Climb of Hope is proudly sponsored by First Ascent.

One of the key elements to a successful Everest trip is the equipment. If you think about it, climbing Everest is like going into space…on foot. So it goes without saying that the gear we will be using is technically developed to ensure its efficacy as well as being practical in terms of weight and bulk.

This page will describe some of the equipment I will be using, approximate costs and some interesting facts where ever appropriate.

Boots

 

 

These boots are the Rolls Royce of climbing footwear. Well, more like the stretch Hummer with snow tyres and a mini-bar. Weighing in at about 1,8kg per foot, these babies are your best defense against frostbitten feet, however climbers still fall victim to frozen tootsies up high. Expect to pay about R7000 (±$900).

Once tissue has died from frostbite, the only option is amputation, so every cent on good equipment makes it worthwhile.

 

 

 

 

 

Foot Warming System

A popular option for polar and Himalayan climbers is a battery powered set of heating pads, which fit into your boots and provide warmth to your toes when the mercury has long since gone AWOL. Imported from the US and costing around R2000, this system hopes to get me back home, all 10 toes intact.

 

Downsuit

If you have ever slept in a good quality sleeping bag with a down fill, you’ll really appreciate this piece of specialised equipment. It’s a full body suit made from a windproof and snowproof fabric filled with goose down to provide unequaled insulation against the worst of Lady Everest’s tantrums. With temperatures as low as -50C and howling winds both day and night, this item is an absolute essential for anyone going into the Death Zone. I will be using the Himalayan Down Suit from First Ascent, R4195.

 

Crampons

Imagine trying to trying to run around on an ice rink in tennis shoes. Now imagine the ice rink is at a gradient of 45 degrees. Crampons strap tightly to a climber’s boots and provide grip on the treacherous ice slopes. The two “front points” enable the climber to kick into steep ice while the other spikes are used when stepping flat. Very handy the next time some punk kid sprays ice at your girlfriend.

Layering

Because of the varying conditions on the lower slopes of the mountain, climbers use the layering principle which allows them to use their limited clothing in a variety of temperatures and conditions.

The Base Layer - this is the layer that sits closest to your skin. Lightweight non-absorbent fabrics are used to manage sweat, getting it off the skin. Moisture cools rapidly and can easily sap a climber core temperature.

Mid Layer - this layer’s main purpose is to insulate the climber and retain as much body heat as possible. This layer usually consists of one or two synthetic fleece layers, keeping you toasty.

Outer layer - this is also know as a shell layer. Outer jackets and pants act as a barrier to keep wind, snow and rain out, allowing the other layers to do their jobs.

By using any combination of the above layers, climbers can regulate their temperature in various conditions throughout the climb. Once climbers enter the final high camps, down suits are used because temperatures are incredibly cold and the main priority is to protect the body from shutting down in the extreme conditions on high.