Clothes and protection
Shell clothing
A Gore-tex top and bottom will be the most weather proof. Make sure it fits with all the possible layers under it. There are other options to Gore-tex that work fine. The top should have a comfortable protective hood.
Climbing Pants in Schoeller or nylon. Winstopper jacket (softshell is fine).
Inner layers (multi-layer system)
Mid weight long under wear top and bottom, Mid weight fleece top and bottom, Long Underwear Top - stretch midweight with pocket. Heavier weight fleece jacket or insulated sweater. Schoeller fabric stretch climbing pants are useful, but optional. Short sleeve shirt (synthetic), optional.
Socks and Liners
Good warm sock. If it is too thick, it might restrict circulation and make your toes cold. Some suggestions - Smartwool or Thorlos.
Heavy Insulated Jacket
Synthetic or down (Mt. Blanc only or winter). Some suggestions - Patagonia DAS Parka, Marmot, etc. A down sweater could be a little on the cold side depending on the weather; a jacket with a hood is preferable. Thinner for Haute Routes and thicker for Mont Blanc.
Gloves
Light Gloves - leather palms best for all. Medium Gloves - ski glove weight. Super Heavy Gloves - like BD Guide Glove or Patagonia Nitro.
Hat
Fleece Hat - Neck gaitor and balaclava optional. Sun Hat - Baseball cap style is fine. Bandana - For long days on glacier.
Sunglasses
Category 4 and side shields best for long days on sunny glaciers, wrap around cat. 3 sport glasses fine for most things. Goggles - Mt. Blanc, expeditions or winter with good low light lens is very important.
Headlamp
Spare batteries. Recommendation: Petzl Tikka Plus.
Camera
We find when we bring along our small and light camera, we take more pictures.
Any of these items can mostly be purchased locally and the technical gear (ice axes etc), can be rented. Another option if you are having trouble finding items in the US or want to get a better price, you can order from the web site www.cham3s.com.
A lightweight pack is super important. Your pack should weigh no more than 20 pounds.
Please let us know if you have any questions about equipment; for example, if you have something that you think will work, but are not sure.
Skis
A randonnee (alpine touring) ski set up is essential. It allows for ski touring up the mountain and gives a solid performance for skiing down hill. Any good shaped alpine ?freeride? ski in a mid-fat to fat width will work well, with atleast a 75 mm waist, preferably 85 mm. Some suggestions: Atomic Beta Ride 9.22, Dynastar Intuitiv 74,
Fischer FX 8.6, Rossignol Bandit XX, Salomon 1080, Volkl, G3/4, Black Diamond Muira or Crossbow.
Ski Strap
One ski strap is essential for attaching your skis to your pack, while hiking.
Bindings
It is important for your randonnee binding to be easy to get on and off, durable, have a ski brake and ski crampon. Some suggestions: Diamir Fritschi Freeride or the Diamir Fritschi Titanal 3. A ski crampon (harcheisen) is essential.
Ski Boots
Any good Randonee (alpine touring) boot that fits your foot well and seems comfortable. Some suggestions: Dynafit, Lowa, Nordica, Scarpa. The Scarpa Spirit 4and the Lowa Struktura Evo are about the stiffest. You might consider getting a Raichle Thermoflex, Intuition, or Scarpa thermally molded liner for more warmth and touring comfort?these seem to alleviate almost all blister problems! A custom foot bed is will also give you more comfort and control. Fit the randonee boot a little bigger than an alpine ski boot but maybe a little smaller than a plastic climbing boot. The more toe room the warmer your feet will stay, but if too big, you give up some edge control.
Poles
An adjustable probe pole is the most versatile. Some suggestions : Life Link carbon fibre adj. probe, Black Diamond carbon fibre adj. probe. The carbon fibre poles are lighter and have a lighter swing weight, but any adjustable or fixed length probe pole will do.
Climbing Skins
A full length, full width, ?shaped? climbing skin with glue and some sort of clip on system is your best bet. Some suggestions: Backcountry Access, Black Diamond, G3.
Avalanche Transciever
What to look for: Acoustic loudspeaker (no ear piece), European frequency 457 Khz. Some suggestions: DTS Tracker, Mammut Pulse, Ortovox F1 Focus.
Shovel
Any lightweight shovel made specifically for removing avalanche debris. Some suggestions: Backcountry Access, Black Diamond, Life Link, Ortovox (the Eco with a non-extendable shaft is the lightest).
Probe
Again, the lighter the better. There are some hot new carbon fibre probes available. Some Suggestions: Backcountry Access (they have a slick probe and shovel combo where the probe is stored in the shovel shaft.), Life Link, Ortovox.
Boot Crampons
Any crampon is fine as long as it fits on your ski boot well and is quick to take off and put on. Aluminum is highly recommended for ski touring for its lightness. Point protecters are not needed on trip! Some suggestions: Camp LC 480, Grivel aluminum, Petzl Ecrin (steel but fairly light).
Ice Axe
Any ice axe will do, however the lighter the better. Aluminum axes work well and save weight. An ice axe leash and protective covers are not needed on trip! Length recommendations: 45cm to 50 cm is best. If an axe is too long it gets unwieldy on steeper slopes and is awkward getting in and out of trams. Some Suggestions: Charlet Moser Snowracer (one of the lightest steel axes), Cassin Ghost (Aluminum and
extremely light), Camp Aluminum.
Harness
It needs to fit over all your lower layers and be comfortable to walk or ski tour in. Again light weight and compact are desirable features. Some suggestions: Black Diamond Alpine Bod, Petzl Pandion and Tetrax.
Carabiners: One small locking biner. For crevasse rescue gear (optional-guides will have) add: 2 non-locking biners and 5 ft. of 6-7mm prussick cord. Some suggestions: Petzl Attache, Petlz Spirit straight gate.
Headlamp: Small and reliable. Some suggestions: Petzl Tikka Plus, Black Diamond.
Gaitors
Optional, need to fit over your ski boots. Some Gore-tex or ski pants have internal gaitors or fastening systems which work great.
Pack
A medium sized pack between 30 and 40 Liters is best. If the pack is too big, the straps often slap you in the face when it is windy and it won?t ski as well as a smaller model. It does need to fit all your gear, but don?t forget you?ll be wearing most of the clothing. A ski oriented pack with pockets and slots for the shovel blade, probe, and shovel handle is very nice, but not imperative. Some suggestions: Backcountry Access
(Stash BC), Ortovox, Life Link.
Food and fluids
You can bring your favorite snack food and energy bars and gels or find similar bars over here, as well as good chocolate. We can buy lunches and bars daily at the huts. If you fly over with Gels and powder drink mixes double bag them as they tend to explode in the duffel!
One to two liter total capacity. Go light and use soda bottles instead of nalgenes. A steel thermos (.5-1 L) is nice to have, but not essential. Drinking systems (bladders) tend to freeze and leak and are not recommended.
First-Aid Kit
Small and light. Some suggestions: Ibuprofen, blister kit(Compeed and althletic tape). Sun Screen and Lip Screen: Small and light containers. At least SPF 15.
Optional Items
Map, Compass, Altimeter, and GPS are all fun, but optional as the guides will have these items. Maps and guide books can be nice for before and after, but the guide will have them on the trip?think light.
Optional Hut Items
1 T-shirt (hut T-shirts can be bought at many huts) ear plugs, sleeping sack (cotton or silk), baby wipes, reading book, MP3 player, pee funnel for ladies.
Clothes and protection
Shell clothing
A Gore-tex top and bottom will be the most weather proof. Make sure it fits with all the possible layers under it. There are other options to Gore-tex that work fine. The top should have a comfortable protective hood.
Climbing Pants in Schoeller or nylon. Winstopper jacket (softshell is fine).
Inner layers (multi-layer system)
Mid weight long under wear top and bottom, Mid weight fleece top and bottom, Long Underwear Top - stretch midweight with pocket. Heavier weight fleece jacket or insulated sweater. Schoeller fabric stretch climbing pants are useful, but optional. Short sleeve shirt (synthetic), optional.
Socks and Liners
Good warm sock. If it is too thick, it might restrict circulation and make your toes cold. Some suggestions - Smartwool or Thorlos.
Heavy Insulated Jacket
Synthetic or down (Mt. Blanc only or winter). Some suggestions - Patagonia DAS Parka, Marmot, etc. A down sweater could be a little on the cold side depending on the weather; a jacket with a hood is preferable. Thinner for Haute Routes and thicker for Mont Blanc.
Gloves
Light Gloves - leather palms best for all. Medium Gloves - ski glove weight. Super Heavy Gloves - like BD Guide Glove or Patagonia Nitro.
Hat
Fleece Hat - Neck gaitor and balaclava optional. Sun Hat - Baseball cap style is fine. Bandana - For long days on glacier.
Sunglasses
Category 4 and side shields best for long days on sunny glaciers, wrap around cat. 3 sport glasses fine for most things. Goggles - Mt. Blanc, expeditions or winter with good low light lens is very important.
Headlamp
Spare batteries. Recommendation: Petzl Tikka Plus.
Camera
We find when we bring along our small and light camera, we take more pictures.
Any of these items can mostly be purchased locally and the technical gear (ice axes etc), can be rented. Another option if you are having trouble finding items in the US or want to get a better price, you can order from the web site www.cham3s.com.
A lightweight pack is super important. Your pack should weigh no more than 20 pounds.
Please let us know if you have any questions about equipment; for example, if you have something that you think will work, but are not sure.
Skis
A randonnee (alpine touring) ski set up is essential. It allows for ski touring up the mountain and gives a solid performance for skiing down hill. Any good shaped alpine ?freeride? ski in a mid-fat to fat width will work well, with atleast a 75 mm waist, preferably 85 mm. Some suggestions: Atomic Beta Ride 9.22, Dynastar Intuitiv 74,
Fischer FX 8.6, Rossignol Bandit XX, Salomon 1080, Volkl, G3/4, Black Diamond Muira or Crossbow.
Ski Strap
One ski strap is essential for attaching your skis to your pack, while hiking.
Bindings
It is important for your randonnee binding to be easy to get on and off, durable, have a ski brake and ski crampon. Some suggestions: Diamir Fritschi Freeride or the Diamir Fritschi Titanal 3. A ski crampon (harcheisen) is essential.
Ski Boots
Any good Randonee (alpine touring) boot that fits your foot well and seems comfortable. Some suggestions: Dynafit, Lowa, Nordica, Scarpa. The Scarpa Spirit 4and the Lowa Struktura Evo are about the stiffest. You might consider getting a Raichle Thermoflex, Intuition, or Scarpa thermally molded liner for more warmth and touring comfort?these seem to alleviate almost all blister problems! A custom foot bed is will also give you more comfort and control. Fit the randonee boot a little bigger than an alpine ski boot but maybe a little smaller than a plastic climbing boot. The more toe room the warmer your feet will stay, but if too big, you give up some edge control.
Poles
An adjustable probe pole is the most versatile. Some suggestions : Life Link carbon fibre adj. probe, Black Diamond carbon fibre adj. probe. The carbon fibre poles are lighter and have a lighter swing weight, but any adjustable or fixed length probe pole will do.
Climbing Skins
A full length, full width, ?shaped? climbing skin with glue and some sort of clip on system is your best bet. Some suggestions: Backcountry Access, Black Diamond, G3.
Avalanche Transciever
What to look for: Acoustic loudspeaker (no ear piece), European frequency 457 Khz. Some suggestions: DTS Tracker, Mammut Pulse, Ortovox F1 Focus.
Shovel
Any lightweight shovel made specifically for removing avalanche debris. Some suggestions: Backcountry Access, Black Diamond, Life Link, Ortovox (the Eco with a non-extendable shaft is the lightest).
Probe
Again, the lighter the better. There are some hot new carbon fibre probes available. Some Suggestions: Backcountry Access (they have a slick probe and shovel combo where the probe is stored in the shovel shaft.), Life Link, Ortovox.
Boot Crampons
Any crampon is fine as long as it fits on your ski boot well and is quick to take off and put on. Aluminum is highly recommended for ski touring for its lightness. Point protecters are not needed on trip! Some suggestions: Camp LC 480, Grivel aluminum, Petzl Ecrin (steel but fairly light).
Ice Axe
Any ice axe will do, however the lighter the better. Aluminum axes work well and save weight. An ice axe leash and protective covers are not needed on trip! Length recommendations: 45cm to 50 cm is best. If an axe is too long it gets unwieldy on steeper slopes and is awkward getting in and out of trams. Some Suggestions: Charlet Moser Snowracer (one of the lightest steel axes), Cassin Ghost (Aluminum and
extremely light), Camp Aluminum.
Harness
It needs to fit over all your lower layers and be comfortable to walk or ski tour in. Again light weight and compact are desirable features. Some suggestions: Black Diamond Alpine Bod, Petzl Pandion and Tetrax.
Carabiners: One small locking biner. For crevasse rescue gear (optional-guides will have) add: 2 non-locking biners and 5 ft. of 6-7mm prussick cord. Some suggestions: Petzl Attache, Petlz Spirit straight gate.
Headlamp: Small and reliable. Some suggestions: Petzl Tikka Plus, Black Diamond.
Gaitors
Optional, need to fit over your ski boots. Some Gore-tex or ski pants have internal gaitors or fastening systems which work great.
Pack
A medium sized pack between 30 and 40 Liters is best. If the pack is too big, the straps often slap you in the face when it is windy and it won?t ski as well as a smaller model. It does need to fit all your gear, but don?t forget you?ll be wearing most of the clothing. A ski oriented pack with pockets and slots for the shovel blade, probe, and shovel handle is very nice, but not imperative. Some suggestions: Backcountry Access
(Stash BC), Ortovox, Life Link.
Food and fluids
You can bring your favorite snack food and energy bars and gels or find similar bars over here, as well as good chocolate. We can buy lunches and bars daily at the huts. If you fly over with Gels and powder drink mixes double bag them as they tend to explode in the duffel!
One to two liter total capacity. Go light and use soda bottles instead of nalgenes. A steel thermos (.5-1 L) is nice to have, but not essential. Drinking systems (bladders) tend to freeze and leak and are not recommended.
First-Aid Kit
Small and light. Some suggestions: Ibuprofen, blister kit(Compeed and althletic tape). Sun Screen and Lip Screen: Small and light containers. At least SPF 15.
Optional Items
Map, Compass, Altimeter, and GPS are all fun, but optional as the guides will have these items. Maps and guide books can be nice for before and after, but the guide will have them on the trip?think light.
Optional Hut Items
1 T-shirt (hut T-shirts can be bought at many huts) ear plugs, sleeping sack (cotton or silk), baby wipes, reading book, MP3 player, pee funnel for ladies.