List of Suggested Equipment for Mount Vinson or Similar Antarctic Mountains
The following kit list is meant purely as an aide memoire for folk heading off to climb Mount Vinson or similar mountains in the Antarctic Ellsworth’s. It is designed for folk joining guided expedition teams (for example those provided by ALE) who will be providing items like tents, stoves, fuel, rations etc. Some items are clearly optional and ski gear is listed for folk wanting to ski tour or sample Antarctic off-piste!
Clothing – Outer Layers
Expedition quality down jacket with large-sized fixed hood
Synthetic or down pants with full side-zips
Windproof softshell jacket with hood
Clothing – Mid-Layers
Stretch softshell pants
Windshirt,
Insulating jacket
Clothing – Inner Layers
Set light or midweight base layer top and bottoms
Set expedition weight or Powerstretch layer top and bottoms
Polyester or polypropylene underwear
Footwear
Mukluks for use around camp, e.g. Sorel Glacier, Baffin Impact
Pair of expedition double boots with built-in gaiter, e.g. La Sportiva Olympus Mons, Millet Everest, Scarpa 8000m
Ski-mountaineering boots
Thick wool or wool/wool blend socks
Thinner wool or synthetic liner socks.
Pair of down or synthetic tent booties
Head and Hands
Wool or fleece ski hat.
Neck gaiter, headover or scarf. We thoroughly recommend the Polar Buff.
Powerstretch balaclava.
Neoprene face mask or Outdoor Research Gorilla Mask. This must cover all skin!
Insulated leather work gloves e.g. Marmot Work Gloves
Thin polyester or polypropylene gloves
Powerstretch fleece gloves
Warm breathable “system” gloves with removable pile liner, e.g. Black Diamond Guide
Very warm, breathable down or synthetic over-mitts
100% UV protective sunglasses, one with cord and side flaps. No metal frames.
Good quality, tinted, 100% UV protective, ski goggles. Goggles with a neoprene face mask sewn in underneath work very well.
Sleeping
Sleeping bag (rated to -40°F, 40°C). Suggest: Feathered Friends Snowgoose, PHD Diamir 1200
Full length Thermarest
Full length closed cell foam sleeping mat
Climbing
Mountaineering ice axe
Ice hammer
Crampons
Climbing harness
Personal crevasse rescue kit including snapgate and locking karabiners, belay device, pulleys, ropeman, prusiks, slings, runners etc.
Right and left hand ascenders, pre-rigged.
Ski Equipment
Skis with touring bindings (Dynafit light and strong)
Adjustable ski poles
Transceiver
Avalanche probe
Shovel
Ski Crampons (Harscheissen or Couteau)
Navigation Equipment
1 x GPS + Lots of spare AA Lithium batteries
1 x spare GPS (optional but strongly recommended).
1 x dedicated compass balanced for Southern Hemisphere or a multi-zone compass (e.g. Silva Voyager)
1 x altimeter watch (e.g.) Suunto plus spare batteries
Emergency Equipment
Lightweight group shelter/KISU/Bivvy sack
Small personal first aid kit with foot and handcare items (e.g. zinc oxide tape, moleskin, foot powder, bandaids, handcream, earplugs).
Small repair kit e.g. multi-tool, duck tape, webbing strap, wire, rivets, spare crampon strap, sewing equipment.
Additional Equipment
Expedition size internal frame pack, C. 70L capacity
Day pack, handluggage and for day routes from base camp
2 X 1 litre Nalgene brand wide mouth water bottle with insulated cover (can be used as hot water bottle!)
500-750ml Flask
1 litre Nalgene water bottle with wide opening to use as a pee bottle.
Large, insulated mug with lid; lightweight non-breakable large-size bowl, Lexan spoon
Sunscreen with the highest factor (minimum SPF 30)
Lip screen with the highest factor (minimum SPF 30)
Spare contact lenses or prescription glasses as required.
Personal medication. Enough for your trip, PLUS an additional 4 weeks supply.
Personal toiletries. Including hand washing gel, Pee Funnel (she-wee) for women
Optional Equipment
Spare GPS
Baseball cap for sunny weather lower down on mountain
Trainers
Camera with large memory card & spare camera batteries.
MP3 player and headphones
Books
Ear plugs for windy nights in the tent!
Set eyeshades for sleeping in 24 hour daylight
