Rest assured, this isn’t the same as packing for your holidays. You can’t just randomly select items from your wardrobe and throw them into a bag. Packing for your first alpine expedition is a feat in itself. You need to prepare ahead, plan for the worst, and be ready to pack in a professional way.
This might sound a bit dramatic, but good packing can genuinely save your life. Do it right and you can survive for a long time in the harsh alpine conditions. Do it wrong and it’s not worth considering.
The ABC Of Alpine Packing
Whenever you’re packing for an alpine trip you need to have the following ABC in your head: Accessibility, Balance, and Compression. Bear these in mind and you’ll be packing the right way for your trip.
Accessibility
You need to be able to easily access each piece of kit. It’s not going to be possible to get to everything without first removing some items, so you need to work to a priority list. Put the items that you’ll need regularly and instantly right next to an opening or zip. Items that you won’t need until you make it to camp can be buried deep within the bag.
Make sure you have a supply of nutrition easily accessible. That means water, snacks, gels, and anything you might need whilst trekking.
The one caveat to this is to be wary of how you pack any sharp items. These need to have protective covers on them and shouldn’t be positioned so that your hand could brush past them when rummaging.
Balance
Yes, you need a balance of the items you actually pack, but in this instance, we mean physical balance. Walking with an improperly balanced backpack can cause serious issues with your back. The last thing you want is an injury. You’ll often need to weigh your pack. If you’re struggling to gauge the scale weights you could always use an online calculator to convert pounds to ounces and vice-versa.
A properly balanced pack will have heavier items close to your hips and back. Avoid having any angular or jagged items pressing into the back panel. Then add lighter items as you move up the pack.
You should also be thinking about a balance between left and right. The best way to judge this is to pack a bit, pick it up and feel if it is overweighted on one side or the other. Then adjust until it feels right.
Compression
All of those straps on your bag aren’t there for intrepid decoration. They’re there to help you apply compression to your pack. This keeps it from altering shape and flexing while you walk. Once packed, give each one a good tug and tighten them up. Don’t go to the point where the buckles are ready to burst, but enough that they feel taught.
Alpine Expedition Equipment List
Going on an alpine expedition, or any other mountaineering trip, requires some specialized kit. The following list gives a general idea of the technical requirements. You should always check with your professional guide before you start the packing process.
Technical Gear
- Harness: You’ll find plenty of general mountaineering harnesses available. You could also use a rock climbing harness but you might find them a bit snug on top of your extra layers of gear. Pick one that’s lightweight and you’ll thank us later.
- Mountaineering Boots: This is a major step up from standard walking boots. These are designed to withstand the conditions, take crampons, and make the walk as comfortable as possible. You could invest in your own pair, but many popular trekking spots will hire them for you.
- Crampons and Crampon bag: Necessary for icy climbs. The bag is essential unless you want to receive a free piercing. Make sure that they fit your boots.
- Ice Axe: You’ll be required to carry one on most expeditions for technical assents.
- Helmet
Other Gear
- Clothing: You’ll need a strong, waterproof outer layer, a down layer for warmth, then mid and base layers. On top of that, you’ll need hats, gloves, socks, and a pair of gaiters.
- Torches: Ideally a head torch and one that can act as a lantern.
- Water Bottles
- Sun Protection
- Snacks
- Medical Provisions
Key Takeaways
Please bear in mind this is a bare minimum list. Your pack will contain considerably more items than this for a full expedition, but this is a great place to start. Take advice from your guide, heed their warnings, then pack and get excited!
- Always balance your pack, both vertically and horizontally.
- Make sure items that you will regularly need are at the top of the pack.
- Avoid packing any sharp or jagged items near the back panel.