Equipment:
For every mountaineering goal we have chosen based on our psychophysical readiness, we must select appropriate equipment from which the quality and safety of our ascent greatly depend. From the perspective of purpose, we know several types of equipment: clothing, footwear, protective, technical, bivouac, etc. Today, there is a very wide selection of equipment from various manufacturers and qualities on the market. It is very important that we know what equipment we need and that we know how to properly use every piece of equipment we take with us. An ice axe in hand will not save us if we have not previously learned to stop a slip with it. A helmet in the backpack will not protect our head either. Given that quality mountaineering equipment is quite expensive, we especially advise beginners to consult with mountaineer friends, mountain rescuers, alpinists, or directly with sellers. Although we need different equipment for different types of ascents, certain pieces of equipment must always be with us in the mountains and are part of mandatory equipment. The rest of the equipment, which is also listed in the following sections, is specific to the type and difficulty of the ascent. It must be realized that temperatures in the mountains can be very low even in summer.
Mandatory equipment:
As we have already said, we always take mandatory equipment with us regardless of the type and difficulty of the ascent:
* alu foil and/or bivouac bag
* personal first aid kit
* headlamp and batteries
* mobile phone with full battery
* ordinary pencil and piece of paper
Hiking in summer:
Equipment for walking on marked trails for one or multi-day hikes.
One-day hike:
* high leather hiking boots
* thick/wool socks
* hiking pants
* underwear (shirt) made of quick-drying material
* shirt or turtleneck
* fleece or windbreaker
* hat
* gloves
* headgear for sun protection (hat, ...)
* sunglasses
* sunscreen cream
* (foldable) hiking poles
* non-alcoholic drink (tea, juice, energy drink, ...)
* snack (sandwich, fruit, chocolate, ...)
* suitable map, especially if we do not know the terrain
* helmet; if the path is exposed or winds through terrain where there is a risk of falling rocks or minor slips
Multi-day hike:
* same equipment as for one-day hike
* additional underwear, socks, and shirts so we can change
* sufficient amount of fluids and food
* suitable map, possibly also GPS
* in case we plan to sleep at mountain huts, inquire about their operating hours and capacities
* in case we plan to sleep outdoors, we need appropriate bivouac equipment such as sleeping bag, tent, sleeping mat, cooking gear, ...
Summer hiking on more demanding trails
For walking on more demanding trails, we need similar equipment as for hiking, plus protective and technical equipment. Such trails require better psychophysical readiness from us:
* same equipment as for walking on marked trails
* helmet
* via ferrata set
* gloves (for easier grip on the cable)
Winter hiking
For winter hikes, we need more equipment and knowledge because the terrain is much more demanding and dangerous, days are shorter, and temperatures lower. Most equipment is similar to winter hiking, so below is listed only equipment specific for walking in winter conditions:
* winter boots
* thermal underwear (shirt and pants)
* warm jacket or down jacket
* warm hiking pants
* windproof pants
* extra pair of warm gloves (wool)
* hat and/or balaclava
* hiking ice axe
* crampons that match the boots
* avalanche transceiver
* shovel
* probe
Backcountry skiing
Equipment for backcountry skiing is similar to winter hiking equipment. The difference is in the additional ski equipment:
* touring skis
* touring bindings
* ski goggles
* skins/sealskins
* ski crampons
Alpine ascents in summer and winter
Any alpine activities require a higher level of training, psychophysical readiness, and equipment that exceeds mountaineering and can be learned in an alpine school within alpine sections. Without appropriate alpine training, such ascents are deadly dangerous!
Source:
www.grs-radovljica.si