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Mount Everest South Col Equipment List The following is a list of equipment for the Everest South Col expedition. Our philosophy is to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. We may encounter a variety of weather conditions throughout our climb, including rain, wind, snow, sleet, and extreme heat. Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success, so we want you to think carefully about any changes or substitutions you are considering. Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford or online. RMI participants receive a 10 percent discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering (excluding sale items). The Discount Code is RMI 2008 for internet orders. For more information or questions regarding clothing and equipment items, call 800-238-5756 or click below. PACK & BAG [ ] BACKPACK: A 4,000 cubic inch pack is the recommended size for this climb. Gear loops on the waist belt of the pack are very useful,
and equip your pack with straps for adding items. [ ] DAY
PACK: A day pack is useful for travel on airlines,
through airports, and overland on busses and jeeps. [ ]
SLEEPING BAG: A bag rated -20° F will keep you warm. If
you would prefer NOT to share group bags at the higher
camps, you should bring a second bag rated -20° F or lower.
[ ]
SLEEPING PAD: Full length inflatable pad. We recommend bringing a patch
kit / valve repair kit. [ ]
COMPRESSION STUFF SACK: A slightly oversized compression
stuff sack can hold far more than just a sleeping bag when
push comes to stuff. TECHNICAL GEAR [ ] HELMET: We recommend a lightweight climbing helmet.
[ ] CLIMBING HARNESS: We recommend a comfortable, adjustable climbing harness that is easy to
put on and take off while wearing gloves.
[ ] ICE
AXE and HOLSTER: The length of your axe depends on your
height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up
to 5’8”, use a 65 cm. axe; 5’8” to 6’2”, use a 70 cm. axe;
and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it
hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should
still be a few inches above the ground. Add a holster to
your pack. [ ]
CRAMPONS: The 12-point adjustable crampons designed for
general mountaineering are ideal. Rigid frame crampons
designed for technical ice climbing are not recommended.
Carry any repair kit/replacement parts and adjusting tools
which are specific to your crampons.
[ ] TREKKING POLES: We recommend a lightweight, collapsible pair of trekking
poles.
[ ] 6 CARABINERS: 2 locking and 4 non-locking. Do not bring
the auto-locking types. [ ] MECHANICAL ASCENDERS: Bring 2 ascenders for traveling on fixed ropes. [ ] RAPPEL DEVICE: A figure eight rappel device works best for descending a
variety of rope diameters.
[ ] WEBBING / CORD / ROPE: Bring along the following material: HEAD [ ] 2 WARM HATS: Two wool or synthetic hats; one light and
one heavy. [ ]
BALACLAVA/ NECK GAITER / BUFF [ ] BALL CAP and BANDANA: A lightweight ball cap with bandana or a sun hat works very well. [ ]
GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with
side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses is required. An
extra pair is recommended. [ ]
GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles are required for
adverse weather. Additionally, a clear-lensed goggle for
summit day is highly recommended. [ ] CONTACT LENSES: Bring extra contact lenses and solution.
[ ]
HEADLAMP: We strongly recommend Lithium batteries as
they perform well in a cold environment. We also recommend
that you bring an extra set of batteries. A smaller headlamp
for reading at night is a nice option. HANDS A good glove / mitten combination is important because of the variety of weather conditions experienced throughout your climb. Below are some recommendations. Your glove combination should include three separate layers that work well together.
[ ]
LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE: One pair of fleece or wool gloves.
[ ]
MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE: One or two pairs of
wind/water resistant ski gloves. [ ]
HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE or MITTEN: One pair of
wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens for
protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as
emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove. UPPER BODY [ ]
QUICK-DRYING SHIRTS: One or two. [ ]
BASE LAYER: Two long-sleeve, light or medium weight top will be used as
your base layer. Light colored tops are ideal, since dark
colors absorb heat from the sun, and neck zippers will
provide extra ventilation. [ ]
INSULATING LAYERS: A variety of insulating layers work well. Your choice
of garment (fleece, soft-shell, etc) and the number of
garments (two or three) should be based on how well you do
in the cold. Generally speaking, we recommend two layers
that work in combination with each other. [ ]
SHELL JACKET: You will need a jacket made of rain/wind
resistant material with an attached hood. [ ]
INSULATED PARKA: Everest BC and ABC are the places these parkas were designed
for. The parka may be either goose down or synthetic fill
and should have at least two inches of insulation thickness. [ ]
DOWN SUIT: A second option, though not as effective, is a down parka
and pant combo. LOWER BODY [ ]
BRIEFS: Bring several pair. [ ]
TREKKING PANT: A lightweight synthetic pair of pants is
a good option for the approach trek. [ ]
BASE LAYER: One pair light or medium weight bottoms will
be used as your next-to-skin layer. [ ]
CLIMBING PANTS: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide
range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days,
or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The
thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well
you do in the cold. [ ]
SHELL PANT: A pant made of rain/wind resistant material
will be needed for the climb. Full-length side zippers are
required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over
boots and crampons. [ ] DOWN
OR SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANTS: This is an optional piece
of equipment that many people find useful at BC and
ABC. FEET [ ]
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Expedition-style quality plastic double boot, with high
altitude expedition-style inner boot is mandatory. Price is
the best indicator. Though expensive, the function of
footwear is of crucial importance. Select a brand’s “top of
the line” model and it should be sufficient for Mount
Everest. The boot needs to be roomy enough to allow for good
circulation. Anticipate a sock combination when sizing them
(single sock, liner and sock, or two heavy socks on each
foot). Wear the boots as often as possible before the climb,
to determine proper fit, comfort and performance. [ ] OVERBOOTS: Expedition overboots add significant warmth, especially at
high altitude. The overboots need to be compatible with the
style of crampons used. These are not necessary with
all-in-one boot / gaiter models. [ ]
GAITERS: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to
fit over your mountaineering boots, will be needed. This
will protect you from snow, mud, and catching your crampons
on loose clothing. These are not necessary with all-in-one
boot / gaiter models. [ ]
SOCKS: Four to eight pair, either wool or synthetic. [ ]
TREKKING BOOTS: These boots will take a beating on the
rocky trip to and from Advanced Base Camp. Get a tough
pair. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS [ ] CASUAL CLOTHES: For travel, hotels and restaurants. Include shorts and a bathing suit. [ ] COMFORTABLE WALKING, CAMP, OR TRAVEL SHOES [ ] PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT: keep it light but include at least the following items:
[ ] PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: We
recommend that you talk with your personal physician
about obtaining the following for your personal medical
kit. [ ]
SUNSCREEN and LIP PROTECTION:
UTENSILS: [ ] CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS [ ]
2 WIDE MOUTH WATER BOTTLES WITH INSULATED COVERS:
Write you names on your bottles. [ ] POTABLE AQUA [ ] THERMOS: We recommend a high quality, lightweight, unbreakable ½ to 1 quart thermos. [ ] 5 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS: We recommend lining your backpack and sleeping bag stuff sack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry. [ ] 2 AA ALKALINE BATTERIES for avalanche transceiver. Avalanche transceivers are supplied by RMI. TOILET
ARTICLES: [ ] TOILET PAPER: 2 rolls [ ] URINE BOTTLE: 1 to 1½ quart size [ ] EAR PLUGS for sleeping [ ] CAMERA [ ] WATCH with alarm and light: Altimeter models are popular. [ ] READING / LISTENING MATERIALS [ ]
SEVERAL STUFF SACKS [ ] 3
DUFFEL BAGS: 2 extra large duffel bags with name tags
and small locks. These will be carried by porters and yaks
and need to be of good construction and waterproof. One
small duffel is needed to store gear in Kathmandu while on
the climb. [ ] PASSPORT valid for 6 months beyond your return date. The following items can be of aid if you lose your passport, airline ticket or luggage.
[ ] SECURITY/MONEY POUCH: and money, credit cards, etc. [ ] MEALS: You will need lunch snacks while on the mountain. Bring drink mixes, snacks and items you will enjoy at altitude. Three to four pounds will be plenty. See Food Recommendations for suggestions and number of meals needed. PROVIDED EQUIPMENT RMI provides the following group equipment and technical hardware for your climb: tents, upper mountain community sleeping bags and pads, stoves and cooking equipment, climbing and fixed ropes, avalanche transceivers, climbing anchors, shovels, route wands, radios for on-mountain communication, and comprehensive first aid and repair kits. Climbing oxygen will be provided as follows: 1800L at C3, 3600L at the South Col, and 1800L at the Balcony. We will also supply a limited amount of “extra” oxygen at Camp 3 for “practice” during the C3 acclimatization cycle prior to the summit bids. GENERAL PACKING INFORMATION
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST [ ] Purchase trip insurance [ ] Return the Registration Packet to the RMI Office [ ] Reserve rental equipment [ ] Arrange flight to Kathmandu [ ] Be in the best shape of my life! |
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1-888-892-5462 info@rmiguides.com |
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