IMG The Matterhorn Gear List

This equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear for a mountaineering expedition. 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 expedition organizer. Don't cut corners on the quality of your gear.

[  ]	Boots: Single, lined, technical leather/synthetic climbing boots. A flexible boot is best, one best adapted to alpine rock climbing. Examples: La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX or Scarpa Ribelle.
[  ]	Lightweight trail shoe- some prefer these for greater comfort approaching the climbing huts. Example: La Sportiva TX3
[  ]	Socks: 2 changes of medium wool or wool/synthetic blend
[  ]	Gaiters, short ankle length are best
[  ]	Long underwear: Synthetic or wool tops and bottoms
[  ]	Pants: Dense weave synthetic stretch climbing pants
[  ]	Rain pants: lightweight Gore-Tex or similar with ¾ or full length zippers to go on over boots and crampons
[  ]	Shirt: long sleeve medium weight synthetic top
[  ]	Soft shell jacket or equivalent
[  ]	Rain/wind shell: Gore-Tex or similar waterproof/breathable jacket with hood. Lightweight.
[  ]	Warm parka: Down or synthetic filled with hood — should NOT be expedition weight. A sewn through down sweater will do nicely.
[  ]	Hat: Wool or fleece
[  ]	Neck gaiter, Buff or light balaclava for face protection
[  ]	Sun hat
[  ]	Gloves- 2 pair 1 pair of durable, lined, full-leather belay gloves. A sturdy glove for handling the fixed ropes on the Matterhorn. Example: Outdoor Research Direct Route Glove 1 pair of warmer insulated waterproof gloves with leather (or grippy synthetic) palms and fingers for stormy days. Example: Outdoor Research Arete Glove
[  ]	Ice axe: 50-55cm. maximum length. Double check the length of your axe before you arrive. Longer axes are not useful for this itinerary. Examples: Petzl Summ'tek or Black Diamond Venom
[  ]	Crampons: 12 point, reasonably sharp. Flexible boots will require the type of binding with a plastic toe and heel piece connected by a binding strap to keep crampons safely attached despite boot flex.
[  ]	Climbing harness, lightweight with belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops
[  ]	Carabiners: three locking
[  ]	Belay device such as Black Diamond ATC XP
[  ]	Climbing helmet
[  ]	Headlamp: Bring an LED headlamp with extra new batteries
[  ]	Sunglasses: Providing full UV protection, with side shields or wraparound
[  ]	Ski goggles: useful on windy or stormy summit days
[  ]	Water bottles: 2 one-quart, wide mouth, plastic bottles. Option: for the Matterhorn climb, bring a Camelback type hydration bladder that fits in your pack, with a locking bite valve.
[  ]	Sun cream: And lip balm, SPF 15 or higher
[  ]	Pack: Internal frame pack with capacity of no more than 30 liters (1800 cubic inches). This should be a compact, streamlined pack. No big McKinley packs, please.
[  ]	Pack rain cover — great for protecting your pack on those soggy approaches to the climbing hut
[  ]	Suggested second pack: 20-25 liter lightweight summit pack for the Matterhorn
[  ]	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; Ibuprofin; Band-Aids; athletic tape; blister treatment (moleskin, GlacierGel or Band-Aid Blister Cushions).
[  ]	Lightweight toilet kit — toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs for the hut
[  ]	Lightweight silk/cotton/or synthetic sleeping bag liner for the huts
Optional items:
[  ]	Rock climbing shoes — nice for bad weather options
[  ]	Hiking shorts
[  ]	T-shirt
[  ]	Small digital camera or smart phone for photos