Mountain climbing, or mountaineering, combines a variety of outdoor skills. Mountaineers should be skilled climbers and experienced campers in great physical shape. Even with these necessary attributes, you'll succeed only if you have the proper gear. The gear for mountain climbing differs depending on where you will be climbing, but certain basic items are necessary no matter the situation.
Camping Gear
Camping gear is vital when mountain climbing, because it will shelter you from harsh mountain environments. The weather at the top of a mountain can differ drastically from the climate at the base. Your tent may be your most valuable piece of gear. You need a tent rated for cold temperatures and high winds. Your tent should be securely anchored at all times while in use, so it won't be blown away by gusty winds. Your sleeping bag is another vital piece of equipment, which should also be rated for the temperatures on the mountain. Smaller items are necessary, as well. You need a camping stove, gas for the stove, a water purification kit and a flashlight. When you approach the top of the mountain, you will be thankful for these basic items.
Footwear
Your feet are possibly your most important tools when mountaineering. They carry you up the mountain, and if things go wrong, they can rush you down the mountain. Your feet must be comfortable and properly protected. The first layer of protection is your socks. Wear high grade wool or synthetic socks. For longer trips, or trips in hot weather, wear synthetic wicking socks under your main socks. Good socks will keep your feet insulated and protect them from blisters. Boots are your main foot protection. The type of boots depends on the type of climbing and how much weight you will carry. For heavy packs and long walking distances, you need heavy-duty mountaineering boots with a lot of support. Lighter boots are more appropriate for day hikes with a light workload. In some cases, you'll also need snowshoes. When there is deep snow on the mountain, snowshoes will help you stay balanced and keep you from sinking.
Climbing Gear
Typically, part of your mountaineering trek may require technical climbing skills and gear. For these sections, you need crampons. Crampons attach to your boots, and have spikes that help your feet maintain a grip on steep, icy slopes. An ice axe is also necessary. The axe assists in climbing steep slopes, and helps you stop if you lose your grip and begin sliding down the mountain. Bring ropes and ice anchors, as well. They will keep you and your climbing partner anchored to the mountain and to each other, to ensure that you don't slide off any cliffs or steep faces.
Clothing
Proper clothing is necessary for a safe and comfortable trip. Weather may turn quite cold during mountain climbing expeditions. You should bring two or three layers of insulation. The first layer is usually a set of tight fitting long-john underwear. Synthetic underwear wicks away sweat and keeps moisture away from your body. Make your next layer a warm fleece shirt or heavier fleece sweater, depending on the weather, and a pair of warm fleece pants. The top layer is called the shell, made from material such as nylon, similar to that used for rain jackets. The shell's role is to keep you and your clothes dry and protect you from wind. Bring gloves and a warm hat to keep your hands and head warm. For extreme mountaineering conditions, pack a heavy down parka, heavy down pants and a balaclava.
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