General Information
This list contains our recommended clothing and equipment for our multi-day alpine glacier trekking trips. In the summer months, the days generally start very cold and warm up during the morning to become hot in the afternoon. It is therefore essential that you have 2-3 thin layers that you are able to put on/take off as the conditions change. Thin layers also allow better movement as opposed to one layer of bulky clothing. If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us.
Clothing
- Base Layer Top and Bottoms - 1-2 thermal tops and 1 pair longjohns
- 2 midweight fleece tops or 1 fleece and 1 lightweight duvet jacket
- Lightweight trekking trousers
- Walking shorts or pair of trousers with zip-off legs
- Weather Layer Top - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jacket.
- Lightweight over-trousers with long side zips
- Sun hat and warm hat-
- Light, thin gloves
- Insulated gloves or mitts
- Gaiters - Good fitting pair of ankle gaiters to keep socks and boots dry
- 3-4 pairs of good quality socks
Boots
For the glacier trekking trips you need a good B2 rated boot. This is a semi-rigid boot available in either leather of plastic/composite options. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable and breathable whereas plastic/composite boots are warmer and more waterproof. They are compatible with C1 and C2 crampons. Boots can be hired in resort but to avoid discomfort it is strongly recommended that you have your own pair which need to be worn-in.
Alpine huts supply hut slippers so that you don't need to take any other footwear apart from your boots. Boots are not allowed in the dining room or dormitories and must be left in the foyer.
Technical
These items are required on our alpine trekking trips. All items can be hired from Mountain Tracks or from sport shops in the Alps. These items cost about £35-45 each for 6-8 days hire payable in local currency in resort.
- Ice Axe - general mountaineering axe – 55-70cms long depending on your height
- Boot crampons - with anti-balling plates.
- Climbing Harness– adjustable and with leg loops. Must be large enough to be worn over your outerwear
Miscellaneous
- Pack - A simple and lightweight pack with a capacity of between 35-45 litres
- Lightweight sheet sleeping bag/silk liner – now compulsory in most alpine mountain huts
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre) or Thermos
- Head lamp with batteries- a Petzl Zipka or similar LED torch
- Penknife
- Personal medications and first aid kit - For blisters, sunburn and headaches (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
- Adjustable trekking pole(s)
- Sun Glasses (minimum category 3 for high altitude) minimum category 3
- Sunscreen and Lip Protection
- Snack food- fruit or crunchy bars are better than chocolate as a rule. Biscuits to take with afternoon tea are good too!
- Brew kit– it’s cheaper to buy hot water in huts and add your own tea bags, coffee, hot chocolate, etc
- Duffel bag - for gear not required on trek. Will be left at first hotel and collected on return
- Passport
- Money - – You will need some cash for food and drinks. There are ATMs in the towns plus most hotels, shops and restaurants will accept credit cards. Huts are also increasingly able to accept credit cards but many still only take cash. (Euros or Swiss Francs depending on the trip)
- Small wash kit with quick drying towel
- Alpine club card If you're a member.
- Book, diary, pen, playing cards - for afternoons/evenings in the huts
On our Haute Route trek we offer the chance to climb Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. This is a 3-day extension and you'll need the following additional kit:
- Light and compact duvet jacket
- Balaclava or Face Warmer - that covers ears and back of the neck
- Climbing helmet