Community News and videos Essential gear for mountaineering

Essential gear for mountaineering

When heading into the high mountains, especially on glaciated terrain, choosing the right gear and remembering to bring the essentials are the keys to a successful climb. The following gear list, also available for download, will help you piece together the ideal mountaineering kit for your next summit.

May 21 2018

Mountaineering

Mountaineering axe

SUMMIT - Classic mountaineering ice axe

SUM’TEC - Modular ice axe for technical mountaineering

GULLY - Ultra-light ice axe for technical mountaineering and steep skiing

Crampons

LEOPARD - Ultra-light aluminum crampon for ski touring and snow travel

IRVIS HYBRID - Hybrid crampon--steel front piece and aluminum heel piece--for approaches and glacier travel

SARKEN - Technical mountaineering crampons, with LEVERLOCK UNIVERSEL bindings

Rope

VOLTA GUIDE 9,0 mm - Triple-rated rope for mountaineering, with UIAA Guide Dry treatment

PASO GUIDE 7.7 mm - half rope for technical mountaineering and ice climbing, with UIAA Guide Dry treatment

RAD LINE 6 mm - hyperstatic cord designed for crevasse rescue, rappelling, and roping up on a glacier

Harness

SITTA - High-end climbing and mountaineering harness

TOUR - Durable, lightweight harness for glacier travel and skiing, dons with feet on the ground

ALTITUDE - Ultra-lightweight harness for skiing and glacier travel, dons with feet on the ground

Protection

LASER SPEED LIGHT - Ultra-light ice screw with integrated crank

MULTIHOOK - Multi-purpose hook for v-threading and more

ANGE S - Ultra-light, compact carabiner with MonoFil Keylock system

PUR'ANNEAU 60 cm - Very lightweight sling made of high-modulus polyethylene

Helmet

SIROCCO - Ultra-lightweight climbing and mountaineering helmet with TOP AND SIDE PROTECTION

METEOR - Lightweight climbing and mountaineering helmet with TOP AND SIDE PROTECTION

Belay/Rappel System

REVERSO - Ultra-light multipurpose belay/rappel device; can be used in Reverso mode

ATTACHE - Lightweight, compact, pear-shaped screw-lock carabiner

SPIRIT - Compact, ultra-lightweight screw-lock carabiner

Crevasse Rescue Kit

KIT SECOURS CREVASSE - Kit for hauling and self-rescue from crevasses

RAD SYSTEM - A light, compact kit with specific equipment for crevasse rescue, roping up on a glacier, or rappelling

Headlamp

REACTIK + - Rechargeable headlamp with REACTIVE LIGHTING and Bluetooth connection to smartphone app for programming; 300 lumens

ACTIK CORE - Hybrid headlamp, powered by rechargeable CORE battery or standard AAA batteries; 350 lumens

Clothing

Mountaineering boots that are warm, waterproof, and crampon-compatible
Gaiters
Warm socks
Warm wind-resistant pants
Technical base layers
Fleece sweater
A windbreaker and water resistant jacket
Windbreaker and water resistant overpants
Lightweight gloves
Warm gloves
Warm parka
Beanie or headband

Accessories

Backpack (30 or 40 liters)
Navigation tools: map, altimeter, compass, GPS
Survival blanket
Knife
Sunglasses (category 4)
High-protection sunscreen
First-aid kit
Snacks and high-calorie "savory" food
Water bottle

Gear Check-List

Download the basic gear list [pdf - 226 Kb]

Mountaineering Tech Tips

On each activity page, the tech tips are organized by chapters: basics, belaying, gear…

Included in this article

SUM’TEC Modular ice axe for technical mountaineering

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