
    @mariannesparks7870 Місяць тому

    How did you manage in the refuges with shoes? I thought you had to leave your shoes at the door, so need some form of hut shoes?

  • @МихаилРусин-ы1о
    @МихаилРусин-ы1о Місяць тому

    Can someone explain how these shelters work? How much does it cost, what can you get inside, what if it is overcrowded and we do not carry a tent to sleep outside? thx

  • @johnmca5643
    @johnmca5643 14 днів тому

    Which company did you use to book your refuges?
    I yried to book myself, 10 months prior, and they were all full.
    Apparently the yravel companies book them all....and then sell to us.

  • @manuswee3215
    @manuswee3215 Місяць тому

    nice pack

  • @ruud-kok
    @ruud-kok Місяць тому

    How long do custom insoles last?

  • @TrumpPuppiesFreedom
    @TrumpPuppiesFreedom Місяць тому

    What Pokemon did you bring on this trip?

  • @boathemian7694
    @boathemian7694 26 днів тому

    Ultralight isn’t my thing but I like your videos. I consider myself a pretty lightweight backpacker but I’m not about to pay for some of the ridiculous gear that’s trendy with today’s wealthy hikers.

  • @jeffdur1330
    @jeffdur1330 Місяць тому

    I love how dude is just sitting in front of $10,000 worth of gear lol

  • @Away.Aweigh.A.Way.
    @Away.Aweigh.A.Way. 19 днів тому

    RIP Nike Challenger shorts

  • @ppolleunus
    @ppolleunus Місяць тому

    Is it you who decided to put the "suggestion layer" at ±5:30 or is it UA-cam who does that automatically? It's really annoying as it prevents us from watching the content we're actually interested in.
    If it's not you, and also if you're annoyed by that too, send UA-cam a feedback asking them to change that back to the end of the video, where it belongs/makes more sense.

  • @etherealbolweevil6268
    @etherealbolweevil6268 Місяць тому

    A few grammes could be saved by having a european charger, not a us charger and an adapter.

  • @DiabloOutdoors
    @DiabloOutdoors Місяць тому +1

    You forgot something very important.... the French Beret...

  • @uTubeismyTivo
    @uTubeismyTivo Місяць тому

    kinda stinks how "evolved" stuff is taking over the list and we can't be sure if it's actually the best or because he owns the company

    • @karlstriepe8050
      @karlstriepe8050 Місяць тому +5

      I get the sentiment, but as long as he has design control, it's still "his" recommend, as opposed to shilling for someone else's product.

  • @nicholaslafferty3928
    @nicholaslafferty3928 27 днів тому

    Poor people also saunter, still.

  • @qozmiq
    @qozmiq Місяць тому +1

    No sleep, shelter, or cook system.
    That’s not backpacking.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому +6

      Where do you see the word Backpacking? 😉

    • @matt_w
      @matt_w Місяць тому +1

      @@DarwinOnthetrail To be fair, a "ultralight sub-8 lb!!" header image suggests a full backpacking kit. This is essentially a daypack plus. My gear isn't especially light and I can get sub 8-lb with a day pack no problem.

  • @bertnerny
    @bertnerny Місяць тому

    I hope you’re not using ebikes on your “bikepacking” trips.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  Місяць тому

      😂 I would never ride an Ebike. I’m an actual cyclist.
      You can find lots of Bikepacking videos here on my channel from over the last 9 years. 🤙

    • @bertnerny
      @bertnerny Місяць тому

      @@DarwinOnthetrail nice! I think I’ve missed all your bikepacking trips.

    • @domo3552
      @domo3552 Місяць тому

      If an e-bike enables someone to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, good luck to them I say! They could have arthritis after years of climbing 7 - 8,000'rs for all we know!

  • @kookkamajunga
    @kookkamajunga Місяць тому

    Frist!

  • @marcvalade94
    @marcvalade94 Місяць тому

    Refiugio?? Why the 2 "i"? French or English is the same spelling: Refuge. Only in English the pronunciation add an innexisting "i". In english it goes like: Ref"i"uge. In French it is pronounced like it is written: Refuge. The Re part in English is also different in sound then in French. If it was pronouced the same in French it would write Rèfiuge. But the i followed by the u would be against proper French syntax. The e in this word and all other French e without accent is pronounced like the one in "the" not like in "she". Refugio is Spanish. It is pronounced more like: Re-Foo"i"o. It is common belief for Anglophones to think French, along with most of their culture is overly refined for no reason. Yet in this case, it shows that Anglophones have just never cared about adjusting the pronunciation of vowels with their written form when this was made a discovery. In turn the language remain learned orally and then the written form is roughly brushed over it. But all in all this single word is actually more simple in the French version or the Spanish version! In the French language their is more specific words for each things. They also have specific pronunciation for specific meaning. That account for less ambiguity, greater honesty and show less intent of betrayal. When you watch an English comedy show, the language allow for more laughter since more of the same word with the same pronunciation have the same signification. It is then easy to present a context suggesting a specific meaning but then reverting it to the other meaning. But in real life these ambiguity into codes of laws or contracts account for many tears.