Some of the Best the Gear You’ll Need to Get Into Mountaineering

Axe

There are different types of ice axes for different objectives. Beginners who are starting off on more moderate terrain will want to get an axe with a traditional, classic-style pick and a longer straight shaft. Blue Ice’s Blackbird lightweight chrome is a great all-around ice axe for those just getting into the sport. For more technical mountain objectives involving steeper ice, the SMC Kobah Pro Hammer Axe, which integrates more advanced shaft geometry, an interchangeable pick, and the option to have either adze or hammer, is a fantastic option.

Harness

Beginner mountaineers can generally get away with using their rock harness. However, if you are a gearhead looking for the best harness for mountaineering applications, consider a lightweight, mountaineering-specific harness that conforms to UIAA standards like Blue Ice’s Choucas Pro. The Choucas Pro ranges from weighing 128-150g and is ridiculously comfortable to wear all day.

Mountain Boots

Considering that you are walking 90 percent of time while mountaineering, a good pair of boots are a must. Where you are climbing and the prevailing conditions will determine how warm your boots have to be. However, for most general summer mountaineering objects in elevations lower than 3,000 meters, you can wear a light three-season boot like Mammut’s Taiss Light Mid GTX, which is one of the lighter and stiffer boots in its class. Coupled with some gaiters like Outdoor Research’s Flex-Tex II, your feet will stay dry.

Hardware

Learning glacier travel and crevasse rescue will be one of the most important skills to have while mountaineering. For starters, you will need a variety of carabiners, including a tri-lock ‘biner with either a captive eye (something to keep the carabiner in place and closed) or a non-locker to back it up. You will need a belay device, prusik cord and/or progress traction devices—and a pulley or two can be extremely helpful. There is more on the list, but if you are headed out with a guide, this is all you will need to start. You can also get Petzl’s Crevasse Rescue Kit.

Crampons

Mountaineering involves more than just snow, so it is important to get a pair of steel toe-point crampons that can handle ice. In keeping with the “fast and light” motto of many mountaineers, Petzl’s Irvis Hybrid, a crampon with steel front points and an aluminum heel piece is the best option for summer mountaineering. A pair will fit on most mountaineering boots and are solid without the extra weight.

Waterproof Jacket

Yes there will be days where the sun will be out and the “guns” will be out, however, conditions can rapidly change in the alpine and having a waterproof shell is a non-negotiable. Another reason to pack the Gore-Tex, or comparable product, is protection from the wind alongside precipitation.

Although it might feel nice on a hot day to lay in the snow, being wet when the sun goes away can make a bad day worse. Arc’teryx Alpha FL jacket is the cream of the crop for alpine shells—it weighs only 315 grams and has superior protection.

Insulated Jacket

It is essential to take an insulated jacket in alpine conditinos, even in the summer. Not only will you want a jacket for emergencies, but while on belay, or waiting out weather, it is best practice to keep yourself from getting cold or wet. Rab Equipment is known for its lightweight down jackets that can pack down into a “bite-size” ball. Its Zero G Jacket is an excellent choice for those unexpected moments.

Pack

A good alpine climbing pack is simple, streamlined, and facilitates easy access to contents both inside the pack—as well as storing essential equipment on the outside, such as rope, an ice axe, or a trekking pole. Specifically designed packs like Patagonia’s Assentionist typically feature a clean design, have loops for secure storage of climbing tools, and are lightweight.

Glacier Glasses

Save your eyes. Mountaineers don’t wear “glacier glasses” with shields on the side as a fashion statement; they wear them because of the harsh reflection of the sun on snow. The good news is there are options—you can go the old-school route with something like Julbo’s Vermont classics, or you get a more updated version like Oakley’s new Clifdens.

Soft Shell Pants

Soft-shell pants provide breathable fabric that is wind- and water-resistant, have a DWR water repellency and dry quickly. Soft-shell pants are the sure ticket in the alpine until the weather goes south, in which case your lightweight shells come out to protect you from rain or snow. Norrøna’s Flex 1 is available in two weights, features a PFC-free DWR finish, and is made with 88 percent recycled materials. They also have a lot of handy pockets.

Gloves

It is best practice to bring a few pairs of gloves: a thinner pair, and a super-warm pair, along with a backup or two in case a pair gets wet. In order to efficiently and effectively do rope work, it’s critical to have maximum dexterity. Mountain Hardwear’s Power Stretch Stimulus Gloves are an ideal option for your thinner glove.