Alpine Treks / Trek & Summit weeks - Equipment Information

ISM has a large stock of mountaineering equipment which is lent to clients at no extra charge. Experienced climbers will find it best to bring their own tried and tested personal equipment. Your Guide / ISM will supply all ropes and any technical hardware required.

Technical Equipment which ISM can provide (FREE OF CHARGE - however we expect any lost items to be replaced)

Rucksack
Ice axe
Crampons
Harness
Ropes and technical hardware

Personal Clothing note

Dressing properly for the mountains can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and an uncomfortable one. Clothing should give the right degree of warmth for the activity, wick perspiration and be easy to ventilate.

Recommended Retailers - We are pleased to recommend retailers who stock a comprehensive range of mountaineering equipment and who give good service to ISM clients. The retailers below can offer expert advice and provide excellent mail order services. Please click on the image to reach their websites.

Equipment List

Personal clothing and footwear for the hotel and valley
Waterproof jacket (Goretex or Triplepoint)
Waterproof trousers (lighter weight. Full length zips are extremely useful for mountaineering courses ).
Rigid mountaineering boots (please see section on boots below). Sturdy B1 category or B2 (must be suitable for taking crampons. C1 crampons are suitable for B1 boots!).
Gaiters (in breathable fabric, to wear when on the snowy glaciers)
Warm Gloves or mitts.
Inner gloves Thin for hand protection and warmth whilst using the hands.
Thermal Top (a wicking base layer, long sleeves are good to protect the arms from sun).
Mid layer thermal Top (layers are much more versatile at regulating your body temperature)
Fleece Jacket
Mountain trousers (offering some warmth and wind resistance. Not cotton)
Warm hat
Loop-stitch socks, and spares.
Map Not essential, the guide will have the correct map; they can be purchased during the course. Maps can be bought form Stanfords: www.stanfords.co.uk
Compass and whistle (optional).
Head torch and spare battery (lightweight for hut use only)
Rucksack 45 to 55 litres
Small personal first aid kit ('Compeed' and tape for blisters and pain killers such as aspirin or ibruprofen).
Water Bottle/'Camelback' (1litre minimum).
Pen Knife (to use for packed lunches)
Sunglasses ('glacier' quality, CE rated 3 or 4)
Sun cream (factor 25+, total block) and lip block
Sun Hat
Cotton Scarf (can be used as a small towel for the hut as well as stopping your neck getting sunburnt)
Shorts (for hut walks in hot weather)
T-shirt (Spare to wear in the hut)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Money (for drinks) and Passport (and Alpine Club or BMC card if you are a member)
Trekking Poles (if you normally use them) - highly recommended for Treks.
Ear plugs for hut nights
Camera (compact recommended)

Technical Equipment (can be provided free of charge by ISM)

Ice axe Standard curved mountaineering axe such as those made by Charlet Moser, Grivel, Mountain Tech, and Simond'.   A longer axe is better for Trek & Summit weeks (60 to 75cms long, depending on your height).
Crampons (with anti balling plates ideally)
Harness (with adjustable leg loops and side gear loops)
Large locking karabiner (HMS, pear shaped) 

PLEASE NOTE that Sleeping bags are NOT required as huts provide blankets, but we recommend bringing a light cotton or silk liner for comfort and hygiene (some huts insist on these).

Boots and Crampons - guidance notes