IMG Mont Blanc Gear List
This equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear for climbing in the Chamonix area. Most items are required. Please consider each item carefully and be sure you understand the function of each piece of equipment before you substitute or delete items. Keep in mind that this list has been carefully compiled by the trip organizer.
| [ ] | Boots: Lug-sole leather/synthetic climbing boots. A modern, technical single boot will foot the bill. This climb can be cold on summit day, so a lighter weight boot is not recommended. A more rigid boot with good insulation (like La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX or the Scarpa Mont Blanc) is recommended, a boot warm enough to climb over 15,000 feet in the early summer. |
| [ ] | Socks: 2 changes of medium weight wool or synthetic blend |
| [ ] | Gaiters, Ankle length |
| [ ] | Long underwear: Synthetic or wool tops and bottoms |
| [ ] | Pants: Synthetic stretch climbing pants with a tight weave |
| [ ] | Shell pants: With full length zippers to go on over boots and crampons. Light is right. |
| [ ] | Shirt: Expedition weight synthetic or wool blend |
| [ ] | Soft shell or fleece jacket |
| [ ] | Rain/wind shell: Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood. Light fabric is nice! |
| [ ] | Belay parka: Down or synthetic filled - should NOT be expedition weight. A sewn through down sweater or synthetic parka with a hood will do nicely. |
| [ ] | Hat: Wool or fleece |
| [ ] | Sun hat |
| [ ] | Gloves: Insulated Gore-Tex climbing gloves and fleece liners. |
| [ ] | Ice axe: 50-55 cm. maximum length. A shorter axe is preferred since it stows on the pack more easily when not in use and does not pose a danger to others (such as in crowded gondolas). |
| [ ] | Crampons: 12 point, reasonably sharp |
| [ ] | Seat harness with gear loops, a belay loop and adjustable leg loops. |
| [ ] | Carabiners: Two locking pear shaped biners. Bring a couple of non-lockers if you have them |
| [ ] | UIAA rated climbing helmet |
| [ ] | Headlamp: Bring a lightweight LED with an extra set of batteries |
| [ ] | Sunglasses: Very dark, wrap around or with full side protection. Bring goggles for stormy weather |
| [ ] | Water bottles: 2 one-quart, wide mouth, plastic bottles. Sun cream: And lip balm, SPF 15 or higher |
| [ ] | Pack: Internal frame pack with capacity of NO MORE THAN 30-35 liters (1800-2200 cu.in.). This should be a compact, streamlined pack. No big McKinley packs, please. |
| [ ] | One (1) collapsible, three section ski pole with snow basket |
| [ ] | First aid kit: Each individual should carry a small personal first aid kit to meet their personal needs. Consider the following items: aspirin or Tylenol; Ibuprofen; Band-Aids; athletic tape; moleskin or blister preparations such as Glacier Gell or Band-Aid blister pads. |
| [ ] | Lightweight toiletry kit, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs for the huts |
| [ ] | Hiking shorts; T-shirt(s) |
| [ ] | Light approach shoes or trail runners, these may work on some of the training climbs and the approach to the climbing huts and can also double for in town wear. |
| [ ] | Small digital camera or smart phone with battery backup |