Updates: IMG Blog »
IMG Online Store »
Sign Up for a Trip »
IMG The Matterhorn Gear List
This equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear for a mountaineering expedition. Most items are required. Please consider each item carefully and be sure you understand the function of each piece of equipment before you substitute or delete items. Keep in mind that this list has been carefully compiled by the expedition organizer. Don't cut corners on the quality of your gear.
| [ ] | Boots: Lug-sole leather/synthetic climbing boots. A lined, technical boot is much better than plastic boots for the rock climbing we will do. |
| [ ] | Lightweight trail shoe- we used these for greater comfort approaching some climbing huts |
| [ ] | Socks: 2 changes of heavy wool or synthetic, with liners |
| [ ] | Gaiters, Knee length |
| [ ] | Longjohns: Synthetic tops and bottoms |
| [ ] | Pants: Synthetic stretch climbing pants (Schoeller fabric) or light fleece |
| [ ] | Rainpants: With full length zippers to go on over boots and crampons |
| [ ] | Shirt: Expedition weight (100 weight "Polartec") |
| [ ] | Soft shell jacket |
| [ ] | Rain/wind shell: Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood |
| [ ] | Warm parka: Down or synthetic filled with hood — should NOT be expedition weight. A sewn through down sweater will do nicely. |
| [ ] | Hat: Wool or fleece |
| [ ] | Sun hat |
| [ ] | Gloves — 2 pairs: 1 pair of lightweight, durable, lined, full-leather palm and fingers. 1 pair of insulated, waterproof, with leather palms and fingers. |
| [ ] | Ice axe: 50-55 cm. maximum length. Double check the length of your axe before you arrive. Longer axes are not useful for this itinerary. |
| [ ] | Crampons: 12 point, reasonably sharp |
| [ ] | Prussik slings: Bring pre-tied 7 mm. prussik loops. These can be purchased in Europe as necessary if you haven't constructed a set. |
| [ ] | Climbing harness |
| [ ] | Carabiners: Two locking HMS and one non-locking |
| [ ] | Belay device such as Black Diamond ATC XP |
| [ ] | Climbing helmet |
| [ ] | Headlamp: Bring an LED headlamp with extra new batteries |
| [ ] | Sunglasses: Very dark, with side shields. Spare pair recommended |
| [ ] | Water bottles: 2 one-quart, wide mouth, plastic bottles. For the Matterhorn climb, bring a Camelback type hydration bladder that fits in your pack, with a locking bite valve. |
| [ ] | Sun cream: And lip balm, SPF 15 or higher |
| [ ] | Pack: Internal frame pack with capacity of NO MORE THAN 3,000 cubic inches (30 liters). This should be a compact, streamlined pack. No big McKinley packs, please. |
| [ ] | Suggested second pack: 20-25 liter lightweight summit pack for the Matterhorn |
| [ ] | First aid kit: Each individual should carry a small personal first aid kit to meet their personal needs. Consider the following items: aspirin or Tylenol; Ibuprofin; antacid (Pepto Bismol, Rolaids, etc.); Bandaids; athletic tape; moleskin or Compede. |
| [ ] | Lightweight toilet kit — toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs for the hut |
| Optional items: | |
| [ ] | Rock climbing shoes — nice for bad weather options. |
| [ ] | Hiking shorts |
| [ ] | T-shirts |
| [ ] | Small digital camera |
| [ ] | Neck gaiter or light balaclava |
| [ ] | Ski goggles |
George is simply the best at what he does. Hands down... George's trips are well planned, he doesn't miss any details. George puts the safety of each person first and foremost. If you want to learn from the best, climb with George Dunn...
