Alpine Meet Kit List

In general, you want Alpine clothing to be light but functional. You can pick technical clothing up cheaper on facebook sites such as Outdoor Gear Exchange. I would encourage you to try and share camping/cooking equipment with others so baggage is cheaper. If you are coming unguided you may wish to think about sharing ropes/rack out between you too. 

There is a Facebook event in the WAAC group and I will be setting up a WhatsApp group for everyone soon.

Technical Clothing

  • Waterproof jacket – lightweight breathable model

  • Waterproof Overtrousers – with long side zips so you can put them on with crampons and boots on

  • Gaitors - these can be softshell rather than waterproof. To stop you nicking your expensive trousers with crampon points!

  • Socks – warm ‘Smartwool’ type, plus thin liner socks and spares

  • Wicking thermal tops – long sleeved and light colour is ideal! I find having a collar is nice for when you’re wearing coils without another layer on top

  • Fleece or lightweight insulating mid layer 

  • Mountain trousers – light/mid-weight windproof softshell model

  • Thin gloves – windproof, dextrous 

  • Warm insulated gloves – wind and waterproof to go over your other gloves

  • Warm hat – must fit under a helmet

  • Spare warm layer – lightweight synthetic belay jacket

Alpine climbing clothing - advice on layering systems for alpine mountaineering from Alpine Guides

Personal Items

  • Water Container – at least 1 litre

  • Headtorch and batteries

  • Rechargeable power bank

  • Compass and whistle (optional, but a good idea)

  • Personal medications and blister kit – zinc oxide tape, compeed, painkillers etc

  • Sun Glasses – CE rated 3 or 4

  • Goggles – for windy/snowy conditions

  • Sun and lip cream – factor 30+

  • Sun hat

  • Wallet and passport

  • BMC/AAC card (if you are a member) and insurance docs (travel and alpine).

  • If you’re a UK resident make sure you have a GHIC health insurance card. If from outside EU make sure you have relevant health insurance.

Hut Overnight Items

  • Small wash kit

  • Spare lightweight t-shirt/socks/pants

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Ear plugs!

Technical Equipment

  • Rucsac – 35/45l is perfect for general use

  • Rucsac – superlight 15/20l model, for taking on long multi-pitch rock routes 

  • Rigid mountaineering boots (B2 rating minimum)

  • Rock boots if you want to do rock climbing routes, would recommend them being comfy!

  • Via Ferrata Kit if you have one and want to do VF, can be hired from the village sports shops

  • Approach shoes or trainers

  • Trekking poles

  • Harness

  • Climbing helmet

  • Crampons with antiball plates (10 or 12 point) (These can be hired in Saas Fee)

  • Ice Axe (mountaineering rather than technical climbing) (This can be hired in Saas Fee) https://www.cesarsport.ch/en/ski-hire/

  • Intro Course - Belay plate and screwgate karabiner, screwgate karabiner. And if you have them 120cm sling on a screwgate karabiner and a prussik on a screwgate karabiner

  • Improver Course - Screwgate x2, Belay plate and screwgate, 120cm sling and screwgate x2, prussik x 2 or 3. If you have them - ice screws, alpine rack, microtraction or similar 

  • UnGuided - you will need to bring all hardware and appropriate ropes for your objectives, including your crevasse rescue set up (this can be reviewed on the Sunday Skills Check). 

Axe, Boot and Crampon Advice 

Valley/Campsite

  • Tent and sleeping mat/bag (despite summer conditions remember we are at altitude so it will be colder than maybe you expect at night)

  • Stove and cooking equipment. You can buy gas in the village and maybe at the campsite. I will check..!

  • Casual clothes including shorts 🙂

  • Swiss Francs/bank card that you’ve told the bank you are travelling with 

  • Towel and wash kit. A microfibre quick drying travel towel is best.