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. 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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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots
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