Basic Mountain Climbing Gear: Essential Mountain Climbing Equipment Checklist

Mountain climbing is definitely an enthralling and demanding sport. And it also requires a lot of gear. Not only do you need equipment for the physical act of Mountaineering, but you also need additional materials if you want to camp overnight or climb in extreme weather conditions.

To put it lightly, being prepared with the right mountain climbing gear is essential to having a safe and successful experience. I can personally recall my first time going on a hike up mountainside. Being inexperienced, I felt both exhilaration and unease because mounted trails are usually more treacherous than common hiking trails.

But don’t be discouraged! By the time you take your second trip, packing all this gear won’t bother you at all – you’ll just be excited to get going. As a general rule of thumb, weight is the most important factor when buying gear. The lighter the weight, the better – even if it does cost more.

The purpose of this technical mountaineering gear guide is not to teach you how to use the equipment, but rather provide a comprehensive packing list of things to bring on your next mountain climbing adventure. So without further ado, here are some basic pieces of mountain climbing gear that you’ll need:

Clothing

If you are new to mountaineering, don’t worry–below I will go over what kind of clothing is best to wear. Always remember to stays warm, dry, and comfortable by layering different types and thicknesses of clothing. It is always better to have too many layers than not enough!
The temperature will drop the higher you climb, so it’s wise to bring a few different layers of clothing. A light insulation layer is key, and can be something like fleece or down. If you find yourself in unexpectedly cold weather conditions while climbing, or if you’re participating in a summit or belay, it’s important to have a heavy insulation layer and hardshell jacket.
This will provide maximum protection from the cold. However, you also want the insulation layer to be weather-resistant. In cases of extreme weather like strong winds, snow storms, or rainstorms, it’s essential to have a hardshell jacket on hand for additional protection.

Upper Body Clothes

Lightweight Merino t-shirt
Lightweight Merino long sleeve t-shirt
Medium weight fleece pullover
Fleece jacket
Breathable and Waterproof jacket with a large hood that can fit the helmet
Lightweight down jacket
Warm down/ duvet suit
Lightweight thermal base layers

Lower Body Clothes

Lightweight underwear briefs
Walking shorts
Walking trouser
Lightweight thermal bottoms
Heavy thermal bottoms
Fleece trouser
Waterproof and breathable trousers with full side zips
Warm down/ duvet bibs

Handwear

Lightweight poly-liner gloves
Medium weight gloves
Warm fleece mitt liner paired with over mitt

Headwear

Synthetic or warm wool hat that covers the ears
Scarf, buff, or neck sleeve
Head Scarf or Bandana
Balaclava
Sun cap/ hat
Face mask
Ski goggles (light or dark lens optional)
Eyes and nose coverage eyewear
Glacier sunglass

Proper Footwear

A good pair of mountaineering boots are essential because they not only protect your feet from the harsh elements, but they also provide you with a platform to mount snowshoes and crampons. Mountaineering boots come in a range of materials, and double boots are ideal because they offer removable insulating layers.

Not all climbs require a heavy-duty pair of mountaineering boots, and you’ll find lighter varieties for less intense climates.

Footwear

Medium or heavy wool or poly socks
Poly or wool Liner socks
Lightweight trekking socks
Lightweight wool or cotton socks
Overboot or good quality plastic shell Aveolite liners with inner boot
Sturdy synthetic or leather hiking boots with good ankle
Cross trainers or running shoes
Down boot (optional)

Climbing Equipment

Clothing is just the beginning. You’ll need additional, specialized gear to climb mountains safely and effectively. Here’s a basic list of mountaineering equipment you’ll need:

Climbing Helmet
Crampons
Climbing Harness
Ice Ax
Multi- Led headlamp
Ascender
Locking and non-locking Carabiners
Ski/ Trekking poles
Rappel/ Belay device
Slings
Ropes
Lightweight pulleys
Prusik Cords
Avalanche Transceiver

Backpack

A good backpack is one of the best investments you can make for mountain climbing, next to your boots. You’ll have to wear it for long periods of time, carrying a lot of gear, so comfort is important.

Ensure that you get a backpack with proper hip straps; this will take the load off your shoulders when hiking. Other useful features include a pouch for your hydration package, exterior pockets (to store things like rain gear), and a waterproof cover.

Things to consider when buying a backpack:

Make sure the pack you choose has enough volume to comfortably hold all of your gear. It’s also important to consider exterior features, like how you can attach things to the outside of the pack (like an ice axe or picket) if they won’t fit inside.
Ensure the pack you choose fits your body type by measuring the frame of the pack to your torso. Backpack sizes vary, so don’t let its color be the deciding factor—choose one that will comfortably fit you instead. I often have difficulty finding packs that properly fit me because they are usually made for men with medium frames.
Not only should you consider a pack’s space and fit, but its weight as well. A heavier pack will make summit day more strenuous.
Is the product durable? Will it be able to withstand extreme weather conditions and the occasional scuff or scratch? It’s essential to have durable backpack that won’t give out during a grueling day of climbing.

Travel Bags

Medium rucksack (3000- 4500 cubic inches/ 50- 70 litre)
Large waterproof duffle kit bag (7500 cubic inch/ 120 L)
Pack cover
Small and protective padlocks

Emergency Supplies

Climbing mountains can be dangerous, so it’s important to always bring along a bag of emergency supplies. These items can come in handy if you find yourself in a difficult situation. My emergency bag includes: