Mountaineering Gear List
The Mountaineering Gear you need to have is generally dependent on the mountain you are going to climb and in what conditions. So we came up with this Mountaineering Gear List to give you a general idea of the things that you will usually need.
Clothing
As explained in our article on the Layering System, layering is the key in keeping yourself warm. It also gives you more flexibility. It is better to take several thin layers of clothing, rather than a few thick layers. These layers are made of a wide range of fabrics and could be mind-boggling if you are new to Mountaineering. If so, then read our section on Performance Fabrics.
Super Insulation Layer
If you are Climbing in severe arctic conditions, then a "Super Insulation" layer is necessary. These items should include:
- "Expedition" down parka with a good hood and wind tunnel
- Down pants or "Expedition" pile pants
Shell Layer
This layer provides protection from wind, rain, sleet, and snow, without allowing the build-up of condensation inside the clothing system. The shell layer items that you should take with you are:
- Parka Shell - loosely fitted, with a hood, wind tunnel and plenty of pockets
- Wind pants that are fitted for layers
- Mittens fitted large with long sleeves and removable liners
- Light weight face mask or balaclava
- hat of double layer construction with good ear protection
Insulation Layer
The conditions experienced in lower glacier travel are often very hot when the sun is out, or wet and cold when it is snowing. Several medium weight layers of synthetic clothes work best in these circumstances. You can choose from all sorts of technical synthetic fabrics or use a wool sweater or any other shirt made of fleece or pile. Do not use an insulation layer that is made from cotton as when they get wet when you perspire, it will take ages to dry. These items should include:
- Shirt(s) for hiking during good weather - T-shirts are OK, but quick-drying synthetic fabric shirts are far better.
- Wool or fleece sweater or synthetic insulated jacket
- Wool shirt or sweater, second fleece/pile jacket, vest, etc… as an additional layers
- Fleece pants - side zips are nice as they come in handy if you are getting too hot
Each climber should bring synthetic gloves and extra mittens.
Base Layer
To keep the moisture away from your skin, bring two pairs of long johns, top and bottom - synthetic fabric and not cotton.
If you travel through the lowlands during the summer months you will need a good white sun hat, effective mosquito repellent, rain gear and mosquito netting for tents.
Eye Protection
Snow blindness is common due to the extreme glare, even on overcast days. Sun glasses should provide maximum protection from ultraviolet and infrared rays, along with protection from side glare. Double lens ski goggles work well in bad weather and whiteout conditions. Extra glasses should be taken by each party.
Footwear
Probably the most important piece of kit required by mountaineers. Badly fitting boots will ruin your trip, and possible even cause you to 'retire' early.
Boots
For lower treks, walking shoes ore cross-trainers with good support are suitable. For the higher mountains, medium weight boots, made from leather or synthetic- are required. If you go beyond the 4000 metres, heavy weight boots or even stiff plastic synthetic boots are necessary. Unless you are keeping the weight down, a pair of light training shoes for the evenings in camp are a good idea. Your feet can then breathe on warm evenings and reduce the chance of blisters or other skin problems.
Socks
Take with you high performance Socks - Several changes of socks should provide thick, loose insulation.It is not necessary to wear two pairs of socks as these can chafe as much as they cushion. Take several pairs , so you always have a dry set to put on.
Gaiters
These are very useful as it will protect you from snow scree, mud or swamp coming into your boots
Snowshoes
One pair of snowshoes per person must be taken! Hidden crevasse bridges become unpredictable without the flotation of snowshoes and snow accumulations of greater than a meter can occur at any time. Snowshoes should be sturdy with traction devices for steeper sections and side hill traversing. Trekking poles are also very useful with snowshoes
Camp Gear
Sleeping Gear
An expedition quality Sleeping Bag is essential. Down or synthetic fiber filled bags rated to minus 29C is the minimum acceptable. Many climbers use an overbag along with their sleeping bag. Allow extra room in the sleeping bag for wearing layers of clothing, inner boots, and storing a water bottle. Almost as important as the sleeping bag is sufficient insulation underneath the bag. Two closed cell foam pads or a combination closed cell with inflatable foam pad are the standard. Adequate sleep is essential at high altitudes. Do not economize on weight by compromising sleeping gear!!!
Tent and Stove
Your tent should be of expedition quality. The two to three person dome shaped tent has developed an excellent track record. Allow extra room per person since many days are often spent storm-bound. Extra poles and repair materials are important, in case of damage caused by storms. Never leave a tent without anchoring it securely. Tents are lost each year due to sudden gusts of wind while the tent was left unattended or drying. The rain fly should be used for its added strength to the integrity of the tent. It also traps a layer of air for added warmth.
Operation of the stove should occur outside of the tent. Under extreme conditions, members of a party may be forced to cook inside the tent. If so, cooking must be done at the entrance, with plenty of ventilation. Never cook without adequate cross ventilation! Avoid lighting the stove while inside the tent.
Carry at least two stoves of proven efficiency that work at high altitudes and in extreme cold. Carry spare parts for cleaning and repairs.
Technical Gear
Snow Shovels
Carry several shovels per party. Larger, sturdier types are essential. Avoid small lightweight shovels since they are worthless for moving large volumes of snow. The aluminum grain scoop (35 x 45cm) has proven to be indispensable. Shovels are used for digging in campsites, constructing snow caves, removing snow from around tents, and occasionally used for clearing the route after deep accumulations.
Rope
Take at least one 45 meter, 9mm water repellent rope per two people and a 45 meter spare for crevasse rescue. Use a 50 meter rope for three climbers. Fixed rope made of Polypropylene (solid core 9mm) should only be used on snow and ice. Static Perlon should be used over sharp ice and any rock for fixed line. All fixed rope must be removed upon your descent.
Ice Axe
One ice axe per person is necessary, plus an extra per party (since they are easily lost in crevasse falls). Picks on ice Climbing tools are frequently broken on technical climbs. Tape the grip area on the head of the ice axe with closed cell foam and duct tape or hockey tape, this inhibits cold penetration to the hand.
Crampons
Bring one pair of Crampons per person, that can be adjusted to be worn with or without Overboots. A small file is essential on technical routes.
Snow and Ice Anchors
Snow pickets of 2 to 3 foot length and/or snow flukes are essential for anyone traveling on glaciated terrain. The snow bollard or deadman anchors work well but require additional time to place. They may be the only anchors that will work in a variety of unconsolidated or slush snow conditions.
Trekking Poles
For year walker have found sticks or poles useful for taking some of the stress off the knees going up or down hills. Take two with you as it spreads the load more evenly and may help to avoid headache.
Repair Kit
Plan your kit around the equipment you carry, such as the stove, skis and tent. In addition, carry parachute cord, wire, duct tape, a screw driver for skis, patching material for your inflatable mattress and tent, and a sewing kit.
Miscellaneous
Water Bottle
You should carry at least a 1 L bottle. 4 or 10 L plastic water bags are useful for carrying water between your tent and the nearest water source.
Water Purification Kit
This consists of a water filter or a supply of purification tablets or solution. For more information, read the section on Water Purification.
Torch or Flashlight
A head torch that can be mounted on your head with an elastic strap is moe useful than handheld models. These leave your hands free while you are eating, cooking or reading. Bring spare bulbs and plenty of batteries with you.
Other Items
- Suncream and Sunblock - the sun is strong at high altitude so protect your arms and face with it.
- Lip Salve - also protect your lips from the sun, wind and the cold
- Washing Kit should be small as well your
- Sewing Kit.
- GPS device is essential is you are not walking on the main routes.
- Whistle - this can come in handy if you are separated from your mates in the mist or in the dark.
- Penknife
- First Aid and Medical Kit
- Toilet Paper
Be sure to have the items listed in this Mountaineering Gear List come in handy in case you need them during your Mountaineering trip. Nothing beats being prepared when the unexpected comes since you cannot afford being caught off guard especially when you are in a remote area and help is hard to come by.
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 | Buy Mountaineering Boots
Your Mountaineering Boots must give you protection. Get the pair that you want from our Shop. You will definitely have a high-quality one because we only offer the best in the market today.
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|  | Buy Crampons
Want a new pair of Crampons? You can check out our Mountaineering Shop and choose one that you like. Crampons are an important piece of Equipment because it will you traverse through slippery ice.
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|  | Buy Ice Axes
An Ice Axe is practically a tool that every mountaineer will carry. It is one of the most indispensable piece of Mountaineering Equipment. Buy one from our shop which offers a wide variety of Ice Axes.
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|  | Buy Ice Screws
Ice Screws are screws used to protect a climb over steep ice. It also serves as a protective anchor for Mountaineers. Check out our Ice Screws Shop.
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|  | Buy Trekking Poles
Trekking Poles are a common Mountaineering accesory. Trekking Poles provide extra stability when you walk through difficult terrains. Take a look at our variety of Trekking Poles.
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|  | Buy Belays & Rappel Devices
Belay and Rappel Devices help secure a climber by providing enough friction. You can find a wide variety of Belaying Devices here in this section.Find one that fits your needs and budget.
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|  | Buy Backpacks
Store your Mountaineering essentials, even your food and drinks in a Backpack. You are sure to get one that suits your taste, preference and budget from our variety of backpacks here in our Mountaineering Shop.
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|  | Buy Hydration Packs
You will definitely get thirsty during climbing so a hydration pack will be very useful for you. Our Shop has a wide variety of Hydration Packs you can choose from.
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|  | Buy Climbing Helmets
Take a look at our Shop for our wide variety of Climbing Helmets you can choose from. Climbing Helmets should protect your head when experiencing a fall. You should always have one when going on a trek.
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|  | Buy Harnesses
A harness is used to secure a person to a piece of rope or an anchor point of some kind. Shop & Buy here in this section. Our Shop contains different Harnesses you can choose from.
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|  | Buy First Aid Kits
You can't afford to be caught unaware by an accident in the outdoor. Good thing you can afford the First Aid Kits at our shop. Buy one now. Remember to bring a First Aid Kit on your next trek.
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|  | Buy Fuel Bottles
Your Camping Stoves are useless without Fuel. There are a lot of Fuel Bottles that can be used on your Stoves at our shop. Buy one now here at our Shop. We offer a wide selection of Fuel Bottles.
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|  | Buy Camp Stoves
Camping Stoves are important in cooking food and to warm yourself on a cold night. Choose from a variety of them at our Stoves page. You can get the most out of your money since we offer high-quality Stoves.
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|  | Buy Sleeping Bags
Use a good Sleeping Bag so you can have a comfortable outdoor sleeping experience. Check out our huge collection of Sleeping Bags here in our shop. We only offer high-quality Sleeping Bags. Buy now!
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|  | Buy Tents & Outdoor Shelters
Outdoor Tents come in different types and features. Take a look at our huge collection of tents and choose what meets your Camping needs. Do some price comparisons as we have partnered with retailers.
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