Equipment List

Test your equipment before you come to climb Mt. Elbrus, making sure your crampons fit your boots and that you can put them on and take them off quickly and efficiently. Test your clothing systems and determine what works best for you. There is no one right way to dress, but layering is essential. Bring only wool or synthetic clothing. When cotton gets wet it will not keep you warm. Make sure your clothes fit and that they are roomy enough for strenuous activity.
    Although Mt. Elbrus is not a technical climb, it may require you to use an ice axe for self-arrest. You should be comfortable enough with this technique to stop yourself in the event that you fall during the climb. (However if you are not comfortable with ice axe it will be just a piece of iron and additional weight so you may leave it home. Our guides will provide necessary belay and will rope up climbers.)
   Likewise, be comfortable walking and climbing in crampons. The steep upper slopes of the mountain usually have hard-packed snow. If conditions are dangerous, you may have to rope up for sections of the climb.
   In any case, familiarity with your equipment and with snow climbing techniques can make the difference on a successful summit climb.

NOTE: Highly recommended items are Blue. Absolutely necessary items marked RED.

CASUAL CITY CLOTHES

- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items that are "dressier" than your hiking clothes.

SHIRTS

- Cotton, long-sleeved (buttoned front or turtleneck)
- Cotton, short-sleeved (buttoned front or T-shirt)

TROUSERS

- Wool, wool-blend or pile pants (side-leg zippers are helpful)
- Levis or khakis
- Hiking shorts
- Underwear
- Thermal, top and bottom (polypropylene)
- Regular, everyday type

OVER-WEAR

- Pile jacket or heavy sweater
- Down jacket or down vest

HEADWEAR

- Bandana
- Wool or pile hat (balaclavas are good)
- Light sun hat with wide brim

FOUL-WEATHER GEAR

- Parka for rain and wind (must fit over bulky clothing)
- Windpants

HANDWEAR

- Wool mittens (or pile or polypropylene)
- Overmitts
- Thin gloves

SOCKS (bring four changes)

- Heavy-duty (wool or pile)
- Athletic type (cotton or synthetic)

FOOTWEAR

- Tennis or running shoes (with traction soles)
- Plastic double boots. It is possible to use a heavy leather mountaineering boot and supergaiter combination. Cool feet could force you to turn back, or result in frostbite.
- Trekking boots.
- Gaiters (Supergaiters, which cover the whole boot, are excellent)

SLEEPING GEAR

- Sleeping bag with temperature rating of -5C to 10C (+20F to +50F)

EATING UTENSILS

- Pocket knife, preferably with canr and scissors
- Water bottle, plastic and leakproof, 1 or 1.5 qt. capacity
- Plastic bowl, cup and spoon

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

- Backpack (you will be carrying your own personal gear to the base camp on Elbrus)
- Day pack for summit climb
- Ice axe (optional)
- Crampons ( See crampons info on Equipment for Rent Page. It is a good idea to have protectors for ice axe and crampons; when you ride the chairlifts, they will often be crowded and an unprotected axe or crampons can do damage.
- Seat harness with locking carabiner
- Ski poles

ACCESSORIES

- First-aid kit
- Personal kit (soap, toothbrush, toilet articles)
- Towelettes (disposable type like "Wash 'N' Dries" useful for hygiene)
- Toilet paper (one roll per camping week)
- Repair kit containing needle, thread, 1/8" nylon cord, ripstop repair tape, safety pins, etc.
- High-altitude sunglasses or goggles
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Sun-blocking lotion and chapstick.
- Small combination-type lock or padlock for duffel bags
- Stuff bags (assorted sizes and colors)
- Plastic ziploc bags (various sizes)
- Towel, washcloth
- Swimsuit
- Any prescription or over the counter medications used regularly (these will not be available in the Caucasus).
- Watch/Travel alarm

SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD

- Russian food is not always up to Western standards so you may wish to bring some items that are not available in Russia and which may make your trip more pleasurable:
- Your favourite: instant coffee, herbal teas, powdered milk, sugar substitute, other instant drinks
- Your favorite trail snacks, dried fruits
- Candy bars, gumdrops, chewing gum
- Dried soups, instant cereals, peanut butter, instant mashed potatoes, instant dinners for basecamp
- Vitamin supplements

OPTIONAL

- Camera, lenses, and film (bring an ample supply of film, purchase in Russia may be difficult and expensive, if not impossible).
- Film shield (lead shield bag to carry film and/or camera for X-ray protection)
- Reading material
- Writing material
- Playing cards
- Pictures of home, family, friends
- Musical instruments
- Rubber sink stopper for sinks in hotel (generally, these are not available in Russian hotels)
- Adapter for any electrical appliances. The 220V current in Russian outlets will ruin Western 110V appliances.
- Gifts (T-shirts, bandanas, lighters, knives etc.)