Alpine Climbing Kit List

Look for waterproof B2-rated semi-rigid boots or lightweight B3 boots. A well-fitting boot will make all the difference, head in-store for a boot fit to ensure you get the right size and style for your feet.

Alpine climbing routes tend to be on rock with climbing shoes. Crampons are primarily used for the approach on glaciers, so C1 or C2 crampons will work.

For summer alpine routes, axes are typically only needed for the approach on glaciers or for snow slopes. If axes are only needed for the approach, use a walking or alpine mountaineering axe. If your route requires steeper snow slopes, take Alpine climbing axes.

Essential for protecting you from falling debris, dropped gear and bumps during a fall.

Select a lightweight, packable harness with adjustable leg loops and gear slots for ice screws.

Look for rope with dry treatment. It prevents the rope from absorbing water from lingering snowfields, ice, or afternoon thunderstorms, keeping it light and preventing it from freezing if temperatures drop.

You'll need a mix of active gear that fits into rock cracks and passive gear that loops around rock spikes. Plus, enough protection to set up a crevasse rescue on glacier approaches. Such as slings, pulleys and prusik loops that can be used in conjunction with a snow bollard or buried axe anchor.

Essential for alpine starts in the early hours of the morning

A 50-80L larger bag for approaches and a smaller 20-30L day pack to climb in works well.

If you’re planning on bivvying rather than staying in huts don’t forget your sleep set up - 2-season sleeping bag, bivvy and compact camping mat is a good option.

I have always loved being outside and since I began working in the outdoor industry as a teenager I have been trying to find as many excuses to get out in the mountains as possible. Fortunately, working at Ellis Brigham has given me plenty of opportunity to escape the office and test some awesome gear, from trail running shoes to belay devices. Most of the time I can be found kicking around on my local fells in the Lakes, but I am lucky enough to have climbed and skied in some amazing places over the years, including Morocco, Norway and the Alps.

My love of adventure and the mountains is what landed me at Ellis Brigham nearly two years ago, moving from retail assistant to product copywriter. It’s the mix of adventure, self-reliance and that visceral feeling of exposure that keeps me coming back to climbing again and again.

This simple guide will help give you the skills and knowledge for your first summer in the Alps.

This article will explore the fundamentals of winter layering and dive into specific approaches for hiking and climbing.

This guide focuses on cold, snowy conditions, with essentials that apply anywhere in the UK.