Equipment List for Mid-altitude, Non-technical Climbs of

4000m to 6500m Peaks in Europe & Asia

 

The equipment clients need to bring follows, and according to the mountain, this list might be altered. If you have questions about any of this gear, direct your inquiries to our European office in advance of your departure so we may help you decide on what is appropriate. As you prepare for one of  climbs, please note the variations below marked with an asterisk(*). You should also request our Himalayan equipment list if needed.

1. Climbing harness with leg loops and front belay loop

2. Jumar-type ascending device (1); 2 for some routes (*Himalayan climbs only)

3. Belay/rappel device (*Figure 8 device required for Himalayan climbs only)

4. Hightop gaiters that cover calves and boots

5. Locking carabiners (3)- large, pear shaped HMS type

6. Pair of 12-point crampons already pre-fit to your mountain boots

7. Pair of high altitude double boots (for peaks over 6’000m). If your feet are small – size 10 or less- these can be rented in Kathmandu. (*Himalayan climbs only)

8. Ice Axe- 60-80cm according to your height

9. Pants: 2 pair: one for hiking to base camp; second pair of synthetic mountain climbing pants

10. Towel/ toilet kit and prescription medications/EPI pens for any known pre-existing conditions (i.e. allergies, diabetes); plus cream for sun protection (SPF45 recommended); items for blister repairs, etc

11. Down sleeping bag, warm to -20F degrees (can be rented in Kathmandu)

12. Medium size backpack, with waterproof cover, to carry on approach hike (25-35 liters)

13. Water bottles (2)- 1 liter minimum, or Platipus©/Camelbak© -type water bladder system designed to work with your pack

14. Headlamp & extra batteries (lithium recommended) – no flashlights; needs to fit on helmet

15. Hightop hiking boots, light to mid-weight (not running shoes), well broken in. Since there can be rain on approach hikes, boots should be as waterproof as possible. Again, no running shoes: some people foolishly hike in these, but it is unsafe and will not be allowed (a sprained ankle on the approach will end your trip, and trails are rocky and rough). If your feet are small (size 10 or less), you can rent boots in Kathmandu.

16. Glacier glasses (or goggles), wrap-around type providing 100% UVA & B protection- very important for travel above 4000m/12,000 feet.

17. Hiking socks (5 pairs) – heavy, warm, wool or synthetic (no cotton)

18. Synthetic briefs (no cotton); several pair

19. Long underwear bottoms (no cotton); one or 2 pair

20. Long underwear tops (no cotton); 2 pair

21. Thin to medium synthetic layer top; one or 2

22. Thin to medium synthetic bottom layer

23. Medium to heavier insulating top layer

24. Medium to heavier insulating bottom layer

25. Insulating Parka Jacket w/hood (down or compressible synthetics like Thinsulate©, DryClime©, etc); according to the peak, ask us about this item and its necessary insulating factor

26. Rainshell overparka w/hood (Goretex© type); designed to fit over multiple layers

27. Rainshell overpants or rain-resistant ski pants, bibs, etc.

28. Gloves (recommend 2 or 3 pairs in layers) + overmitts

29. Warm wool or synthetic hat and/or balaclava for head and ear covering (recommend WindStopper©); a broad-brimmed sun hat is also nice to have

30. Shirts – (3 or 4): synthetic short sleeve T-shirts and two long sleeve shirts (no cotton). 

31. Crocs or sandals for campsite wear (rubber/cheap/lightweight) – optional

32. Stuff bags – miscellaneous bags of various sizes for organizing gear; recommended

33. Hiking/walking poles, collapsible & lightweight; recommended

In Asia, Matterhorn Treks provides all arriving clients with a new 100 litre expedition duffel bag for re-packing your gear for animal and/or porter transport to base camps. Anything you wish to leave in Kathmandu will be stored for you. We recommend that you do not spend money on expensive gear without discussing this with us first; we can help save you money and avoid buying outdated, poor quality or unnecessary equipment. It is sometimes cheaper to wait and buy certain items in Kathmandu.