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