Elbrus Gear List: Everything You Need to Climb Europe's Highest Peak

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Our comprehensive Elbrus kit list contains everything you need to conquer Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. At 5,642 m (18,510 ft), Mount Elbrus in Russia is the highest mountain in Europe and a member of the Seven Summits, the highest point on any continent. Having just returned from climbing Elbrus with the 7 Summits Club specialists, I thought it would be useful to share my entire Elbrus kit list for future climbers' reference. I had most of the gear in advance, but a few trips to Ellis Brigham and Salomon to pick up some last minute items were required. Although I have...

Elbrus Gear List: Everything You Need to Climb Europe's Highest Peak

Our comprehensive Elbrus kit list contains everything you need to conquer Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe.

At 5,642 m (18,510 ft), Mount Elbrus in Russia is the highest mountain in Europe and a member of the Seven Summits, the highest point on any continent. Having just returned from climbing Elbrus with the 7 Summits Club specialists, I thought it would be useful to share my entire Elbrus kit list for future climbers' reference.

I had most of the gear in advance, but a few trips to Ellis Brigham and Salomon to pick up some last minute items were required. I did treat myself to a few new things like a rain jacket, softshell, down jacket and sleeping bag, but a lot of what I already had was enough. It is possible to rent equipment locally, but I prefer to invest in equipment that I know I will use again and again.

alt="Elbrus kit list ">SolomonA new softshell, sleeping bag and down jacket were all essential parts of my Elbrus kit list

  • Das Schichtsystem: So schichtet man Outdoor-Kleidung
  • Besteigung des Elbrus: mein zweiter Siebengipfel

Elbrus kit list

The following Elbrus kit list contains everything I used, including basic trekking clothing worn on acclimatization hikes, to mountaineering gear and cold weather clothing worn on the mountain.

4x Breathable Underwear Some quick-drying, lightweight sports underwear is ideal.
2x Baselayer pants that I wore underneath my hiking or softshell pants the entire time I was on the mountain.
3x Inner socks ideal for keeping blisters at bay and adding an extra layer of insulation.
5x Heavy hiking socks, ideally double-layered to avoid blisters.
3x Base LayersI prefer short sleeve base layers, but you may prefer long sleeves.
2x Hiking shirts I wore these on acclimatization hikes in the valley and around the hotel.
3x Mid Layers I picked up two short sleeve mid layers to wear over my base layer and one long sleeve mid layer with a neck zipper.
1x FleeceMy trusty fleece from Mountain Equipment has always been with me and will continue to be!
1x SoftshellMy new favorite piece! This is very versatile and very useful - usually worn under my outer (waterproof) jacket.
1x Down jacketA new piece of equipment I got specifically for this trip. It was only needed on summit morning but is essential.
1x Waterproof jacketAn important piece of equipment; Probably the most worn piece of outerwear I've packed. The weather is constantly changing, so the jacket was never far away.
2x Zip-off hiking pants that I wore on acclimatization hikes in the valley and around the hotels.
1x Alpine Pants I practically lived at our refuge in these reinforced and stretchy hiking pants. I wore them under waterproof pants on all but summit day.
1x Softshell pants I only wore them on summit day, but I was glad I did. I wore them over my base layer and under my waterproof pants.
1x Waterproof pantsAnother essential piece of clothing to wear every day on the mountain. Mine are lightly insulated and you need at least 3/4 length side zippers to easily fit over crampons and boots.
1x Hiking ShoesI traveled in my hiking boots and wore them on acclimatization hikes in the valley. I could have used lighter boots or approach shoes.
1x Mountain boots My Scarpa Cumbre has been discontinued, but for a mountain like Elbrus a B3 or C3 mountain boot is really necessary.
1x CramponsI switched to 12-point crampons for this tour and enjoyed the greater stability on steep terrain they provide.
1x GaitersGaiters with Gore-Tex offer maximum breathability and comfort. They should be normal sized and fit over your waterproof and mountaineering trousers.
1x Sunglasses should have polarized lenses that provide UV protection.
1x Ski gogglesSki goggles were essential on summit day and in difficult weather.
1x BuffI never go on a trip without my trusty Buff!
1x Fleece collar Not essential but I like having the option.
1x BalaclavaFor the complete all-weather lockout!
1x Beanie Must fit under a helmet; Avoid anything with pom-poms.
1x The hat or sun hat should be adjustable, quick-drying, breathable and ideally waterproof.
2x Liner Gloves I wore these as a base layer under my mountaineering gloves and mittens, or independently when the temperature was a bit milder.
2x Mountaineering GlovesNo matter what they claim, gloves never remain waterproof, so at least two pairs are a must.
1x MittensOn summit day I wore my undergloves, mountaineering gloves and mittens - and was very grateful for them.
1x Ice AxA general mountaineering ice ax is sufficient. Size and style depend on your size and personal preferences.
1x Ski/Trekking PolesEither ski or trekking poles are fine as long as they are collapsible and have snow baskets. The three-part variety is ideal.
1x Sleeping bag I got this Marmot Never Summer sleeping bag for the trip. It is without a doubt the best sleeping bag I have ever owned. I'll never be cold again!
1x Inflatable pillow Not essential but makes the bunk beds a bit more comfortable.
1x Belt This must fit over all bulky clothing and have gear loops, adjustable leg loops and a hip belt. Ideally it should also have a safety loop.
1x 9-11mm ropeTwo to three meters are enough to secure yourself on the fixed ropes.
1x Nylon Sling Not essential, but I like to have one that I can use as a waist leash for my ice axe.
3x Screw carabiners These must be self-locking and can be easily clipped into a belt. I also picked up three non-locking, lightweight, wire-lock carabiners for use with my ice pick waist leash.
1x Thermos Your water may freeze on summit day, so your hot tea may be your only source of hydration.
2x Water Bottle I drank much more water than my teammates and found that I suffered less from the effects of altitude. Altitude sickness is a bit like a lottery, but I'd rather drink too much than too little.
1x HeadlampA must on summit day. It's best to choose one that is waterproof.
1x First Aid Kit hopefully it will never be opened, but you can probably expect a few small blisters at best.
1x Lip balm Lip balm should have at least SPF 30+ and it may be worth taking a backup as they are easily lost.
1x Sunscreen You should pack SPF 40+ and apply it constantly. Even at temperatures below zero, the sun is incredibly strong. Several members of our team had interesting sunburn lines, to say the least!
1x Pocket Knife I haven't used my pocket knife, but I always feel better knowing I have it with me.
1x Toiletry bag + toiletries Largely personal, but worth packing a few rolls of toilet paper, antibacterial hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
1x Towel Worth taking a light microfiber with you even though there isn't much opportunity to wash on the mountain!
1x GoPro Hero7 and spare batteries
1x Backpack (50l+) – read our guide to choosing a backpack
1x 70+ Liter Duffel BagA 70 liter duffel bag or backpack will likely be sufficient for all of the above gear.

I climbed Elbrus with 7 Summits Club, an experienced Russia-based tour guide that focuses on climbing the highest mountains on every continent (hence the name). I joined their 8-day classic route program for $1,360, which includes all accommodations, meals, internal transfers, guides, and chairlift passes.

*NB – The Elbrus kit list above assumes you are taking part in a guided climb and not camping or cooking yourself.

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