Essential Camping Equipment You Need for Mountaineering

From Harnesses to Hangers

If you’ve been bitten by the climbing bug, you know that there’s no greater thrill than mountaineering and ascending a mountain. But you also know that having the right gear, from your boots to how you keep your camping gear organized, is essential to staying safe and completing all of your adventures successfully. In this article, we’ll review some of the most important camping equipment that you need for your trip, including well-known items such as ropes and crampons to less common accessories such as hangers and watches.

Clothing and Layering for the Climb

Before you get to boots and crampons, your clothing system does most of the work of keeping you safe. A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece or light puffy jacket, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell cover the three conditions you’ll face on most climbs: sweat, cold, and weather.

Insulated gloves and a warm hat round out the system, and it’s worth packing a spare set of each since wet layers lose most of their insulating value. Once you’re back at camp, those layers need somewhere dry to hang so they’re ready for the next stretch of the climb, which is exactly the kind of job a properly hung and maintained gear setup is built for.

Boots, Crampons, and Helmets

Some of the most obvious pieces of camping equipment for mountaineering are tactical boots and crampons. You need a pair of well-fitting, insulated boots specifically designed for mountaineering in the climate and conditions you usually climb. You should find an expert to help you choose the right pair for your needs. Crampons attach to your boots and provide traction. They may strap on, step in, or use a combination of the two.

They are typically made from steel or aluminum, and the type that you need also depends on the type of climbing you do. Especially in hot weather, you might be tempted to skip a helmet, but wearing one is absolutely essential. You can buy them with closable vents and attachments for lights.

Ropes, Harnesses, and Carabiners

Your climbing rope is your lifeline, literally! That’s why it is very important to choose this item carefully, keeping your particular needs in mind. Consider both diameter and length, as well as weather and dry treatment.

Again, nothing can ruin a mountaineering experience faster than trying to use the wrong rope. It can also endanger your life and the lives of those climbing with you.

Like ropes, high-quality harnesses and carabiners are also essential camping equipment. The most comfortable and safest option for mountaineering is a harness made specifically for the sport, but you can also use a regular climbing harness without putting yourself in danger.

You will need both locking and nonlocking carabiners for your climb. Many people are tempted to also use carabiners for other needs, such as storing their gear when not in use, but we don’t recommend doing this. Instead, bring a heavy-duty hanger along. We describe those in the next section.

Navigation and Safety Essentials

Watches and navigation tools round out a mountaineering kit. An altimeter watch or GPS device helps you track elevation and pace, while a compass and map back up any electronics that fail or lose a signal. Many of these tools now work without cell service, which matters once you’re above tree line. Pair your navigation gear with the basics: a headlamp with spare batteries, a first-aid kit, and sun protection. We cover these and a few more in the full accessories list further down.

Carry and Hold It All: Hangers and Backpacks

You will need to somehow carry all of your camping equipment to your destination. A good backpack is a great way to do that. Most backpacks designed especially for climbing are sleeker and slimmer. Some have removable parts and sections (such as a lid) and adjustable straps to reduce weight when heavy climbing. This is especially useful if you’re carrying gear that you need for camping but not for climbing. They also have pockets or attachments for carrying crampons, ropes, and other specific climbing gear, even an ice ax.

A Tough Hook hanger may not be the first item that comes to mind when you’re packing for your trip, but an item such as this is absolutely essential for a successful camping and mountaineering adventure. You can use it to keep your important gear off the ground and ready when not in use. It can also keep all of your gear organized, which helps protect it from wear and tear and reduces stress on your part. Once you try taking it along, you’ll never go camping or mountaineering without it again.

What Makes a Durable Camping Gear Hanger

A durable camping gear hanger needs to hold up to the same conditions as the rest of your kit: dirt, moisture, and repeated loading and unloading at camp. Tough Hook hangers are built from high-impact polypropylene, a material that resists the rust and cracking that shorten the life of metal or basic plastic hangers. The Tough Hook holds up to 150 pounds and can be hung from almost anywhere, so it can carry a loaded pack, a tent, or cooking gear without buckling under the weight.

Portable and Compact Storage for Camp

Between climbs, space at camp is limited, so a lightweight and compact hanger matters as much as its weight capacity. What is more, the Tough Hook converts to a handy carrying accessory. This means that you can much more easily transport all of your camping equipment to your site, as well as keep it safe. If you split your time between mountaineering and other outdoor trips, the same hanger works just as well for hiking, hunting, and fishing gear.

Sleeping, Eating, and Drinking

If your mountaineering trek involves multiple days, you’re going to need somewhere to sleep. In many cases, you will be staying somewhere more rugged than a traditional campsite, so you must take those needs into consideration. A three- or four-season tent is an ideal choice. You will also more than likely need a very warm sleeping bag. We recommend carrying a bulkier sleeping bag and foregoing a sleeping pad for safety if you must.

You’re going to need plenty of good food for the energy that is required for long days of climbing. In addition to your normal nutritional needs, plan to consume 200 to 300 additional calories for each hour of climbing. A Tough Hook hanger is a great way to store food off the ground while you’re away from your campsite.

You can bring along bars and other calorie-dense foods, but you’ll likely also need a stove. When choosing the right one, consider both weight and whether it will work in more extreme weather conditions. It will also be difficult to bring along enough water for an entire day or more of even moderate climbing. Look into purchasing some kind of water treatment system as part of your camping equipment.

Other Items and Accessories

There are many other items to consider bringing on your trip with you. They include:

• Ice ax
• Crevasse rescue equipment: it’s a good idea to carry this along in case you or another climber needs help after falling into a crevasse (another reason you should not climb alone). This pack should contain slings, cords, lightweight pulleys, and a snow picket.
• Headlamp: even if you don’t plan to climb at night, it is a good idea to bring a headlamp just in case, and for exploring crevasses and other dark spaces.
• Watches and navigation tools: there are all sorts of clever devices that you can use to aid in mountaineering, and many do not require traditional cell service to work, which is not only convenient but also potentially life-saving.
• First-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Something with which to start a fire
• Wands: these can be used to mark your path or draw attention to hazards.
• Solar-powered charger: for both phones and other accessories.
• Knife
• Extra food, water, socks, and everything else: because you just never know and can’t be too careful.

You may also want to consider bringing along additional hangers, given that they are so incredibly lightweight and useful, especially in a tent or shelter with limited space. Check out all of Tough Hook’s options, and pass all of this advice along to your fellow climbers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an ice ax?

An ice ax aids in stability on icy terrains, serves as a tool for cutting steps in snow, and can be used in self-rescue.

Why might someone need crevasse rescue equipment?

Crevasse rescue gear is essential when climbing in glacier regions, as it assists in retrieving climbers who’ve fallen into deep snow cracks.

Can regular wristwatches be used for mountaineering?

While any watch displays time, specialized mountaineering watches offer altimeters, barometers, and compass functionalities, aiding in navigation.

How much weight can a camping gear hanger hold?

A Tough Hook camping gear hanger holds up to 150 pounds, which is enough for a loaded pack, a tent, or cooking gear at camp.

Can camping gear hangers be used outdoors?

Yes. A heavy-duty hanger like the Tough Hook is built to hang from tent poles, roof racks, tree branches, and other outdoor anchor points, keeping gear off the ground in any weather.

What clothing layers do I need for mountaineering?

A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece or light puffy jacket, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell cover most mountaineering conditions, along with insulated gloves and a warm hat.