Alpine Mountaineering - Day Tours
-Equipment list for Alpine style mountain accents
Boots and Clothing:
Hiking Boots – Preferably of waterproof material (Gore-Tex or alternative). The boots should be
high on the ankle to give sufficient support and thermal protection. Rigid Mountaineering boots can be
rented but might be too stiff for the purpose.
Gaiters – Calf or knee height and wide enough for your boots.
Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
Long Johns (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
Light wool sweater or fleece (2nd layer).
Warm Jacket – Wool or fleece (3rd layer).
Trousers (2nd layer) – Strong and light material that dries quickly. Wind resistant and water
repelling preferable.
Rain Jacket or an Anorak with hood – Waterproof and breathable material. Gore-Tex or equivalents are
preferable.
Rain trousers – Waterproof and breathable material.
Liner Gloves – Wool or synthetic (polypropylene / polyester).
Mittens – Wool or synthetic (optionally waterproof) (two pairs if no Liner Gloves)
Socks – Wool or synthetic. One or two pairs for thermal and blister prevention.
Hat and a Balaclava – Wool or synthetic.
Other gear:
Backpack – 30-45 liters.
Sunglasses – Big enough to cover the eyes and with sufficient UV-protection.
Sun protection.
Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films.
Optional gear:
Walking Poles.
Sun/rain Hat or a Baseball cap for sun protection.
Very small thermal mat (for lunch breakes)
Ski-goggles for ascents to the end of April.
Wind- and waterproof mittens (for ascents to the end of April)
Food and drink:
Lunch-bag – Sandwiches, biscuits, power-bars etc.
Water – 3 Liters of water and/or sport drink.
Warm drink – Tea, Hot-Chocolate or alternative. (Volume can be subtracted from total water!)
More info:
Our trip to Hvannadalshnjúkur the highest summit of Iceland normally takes from 10 to 15 hours. The weather can vary from being –5°C on the summit to being over 20°C on the lower slopes. The climber has to be prepared for this. The best way to do that is by wearing layers that you can take off and put on according to conditions. It is very important to wear materials closest to your skin that remove moisture. Wool and polyester clothing is the most common. Cotton T-shirts are not accepted. As they say: “Cotton kills!”
Why cotton kills?
Cotton (etc. normal T-shirts, socks and jeans) is nice and comfortable when dry but looses all its insulation properties when wet and takes hours to dry therefore risking hypothermia. On a strenuous climb to the summit the perspiration alone will make a cotton shirt soaking wet! Therefore all inner clothing should be woolen or fleece/polyester, as those materials keep their insulation properties when wet, which is essential for Icelandic conditions. Therefore, avoid all cotton materials, and jeans should never be worn during mountain tours.
Food and water:
During the climb many short brakes will be made. A little bite of chocolate during those brakes helps to keep energy levels high. Two or more longer brakes will be made where some chocolate along with sandwiches is good nourishment.
Every season a few do not make the summit for physical reasons, in most cases this is due to muscle cramps. The best way to fight them is by drinking lots of water. An energy drink with minerals and salts also helps, never use higher concentration than recommended by the manufacturer since that will risk dehydration. Store the water so that you can reach it while wearing a backpack and drink regularly through out the day. Drink and eat well before heading off in the morning. Even if you are fit and cramps not likely to be a problem, fluid intake is the best way to keep up your strength. Drink, drink some more and then have some chocolates!
Note: All gear should be wrapped in plastic bags before packing it in the backpack.