Shoes
For the expedition to Mount Elbrus you will require sneakers or trekking boots, as well as a dual boot for acclimatization and climbing to the top. We have those Plastic Scarpa Vega double boots tested by time and harsh conditions, they are warm and secure.
Crampons
An important attribute, without which the presence on the ice-snow slope of Elbrus can end in tears. Without crampons it’s impossible to reach the summit and most importantly come down safe and sound.
Gaiters
Worn over the pants and shoes, fastened and tightened at the knee, thereby protecting your feet from getting wet and snow falling asleep. For high-altitude ascents usually made of thick waterproof fabric such as GoreTex. For less severe conditions, there are a lightweight version of the soft tissue, called in common “flashlights.”
Overboots
Sometimes, your boots prove to be not reliable enough when it comes to protecting from wet snow, rain or cold, but you still stick to them and don’t even think of renting another pair. Sometimes, the cold is to sever that even a good pair of boots need an additional protection. For both of these cases there is a reliable and simple solution – overboots.
At our mountaineering gear rental you can rent RedFox overboots that are light and easy to use. They will protect the upper part of your boots, and the zippers on their sides will make putting on and taking them off quite easy.
Ice axe
As well as crampons ice axe is an important safety component on snow slope. If a fall or collapse occurs, the proper use of the ax (teached by the guides in terms of basic mountain behaviour lerning) allows you to catch and hold on a snowy surface.
Binding
Dressed in the zone. It is intended for fixing a rope for a total bunch of teams. In case of failure of the slope, or fall into a crevasse allows to keep the rest of the group the person on the spot. It also secured various climbing equipment such as carabiners, belay devices, and more. Rock climbing and ice climbing impossible without binding.
Harness
An absolutely necessary link in the organization of the ligaments, insurance, pulley and many-many other options.
Telescopic ski poles
Helps to distribute the load on the hands and feet while walking. Usually composed of three retractable tubes that allows you to set any height.
Sleeping bag
It is enough to have a sleeping bag with comfort temperature -5 … + 5 degrees for climbing Elbrus from the South, as there is an opportunity not to spend the night in tents but in a fairly comfortable lodges located at an altitude of 3700m, from which the ascent to the top of Mount Elbrus is performed.
Down-padded coat
Down jackets tend to weigh a little and at the same time are the warmest. It is important to have it during the night of ascension. As practice shows, many people wear puff even at base camp, as nights happen to be cold sometimes.
Waterproof windproof jacket and pants
The weather is changeable in the mountains: there is sun in the morning, in the afternoon – rain or snow, then the evening breeze and the sun again. For such weather changes you’ll require clothes of a membrane fabric that will withstand any conditions and will make you feel comfortable. The most popular material is GoreTex, which not only protects against rain, snow and wind, but it allows you to remove moisture from the body at a time when you sweat during intensive load.
Fleece suit
Fleece – a warm, simple and unpretentious “breathable” material. Jacket and pants of fleece worn alone or under a dress and waterproof windproof jacket and trousers, creating a comfortable feeling.
Backpack
A good backpack – the basis of your comfortable hike. The main parameters that should be considered when choosing a backpack for hire – it’s volume and capacity, ease of use and purpose. The best option for climbing Elbrus would be a 40-60 litres backpack.
Mittens
Many people underestimate the danger that can lie in wait on the slopes of Mount Elbrus. Within an hour the weather can change dramatically, and it is important to maintain clarity of mind, life and health in emergency situations. In practice, it is pretty hard when you elementary got frozen fingers. Almost nothing can be done. Warm gloves are designed to protect the hands from frostbite. They consist of high-quality insulation and windproof layer on top.
Verhonki (windproof mittens)
If the gloves do not have a wind-guard layer, then use verhonki. It looks like a thin windproof gloves and can be worn over the gloves.
Glasses and a ski mask
Mandatory for the ascent of Elbrus. Goggles and masks should be qualitative, with UV protection or guaranteed eyesight deteriorates. Ski mask, in addition to protection from UV light, protect the eyes and face from the wind and snow.
Head torch
It is advisable to use a good flashlight, which does not freeze and will not cease to burn at the most inopportune moment. Used at night at the base camp and the night climb to the top of Mount Elbrus.
Tent
No mountain climbing expedition can do without a tent. For a certain period of time tent becomes your home and refuge from bad weather, a place where you store your belongings. Among the variety of tent models and you can easily select the one that fits your preferences the best. Some people need as little as a plain tent where they can have a rest when on a picnic, while others prefer a more reliable one for challenging mountain climbing expeditions.
At out climbing equipment rental we offer RedFox’s Challenger 2 for two, and Challenger 3+ for three people. It is a comfortable double-skin tent for 1–2 people that is easy to pitch even for one person. It comes packed with tambour, tag lines, inner pockets, ventilation and possibility of pitching an inner tent. Tent’s weight is 2.6 kg/ 5.7 lbs and 3.1 kg/ 6.8 lbs respectively.
Thermal underwear. Light, thin, retains heat and wicks moisture away from the body. Thermo with low weight is equal to two or more layers of traditional clothes in conserving heat and doesn’t let a person to sweat or get cold.
Gloves. If you climb Elbrus is better to have two pairs of gloves – thin (eg. fleece) and thick warm. The gloves allow you to do anything with more comfort, but as practice shows mittens are better in terms of heat transfer the hands are freezing less. A good combination is – thin gloves and warm mittens.
Balaclava. Protect your face and neck from the wind, snow and freezing.
Windproof mask WindBloc, RedFox. During the ascent a ski mask completely covers the face.