I can't say that I've ever been a 'fashionista' but I do recognise the difference between 'fashion' and 'fashion-faux-pas'. I'm sad to say that on Everest I will not be receiving any Vogue-style-points or make it onto any 'Best Dressed' lists in the glossy pages of Hello and Grazia over the course of the 72-odd days of the expedition... I will even go as far as to pre-warn you that I will fall victim to the 'fashion-faux-pas to end all faux-pas'... "Crocs with Socks" (followed a close second by sandles with socks... shudder...). Having said that I have come to appreciate the true utilitarian quality to not-so-fashionable mountain hardwear and have embraced with giant, down filled open arms the advances in climbing technology since the days of Mallory and Irvine. Gone are the days of grandmothers home-knitted socks, sealskin - wool jackets combos.... Welcome to the new era of mountain fashion featuring merino wool, kevlar liners, gore-tex of every size, shape and color, nalgene bottles, mittens weighing less than a burger from your local Argentinian steakhouse and crampons that double as corkscrews for the celebration vino upon a successful summit attempt...
Clothing
Down suit
One of the most important pieces of equipment, my bright yellow RAB, marshmellow-man meets the michelan man resembling down suit weighs about 4 pounds but will add about 40pounds to every photo and provide excellent protection from cold with zippers in all the right places. I've sewn in two internal pockets to keep batteries and drinks warm.
Down jacket and vest
Until I'm wearing the down suit, I'll be wearing my Patagonia gore-tex fleece lined climing trousers when climbing. Pata-gucci or not, I love them and they're one of the best investments I've ever made and they've never let me down. By the end of the trip they'll be able to walk their own way off the mountain...
Arcteryx Gortex jacket
Very girly, raspberry-compot colored but handy and versatile as ever. Made by Arcteryx (my favourite Canadian mountaineering brand). For protection from the wind and rain the on the journey into Basecamp and snow / wind protection up higher.
Fleece jacket & trousers
Very girly, raspberry-compot colored but handy and versatile as ever. Made by Arcteryx (my favourite Canadian mountaineering brand). For protection from the wind and rain the on the journey into Basecamp and snow / wind protection up higher.
Fleece jacket & trousers
For warmth at basecamp, worn layered and and will be used under my down suit. I have two Patagonia fleece jackets so that I can alternate depending upon what is smells the best / is most fashionable/ what camp I'll be spending the night at... Thermals
Lots and lots of merino under-layers ranging in thickness in a wide variety of colors...(primarily pink) of course, none will clash with my boots and heaven forbid, they clash with my socks...
Cargo trousers
For initial acclimatisaion hikes into base camp with handy-zip off legs, allowing them to be worn as shorts. Street-wear basecamp style. Also by Arcteryx.
Merino Wool T-shirts
Fast-drying fabrics are essential (otherwise the sweat from your body quickly gets very cold as soon as you stop). I brought 2 t-shirts as will usually wear this as part of a layering system in conjunction with my thermal baselayers.
Footwear
Millet Everest boots
They cost more than any pair of shoes I've ever purchased... (yes, more than a pair of Jimmy's...!!) Everest Millets are the best of the best. They eliminate the need for gaiters, and are said to provide the best protection from the cold. Unlike their Jimmy Choo patent leather, beautifully handcrafted counterparts, the boots are made primarily from Cordura with a Gore-Tex lining with a synthetic removable liner and an integrated gaiter. The sole is crampon compatable and the shank is made of fiberglass and carbon. It weighs in at 46.5oz (1320g) Recommended Use: High-altitude mountaineering and big nights out in Central London on snow days when the London Underground isn't working...
10-point Crampons
These are essential for walking on steep snow or any ice. Secure and slip-proof with super long straps so that they can be worn on my hiking boots or with my Millets ('BIG boots').
Hiking boots
For acclimatisation hikes into and around basecamp I'll use my regular hiking boots. Am sporting a baby-blue pair of Scarpa Mantas that put Elvis' 'Blue Suede Shoes' into context.
Crocs
For using around base camp and in and around Kathmandu - most probably will be achieving that ever so stylish look of wearing them with my super thick socks underneath... Crocs with socks... fashion faux-pas... shudder..!! Fantastic for the mountain as they're super lightweight and durable.
Socks
Most of the time I will be using normal hiking socks in my Millets and hiking boots (and in my Crocs) but I will also have a couple of pairs of super-expensive Lorpen TEPA Polar-Stretch socks for using very high up. I'll also have several pairs of liner socks to use in combination with the thick or high-tech socks, these help with warmth and comfort and keep the moisture away from the foot.
Chemical foot warmers
I have plenty of these which warm when they are opened from their packaging and stick onto your toes. They go between the liner sock and the outer sock.
Head and Hand Wear
Fleece hats
For warmth in tent, while walking, hide bad-hair days, etc
Neck warmers / Buffs
Better than scarves because they don't come off - keep your ears warm too and are every girls' latest mountain-wear fashion accessory... come in a variety of colors...
Balaclavas
For use up high as protection 'against the elements'.
Ski goggles - Category 4
For use when its cold - provide warmth and protect the eyes from the very harsh UV which can cause snow-blindness
Glacier sun glasses
When its a bit warmer, I'll be wearing these to protect from UV and just look, well, cool and well and truly trendy, pretty much ALL of the time....
Sun hats
During the trek in and on some sections of the climb, its likely to be warm with harsh UV. A sun hat with a neck covering is essential
Merino Wool T-shirts
Fast-drying fabrics are essential (otherwise the sweat from your body quickly gets very cold as soon as you stop). I brought 2 t-shirts as will usually wear this as part of a layering system in conjunction with my thermal baselayers.
Footwear
Millet Everest boots
They cost more than any pair of shoes I've ever purchased... (yes, more than a pair of Jimmy's...!!) Everest Millets are the best of the best. They eliminate the need for gaiters, and are said to provide the best protection from the cold. Unlike their Jimmy Choo patent leather, beautifully handcrafted counterparts, the boots are made primarily from Cordura with a Gore-Tex lining with a synthetic removable liner and an integrated gaiter. The sole is crampon compatable and the shank is made of fiberglass and carbon. It weighs in at 46.5oz (1320g) Recommended Use: High-altitude mountaineering and big nights out in Central London on snow days when the London Underground isn't working...
10-point Crampons
These are essential for walking on steep snow or any ice. Secure and slip-proof with super long straps so that they can be worn on my hiking boots or with my Millets ('BIG boots').
Hiking boots
For acclimatisation hikes into and around basecamp I'll use my regular hiking boots. Am sporting a baby-blue pair of Scarpa Mantas that put Elvis' 'Blue Suede Shoes' into context.
Crocs
For using around base camp and in and around Kathmandu - most probably will be achieving that ever so stylish look of wearing them with my super thick socks underneath... Crocs with socks... fashion faux-pas... shudder..!! Fantastic for the mountain as they're super lightweight and durable.
Socks
Most of the time I will be using normal hiking socks in my Millets and hiking boots (and in my Crocs) but I will also have a couple of pairs of super-expensive Lorpen TEPA Polar-Stretch socks for using very high up. I'll also have several pairs of liner socks to use in combination with the thick or high-tech socks, these help with warmth and comfort and keep the moisture away from the foot.
Chemical foot warmers
I have plenty of these which warm when they are opened from their packaging and stick onto your toes. They go between the liner sock and the outer sock.
Head and Hand Wear
Fleece hats
For warmth in tent, while walking, hide bad-hair days, etc
Neck warmers / Buffs
Better than scarves because they don't come off - keep your ears warm too and are every girls' latest mountain-wear fashion accessory... come in a variety of colors...
Balaclavas
For use up high as protection 'against the elements'.
Ski goggles - Category 4
For use when its cold - provide warmth and protect the eyes from the very harsh UV which can cause snow-blindness
Glacier sun glasses
When its a bit warmer, I'll be wearing these to protect from UV and just look, well, cool and well and truly trendy, pretty much ALL of the time....
Sun hats
During the trek in and on some sections of the climb, its likely to be warm with harsh UV. A sun hat with a neck covering is essential
MittsFleece gloves
Around camp and on lower parts of the trek I'll generally be wearing fleece gloves
Inner gloves
I'll be using polar tech OR gloves underneath our down mitts when climbing high
Down mitts
I have big thick Black Diamond and also 'RAB' down mitts which I'll wear while climbing most of the time.
Chemical hand warmers
I have plenty of chemical hand warmers (the type that warm for about 8 hours when exposed to the air). I will be using them inside my mitts.
Climbing Gear
Climbing harnessMine is a Black Diamond Alpine Bod that can be put on while standing up after your boots and crampons are already on. The leg loops are adjustable to take into account my thick down suit.
Ice axe
This will be clipped into my harness at all times. On flatter sections,I'll be using it like a walking stick for balance (holding on where the blade meets the handle) and on steep sections I'll be holding the handle and swinging it above my head to dig into the ice we're climbing.
Carabiners & leashes
For clipping into fixed ropes, and attaching ropes in general. I have both locking and snap-lock versions.
Figure 8
For abseiling down steep sections such as the infamous 2nd Step.
Jumar
General term derived from the French-made Jumar Ascender but now applied generically to include all rope-ascending devices, including Petzl, Clog, Gibb etc. Any of these ascenders uses a pivoting cam which deploys against the rope, allowing the device to move up but not down. This will be critical when climbing fixed ropes, as I will move jumar up the fixed line with each step and it will not only provide a safety belay that prevents me from falling, but also allowing me to lean back against the fixed rope and rest.
Head lamp
For climbing at night, a strong head torch with a long-life battery will be used.
Oxygen Mask; Tanks
At above 7500m I'll be using supplemental oxygen at varying rates. Will be using supplemental oxygen for the summit push.
Ice axe
This will be clipped into my harness at all times. On flatter sections,I'll be using it like a walking stick for balance (holding on where the blade meets the handle) and on steep sections I'll be holding the handle and swinging it above my head to dig into the ice we're climbing.
Carabiners & leashes
For clipping into fixed ropes, and attaching ropes in general. I have both locking and snap-lock versions.
Figure 8
For abseiling down steep sections such as the infamous 2nd Step.
Jumar
General term derived from the French-made Jumar Ascender but now applied generically to include all rope-ascending devices, including Petzl, Clog, Gibb etc. Any of these ascenders uses a pivoting cam which deploys against the rope, allowing the device to move up but not down. This will be critical when climbing fixed ropes, as I will move jumar up the fixed line with each step and it will not only provide a safety belay that prevents me from falling, but also allowing me to lean back against the fixed rope and rest.
Head lamp
For climbing at night, a strong head torch with a long-life battery will be used.
Oxygen Mask; Tanks
At above 7500m I'll be using supplemental oxygen at varying rates. Will be using supplemental oxygen for the summit push.
Hiking packsI'll be using normal hiking packs on the acclimatisation treks into base camp, and further up the mountain. On summit day, the oxygen tanks go into my pack
Tents
Tents like these will be used above base camp. At base camp they're slightly bigger, less robust versions
Stove
Above base camp, we'll be using a stove like this to cook our dinner and importantly, to melt water
Trekking poles
Handy for trekking and walking in snow (in conjunction with ice axe)
Huge 110 L duffle bag
This will contain all my gear
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bags
RAB Summit 1100 Down sleeping bag - heavy and super warm. I'll use my RAB bag for camps higher up and will likely have to wear with my down suit at high camp..
North Face Blue Kazoo Down sleeping bag - medium-warmth. This one will be used at Base Camp up to ABC. Goes to about -30C.
Therma-rest
These provide the most comfortable night's sleep when camping - but can be a bit cold so will probably only be used at lower camps. I have 'decorated' my thermarest with a hand-drawn checkerboard for some high-drama games when stuck in my tent. Stones will serve as the checkers.I'll also be using a foam mat which is not as comfortable as my thermarest but is much warmer for high camps.
Pee-bottles
If its very cold or we're camped on a steep site, the idea is not to leave your tent at night! I've convinced myself that the manufacturers of pee-bottles / devices were mountaineers with wild imaginations (or brains starved of oxygen). Female adaptations designed to facilitate the use of a pee bottle are aptly named, 'She-wee' or 'Urinelle' or the ever popular and super hardcore 'She-wee Extreme' (comes with a bright pink carrying case just in case you didn't think that a she-wee was feminine enough...)
Miscellaneous Items
Nalegene bottles and thermoses
Altitude watch / altimeter
For holding boiled water up high and doubling as a hot water bottles. Nalgene bottles also double as pee-bottles... just ensure that you label them properly as this will avoid embarassing and uncomfortable situations. I've covered mine in duct-tape for emergency situations.
Camel back
System for having water inside a cask that you can suck from without having to worry about taking a pack off, undoing lids etc. Hydration is really important at altitude so this is a necessity
Altitude watch / altimeterDisplays altitude and air pressure. My altimeter also allows me to monitor my heart rate and has lots of additional gadgets to play with / figure when I'm really bored...
Cameras
I'll be taking a digital camera, video camera as well as a disposable camera.
i-Pod & mini speakers
Can't be without some tunes! Very important for Basecamp Air Guitar competitions...
Pocket knife
First aid kit
Blister tape, paracetamol, asprin, Ibuprofin (aches and pains), Imodium (diarrhea), anti-biotics, bandages, Iodine (for purifying water), sunscreen, lipbalm, etc
Spare batteries
For everything - cameras, MP3 players, torches, sat phone etc
Books
I'll be spending a fair bit of time at base camp so these will come in handy...! I have a nice collection of travel / adventure / mystery to keep me quiet for a few days at least.
I'll be spending a fair bit of time at base camp so these will come in handy...! I have a nice collection of travel / adventure / mystery to keep me quiet for a few days at least.
Toiletries
Wetwipes, face wipes, toothbrush, soap, clothes lines etc.
2 comments:
I spent part of the past weekend looking at mountain gear in the shops of Chamonix. Reading through your list, I experienced some serious "kit-envy"!
Now that is not a small overnight bag x
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