Ballpark Estimate: $8,000 to $13,000
Whether you’re joining a guided expedition or organizing a private climb, ascents of 8,000-meter peaks require a long list of highly specialized gear. We’ve assembled a list of the most essential, high altitude expedition gear, from the top of your head (balaclava and glacier glasses) to the tips of your toes (double boots and crampons). However, different expeditions call for different types of gear, depending on weather, terrain, timetable, and other obstacles. Therefore:
- Some items in the list are redundant. Personal preference (synthetic vs. down, for instance) will be a deciding factor.
- Some items will need to be duplicated. Layering is essential and you’ll want at least two sets of basic layers – a dry set of clothes to wear while sweaty clothes dry.
- Some items will not need to be purchased by you. Not everyone in your party needs to bring a tent. K2 requires different expedition gear than Denali. If you’re going with a guided group, some items may be provided or for rent.
- Some items in the list are not necessary for certain climbs. If you’re attempting to climb the Seven Summits, for instance, you will visit a wide variety of climate zones. Everest, Denali, and Vinson require very different expedition gear than Carstensz or Kilimanjaro.
Price, of course, varies with brand and distributor, so talk to knowledgeable friends and shop around. If you’re lucky or business savvy, you may even score some sponsors for your trip and not have to pay for those high-priced items at all.
Finally, climbing gear and expedition clothing is expensive, so you may be tempted to scrimp a little here or there. Maybe you’ll find an online deal on some used gear. Or you might discover an incredible clearance sale at a local store. You’ve never heard of the brand before, but the expedition gear is shiny and new and it’s half the price of the other stuff. How bad can it be?
The thing is, most climbing gear has a lifespan. Harnesses, ropes, slings, backpacks, tents –even zippers and Velcro, all wear out eventually. Well-used hardware can suffer from metal fatigue; crampons and ice picks break, moving parts get sluggish. Top brands have been time- and factory-tested. Nothing’s perfect, but it’s a good idea, when your life is on the line, to stick to brands you know you can trust. You want all your systems to be in perfect working order. If your systems fail, then you might fail. And if you fail, you and your team might die. So shell out the extra bucks and go for the trusted name brands.
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag for 0°F (for expeditions in warmer conditions) – $180 to $350
- Tent (2-person, 4-season) – $370 to $425
- Sleeping bag for -20°F (for Base Camp use; goose down recommended) –$400 to $520
- Sleeping bag for -40°F (for high camp use; goose down recommended) –$600 to $765
- Compression stuff sacks – $20 to $30 each
- Two self-inflating sleep pads (one for Base Camp, one for high camps) –$100 each
- Two closed-cell foam pads (to supplement self-inflating pads) – $15 to $30 each
- Folding polyester camp chair – $20 to $30
- Backpacking stove – $80 to $100
- Backpacking pots & pans – $35 to $50
- Expedition backpack (3,500 to 4,000 cu. in.) – $350 to $460
- Summit backpack (smaller interior than above for summit day) – $130 to $150
- Trekking backpack (2,000 to 2,500 cu. in.) – $80 to $150
- Large duffel bags with locks (for travel) – $135 each
Climbing Equipment
- Mountaineering ice axe w/leash (for glacier travel) fit to your height – $60 to $160
- Technical ice tools – $180 to $300 each
- Spare picks – $40 to $60
- Alpine climbing harness (low-profile, fully adjustable, gear loops) – $40 to $60
- Locking carabiners – $20 each
- Ascender (for fixed ropes) – $50 to $60
- Belay/Rappel device – $25
- Trekking poles (adjustable, 3-section) – $65 to $125
- Ice screws – $40 to $50 each
- Climbing rope – $150 to $225
- Cordelettes, carabiners, webbing – $50 to $100
Technical Clothing
- Expedition down parka (Fully baffled, hooded, 800-fill goose down, windproof outer shell) – $500 to $600
- Down pants (w/windproof outer shell) – $150 to $300
- Down bib overalls – $300 to $400)
- Fleece-lined synthetic jacket w/hood (Polartec 300, windproof, zip up) –$150 to $250
- Fleece-lined synthetic pants (full side zippers required) – $125 to $180
- Down jacket w/hood (for Base Camp use) – $200 to $265
- Gore-Tex jacket w/hood (roomy, w/front and underarm zips) – $250 to $500
- Gore-Tex pants (full separating side zippers) – $325 to $350
- Soft shell (or fleece) jacket – $150 to $230
- Soft shell pants – $200 to $230
- Expedition weight long underwear (no cotton) – $130 to $150 per set
- Medium weight long underwear (no cotton) – $80 to $115 per set
- Lightweight long underwear (no cotton) – $40 to $75 per set
Footwear (Selection of Choices and Systems)
- Single-boot system (high-tech expedition double boot w/built-in gaiter) – $680 to $855
- Double plastic climbing boots with high altitude liners) – $365 to $425
- Double plastic climbing boots (unlined) – $270 to $300
- Fully-insulated overboots (3-layer Gore-Tex upper; foam insulation) – $100 to $150
- Insulated Supergaiters – $100 to $120
- Camp boots (insulated boots for Base Camp) – $90 to $125
- Leather mountain boots – $265 to $420
- Backpacking/heavy hiking boots – $200 to $225
- Trekking shoes – $135 to $170
- Gaiters – $80
- Hiking gaiters – $40 to $50
- Synthetic-fill camp booties – $50 to $80
- Snowshoes (mountaineering style, for long distance, off trail) – $180 to $200
- 12-point Crampons (for glacier climbing; with flat, step-in bindings) – $150 to $230
- Crampon guard – $8.50
Headwear
- Climbing helmet – $60 to $90
- Balaclavas (lightweight and heavyweight; windproof) – $20 to $50 each
- Neck gaiter – $25
- Glacier glasses (100% ultraviolet & infrared protection w/side covers) – $60 to $120 (prescription glasses run around $200+)
- Ski goggles (work well over glasses) – $60 to $140
- Nose guard (nylon & microfleece) – $10
- Neoprene face mask – $12
- Headlamp – $30 to $50
Handwear
- Ice climbing gloves – $60 to $120
- Expedition shell gloves – $135 to $170
- Shell gloves w/removable liner – $140 to $155
- Expedition mitts w/windproof shell – $80 to $180
- Shell mitts w/insulated removable liner – $50 to $135
- Synthetic soft shell gloves – $70
- Lightweight synthetic gloves – $10
Extras
- Pocket knife or Multi-tool – $35 to $80
- Compass – $50 to $75
- First-aid kit (personal size) – $20 to $30
- Altimeter watch – $200
- GPS – $150 to $400