KIT LIST
Upper Body
Thermal shirt/T shirt
Merino wool (e.g. Icebreaker) recommended as they don’t smell
Thin gloves
Fleece or leather gloves recommended
Light insulated jacket
A lighter jacket such as a Primoloft or lightweight down which can be worn at lower to mid altitudes is a great addition to your kit
Mid layer
A slightly heavier weight for greater warmth that can be worn over a base layer. Fleece for merino wool are ideal
Waterproof jacket
Gore Tex. Arc’Teryx Beta AR recommended
Duvet jacket (available to hire in Chamonix)
Synthetic jackets recommended as they stay warm if wet.
Warm gloves
Black Diamond “Patrol” gloves recommended
Mitts
Dachstein wool mitts recommended, or fleece with Gore Tex shell
Bags & Packs
Daysack
30-40L maximum. Mammut “Granite 30/40”, and Osprey “Mutant” and Talon 33 recommended
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping bag liner
A liner is mandatory for hygiene reasons. The huts do provide blankets
Headwear
Sunglasses
Category 4 glacier glasses by Julbo, Cebe, Vuarnet and Adidas recommended
Wide brimmed hat
Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck
Warm headgear
This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, anything to reduce the heat loss from your head
Goggles
Low light lenses recommended as goggles most likely used in poor weather
Sunblock
SPF >30
Lip salve
SPF >30
KIT LIST
Ice axe (available to hire in Chamonix)
Grivel “Air Tech” recommended. The bottom of your axe should reach your shin when held in your hand standing upright. Please see FAQ’s for kit hire
Crampons (available to hire in Chamonix)
Petzl Vasak and Grivel G12 highly recommended. Please see FAQ’s for kit hire
Trekking poles
These can be handy when crossing glaciers, and on paths for reducing shock on your knees. Leki and Komperdell recommended. Snow baskets essential
Hydration
Water bottles / bladder
2L capacity either in a combination of bladder and Nalgene bottle or just Nalgene bottles
Toiletries
Wash kit
Keep it simple on the mountain. Essentials are toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Moisturiser is advisable, everything else is a luxury!
Alcohol gel
Most huts do not have running water to wash with
Lower Body
Mountain trousers
Mammut “Base Jump” (Schoeller fabric) or similar recommended
Waterproof trousers
Gore-Tex, Arc’Teryx Beta AR recommended
Feet
Thick socks
Smartwool or Teko recommended
Mountaineering boots (B3) (available to hire in Chamonix)
La Sportiva Nepal Extreme or Scarpa Mont Blanc recommended. Boots must have a fully rigid sole. Scarpa Manta and Sportiva Trango might not be warm enough in cold conditions but by all means bring them if you already have them. Please see FAQ’s for kit hire
Gaiters
Technical Equipment
Harness (available to hire in Chamonix)
We recommend Petzl harnesses and the Black Diamond “Alpine Bod” Please see FAQ’s for kit hire
Helmet (available to hire in Chamonix)
KIT LIST
Medications
Personal first aid kit
Painkillers (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen), blister plasters (Compeed recommended) etc
Personal medication
Keep this in your daysack
Misceallaneous
Head torch
Bring spare batteries. Petzl “Tika Plus” or similar recommended
Ear plugs
For protection against the inevitable snorers!
Camera
Bring spare batteries and memory cards
Documentation
Passport
Don’t forget this! Your passport should have at least 6 months validity. With your passport expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel.
Copy of passport
Just in case
Travel insurance
Copy of own travel insurance details. And relevant contact numbers. We have a partnership with True Traveller and would recommend that you contact them when looking for travel insurance for your trip with SBA. However, it is vital that you ensure that the insurance cover they offer is suitable for you, taking your personal circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account. Many other insurance providers are available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.
To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.
EH1C (formerly E111)
While you do have travel insurance, this can save you paperwork and reduce upfront costs should you have a minor ailment or need to see a local GP if you already have one
