Swiss 4000 Metre Peaks
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your rucksack to a minimum
You must bring the following items:
Mountain Boots (see notes)
Gaiters (long or short)
Socks
Underwear
Trekking trousers/pants (not cotton)
Waterproof over trousers (leg zips useful)
Waterproof jacket (with hood)
Long johns
Thermal base layer x 2 (one with long sleeves for glacier travel)
T-shirt or casual shirt
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Extra warm layer/ duvet jacket (prima loft or lightweight down)
Sunhat
Warm hat
Eye wear – sunglasses – category 3 or 4.
Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring!)
Thin gloves – leather or thermal
Warm gloves/ski gloves or mittens
Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag/rucksack contents dry)
Small padlock (for trek bag)
Climbing rucksack – 30-40 litres
Head torch and spare batteries
Sun Protection (high factor for skin)
Lip salve – with sunscreen
Sleeping bag liner/sheet sleeping bag (silk is lightest)
Crampons – MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates
Crampon bag
Ice axe
Helmet
Mountaineering harness
2 x screw gate karabiner
2 x prussic loops with snap gate karabiner
1 long sling (120cm)
1 litre water bottle x2
Small wash kit and pack towel
Basic first aid kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment.
The following items are optional:
Shorts (for non-glacial travel)
Trekking poles x 2 (with baskets)
Camera
Pocket-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Travel clothes
Notes:
Mountaineering Boots:
Recommended boots should be comfortable, warm and sufficiently stiff to take a crampon securely. A B2 boot will be suitable, but NOT a B1.
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Crampons:
Modern strap on crampons are perfectly acceptable for this climbing trek and will fit any boot. All crampons MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates. ‘Grivel’ crampons - G10 or G12 with a strap system/or semi-strap/heel clip are excellent and they come fitted with anti-balling plates. Make sure they are compatible with your boots.
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Equipment hire/ rental:
The following equipment can be hired from KE: crampons (with anti-balling plates); climbing helmet; harness pack (with sling, 2 karabiners and prussic loops); ice-axe. This can be reserved either when you book your trip or closer to your departure but we advise booking hire equipment as soon as possible to ensure availability. We do not hire mountaineering boots, but there are several shops in Saas Grund which rent boots suitable for this trip.
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Sleeping bags/extra shoes:
Sleeping bags/extra shoes are NOT required as bedding and hut shoes/slippers are provided at mountain refuges. However, we do recommend you bring a sheet sleeping bag.
Needle Sports (specialist mountaineering equipment shop)
Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store.
View >>http://www.needlesports.com/
