Equipments for Expedition

ICE AXE

An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow, ice.

ACCESSORY CORD - 2 meter

Those ropes are for the belts to harness and should be wide enough (5-6mm) to provide support around the middle of the waist and lower back and to help distribute the force of a fall.

CRAMPON

A crampon is a traction device that is attached to footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice during ice climbing.

CARABINER (Unlock)

A carabiner or karabiner is a specialized type of shackle, a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to quickly and reversibly connect components, most notably in safety-critical systems

CARABINER (Lock)

These carabiners have a gate that's reinforced by a locking mechanism, which secures the carabiner in its closed position and ensures absolute safety.

HARNESS

Harnesses make rock climbing much safer than climbing with the rope tied directly around the climber's waist. Climbing harnesses are designed to provide support and security and it is important to find a harness that will suit your personal climbing needs and body type.

FIGURE 8

A figure 8 (sometimes just referred to as an 8) is used in conjunction with a climbing harness and locking carabiner to control a belayed climber's descent, or one's own descent when rappelling.

TREKKING POLES

Poles take a lot of strain off your joints while you hike and can help you maintain balance through various types of tricky terrain.

ACCENDER / DESCENDER

An ascender is a device (usually mechanical) used for directly ascending a rope, or for facilitating protection with a fixed rope when climbing on very steep mountain terrain. Ascenders can also be used as a braking component within a rope hauling system, often used in rescue situations.

HIGH-ALTITUDE ALL-IN-ONE BOOT

Used instead of standard double-boot, this all-in-one integrated boot system is warm enough for use without overboots, and eliminates the need for gaiters.

Not to be confused with hiking boots, mountaineering boots are usually taller, stiffer, and insulated. The boots can be made of leather, plastic, or modern synthetic materials like Kevlar.

Mountaineering boots are typically designed to be used with crampons.

WOOL OR SYNTHETIC SOCKS

Four to five pairs of heavyweight socks. If using liner socks, these must be sized to fit with your liner socks. Check the fit inside your boots, and be sure to bring new socks.

Another important aspect of mountaineering boots is warmth. To prevent frostbite in extreme cold conditions, synthetic insulation is incorporated into the boot.

SOFTSHELL JACKET

This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top

BALACLAVA SYSTEM

Two full balaclavas, one heavyweight and one lightweight, that will comfortably layer together. These items are not replaced by a Buff.

WOOL/SYNTHETIC SKI HAT

A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

FACEMASK

Neoprene models are recommended; be sure your facemask is sized well to your face. Balaclavas with built-in facemasks will also work well.

GLACIER GLASSES

High-quality glacier glasses offering full coverage around both eyes and across the nose. Removable side-shields are not required provided eye coverage is sufficient.

SKI GOGGLES

High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude. The lens should offer visible light transmission (VLT) of no more than 30%. Those with light-sensitive eyes may wish to use a darker lens. Photochromic models are ideal for use in changing conditions

NOSE GUARD

Nose guards are optional, but can be useful for those with extra-sensitive noses in lieu of constant sunscreen application. Guides strongly recommend the Outeru face glove as a nose guard.

HEADLAMP

A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output. Freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. Rental headlamps do not include spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred

-40 DOWN SLEEPING BAG

This sleeping bag should be appropriately rated to -40 degrees. Down bags are a must- synthetic bags are overly bulky and heavy when rated below 0-degrees.

SMALL PACK

An internal frame climbing/trekking pack of approximately 32-40 liters in carrying capacity. Emphasize simple, lightweight designs.

WATER BOTTLE PARKAS

Bring two fully insulated water bottles parkas with zippered openings. Neoprene 'cozy' style constructions do not provide enough insulation and are not recommended.

THERMOS

A fully vacuum-insulated thermos is recommended for hydration, comfort, and safety on cold days on the mountain. One-liter sizes are strongly preferred, and avoid narrow-mouthed thermoses which can be challenging to fill.

SUNSCREEN

Two to four ounces of SPF 30+ sunscreen. Varieties with zinc-oxide are more protective! Two to four ounces per week is typically sufficient, but several small tubes can offer insurance against lost or exploded tubes. Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

LIPSCREEN

Several tubes of SPF 30+ lipscreen. As with sunscreen, be sure your lipscreen is new.

SMALL PERSONAL FIRST-AID KIT

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS

Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, Z-Paks (250mg tablets), Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 2 per day at altitude), and a variety of standard painkillers like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.

HAND AND TOE WARMERS

Bring three sets of each. Please note that toe warmers are different than hand warmers. They are formulated to work in a lower oxygen environment, like the inside of a boot, they also burn out more quickly.

DOWN SUIT

Probably the most famous and well know suit. With the brand North face which is well known for their adventure clothing products, their down suits are one of the best in the industry. North Face down suits is also worn by famous North face athletes like Renan Ozturk, Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker. Probably because they are part of the team but also these athletes have helped the company to test and build these suits.

GLOVES

The main purpose of gloves is clearly to protect against the cold.

INSULATED CAMP BOOTIES

Used instead of standard double-boot, this all-in-one integrated boot system is warm enough for use without overboots, and eliminates the need for gaiters.

CAMP BOOTS

Optional. Insulated, non-technical winter boots for time spent around Base Camp.

LIGHT HIKING BOOTS OR TREKKING SHOES

Down or synthetic insulated camp booties for use inside boot shells or when sleeping in your tent.