Naomi Judd
What To Look For
There is a lot of mountaineering gear to choose from and it can be an overwhelming process trying to figure out what the essentials are, not to mention what clothes you need. The basic gear you need is a climbing helmet and harness, climbing rope, mountaineering ax, mountaineering boots, crampons and several locking carabiners. Climbing ropes used for mountaineering should be dynamic (ones that stretch under the force of a fall) and 9 mm to 11 mm in diameter. The mountaineering ax should be a straight shafted ax with a pick and adze on the head. Size depends on the height of the mountaineer carrying it as well as what angle slopes you will be using it on. The steeper the slopes the shorter the ax should be. These range in length from 40 to 90 cm. A 70 cm ax is the general height used for basic mountaineering for averaged height people. Mountaineering boots need to be crampon compatible of course. Semi-rigid crampons are best if you wish to use them for both mountaineering and ice climbing.
Common Pitfalls
Make sure that the climbing harness you have is a size that fits over bulky clothing. You may need to wear your harness over multiple layers including puffy down pants. Also make sure your climbing helmet fits comfortably over a hat. Buy mountaineering boots that are suitable for the region you will be mountaineering in and for the type of trips you will be making. There are lightweight single layer mountaineering boots that are great for day outings and then there are the more heavy duty plastic double layer mountaineering boots for expeditions and which are always more weatherproof.
Where To Buy
Shop for mountaineering gear from places where you can try things on and see them in person. If you find the size you want in person at a gear shop you can then sometimes go on the Internet and find the item for a cheaper price once you know what size and make you desire. Brands that produce quality mountaineering gear are Petzl, Black Diamond, La Sportiva and blank for example. Some things you may be able to buy online without trying on but helmets, harnesses and boots should be tried on.
Cost
Costs for mountaineering gear varies greatly but as of 2009 climbing helmets cost from $40 to $150, climbing harnesses from $24 to $158, dynamic climbing rope from $60 to $365, mountaineering axes from $60 to $155, mountaineering boots can cost from $100 to $900, semi-rigid crampons can cost from $100 to $200 and locking carabiners cost around $12.
Comparison Shopping
You will want to get a leash for your ice ax. These can simply be made from some webbing tied to the head of the ax. Also, you will want a backpack that has ice ax loops. As you develop your particular type of mountaineering you will develop your own collection of gear which may include vertical ice axes, ice screws, pulleys, snow anchors, skis, probes, poles or snowshoes for example.
