Beginner's mountaineering: The essentials

Getting started in mountaineering sounds exciting, but it's essential to prepare properly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're planning to climb majestic peaks or embark on alpine explorations, having the right equipment is crucial.

In this article, we'll explore in detail the essential equipment for getting started in the world of mountaineering. Whether you're a keen beginner or a seasoned adventurer looking for some useful tips, follow us as we explore the tools you need to fully embrace this alpine adventure.

Get ready to equip yourself properly and enjoy unforgettable experiences in the mountains!

1. Suitable clothing

If you're new to mountaineering, managing body temperature is one of the major challenges. So the choice of clothing to use is of the utmost importance.

The key word for the clothes you wear is "breathable" : it's imperative to avoid sweating at all costs so as not to dampen the clothes, which could lead to a chill.

So the strategy of layering clothing , often called the onion technique , is essential to maintain your thermal comfort in changing mountain conditions. It's better to wear a set of thin layers of breathable clothing than a thick woollen jumper with a ski jacket!

The first layer , the one in direct contact with your skin, plays a crucial role in this system. You'll come to realise this whether you start mountaineering or not! It acts as a base for the upper layers by absorbing and transferring moisture to them, promoting effective thermal regulation. Avoid cotton T-shirts at all costs, as they tend to retain moisture and dry slowly, which can lead to over-cooling. However, we strongly recommend Merino wool garments, which are perfectly suited to this type of activity.

This layering strategy also applies to other parts of the body! So we recommend using several layers for the legs (tights, hiking trousers, waterproof overtrousers if necessary) and for the hands (gloves and under-gloves). Of course, it is always preferable to have breathable first layers to maintain the same principle of thermal regulation.

In addition, quality hiking socks (breathable :) ), a hat without a tassel so you can wear a helmet, and a choker are among the last items of clothing that are essential for mountaineering!

2. Mountaineering boots with crampons

One of the characteristics that distinguishes hiking from mountaineering is the presence of snow and ice. That's why it's essential to be equipped with crampons when you start mountaineering. To do this, you'll need specific mountaineering footwear. It's important to note the differences between these boots and traditional hiking boots! Firstly, their soles are much stiffer and they are designed to hold crampons. What's more, they generally offer better thermal insulation and enhanced waterproofing. Make sure that your shoes are not too tight when you choose them, as this could impede blood circulation and leave you exposed to the cold.

3. Mountaineering equipment

When you set out to tackle the mountain's most vertiginous peaks, it's vital to be well equipped and to put your safety first! To begin mountaineering, it is essential to be accompanied by someone you trust and who is familiar with the area, or even better, to be guided by a professional. However, to guarantee your own safety, a set of equipment is essential:

A climbing harness: You'll need a climbing harness to enable you to rope up. In mountaineering, we generally opt for roped parties of three or more people, to ensure everyone's safety and mutual supervision.

A mountaineering helmet: In addition to a harness, a mountaineering helmet is essential to protect your head.

An ice axe: An ice axe is necessary to help you in the most difficult passages.

4. Essential equipment in your bag

A good mountaineering bag is a light bag! There's no need to pack heavy things that you might not use. However, here are a few things you won't be able to do without when you start mountaineering: