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. Decathlon also have great options for Cat 4 sunglasses and alpine clothing (Simond brand).
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 WhatsApp group to join - please contact us if you need an invite.
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 4 - Cat4 rated glasses are essential for being on a glacier.
Goggles – for windy/snowy conditions
Sun and lip cream – factor 50+
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 – 30-40L 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 Courmayeur)
Ice Axe (mountaineering rather than technical climbing) (This can be hired in Courmayeur) https://www.4810courmayeur.com/en/rental/
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. If you have crevasse rescue kit (ice screw, microtraction or similar) please feel free to bring it along.
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).
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 town/possibly at the campsite shop
Casual clothes including shorts 🙂
Euros/bank card that you’ve told the bank you are travelling with
Towel and wash kit. A microfibre quick drying travel towel is best.