Climbing Gear Discussion Kathmandu distributors Brand List

On this page you will find recommendations for all of your equipment needs for climbing Mount Everest and other mountains worldwide. The items I have selected are based on light weight and warmth, essential for climbing at altitude. This is a guideline only, please study carefully to assess your personal needs. Be very careful not to over pack. Below is a photo of all your needs to climb mountains such as Ama Dablam and Mount Pumori. For Everest add some altitude boots, a down suit and some oxygen and you are set.

EVEREST BOOT ORDER

Millet's formerly One Sport Everest Boots, are now available in Kathmandu for a good price. A couple years ago the Kathmandu assortment was not so good due to limited sizes available. Today they are well stocked. Many climbers will go first on our Everest Training Climb on Mt. Pumori not only to gain altitude and technical experience but it also serves well as a shopping trip for the big E.

For Everest you will need combinations of 3 boots. A trekking boot for the walk to base camp. A double plastic boot for the lower part of the mountain, Camp 1, 2, and 3. It will be your work boot used for multiple trips up and own the mountain pre- summit bid. The Scarpa Inferno or the Koflach Degre are good choices and their is also a La Sportiva on the market that fits the bill. The Everest boot will be for your summit push. Warm feet is essential. Do not scrimp or assume when it comes to keeping your feet warm. We highly recommend the Everest Boot. It is still the warmest boot available on the market today.

Description

Semi-rigid / shell boot with built-in Gore-Tex gaiter and removable inner slipper in insulating alveolite. Automatic crampon attachment. Non-compressive fastening with wide Velcro straps. Closes with a double zip, making it easier to put on. Protective rubber coating on heels and toes. Microcellular midsole to increase insulation. Isothermal to - 50 C°. Removable and interchangeable inner slipper in aluminized alveolite. Fiberglass and Carbon Midsole
Cordura + evazote upper. Alveolite insole. GORE-TEX® 3 layer gaiter. Elasticized collar.

SIZES 5 to 13+
AVERAGE WEIGHT 3000 grms

KOFALCH ARCTIS EXPE Mountaineering Double Boot ORDER-MEC

Weight: 2.49kg (9)

Double plastic boots built for cold weather waterfall and alpine climbing. The upper features two different densities of polyurethane. This construction technique allows Koflach® to use a softer material in the upper portions of the boot for greater comfort with a stiffer lower section that increases the boots climbing performance. The Asymmetrical Vario Hinge at the ankle allows for improve lateral movement as well as fore and aft movement which makes the boots more versatile on technical climbs.

Everest guide Tim Ripple: This is an excellent boot for getting in and out of when it is cold. It is softer than others I have tried. For those looking for a boot that will serve them on a 7000m climb as well as the lower part of Everest, I recommend this boot for that purpose.

KOFLACH DEGRE Mountaineering Double Boots ORDER-MEC

Weight: 2.45kg (9)

A good choice for high alpine climbers and general mountaineers looking for the dependable warmth and predictable performance of a double mountaineering boot. The plastic outer shell is actually two different densities of polyurethane fused together with Y-Technology. This allows slightly softer polyurethane through the upper for greater comfort, and stiffer polyurethane through the base for better climbing performance. Superior warmth is delivered with open cell foam and a Therm-ic fit liner.

The nice thing about this boot is that it is not as hot as the Arctis. So for lower altitude climbing at 7000m and lower I would recommend this one. You could also use this in combination with an insulated over boot for colder higher mountains but for high up on Everest you still want the Millet (Everest Boot).

SCARPA INFERNO Double Boot ORDER-MEC

Weight: 2.46kg (8M)

Two stiffnesses of plastic are used to provide rigidity and flexibility where you need it. The soft Pebax shell will not stiffen up in cold weather, and the inner liner features closed-cell foam for added warmth.

WILDLINE Insulated GORE-TEX Gaiters ORDER- MEC

Weight: 510g (Med)

If you’re attempting a winter ascent on Mount Athabasca, these deluxe insulated gaiters will keep you toasty and dry. The upper is made of waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex®, and the lower half is insulated with Thinsulate for maximum warmth. The grippy rubber rand provides a bombproof seal against snow and mud.

Waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex upper.
Ansotex reinforced lower is durable and waterproof.
Thinsulate CS200 insulation in lower half.
Narrow profile Stealth 5.10 rubber rand seals out mud and debris.
Front zipper opening for easy on and off.
Measure welt circumference of your boot for best fit - Small (27”), Medium (28”), Large (29”), and X-Large (30”+).

*** We highly recommend a super gaiter for our Ama Dablam and Pumori expeditions.

BODY

You will need a good pair of pants, the bib style is preferred over the pant. I find that with the pant style, they tend to push down when wearing a pack. The bib style with suspenders helps prevent this. The Mountain Hardwear Tenacity Bib Pant is a good option. You will also need a good waterproof shell jacket and a down jacket.

For more information on a good selection of clothing, sleeping bags and tents, please browse the Mountain Hardwear website: For Mountain Hardwear click here: Mountain Hardwear

ALTITUDE SLEEPING BAG- There is an assortment of bags that I recommend depending on the climbers individual needs ranging from a rating system of -40c to -20c for on mountain bags. Have a look at the Mountain Hardwear website and go over the specs to determine your specific needs. For a good warmth and weight and balance for all high altitude mountains I recommend the following.

The WRAITH SL from Mountain Hardwear. Temp rating -20F/-29C, sizes REG/LONG, weight 4lbs 4oz/1.9 kg. This bag is built for high altitude, cold weather mountaineering, where temperatures rarely rise above 0F. The Wraith Sl Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag is loaded with features designed specifically to keep you toasaty in the coldest conditions. 800-fill down keeps you cozy, while the Conduit Sl laminate keeps you dry and protected.

Wraith SL

ORDER

CLIMBING ACCESSORIES

Please carefully check the expedition gear list you have been provided. Here are a few recommendations and places to look for options.

CRAMPONS- You will need a 12 point crampon. The Petzle Charlet M10 crampon is a great all round crampon. These must be sharp and must fit your boot perfectly. You can also consider the Grivel G-14 or Black Diamond Sabertooth as good choices.
ICE AXE- The Petzle Charlet Snowwalker axe. A short axe with a pick and light weight is what is needed for high altitude climbing. Summit day is a consistent 40 degrees so a short axe of 60cm with a leash is ideal.
CLIMBING HARNESS- Make sure the buckle is easy for you to thread in cold condition! Gear loops will be useful for this trip as well as adjustable leg loops. The Petzle Adjama is nice since it doesn't require rethreading the buckle.
HELMET- Also many to choose from The High Star Camp is an example of one I would recommend.
GLOVES- Men: Mountain Hardwear's Annapurna Glove is a premier technical mountaineering 3-in-1 glove: Gore-Tex® XCR® outer glove with abrasion resistant palm and Kevlar reinforced sidewalls can be worn with or without liner. Women: Headwall XCR Glove is a good choice.

MITTS- The Absolute Zero mitt is our choice in the Mountain Hardwear line.. Extreme expeditions require extreme 3-in-1 gloves: Conduit ™ for waterproof protection, removable PrimaLoft® inner mitt for warmth, abrasion resistant palm and sidewalls.

BASE CAMP TENT- We recommend either the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 or the Hammerhead 2 tents for your personal base camp tent if you are looking to buy a new one, otherwise bring what you have.

CLIMBING BACK PACK- Medium size internal frame pack. An example is the Lowe Alpine Attack 60 (60 liter capacity). Look for a pack which is comfortable to carry, very durable, as light as is reasonable and one which has a minimum number of extras and attachments.

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU

Word is out that there is an abundance of equipment, clothing and footwear available in Nepal. This is true! An amazing selection of some old some new and plenty of knock offs. If you know your stuff and won't be relying it for a summit bid on big mountains go for it. Also you can find plenty of beat up and semi new and brand new down jackets. Lots of smelly good quality sleeping bags and plenty knock offs which are good for base camp bags but not for on the mountain. They tend to be too heavy.

Technical climbing gear available in Kathmandu. Yes this is true! Again know your stuff. There is a large assortment of everything you will need. You will need to be well informed on spotting cracked and damaged protection devices. Buyer beware! On our expeditions we include all good quality team hardwear.

Trekking equipment: Everything you will need and then some is available in one of the many shops in Kathmandu.. Most of the clothing is knock offs but it works. Be prepared to discard it after the trip because the sewing and fabric doesn't hold up that well. But hey! if you don't plan on doing this again, go for it! You can rent down jackets if you don't have use for one ever again and sleeping bags good for trekking or base camp. You can even buy duffel bags to put all your gear in, water bottles, knives, hiking boots and more, its all there.

If you are joining an organized trek we "do not" recommend leaving your shopping till Kathmandu due to time restraints. This is your time to holiday and some people find shopping a chore so squeeze this effort in at home before you go.

Happy shopping detail and please don't hesitate to contact me for more assistance if needed.

Tim Rippel - Peak Freak Expeditions Inc.