Equipment, weather and orientation Use the right gear for local conditions

Image photo with the ALPINE ICE GTX,

Check local conditions

Receding glaciers, melting snow and ice cover and temper­atures approaching zero degree Celsius caused by climate change will increase the risk of rockfalls and falls into crevasses. This is why you should set off at the right time and constantly monitor the weather and terrain – and change your route if necessary.

Continuous orientation

Pathless terrain, hikes across glaciers and severely restricted visibility can make it difficult for you to remain oriented. This is why you must be skilled in the use of maps, alti­meters, compasses and GPS. If you begin to doubt yourself, simply turn around.

Func­tional gear

Adapt your gear to your destination and keep your rucksack light! A rope and a helmet will protect you if you fall or encounter a rockfall. Crampons and a pickaxe will provide you with support. Don’t forget protection from the sun – both sunscreen and glacier goggles. For emer­gencies: first-aid kit, bivouac sack, mobile telephone and headlamp. We have compiled a few extra tips for your packing list as well.

  • Waterproof rucksack
    Preferably use a 35-litre to 45-litre rucksack.

  • Tele­scopic poles, helmet and moun­tain­eering boots
    Make sure that your moun­tain­eering boots are crampon-compatible. Definitely use crampons with anti-balling plates.

  • Sun protection
    Definitely pack a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, a pair of glacier goggles and a sun hat.

  • Food and beverages
    Take along a one-litre to three-litre drinking bottle filled with water. Also include energy bars and a lunch box.

  • Classic equipment
    Take along a headlamp, hipbelt and an impregnated rope.

  • Climbing gear
    You will naturally need various cara­biners, slings and clamps. You should preferably take along at least three Safelock HMS locking cara­biners. You should also have two normal cara­biners, a 1.2-metre tape sling and a 0.6-metre tape sling. On top of that, you will need a 6-millimetre accessory cord (1×1m+ 2×2,4m) or, as an alternative, a rope clamp (Tibloc, Mini­Traxion or similar brands) for rescues from crevasses.

  • Ice gear
    You should have an ice pick, ice screws (depending on the tour) as well as quickdraws and mobile securing equipment.

  • Clothing
    Preferably pack func­tional underwear and a second shirt, func­tional socks, a sweater or a fleece jacket, a pair of softshell tour pants, a waterproof hardshell jacket, an insulated jacket (Primaloft or down), light­weight and warm finger gloves, gaiters, a cap, a headband and a scarf.

  • Emergency equipment
    Make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have installed all emergency numbers or an emergency app. You should also have a bivouac sack (for two climbers each) as well as a first-aid kit that includes a rescue blanket.

  • Overnight utensils
    If you are planning to spend the night, you should take a hut liner, toiletries and a change of clothes.

  • Miscel­laneous
    You will also need cash, an EC card, your Alpine Club membership card, a regional guidebook or a tour description, a map, a compass, an altimeter and a GPS device.