EQUIPMENT PLANNING
Fit and compatibility matter more than owning everything
Bring familiar base layers and personal items. Rent specialist equipment when buying it for one trip makes little sense. Every final list must match the season, forecast and confirmed programme.
Footwear and movement
- Warm mountaineering boots suitable for crampons
- Crampons compatible with the boots
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters when required by the boot/trouser system
- Several tested pairs of technical socks
Layering and weather
- Moisture-managing base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Windproof and waterproof outer layers
- Warm summit insulation
- Warm gloves plus spare hand protection
- Sun hat, warm hat and face protection
Personal and technical
- Headlamp with spare power
- Category-4 glacier sunglasses and goggles
- Day pack appropriate to the programme
- Water containers that work in freezing conditions
- Personal medication and hygiene items
- Sun protection
Rental is a fitting process, not just a shopping list
Reserve by size, but verify the actual boot fit, crampon compatibility and freedom of movement in the valley. Do not discover pressure points or incompatible bindings on summit night.
Before accepting rental equipment
- Wear the socks you intend to use.
- Check heel hold and toe room on an incline.
- Fit the exact crampons to the exact boots.
- Open and close every buckle while wearing gloves.
- Confirm what is included, the return condition and any deposit.
- Photograph the issued set and note existing damage.
The final mandatory list and rental price are issued with the confirmed trip offer. This guide deliberately does not invent stock or prices.