Clothing
& Equipment Guide
The following information is
intended to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment
for your trip. See also our Helpful Links page for details of
specialist retailers who will be able to offer further advice
and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
Footwear
This is one of the most important considerations, as
blisters and sore feet will spoil your trek. We recommend that
you take a pair of lightweight hiking/trekking boots, suitable
for walking over rough terrain, offer good ankle support and
will be comfortable over long distances. Good quality fabric
or leather boots are recommended. If you are considering a trek
where you are likely to encounter a couple of days of snow-covered
trails, you should opt for a waterproof trekking boot - either
a Gore-Tex-lined fabric boot or a leather boot. If you prefer
to do your walking in a more substantial pair of leather boots,
that's OK, but make sure that they are well worn-in prior to
the trek. Choosing a pair of trekking boots is a very individual
process, and you should be governed by your own experience and
preferences. A good outdoor equipment store will be able to
advise you as to the fitting of your boots. For wearing about
camp and walking the easier sections of trail we recommend sneakers
or sandals that allow you to wear socks underneath.
(Mountaineering Footwear):
Despite the increased popularity of a new generation of leather
boots for technical alpine mountaineering, plastic boots are
still standard equipment for cold conditions. They are lighter
in weight, warmer and more waterproof than leather mountain
boots. Also, you can sleep in the removable inner boots to
ensure warm toes in the morning! Climbing and trekking at
altitudes of up to 6000 metres (20000 feet), the temperatures
can be very cold indeed (as low as minus 25°C/15°F),
and leather boots are really not suitable for these cold conditions.
Plastic boots are also designed to take step-in crampons,
quickly and efficiently, and this combination of plastic boots
and step-in crampons is by far the most sensible option when
considering a trekking peak climb. Asolo, Koflach, Scarpa
and Lowa are examples of excellent plastic boot manufacturers.
Gaiters:
Gaiters are an important piece of equipment, which will help
to keep your feet warm and dry in wet and snowy conditions.
The simple “alpine” style of gaiter which hooks
onto the boot laces and is held under the instep by a strap
or lace is fine for most trekking applications. These “alpine”
gaiters are widely available. There are more expensive gaiters
which cover the whole of the boot uppers, providing additional
warmth and protection, and these are a sensible option for
those trips which involve the negotiation of several days
of snow-covered glacier.
Socks:
If you prefer to wear two pairs of socks, your inner socks
or liners should be cotton or wool-based or a mixture. Bring
4 pairs. If you prefer to wear a single pair of thicker socks
(and some sock manufacturers are producing excellent socks
which are designed to be used without a liner or inner sock)
then these should also be mainly made of natural materials
and of loopstitch construction for maximum warmth and comfort.
Take 4 pairs. Thor-Lo is an example of a sock manufacturer
that markets a wide range of technically advanced trekking/walking
socks.
Clothing
Your clothing must be adaptable to suit a wide range
of conditions, including all extremes of weather and varying
levels of physical activity. Modern thinking supports the adoption
of the principle of “layering” which involves the
use of several thin layers of thermally efficient clothing,
which can be worn in a number of combinations, according to
the prevailing circumstances. Where it is warm enough you can
trek in either shorts or lightweight trekking pants (a long
skirt is an option for women) and a long sleeve cotton shirt
or T-shirt or the new Capilene T-shirts. For colder conditions,
you can add layers of thermal clothing. Patagonia Capilene thermal
clothing, for example, is very good and comes in three weights
- lightweight, midweight and expedition weight. On top of these
thermals you should add layers of fleece. Patagonia, Marmot,
The North Face, Mountain Hardware and many other manufacturers
make a wide range of fleece garments, jackets, pullovers, pants
and vests. These are generally made from Polartec fabric (in
a variety of weights – including Polartec 100 and 200),
which is warm, light and quick drying. Warmer still, are windproofed
fleece garments commonly known as WindStopper. Extremely, if
it starts to rain, or if you are making a high, cold climb or
pass crossing, you will have your waterproof outerwear, jacket
and pants or bibs, to fall back on. Shell pants and bibs with
full-length zips are a good idea if you choose a trip which
involves the use of plastic boots and crampons.
Active:
Active outdoor pursuits such as trekking and climbing require
protection from the chill of the wind more often than protection
from rain, especially in mountain ranges such as the Himalaya.
Shell garments made from breathable fabrics (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
are to be preferred for the following reason. Thermal underwear
or base layers work on a ‘wick-dry' principle, wicking
the perspiration away from the skin to where it can evaporate
without cooling the body. A non-breathable shell garment prevents
this drying process from being effective, by trapping the
moisture as condensation on the inside of the shell material.
The enclosed thermal layers remain wet, and their insulating
properties are reduced as a result. There is an enormous range
of waterproof and breathable outerwear on the market. This
includes technical mountaineering shells as well as simpler
(and less expensive) garments which are ideal for general
outdoor use and, at the same time, perfectly suited to trekking
trip and easy trekking peak climbing.
Extremities:
It is important to keep your extremities warm, and you must
not neglect your head and hands when selecting the equipment
for your trip. Gloves and a hat or balaclava made from stretchy
thermal material make a good base layer for your head and
hands. On top of this you should consider a warm fleece hat
and a pair of warmer gloves or mittens. Waterproof overmitts
are essential for climbing on a trekking peak.
A down jacket is a welcome luxury for evening wear on most
treks and becomes an essential item of gear for our December
departures and for our trips with camps above 5000 metres
(16000 feet.) However, these are expensive items and if you
think that you will need a down jacket, and you do not possess
one, consider borrowing one instead. Without doubt the best
insulator in terms of warmth for weight is pure down - it
is at least 100% more efficient than the best synthetics when
dry. (Its performance when wet is not so good, so if you have
a down sleeping bag or jacket, keep it dry!).
Sleeping
bag and camping mat
A good quality sleeping bag is
essential on all trips involving camping. A full length side
zip is required to facilitate ventilation on warmer nights.
A cotton or fleece liner adds to the warmth and comfort of a
bag and prevents it from becoming excessively soiled. A camping
mattress is needed primarily to insulate you from the cold ground,
and you should take a good quality closed-cell foam mat or you
should consider the more expensive self-inflating Thermarest.
We advise all clients to bring with them a cotton or fleece
sleeping bag liner to use with their main bag. (We rent out
suitable sleeping bags and Thermarest mattresses).
Sun protection
Sun protection should of course
always be taken seriously. A wide-brimmed sunhat or headscarf
should be used to keep the sun off your head. At altitude, the
sun's rays are particularly strong, and sunglasses with 100%
ultraviolet and infrared filtration are recommended, such as
Vuarnet PX5000, Cebe 2000/3000 and Bolle Irex 100. These glasses
are available with detachable leather or plastic sidepieces,
which give increased protection, especially from reflected glare,
and you should give serious consideration to such ‘‘glacier
glasses'' for any trek which includes walking or climbing on
snow. You should bring a plentiful supply of sun cream - a couple
of large tubes of factor 6-10 for lower down, and some total
block (factor 15-20) for above the snowline. Lipsalve of a suitable
filter factor is also necessary.
Day packs
For trekking: A 35-40 litre (2200-2800 cubic inch) day
pack should be large enough to carry the following items on
trek. a) waterproof shell gear b) fleece jacket, extra pair
of socks, or sandals c) water bottles (2), with at least 2 litre
total capacity. d) camera plus accessories, binoculars, etc.
e) small first aid kit.
For climbing trips:
You will need a slightly bigger backpack than for a trekking-only
trip. A 60- 65 litre (3500-4000 cubic inch) pack is required
to carry more warm clothing and food during the climbs, and
also your personal climbing gear.
Whether you are going on a trek or a climb, please pack your
day pack before leaving home to check on its size. If you
have any questions about gear, please do not hesitate to call
us for advice.
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