The ten most essential items you'll need to bring for mountain climbing greatly depends on the length, difficulty and duration of your mountaineering objective. Shorter, less demanding mountain climbing may be little more than hiking on steep terrain, while other climbs may require technical climbing, specific gear and the knowledge of how to use it. However, climbing any mountain is as challenging as it is rewarding, and certainly worth the effort.
Mountain Climbing Footwear
As technology advances, items like boots and specialty footwear designed for mountaineering use are becoming higher in quality as well as less expensive on the market. Also, weather conditions will influence most choices. Many recreational hikers and climbers prefer stiff and supportive boots, likely of leather but often synthetic, for support as well as protection. In recent years, trends have moved away from heavy boots and toward lightweight, comfort enhancing footwear. Less experienced mountain climbers may feel more secure with heavier boots, but the more aggressive mountain climber may prefer lighter, comfortable shoes that perform better in specific situations encountered on the climb. This can mean changing footwear to adapt to mountain conditions.
Weather-Repelling Jacket and Pant
Often in the mountains the day may look clear only to give way to furious weather of high winds, rain and snow, followed by an afternoon of sunshine. Being prepared with proper clothing like a jacket/shell and pant that resists weather is your best defense to stay comfortable and safe in a mountain environment. Today's lightweight, waterproof, breathable fabrics used in performance outerwear are invaluable to mountain climbers, keeping them dry and warm in cold temperatures, and allowing heat to escape in warmer conditions. There are several brands of performance clothing designed for this, but as with footwear, your summit bid will influence exactly what outerwear to pack.
Food and Hydration
Climbers tackling a major remote peak in Alaska may carry as many calories as possible without overloading themselves, but use stoves or water filters to regenerate their water supply as they climb. Day hikers climbing a scenic peak in New Mexico need food and water as well, but certainly not as much as expedition climbers. No matter which, nutrition and hydration is a constant issue for any climbers. Gaining elevation and burning calories depletes our body's water supply quickly, so proper refueling is a focal point, before, during and after any climb. Many backpacks are now equipped to hold a soft bladder reservoir for easy hydration on the go.
Backpack
For any mountain climbing experience, a comfortable backpack is a good idea. Part of the experience is being self reliant and self sufficient, and the backpack allows you to carry all of your supplies. Many older backpacks are actually bags mounted on external frames. While this is an efficient way to carry larger, heavier loads, there are some considerable drawbacks applied to common movements while climbing or hiking steep terrain. Today, many climbers prefer an internal-frame pack. These bags have frames that are inside the construction of the pack, often made from lightweight plastics. They are narrow and tall instead of short and wide, keeping weight close to your body, allowing for more natural and unencumbered movements while climbing. Day hikers may stuff extra jackets and snacks into their bags and fill reservoirs with water, while expedition mountaineers will diligently pack equipment based on importance, accessibility and weight.
Shelter Items
Many day climbers may reach the summit, absorb their accomplishment and head down before dinner. Others may elect to prolong their objective goals, requiring them to set up comfortable camps. More driven climbers may bivouac any place they feel safe. These adventurous climbers select lightweight sleeping bags that perform even when wet. Often the bags have temperature ratings, helping climbers choose based on the environment and weather conditions they'll be exposed to. Those climbers moving fast and light will often eschew heavier tents and carry bivouacs. A "bivy" is somewhat of a tent, but a much smaller design, used as protection over the occupant. While a huge, comfortable tent is enjoyable, so is a night under the stars.
Technical Mountain Climbing Gear
When the mountain cranks it up another notch and hiking and scrambling with hands and feet are no longer safe, it comes time to employ safety gear. At this stage, many climbers will wear a helmet to protect against a fall or rock fall from above. Also, they use dynamic, stretchable ropes tied to lead climbers, who must navigate a route up the mountain while placing protective gear in various weaknesses in the rock like cracks or slots. They then clip the rope to the protection with strong metal links called caribeeners. Another climber will belay the lead climber, feeding him rope as he climbs. In the event of a fall, the belayer can lock off the rope feed and the lead climber will take a short, but often exhilarating fall. The function and use of this technical climbing gear is purely based on the climber's knowledge of how to use it and should not be attempted by inexperienced parties.
Emergency Kit
An essential component to the mountain climber's arsenal is the emergency kit. Typical emergency/first aide like matches, small bandages and ointments are a necessity, but it is a good idea to carry things like allergy relief tablets and anti-inflammatories. Larger bandages may be used in a number of ways as well. Moleskin is a popular method to deal with blisters, and some duct tape can do just about anything. Tweezers can pull out thorns, stingers and the like. A small LED light is easy to carry, as is a multi-tool of some kind with a knife blade. Many emergency kits come with a small plastic mirror to reflect light and catch attention.
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