The Gear List

Below is a sample gear list. Requirements may very according to trip length, conditions, weather, and objective. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questoins.

Equipment

Boots

These need to be sturdy leather or leather/cordura boots with lug soles and good ankle support. A good boot would be the La Sportiva Glacier Mountaineering boot (good for snow and ice climbs but not as good for alpine rock routes) or the La Sportiva Trango S Evo (good for alpine rock routes and OK for snow climbs).  Light hiking boots, especially ones that are not leather, are not appropriate. Your boots are the single most important piece of gear for this trip, make sure you have the right kind and make sure they fit well and won’t give you blisters.

Crampons

These need to fit your boot well – when fitted properly they will stick to your boot without the straps or bindings. For steeper/longer ice routes a pair of heavier, rigid 12-point crampons are required, such as the Petzl Vasak.

Ice Axe

Your ice axe should be about 55 - 65cm long depending on height. Examples include the Black Diamond Venom, Petzl Sumtec or Summit, or Grivel Air Tech Evo.

Helmet

Designed for climbing. Petzl Ecrin Rock, Meteor, etc.

Harness

A sit harness with a belay loop is required. Your harness needs to be free of damage and excessive wear and less than 10 years old.

Backpack > 30L (> 50L for overnights)

Your pack needs to be big enough fit all your gear plus group gear and food.  Make sure you can fit everything in before you leave home with room to spare for group gear.

Hiking poles

Collapsible poles with a summer, hiking basket.  No fixed poles

Crevasse rescue kit (we can provide)

• 2x 5 meter - 6 mm prussics
• 2x 1.5 meter - 6mm prussics
• 1 x 120cm sewn sling
• 1 x Ice screw
• 4 x Locking carabiners
• 2 x Non locking carabiners
• 1 x Belay device

Clothing:

Base Layers

Thermals top/bottom, Socks  - as we will be spending nights in huts or camping- I would recommend bringing extra socks but only 1 set of thermals should be sufficient for a 2 or 3 trip.

Climbing Layers

Mid-weight soft shell jacket and pants are recommended.  Something that will provide protection from the elements but remain breathable.

Waterproof Shell (gore-tex), pants/jackets

Lightweight and packable.  Often the waterproof jacket will be worn where the pants are often only worn in the most extreme conditions.  Pants with full side zips are highly recommended. 

Insulated Jacket

A midweight insulated jacket, either down or synthetic.  I recommend synthetic and something with a hood.

Warm Headwear

Gloves

A least 2 pairs!   One lighter weight for climbing and another heavier pair for cold temperatures.

Camping Gear (overnights only):

Sleeping Bag

Lightweight bag for sleeping in the hut.  0 to -5 degree rate back should be sufficient this time of year. -10 - 20 degree for camping.

Sleeping Pad

Inflatable or foam

Tent

3 or 4 season tent.  2 or 3 person (We will be sharing tents and coordinating this prior to the course)

Sandals or shoes for around camp

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection

At the very minimum, a 30 SPF sunscreen and lip protection is required. Full sunblock for your lips is recommended. Sunglasses with wrap-around coverage and dark lenses are required - Cat 3 or 4.

Small first aid and repair kit

Your guide will have a major first aid and repair kit but you should bring some band-aids, blister protection (include blister pads and duct tape), headache pills, head cold/antihistamine medication, cough drops, rash cream, pocket knife.

Water bottle and/or thermos

1 - 2 liters capacity

Headlamp

Bring extra batteries.

Camera