Hiking in high mountain requires being able to cope with all weather and environmental conditions which can change very quickly. Appropriate equipment guarantees safety and represents an essential part of the success and comfort of your climb/stay.
You will not necessarily use all the items on this list which may seem impressiv but you must nevertheless have them in your bag.
All of this equipment is technical and generally quite expensive. Please note that we offer some of this equipment for rental, they are indicated by a * in the list below, you will find rental prices in the "Extra prices" section. The mountaineering kit that we offer for rental only includes individual technical equipment (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet); clothing (gore tex jacket, soft shell fleece, goretex pants) are not part of it.
Equipment hire and changes to your booking are only possible before payment of the balance of your booking (45 days before departure). We advise you to take the time, upon registration, to list the equipment you already have.Any equipment initially rented from ROC ECRINS even not taken or used on the day of departure is payable.
Important, if you are equipped with your personal equipment: the legislation regarding P.P.I. (personal protective equipment, this is the helmet, harness, and sunglasses) limits the use of the equipment over time. They can be used for 5 years from the date of purchase. Beyond this date, your equipment is considered to no longer be up to standard. You can find all the information regarding P.P.E. here > www.inrs.fr
Headwear
At high altitudes, snow reflects UV rays and the sun’s rays are not as well filtered by the atmosphere; even a cloudy sky allows 90% of UV rays to pass through, so it is essential to protect yourself against the dangers of the sun.
- A pair of class 4 protection sunglasses is highly recommended for everyone and very strongly recommended for sensitive eyes. They’ll come in handy on a ski holiday too.
- Sun cream high protection (index 50 recommended) for face and lips; remember to take the smallest size possible (no large tubes)
- a cap for the approach walk (prefer a soft model with no large seams that can be worn under the helmet)
- a ski mask (indispensable in case of gusts of wind or snowfall)
- a beanie hat that can be worn under the helmet (without pompoms)
- a helmet* approved for mountaineering ( 5 years max since date of purchase)
- a neck gaiters or Buff(avoid scarves)
- a headlamp with loaded batteries!!!
Bodywear
When making a prolonged effort at altitude, the principle is to be able to layer different garments according to the intensity of the effort and the weather conditions (temperature, wind, snowfall, rain), in order to stay as dry as possible.
NB: ski clothes are not suitable because they are often too warm, too heavy and not very breathable.
Upper body
- First layer: a long-sleeve base layer in a breathable, quick-drying material such as merino, wood fibre..., cotton to be avoided(to protect you from UV rays and for safety in the event of a fall).
Second layer: a lightweight fleece or soft shell jacket*. Ideally, it should be windproof and breathable. Put it on as soon as the temperature cools, usually when you arrive on the glacier. - Third layer: a warm, compressible down jacket (synthetic or down, -10°C protection). It will keep you warm during a long stop on the route, at the summit while you take photos, on the refuge terrace, and sometimes even while walking in very cold weather.
Fourth layer: a gore tex* windproof jacket to protect against rain and snow. This is the waterproof jacket that keeps you dry in bad weather. It must be lightweight and breathable. - a mountaineering harness* (5 years max from date of purchase)
Lower body
- a thin pair of tights in fleece or cotton, ideally ¾ so as not to make the socks too thick. You’ll need them in case of very cold weather, and you can put them on at the hut at the start of the ascent if necessary. You can also use it as nightwear.
- Mountaineering trousers: mountaineering trousers are water-repellent, windproof, breathable and hard-wearing. You can also take hiking or trekking trousers that aren’t too light (as long as you have a gore tex overtrouser to put over them). NB: mountaineering trousers are not available for hire
- an overtrouser* in GoreTex or equivalent material: these are very light trousers that you put over your trousers in case of rain, wind or snow. They have zips along the legs, so you can put them on quickly at any time without having to remove your shoes.
The hands
- a pair of thin gloves in fleece, softshell or leather for the climbs to the refuge.
- one pair of thicker gloves like ski gloves
- a pair of VERY WARM Mittens (if your ski gloves aren’t warm enough), which you’ll put over the thin gloves when you get to the top and for the descent.
Footwear
- Mountaineering boots* (crampon-compatible): these boots are different from hiking boots. They are rigid, which will enable you to crampon on ice while providing good support for the ankle and crampons. They must also be waterproof and offer excellent protection against the cold.
- Hiking or mountaineering socks : these should be warm and well-fitting and high enough to rise above boot level to avoid overheating. One pair is enough for a 48-hour mountain run. You can also take a pair of very light mini-socks to put on in the refuge in the evening while your pair of technical socks dry.
- a pair of crampons* with anti-boot in good condition and sharp, suitable for your boots,
- a mountaineering ice axe* light and long, suited to your height, it should almost reach the ground when in your hand with your arm extended alongside your body.
- gaiters* which will keep your feet dry in fresh snow; they also prevent crampon points catching on the bottom of your trousers.
NB: all refuges provide slippers, so you don’t need to take extra shoes.
Guide’s tip for 48-hour tours: as most of the time the refuge is reached on footpaths, you can plan to go up and down in trail trainers (soles with crampons) to protect your feet from the heat that can be caused by the rigidity of mountaineering boots (you’ll need to have your mountaineering boots in your bag). You can leave your trainers at the refuge before setting off on the climb and pick them up on your return.
This adds weight, but it can be very useful for those with sensitive feet - the choice is yours...
And last but not least
- Telescopic walking poles* with snow washers (8 cm minimum diameter ). Not compulsory but highly recommended; they will help you on the way up and take the strain off your knees on the way down.
- water : make sure you have enough water for around 2 litres, ideally a one-litre plastic bottle plus smaller ones (around 25 cl) to keep warm and close to your body in your jacket. Water bags are not suitable for use at high altitude because they freeze! You can use them, but only when going up to the refuge.
- energy food (cereal bars, dried fruit...depending on your habits),
- small thermos 500ML max (not compulsory, a hot drink can be comforting but it adds weight...)
- camera: prefer a small size that you can slip into your pocket, no need to bring a large camera that risks being damaged. Besides, with the cold the battery would be empty very quickly.
- small first aid kit adapted to your personal needs, also containing elastoplast and double-skin dressings for any blisters. If you are taking medication, take only the number of tablets you need. Pack a few paracetamol tablets as it’s not uncommon to suffer from headaches when at altitude.
- micro Toilet Bag: just the bare essentials (toothbrush, mini tube of toothpaste...) and, very important, earplugs for a good night’s sleep in the refuge.
- a sack sheet (meat bag): compulsory for nights in refuges. All the refuges are providing pillows and duvets but these are obviously not washed after each passage.
- a bin bag to isolate your wet stuff in case of rain or a waterproof overbag.
- documents always useful to have with you in a small waterproof bag: ID proof, references of your assistance insurance if you haven’t taken out the policy we offer.
- A small amount of cash for personal expenses (drinks, etc.) in the refuges (most of the refuges don’t accept payment by credit card).
And remember, all of the above must fit into:
- A mountain rucksack* of around 35 litres (40 litres max) with ice axe holder and chest strap. The rucksack should not exceed 10 kg, including technical equipment (crampons, harness, helmet). Remember that weight is the mountaineer’s enemy. Once you’ve packed your rucksack, there should still be room for a picnic!
You should also bring a second bag (such as a soft travel bag) to leave any items you don’t need for the nights in the refuge and that you can let in your car.
