List of equipment for technical ascents

According to experienced hikers, it is extremely difficult and almost impossible to complete  a technical ascent without serious training and reliable equipment. A person feels uncomfortable even at an altitude of 5000 m. The weather conditions at the top of a mountain above 5000 m may be truly unfavorable to people. You will need special equipment for technical altitude climbs +5000 m (for example, to the peaks of Kazbek or Elbrus).

This is a list of equipment for technical ascents:

Clothes

Jacket

When in the mountains it is extremely important to wear pieces of clothing that retain body heat. It is recommended to wear two special jackets at once. First jacket with fleece lining makes up the middle layer of a hiker’s clothing, which should generally conform to the shape of the body and provide comfort during the ascent. The second jacket is worn over the rest of the clothing and serves as protection from cold wind, rain and snow. Wearing a jacket with a hood is advised. 

The second jacket is worn over the rest of the clothing and serves as protection from cold wind, rain and snow. Wearing a jacket with a hood is advised. 

Fleece

Fleece (artificial wool) is lighter and softer than natural wool.

Fleece outerwear retains warmth even after getting wet.

Thermal underwear

Thermal underwear is a piece of clothing necessary for every lover of outdoor activities and sports. Among the three layers of warm clothing, thermal underwear is considered the very first layer that is worn directly on the body.

Thermal underwear is made of a special material that removes excess moisture (sweat) from the skin surface and retains body heat.

Trousers

When choosing trousers, it is recommended to take into account the presence of a membrane layer, which provides both warmth, dryness and breathability. The choice of material is up to you. It can be natural or synthetic.

Natural material (for example, goose down) retains heat better and is lighter in weight. Synthetics are usually heavier, but clothing made from this material is more affordable.

Socks

Hiking socks are made from both synthetic wool and merino sheep wool. It is recommended to give preference to a product made from natural material, since merino wool is light in weight, retains heat for a long time, quickly absorbs sweat and dries.

In addition, for mountain climbing you need to have several pairs of socks of different thicknesses.

Equipment

Hiking boots

Mountain hiking shoes have special durability, since they are made for movement on rocky and icy terrain to protect the legs from sudden impacts. Typically, such shoes have thick soles. When choosing hiking boots, make sure they fit your legs comfortably.

Please note that during the ascent you put on thick woolen socks, so it is recommended to purchase shoes one or two sizes larger. It is especially important that such shoes have special fastenings for climbing crampons.

Crampons

Crampons are made of aluminum and steel. The advantages of crampons made of aluminum are lightness and comfort when walking. However, models made of this material are not as durable as similar products made of steel.

For technical ascents, it is recommended to give preference to crampons made of steel. Make sure the crampons are securely attached to your shoes.

Ice axe

When buying an ice axe you should pay attention to its length.

To choose the ice axe that suits you, place it on your ankle: it should be about 10 cm above your foot.

Climbing ropes

Climbing ropes are of various lengths and diameters. So, when climbing a glacier, it is recommended to choose ropes that have undergone dry processing.

Climbing ropes of this type quickly absorb moisture, which makes them indispensable in snowy conditions.

Mountaineering helmet

A mountaineering helmet is probably the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing equipment for a technical ascent. There are plenty of different models on the market. There are two types of mountaineering helmets: made of lightweight foam and of hard ABS plastic.

The perfect mountaineering helmet fits your head tightly, covering your forehead, back of the head and temples and providing maximum comfort. The only way to choose it right is to try it on. Make sure that your mountaineering helmet covers as much of your head as possible. This way you will be well protected from overhead and side impacts.

• If you want to protect your head from falling objects and other types of impact, you should pay attention to helmets with Hardshell technology. Durable ABS plastic fuses with foam for durable protection. The weight of this type of mountaineering helmets may be higher, but their price is usually more affordable compared to top-end models.
• If you prefer a classic style and are looking for a lightweight helmet, consider the In-mold design. Thin polycarbonate replaces heavy plastic, and there are no gaps between the layers.
• For the optimal combination of protection and weight, it is recommended to consider hybrid versions of helmets. An example of such helmets are models from the Berns brand with a polycarbonate shell glued with durable Zip Mold foam.

It is important to understand that foam helmets generally do not regain their shape and will lose their protective properties after one hard impact. If a crack or dent appears, the helmet should be replaced.

Mountaineering carabiners

Carabiners are used for secure fastening, connecting the ends of ropes and weaving knots during mountain hikes.

Thus, mountaineering carabiners are indispensable during technical ascents.

Hiking Backpack (volume 40-50 liters)

When choosing a backpack, you should consider the duration of the ascent. Typically, backpacks with a capacity of 40-50 liters are used. When choosing a backpack for a technical ascent, you should pay attention not so much to its stylish design, but to its functionality.

First of all, it is important to make sure that the size and shape of the backpack matches the curve of your back, ensuring a proper fit and contour to your hips. In addition, you need to make sure that the backpack is waterproof and has special mounts for an ice axe, protective helmet and other equipment. The perfect backpack ensures not only your comfort, but also safety.

Trekking poles

Trekking poles significantly reduce the load on your legs during mountain climbs. Special attention should be paid to the strength tip, which is designed to move around tight layer of snow.

Sleeping bag

The packaging of a sleeping bag indicates its temperature regime: the upper and lower limits of a comfortable temperature for a person, as well as the extreme temperature at which the sleeping bag loses its effectiveness and its owner is at risk of severe frostbite.

Accessorize

Warm hat

It is better to give preference to a fleece hat, since this material retains heat longer and provides protection from the wind.

Sun protection glasses

Sunglasses for mountain ascents above 5000 meters must have sufficient protection, otherwise there is a risk of snow blindness.

Glasses with lenses of the first and second categories made for the city and light hikes are not suitable. It is necessary to purchase sunglasses of the third or fourth category (they have a tint of 82-91 and 92-97% respectively).

Buff

The buff is a multifunctional scarf that provides protection from wind, dust, snow and cold.

In strong winds, you may pull up the buff and cover your face with it, providing additional protection.

Gloves

During the ascent, you need to have 2 sets of fleece gloves: regular five-fingered ones and mittens.

You can take special ski gloves that have a waterproof layer on the outside and a soft, insulated layer on the inside.

Headlamp

As mountain ascents often begin at night, you need a headlamp. Before the ascent, it is important to check that the batteries are working properly. Also, don’t forget to take spare batteries with you.

First aid kit

In the article at the link, we tried to list all the medications necessary for a mountain ascent. Of course, this list is not exhaustive.

It is important to note that some people may be allergic to certain chemicals. Please make sure that you and other people in your group are not allergic to the medicine you are going to take or offer to a friend.

Other

• A thermos
• Drinking water bottle
• Warm slippers
• Change of underwear
• Personal hygiene items (hygienic lipstick, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
• Sunscreen or spray with a protection level of at least 50 spf.
• Telephone
• Power bank
• Passport and other personal documents, wallet. Documents can be placed in a zip bag to protect them from dirt and moisture.
• A protective cover for a backpack or plastic bags for packing things.

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One Day Hiking in Armenia