Clothing & Equipment List – 2027

The learning starts here

Our ISM Mountain Guides have spent years using and testing equipment in the mountains. Throughout this list, we'll explain what to look for, why particular features matter and recommend examples of equipment our Guides use themselves.

Where we mention specific brands or products, these are recommendations rather than requirements. You don't need to buy expensive equipment or particular brands to join an ISM course. There are many excellent alternatives, and clothing or equipment you already own may be perfectly suitable.

If you're unsure about anything, please ask us before making a purchase. We're always happy to help.

The learning starts here.

Clothing

Waterproof jacket

A good-quality, breathable waterproof shell with an adjustable hood that fits over a climbing helmet. Your jacket should offer reliable protection from wind, rain and snow without restricting movement when climbing.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Alpha Jacket.

Waterproof trousers

Lightweight, breathable waterproof overtrousers that fit comfortably over your mountain trousers. Ideally, look for side zips that make them easier to put on while wearing boots.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Beta Pant.

Mountaineering trousers

Comfortable, durable softshell trousers that provide freedom of movement, some wind resistance and good breathability. These will be your main trousers for climbing, walking and glacier travel.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Gamma Pant.

Lightweight base layers / sun protection

Bring two suitable lightweight tops. Long sleeves provide valuable sun protection at altitude, particularly on glaciers where sunlight reflects off the snow.

A lightweight, breathable hooded top is particularly versatile, providing protection from the sun on warm approaches and working as a base layer beneath warmer clothing.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Cormac Hoody.

Warm mid-layer

A lightweight fleece or similar breathable layer for additional warmth. This should work comfortably beneath your waterproof jacket.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Delta Hoody.

Insulating jacket

A warm, lightweight insulating jacket for colder mornings, rest stops and evenings in the mountains. It should be easy to pack and suitable for layering beneath your waterproof shell.

ISM Guide recommendations: Arc'teryx Proton Hoody or Atom Hoody.

Lightweight gloves

A pair of comfortable, dexterous gloves for milder conditions, ropework and handling climbing equipment. Being able to tie knots, manage ropes and operate equipment without constantly removing your gloves is particularly useful.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Rope Glove.

Warm technical alpine gloves

A warmer, weather-resistant pair of gloves for colder starts, high mountain days and travelling on snow and glaciers. Look for a good balance of warmth, protection and dexterity.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Alpha Lead Glove.

Warm hat

A comfortable, warm hat for cold mornings, rest stops and evenings in mountain huts. A lightweight, easily packed design is ideal.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque or similar.

Sun cap

A lightweight, breathable and quick-drying cap for warm approaches, sunny days on the glacier and walking into mountain huts. A low-profile cap can also be useful beneath a helmet, provided it doesn't interfere with the helmet's fit.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Aerios 5 Panel Cap.

Walking and mountaineering socks

Suitable socks for your mountaineering boots, together with spare pairs. Comfortable, well-fitting socks help reduce the likelihood of blisters during long mountain days.

Footwear

Mountaineering boots

Sturdy, supportive mountaineering boots suitable for snow, glacier travel and use with crampons.

Appropriate B2 or B3 boots are generally suitable, provided they fit well and are compatible with the crampons being used.

Boot fit is particularly important. Poorly fitting boots can make an otherwise enjoyable week uncomfortable.

If you're purchasing boots for the first time, we strongly recommend visiting a specialist mountaineering shop for advice and fitting.

Rock climbing shoes – optional

If you already own rock climbing shoes, bring them for our rock climbing day. There is no need to purchase a pair specifically for this course unless you wish to.

Approach shoes or trainers

Comfortable footwear for travelling, relaxing in the valley and wearing in the evenings.

Rucksack & Walking Equipment

Mountaineering rucksack – approximately 30–40 litres

A comfortable, lightweight rucksack with sufficient capacity for your clothing, equipment and personal belongings during our mountain hut stays.

Look for a pack that carries well when loaded, is suitable for climbing and allows equipment to be packed securely.

ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Alpha FL 30 Backpack.

Trekking poles – strongly recommended

We strongly recommend bringing a pair of trekking poles.

They make a real difference on longer walks into mountain huts, particularly when carrying a heavier rucksack, and can help with balance and reduce fatigue on long descents.

Collapsible poles are especially practical because they can be packed away when climbing or using an ice axe.

Water bottles – at least 1.5–2 litres carrying capacity

Bring sufficient water-carrying capacity for long mountain days. You may need more in particularly warm weather.

Water bottles are often more reliable than hydration systems in freezing conditions, as exposed drinking tubes can freeze.

Personal & General Equipment

Head torch and spare batteries

A reliable head torch is essential for early alpine starts, when we may leave a mountain hut before sunrise.

Look for something lightweight, easy to operate, with good battery life and sufficient light for walking over uneven mountain terrain.

ISM Guide recommendations: Petzl ACTIK CORE or TIKKA CORE.

Bring spare batteries or an appropriate backup power source.

Glacier sunglasses

Good-quality sunglasses with strong UV protection and sufficient coverage to protect your eyes from reflected sunlight on snow and glaciers.

Category 4 glacier glasses with side protection are strongly recommended. Category 4 lenses must not be used for driving.

Sunscreen and lip protection

High-factor sunscreen, preferably SPF 50+, together with suitable lip protection.

Sun exposure can be particularly intense at altitude, especially when travelling on snow and glaciers.

Small personal first-aid kit

Include blister dressings, tape, any personal medication and basic first-aid supplies appropriate to your needs.

Map

Your ISM Mountain Guide will carry the necessary maps. You're welcome to bring your own if you'd like to follow the routes and develop your navigation skills.

Compass and whistle – optional

Useful personal mountain equipment, particularly if you intend to continue developing your mountaineering skills after the course.

Small penknife or multitool

A compact, practical item for general use, packed appropriately for travel.

Neck gaiter or Buff – recommended

A lightweight neck gaiter provides additional protection from sun, wind and colder conditions.

Small power bank – optional

Useful for charging a phone or other rechargeable equipment during mountain hut stays.

Camera or phone

For capturing the wonderful scenery and experiences throughout the week.

Mountain Hut Essentials

During the course, we'll stay in mountain huts, which are a wonderful part of the alpine mountaineering experience.

Please bring:

• Hut sleeping bag liner – required for mountain hut accommodation.
• Toothbrush and small toothpaste – keep toiletries compact and lightweight.
• Earplugs – highly recommended for shared sleeping accommodation.
• Personal medication – sufficient for the course, including any essential medication.
• Passport and travel documents – together with appropriate insurance details and any relevant Alpine Club or BMC membership information.
• Money or payment card – for personal expenses and additional drinks or refreshments.
• Spare clothes for the valley – comfortable clothing for evenings and travel.

Try to keep your mountain hut equipment as light and compact as possible. You'll be carrying your own personal belongings into the mountains.

Technical Mountaineering Equipment

Throughout the week, you'll learn how to use the essential equipment involved in alpine mountaineering, including:

• Climbing helmet
• Climbing harness
• Mountaineering ice axe
• Crampons
• Ropes and associated technical climbing equipment

Please check the course joining instructions for details of which technical items are supplied by ISM and which you may need to bring.

If you're thinking of purchasing technical equipment before your course, we recommend speaking to us first. We'll be happy to advise on suitable options and help you avoid unnecessary expense.

A Final Word from Our ISM Guides

You don't need to arrive with the latest or most expensive equipment to enjoy your first alpine mountaineering course.

What matters is having suitable clothing and equipment that fits well, works together and is appropriate for the conditions we'll encounter.

Throughout your week, we'll help you understand how to use your equipment, how to adapt your clothing to changing mountain conditions and why particular choices matter.

These are skills that will stay with you long after your first alpine adventure.

At ISM, the learning starts here.

ISM is Supported by Arc'teryx

ISM supports independent outdoor retailers:

Both shops stock a wide range of equipment and offer a discount (in store and online) when you book a course with ISM. A discount code will be sent when your booking is confirmed.