If you’re thinking about climbing a peak in Nepal and Ladakh soon, you’re probably busy preparing for the exciting opportunity and adventure that lies ahead. From your itinerary to your to-do list, you feel like you’ve got it all planned out. So, finding the right gear is as important as anything else, as it will be your vital ally in getting you to the summit, and can sometimes be the difference between life and death.
You can also check out some of the essential kits you’ll need during your mountaineering quest. If you’re an experienced alpinist or mountaineer, you’re familiar with such gear. For those new to climbing, you might want to familiarize yourself with the kits you’ll be carrying for the trip. Here you can find a list of 13 essential climbing equipment.
- Ice Axe
There is no doubt that this is one of the most important tools of a climber. The axe is mainly used during ascents and descents with snow and/or ice conditions. However, it can also be used as an improvised anchor during steep climbs, unexpected downhill slides, or simply as a walking stick during steep climbs.
- Crampons
Crampons are mainly used for ice climbing, but can be useful in many other situations related to snow and ice such as crossing snowfields, ice fields and glaciers, and scaling ice-bound cliffs. Crampons with semi-rigid construction with horizontal frames are a suitable option.
- Harness
A harness should be an important part of your inventory, and it is used to secure the climber to a rope or anchor point. Needless to say, you’ll want a well-fitting seat harness to avoid discomfort in the upper thighs and groin area.
- Tape Slings
They are designed to attach the climber to the anchor, create consistent anchor systems, and clip onto ropes and gear to reduce drag. Ideally, tape slings made of nylon or Dyneema are preferred.
- Screwgate Carabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
Another must-have on our packing list, this is widely used in safety-critical systems like mountain or rock climbing. Carabiners go hand in hand with anything that involves rope-intensive climbing. Four carabiners, two locking and two unlocking, are recommended for a peak climbing.
- Descender/Figure of Eight
This device acts as a friction brake, and allows for a steady and controlled descent on the rope. The figure of eight is effective in removing excess heat caused by friction, and can sometimes be used as a belay device.
- Plastic Climbing Boots
Another essential on our packing list, climbing boots are designed to be used with crampons. The boots not only allow for movement on difficult snowy or icy terrain, but also protect the wearer’s feet from the elements and prevent any type of foot complications such as frostbite.
- Ascender/Jumar
This device is used by climbers to ascend fixed ropes. A zoomer is simply a mechanical ascender made of metal. During the ascent, ascender can also perform the task of a braking component within a rope hauling system.
- Helmet
Many climbers choose not to wear a helmet, but the importance of a helmet when it comes to scaling peaks cannot be overstated. It may seem obvious, but a helmet should be an essential component of your packing list, and will definitely protect you from any head injuries that could ruin your entire trip. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Snow Bar
A snow bar holds the rope in place to safely support the climber’s weight. It’s a useful tool used for fall protection and holding steady loads.
- Rope
Needless to say, ropes make up an important piece of equipment on your mountaineering trip. Broadly speaking, climbing ropes are classified as either static or dynamic. Static ropes stretch much less and are designed primarily for abseiling, and can also be used as a stationary rope for climbers. Dynamic ropes are stretchable and are used as belaying ropes to absorb the impact of a falling climber. It is recommended that you carry both types of ropes.
- Ice Hammer
While not an absolute must-have piece of gear for your trip, an ice hammer can be used as an alternative to the edge component of an ice axe. It is especially useful in soft snow terrain, or sometimes it is used to drive a snow bar into hard ice.
- Ice Screw
An ice screw is used to handle steep ice surfaces. It can be used as a belay or anchor for ice climbing. Not all peaks require the use of this kit, but you would still want to keep it in your arsenal, depending on the mountain peak that you have chosen.
Can I buy or rent peak climbing equipment in Nepal?
We have listed the essential mountaineering equipment above. You may be wondering where you can buy or rent it before you head to the mountains. While all of this equipment is readily available to buy or rent in Kathmandu, we always encourage climbers to bring their own whenever possible. Alternatively, if you plan to get it when you arrive in Kathmandu, we will be happy to help you find it to suit your budget and needs. And for some of the popular peaks in Nepal such as Mera peak, Lobuche peak, Island peak and Langtang Yala peak, you can also rent it from their respective base camps. And (readily available to buy or rent in Ladakh also).
