General Information
This list gives you an idea of the equipment you will need for Via Ferrate in the Alps and Dolomites. If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us at info@mountaintracks.co.uk
On most of our trips you will need to carry a pack with most of the gear that you require for the week and on most days you will stay in a new guesthouse or rifugio (alpine hut). If you prefer to stay in one place and undertake day tours we can arrange this.
During the summer months the weather in the Alps and Dolomites is usually sunny with warm temperatures and you will find that often t-shirts and shorts can be worn throughout the day. However the weather changes quickly and you always need to be prepared for cold and wet weather.
Try to limit the amount of gear you carry. Once you’re in the mountains you’ll quickly realise the benefit of ‘travelling light”.
Clothing and Footwear
- Sun hat/cap
- Roll-neck rather than a scarf – we recommend a ‘buff’ – a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name!
- Waterproof jacket made of breathable material (Gore-tex or equivalent)
- Lightweight waterproof pant
- A fleece with windstopper or 2-3 thin fleeces. More thin layers is preferable to fewer thick layers between your skin and the outer shell as it gives better heat retention and good flexibility.
- Long sleeved and short sleeved cotton/synthetic shirts
- Good quality gloves or mitts
- Walking trousers/shorts
- Few pairs of good walking socks
- Lightweight or mid-weight waterproofed hiking boots
For travel
- Change of clothes and pair of trainers or walking shoes
Technical Equipment (these items can be hired in resort of from your guides)
- Harness - Sit harness with adjustable leg loops and large enough to be worn over all clothing layers. Or a combined sit and chest harness.
- Helmet
- Ice axe and crampons(depending on conditions. Mountain Tracks will advise before time of departure)
Mountain Tracks will provide ropes, slings, karabiners, shock absorbers
Accessories
- Lightweight sheet sleeping bag/silk liner for use in huts.
- Good quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection
- Telescopic walking poles
- 25-35 litre rucksack with raincover
- 1 – 1.5 Litre water bottle or hydration system
- Hill nibbles (chocolate, energy bars)
- Suncream and lip salve
- Wash kit with small personal first aid items ie any medications, wet wipes, blister kit. The guide will carry comprehensive set for all other needs.
- Towel (optional).Most huts have limited washing facilites and in some hotels towels can be hired.
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reading/writing materials (for the evenings)
- Recommended guidebook- Dolomites: Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites. Published by Cicerone ISBN:1 85284 380 2
- Camera with large capacity memory card
- Money –most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not the alpine huts. You should allow about 15-20 Euros per day for lunch and drinks.
- Stuff bags