Whether you’re joining a guided expedition or organizing a private climb, ascents of 8,000-meter peaks require a long list of highly specialized gear. We’ve assembled a list of the most essential, high altitude expedition gear, from the top of your head (balaclava and glacier glasses) to the tips of your toes (double boots and crampons). However, different expeditions call for different types of gear, depending on weather, terrain, timetable, and other obstacles. Therefore:
- Some items in the list are redundant. Personal preference (synthetic vs. down, for instance) will be a deciding factor.
- Some items will need to be duplicated. Layering is essential and you’ll want at least two sets of basic layers – a dry set of clothes to wear while sweaty clothes dry.
- Some items will not need to be purchased by you. Not everyone in your party needs to bring a tent. K2 requires different expedition gear than Denali. If you’re going with a guided group, some items may be provided or for rent.
- Some items in the list are not necessary for certain climbs. If you're attempting to climb the Seven Summits, for instance, you will visit a wide variety of climate zones. Everest, Denali, and Vinson require very different expedition gear than Carstensz or Kilimanjaro.
Price, of course, varies with brand and distributor, so talk to knowledgeable friends and shop around. If you’re lucky or business savvy, you may even score some sponsors for your trip and not have to pay for those high-priced items at all.
Finally, climbing gear and expedition clothing is expensive, so you may be tempted to scrimp a little here or there. Maybe you’ll find an online deal on some used gear. Or you might discover an incredible clearance sale at a local store. You’ve never heard of the brand before, but the expedition gear is shiny and new and it’s half the price of the other stuff. How bad can it be?
The thing is, most climbing gear has a lifespan. Harnesses, ropes, slings, backpacks, tents –even zippers and Velcro, all wear out eventually. Well-used hardware can suffer from metal fatigue; crampons and ice picks break, moving parts get sluggish. Top brands have been time- and factory-tested. Nothing’s perfect, but it’s a good idea, when your life is on the line, to stick to brands you know you can trust. You want all your systems to be in perfect working order. If your systems fail, then you might fail. And if you fail, you and your team might die. So shell out the extra bucks and go for the trusted name brands.
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag for 0°F (for expeditions in warmer conditions) - $180 to $350
- Tent (2-person, 4-season) - $370 to $425
- Sleeping bag for -20°F (for Base Camp use; goose down recommended) - $400 to $520
- Sleeping bag for -40°F (for high camp use; goose down recommended) - $600 to $765
- Compression stuff sacks - $20 to $30 each
- Two self-inflating sleep pads (one for Base Camp, one for high camps) - $100 each
- Two closed-cell foam pads (to supplement self-inflating pads) - $15 to $30 each
- Folding polyester camp chair - $20 to $30
- Backpacking stove - $80 to $100
- Backpacking pots & pans - $35 to $50
- Expedition backpack (3,500 to 4,000 cu. in.) - $350 to $460
- Summit backpack (smaller interior than above for summit day) - $130 to $150
- Trekking backpack (2,000 to 2,500 cu. in.) - $80 to $150
- Large duffel bags with locks (for travel) - $135 each
