|
 For
the Alps it is essential to have a warm and stiff soled boot.
The warmth of the boot is important on high snowy peaks. Boots
can be hired, but it is better to arrive with your own well
broken-in footwear, in order to avoid problems. They must
not be smooth soled or very flexible. Go for a B2 for general
alpinism or B3 if you intend climbing more technical routes.
Lightweight fabric boots are not recommended.
 These
should be ten or twelve pointers with front points. They should
fit the boots you will be wearing! Rigid C3 crampons 'ball
up' badly and are not recommended for that reason. Completely
stiff crampons are not good for long treks. C2 Petzl-Charlet
mixed points with toe straps and heel
' cup' are good, as are Grivel G10. Heel 'cups' tend to be
more sure-fitting than heel clips on some boots. Carry your
crampons in a bag, rubber nipple crampon covers are very fiddly
and time consuming. Please have anti-balling plates fitted
to your crampons. A C1 crampon with straps all round can be
used on stiffer boots.
Alpine axes should be around 60/70cms in length. Shorter tools
are needed if steep climbing is envisaged.
Essential. Adjustable leg loops are preferred for ease of
fitting. The Black Diamond 'Bod' is good.
 Bring
one if you have it. Essential at times.
The trousers should have a full length leg zip for ease of
fitting over boots and crampons. Lightweight waterproofs are
often better in the Alps as they spend most of the time in
your rucsac.
 A
lightweight pair of gaiters (not Yeti's) are essential at
times.
A medium volume sac of 45/55 litres is best. Plastic bag liners
are useful. Buy a rucsac without too many complicated straps
and buckles. Large hip supports often hinder harness fitting
and add to the weight, as do internal metal stiffeners.
 Should
be of lightweight layers. Extremes of temperature will be
experienced and a flexible system is essential. Warm mitts
and hat are essential, as are sun-shade hat, trainers and
shorts. Jackets should have accessible pouch pockets for carrying
items needed quickly (sunglasses, sweeties, small camera,
sun cream, etc.). Shirts should have a high collar to protect
your neck from the sun, T-shirts are poor in this respect.
 A
large person sized plastic survival bag (500gauge) is the
minimum requirement.
Essential, plus spare batteries and bulbs.
 A
small personal pack including medication for blisters, headaches,
stomach upsets, sunburn plus any personal drugs. For people
on special drug treatments please bring spares and/or a list
of their brand names/contents. Total sun block cream for glacier
travel. Lip salve. Small tube of skin cream. Ear plugs for
a quiet nights sleep in huts if other people are snoring!
Best with side covers for glacier travel. Please check with
an optician.
Maps are best bought on arrival but can be found in Britain,
check beforehand.
Try 'The Alpine 4000m Peaks' by Richard Goedeke (Diadem).
Recommended
Bring four metres of 6mm line (softish kernmantel) to be made
into loops on arrival.
Essential to carry a litre.
For camping, bunkhouses and possible planned bivouacs.Not
for alpine huts. A light silk sleeping bag liner can add to
your comfort considerably.
Very useful for taking the weight off your lower body in descent,
boosting you up hill and general balance. Recommended but
not essential.
Useful for valley climbing, during bad weather conditions
at altitude.
- Form E111 (DSS)
- Passport
- Alpine Club Card
- Insurance
Please indicate which items you may need to hire or borrow
before arriving.
Back to top
|
Compass
and Map
Water-bottle
Rock
Boots