Essential Mountain Kit
- Kate
- Aug 6, 2015
- 3 min read
As I get asked a lot about kit advice, I’ve listed below some of my essential items for an alpine trip (of around 5000-6000m). Most of these are women-specific and although the market has improved considerably in terms of range I find it’s still limited compared to mens, particularly on the more technical side. Hope other female mountaineers out there find this useful and do pass on any other tips!
1) Boots: Below 6000m I use the La Sportiva Nepal Evo, however over 6000m or in particularly cold conditions the La Sportiva Spantik does a good job. I’ve found La Sportiva to be a slimmer fit than most mountaineering boots (which I need!) and are insulated enough for long glacier travel and supportive enough to kick and front point into ice. The Spantik lacing system can be off-putting at first but I found I got the knack fairly quickly and could do them up even with leather gloves on for an early morning start.
2) Crampons: Petzl Lynx – really versatile with modular front points (dual or mono point) whether traversing glaciers or ice climbing and has interchangeable front bindings to adapt to boots with or without toe welts.
3) Ice axe: A strong and versatile axe with a T-rated shaft, the Grivel Air Tech Evo is the new version of the classic Air Tech and is reasonably light. This is primarily a walking axe (I would find it difficult for use on vertical ice) so make sure you get the length right before you buy. For more vertical and hard ice climbs I use the DMM Apex but don’t forget to get some bungees attached to your harness in case of slippage!
4) Sunglasses / goggles: Julbo do a variety of sunglasses for alpine conditions. I also use Oakley goggles for when visibility is poor.
5) Helmet: I wear a Black Diamond half dome but a more high tech option is the Black Diamond Vector - the only light foam women's specific helmet (it’s smaller and lighter than the men’s version) or the Petzl Elia (with a ponytail feature – what more could a girl want). Finding hats to go underneath that keep you warm but aren’t too tight for the helmet has been difficult (no pompoms makes half my hat collection inadequate!) however my knitted beanie from Mountain Equipment does the trick.
6) Down jacket: The Rab Women’s Neutrino Endurance Jacket is a favourite of mine - it packs light and small to stuff into a rucksack whilst offering enough warmth (200g of 800 fill goose down) and protection from storms and spindrift. I also have the Rab Neutrino Plus – perfect for chilly base camp evenings.
7) Sleeping bag: The North Face Women’s Snow Leopard is a great 4 season sleeping bag – it’s lightweight, comfortable and waterproof. I love its women-specific fit and design which is not only shorter (and therefore cosier than most others) but has more insulation around the chest and feet for optimal warmth.
8) Mid-layer: The North Face Women’s ThermoBall micro hybrid jacket is a versatile yet hardwearing all-season layer. Great as extra insulation, a light belay / walking jacket, or even cycling into work!
9) Trousers: Mountain Equipment does a good range of women’s trousers. I like the Ama Dablam Mountain Pant as a good all round hardshell in the mountains. They also have internal gaiters and reinforced panels at the bottoms to avoid crampon nicks!
10) Poles: The Black Diamond Equipment Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are versatile four-season poles with adjustable sizing.
11) Thermals/socks: Go merino for thermals! Also invest in a few good pairs of socks such as the Smart Wool Extra Heavy Crew Socks which are cushioned, warm and comfy even when hiking all day.
12) Rucksack: The Black Diamond flare pack is brilliant! I love the tilting mechanism on the hip-belt to improve stability and suspension and the extra padding around the hips for comfort. It has all the usual trekking pole and ice axe loops as well which are useful as well as stretch pockets around the side. At 32L it’s a good size as a daysack (rope, waterproofs, warm layers and snacks etc) but too small if taking overnight kit. Worth buying some liners as well (I prefer lots of small ones than one big one).
13) Waterproof layers: I like the range of Millet Gore Tex women’s mountaineering jackets. I’ve had mine 5 years and it’s been lightweight yet tough in both rain and snow conditions, insulated yet breathable, and fits nicely over a helmet!
14) Gloves: The Black Diamond Guide has kept my fingers toasty warm in the coldest and wettest conditions with a combination of a removable PrimaLoft One and wool liner. A nylon shell and tough goat leather palm provides the durability and dexterity needed for alpine expeditions and ice climbs.
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