Lets Start with the feet and work upwards.

Feet

• Mountaineering boots – these need to be stiff enough to allow the attachment of a crampon this is B2 on the scale of stiffness used by most shops. If you are unsure please get in touch and we should be able to help.

• Gaiters – Short gaiters are all thats required in the summer

• Socks merino wool though expensive seem to be the best we would suggest 3 pairs for a weeks trip.

Legs

• Trekking trousers schoeller type fabric is great as it keeps the wind out.

• Waterproof trousers – Something made from Paclite would be thick enough and keep your rucksack light.

• Underwear – number of pairs at your descretion but don't go nuts.

• Shorts - A nice light pair is great on non glacial days

Body

• Thermal base layer tops we would suggest one long sleeve one short sleeve and a clean one for wearing in the hut in the evening

• Soft shell jacket or fleece

• Extra layer – fleece or similar a synthetic down top like the Haglofs barrier is ideal.

• Waterproof jacket – Gore Tex or equivalent

Head

• Sunhat

• Warm hat

• Eyewear – sunglasses with side protection

• Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring!)

Hands

• Thin gloves

• Warm and waterproof over gloves or mittens

Other Essentials

• Daypack 40 litresif you can't get it all in a 30 litre pack it shouldn't be coming

• Head Torch the new light LED ones are great put fresh batteries in at the start of the trip and they will last the week.

• Basic First Aid Kit – Blister and headache tablets and any personal medication, the guide will not supply these items but will carry a group first aid kit to deal with accidents.

• Sun protection (Min Factor 30 including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

• Water bottles 1 Liter min no hydration systems as they freeze or leak. Many people carry up to 2 litres but no more

• Sheet sleeping bag – The huts supply blankets or duvets but require you to use a sheet sleeping bag for hygene reasons

• Basic toiletries – most huts only have a little bit of cold running water if you are going to be in hotels in the valley the hotels will provide towels

• Camera, film, batteries
• A paper back is really nice to read in the huts but not war and peace.
• Money for lucjes snacks, beer and wine (available in huts)

Mountaineering Equipment (All the items below can be hired from MAC by prior arrangement)

• • Crampons 10 or 12 point with Anti-balling plates fitted before the trip if you don't have them you will be taken to a shop to buy them. Please check with us about crampon suitability before joining the trip. If you are going to buy some please get in touch if you would like some advice.
  • Ice axe about 60cm is a good length
  • Mountaineering harness
  • Karabiners (2 x screwgate)
  • Sling (1 metre)
  • Prussik loops x 2 (5 metres of 6mm cord makes 2)

  Hire Costs (per week) Payable in cash on arrival in the Alps. All prices in Euros

  • Crampons 30
  • Ice Axe 20
  • Harness 20
  • Karibiners slings etc 20 (unfortunately people seem to keep on going home with these so we have to charge)