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Gear

6 Alpine Climbing Gear Essentials

6 absolute necessities for climbing at elevation

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


Alpine Climbing Gear
Photo: Ben Fullerton

Review: Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket
“Just in case” is the mantra for high-elevation pursuits. The Helium Hybrid wind jacket is perfectly suited for just-in-case scenarios. Read full review.

Review: Snowberry Active Outdoor SPF 30 Sunscreen
Sunburn can end a day just as well as a surprise storm. This all-natural sunscreen from New Zealand’s Snowberry has no harmful chemicals, and it uses zinc oxide and plant extracts to block UVA and UVB rays. Read full review.

Review: Smith Frontman ChromaPop Sunglasses
The sun is more intense up high, and that’s compounded by snowfields. With the ChromaPop, our testers found that they got the protection of a high-end polarized lens without dulling colors and rock features. Read full review.

Review: Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
For low-angle jaunts, you won’t need technical mountaineering crampons, but approach shoes will leave you slipping and sliding. Enter the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra. It’s halfway between a technical ’pon and those mini-spikes soccer moms use to walk the dog in winter. Read full review.

Review: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight .3
Think like a Boy Scout and “always be prepared” with this nifty small, packable, lightweight, and waterproof first aid kit. Read full review.

Review: Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp
With an airy weight and a compact, rugged construction, the newly updated Tikka line remains a climber and alpinist favorite. Read full review.

Film: How Matt Cornell Free Soloed One of America’s Classic Hard Mixed Routes

"The Nutcracker" explores the mental challenges of solo climbing and the tactics Cornell used to help him send the route.