Technical Alpinism Equipment List

If you're thinking of climbing the Matterhorn, then you will have some good alpine experience already and know the importance of a lightweight rucksack with functional equipment inside

This kit list is designed for a Matterhorn ascent in normal summer conditions. Off season ascents obviously require a different set of gear. It is Matterhorn specific as well, but you're acclimatisation routes will generally be very similar to the Matterhorn in terms of temperatures and style

Technical Gear – which can be rented from us or in Chamonix:

• B2 or B3 Mountaineering boots. B2 boots are ideal as they are light and often easier to climb in
•  Crampons – 12 point steel mountaineering crampons are ideal, with a set of anti-balling plates
• Petzl Vasak for example. Lightweight Alloy crampons are not suitable for icy conditions and ice climbing crampons are heavy
•  Ice axe – 50cm. A walking style axe is fine and they are generally lighter than a climbing axe
• Remove all leashes and straps, they get in the way. Avoid bringing your 75cm walking axe, it will get in the way
•  Harness – large enough to go over your layers
• Helmet – Petzl Meteor's are light and pretty tough
• Rucksack – Light and simple, 30 – 40 Ltr. Some rucksacks weigh over 2kg, some as little as 0.5kg

Clothing – There are lots of gear shops in Chamonix, from cheap to posh for last minute purchases:

• Gaiters for mountaineering boots. Keeps the snow out and stops you catching your crampons.
• Thin liner socks and mid weight walking socks. Can prevent blisters if you have two layers, but not essential.
• Warm gloves for summit day, e.g Mountain Equipment guide glove or similar. Plus one pair of thinner fleece gloves for general walking.
• Warm hat, buff/neck gaiter and a sun hat.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers, lightweight is best. Ideally your jackets hood will go over a helmet.
• Trousers – Mid weight soft shell trousers are ideal, and normally wouldn’t require a thermal layer underneath, you can use the waterproof trousers if it’s windy above the Gouter hut. E.g. Arcteryx Beta pants. Thinner trousers can work, but you may need a thermal layer as well.
• Thermal top layer, thin long sleeved tops work best to keep the sun off.
• Mid weight top layer. Fleece or other synthetic.
• Lightweight down or mid weight synthetic over jacket. This needs to be able to go over all your other layers so you can add or remove it without having to take your waterproof or harness off.