The mountain climbers out there have a tough time choosing what clothes to wear before each climb. Is it going to be too hot? Is it too cold? How much should I bring? Is it too much? These are the questions which we face most of the time. After many discoveries and trials, we have compiled a list we are sharing with you.
Table of Contents
When climbing mountains, you should wear the following:
- The headgear
- Layers of the upper body
- Layers of protection for the arms and hands
- Layers of the lower body
- Footwear
- Others
What You Should Know Before Making A Decision On Your Attire
Find out a few key details about your climb before you start packing. Using these tips will prevent you from underpacking or overpacking.
The daytime temperature
- Be sure to check the temperatures at various elevations on your climb.
- As you ascend the mountain, temperatures may drop by 50 to 70F (10 to 20 degrees).
The nighttime temperature
- After sunset, temperatures can drop dramatically.
- You rarely start climbing very late at night, but very often in the early morning. At the summit, you can catch the sunrise by climbing at 2 am to 3 am.
The wind speed
- During one of my climbs, we saw many climbers struggling to finish their breakfasts at 3 am. It was not due to a lack of appetite, it was because the cold winds were rattling my teeth so hard!
- Seeing the sunrise from a summit is great, but suffering through the freezing cold isn’t.
- A strong wind can make the temperature feel 50F (10 degrees) colder than it actually is.
There is a possibility of rain
- When you are wet, your body loses heat very quickly. You could get frostbite or hypothermia if the temperatures are low.
- When wet, some insulating materials, such as down, cannot retain heat. The down jacket will get wet if it rains during a downpour.
- If you climb while wearing a wet outfit, it is very uncomfortable, even if the weather is warm. Also, you might get abrasions or blisters more easily.
- It is always safer to pack your rain gear even if there is a low chance of rain.
Your climb’s nature
- Are you going to attempt a technical climb or a non-technical one? Do you climb on ice or rocky terrain?
- If climbing conditions are more technical or demanding, your attire must be made out of tougher materials.
Types of accommodations
- Are you going to sleep in a tent or in a shelter/hut?
- If you sleep outside in a tent, you’re going to have a very different experience than in a proper shelter with heating.
- When sleeping outdoors, you may need to pack extra layers of insulating clothing.
Generally, as little as possible should be packed. Right now, looking good isn’t a priority. It’s important to keep your backpack light. Whenever you can, rewear what you can.
Now that we have that information, let’s look at what we need.
The following is a list of clothing and attire
1. Head Gear
Hearing gear is essential for:
- Preventing heat loss or frostbite in cold weather.
- In the heat, preventing heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
- Keeping your neck and face from getting sunburned.
- Keeping yourself safe from falling objects and injuries.
The following information is needed:
Hat or cap
- We personally recommend wearing a cap rather than sunscreen. When water is scarce, we find it difficult to wash off sunscreen. Reapplying sunscreen when you are sweaty always feels gross.
- An all-around brimmed hat is a good way to protect your ears and neck from the sun.
Beanie
- If the temperature is below 50F (10 degrees), you should wear these gloves.
- However, we have seen many people wearing a jacket with a hoodie and do without a beanie.
Helmet
- For technical climbing, this is usually a requirement. You should also take precaution if you climb in an area where rock falls are common.
- Be sure to check if it is required for your climb.
Headband
- Protect your eyes from stray hair and sweat.
- If you sweat a lot, this is recommended. Similarly, if you are engaged in technical climbing such as bouldering.
Face mask
- As with ski masks, this looks similar.
- You should wear this if you climb in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
Bandana
- Protects your neck from the sun.
- You can use it as a headband or a wristband to wipe sweat from your forehead.
Scarf
- You will have a nice, warm neck.
- When you are waiting for the sunrise in the cold, this is useful.
Headlamps (with spare batteries)
- For climbs starting early in the morning, this is essential.
- For anyone climbing in low light conditions, this is a must-have.
- A torch is a lousy alternative – you should always have your hands free during a climb
Sunglasses
- If you are climbing on a snowy or icy terrain, this is recommended. The purpose is to prevent snow blindness (i.e. getting sunburnt on your cornea).
- Having ear hooks or bands for your glasses is also a good idea. A climb can result in glasses falling off or getting knocked off.
2. Upper Body Layers
It is important to remember a few things when choosing your tops:
- Rather than a single thick layer, always apply several thinner layers. Adding and removing one layer at a time is possible as the temperature changes.
- Choose zippers over buttons for your outer layers. You can put it on faster and it traps heat better so that you stay warm.
- We believe that the more pockets you have, the better. Several small items should be kept handy (such as small tools, chapstick, tissues, hair ties, etc.).
- There are clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). By doing this, you can protect yourself against ultraviolet rays.
- In addition, some clothes have built-in insect repellent.
The following information is needed:
Base layer
- You can keep yourself dry and comfortable with this inner layer.
- You can even wear this type of shirt to the gym.
- Sun protection is better with long sleeve shirts.
- This may be the only layer you need to wear at the beginning of your climb.
- Choose materials that are breathable or wicking. Your sweat evaporates more quickly as a result. When wet, it also dries more quickly.
- Synthetics like polyester and nylon, or natural fibers like merino wool and silk, are common materials.
- Cotton and itchy fabrics should be avoided!
- Pack one for each day of your climb if you sweat a lot. If not, you can wear each one for two days at a time to lose weight.
Middle layer
- When the temperature drops, you will need to add a middle layer of insulation.
- The clothing in this category can include long johns, jackets, sweaters, and pullovers.
- Down, fleece, and synthetic materials are typical materials.
- Depending on the temperature, you may need one or two of these.
Softshell
- If temperatures are high, this can either be an alternative to the middle layer or an addition to it.
- An insulating layer that is wind- and water-resistant as well as breathable.
- During light drizzle, the wind and water resistance is useful.
- Putting on the outer layer in conjunction with the breathable clothing will keep you cooler.
- Find one with a hoodie that keeps your head warm (and you don’t need a beanie).
- You only need one of these.
Below are some comparisons of some of the most common materials you can choose for your middle insulating layer:
| Synthetic | Fleece | Down |
| Less warm | Warm | Warmer |
| Heavier | Ranges from light to heavy | Light |
| Is somewhat water and wind resistance | Breathable and has no water as well as wind resistance | Is somewhat water and wind resistance |
| Dries fast | Dries slowly | Dries very slowly |
| Keeps you mostly warm even when you are wet | Keeps you mostly warm even when you are wet | Doesn’t keep you warm at all when you are wet |
| Cheapest | Mid-range | Most expensive |
In any case, these materials may vary considerably in their operating temperatures. This depends on the designer and manufacturer. It’s difficult to know what works or doesn’t until you’ve been up the mountain for a while.
The outer layer (also known as the hardshell)
- You wear this layer to protect yourself from wind and water.
- In most cases, it is not insulating.
- When it rains, it should have a hoodie to keep you dry.
- Over a raincoat or poncho, you should choose a windbreaker. Climbers should avoid wearing raincoats or ponchos because they are not breathable and extremely uncomfortable. In addition, they are baggy and shapeless, making it difficult to see where you are going. Those that tear easily should be avoided.
- You should make sure your outer layer is baggy enough so that it can accommodate the thickness of your middle layers.
- You only need one of these.
Undergarments
- Get yourself a comfortable sports bra for the ladies. Once you put on your backpack, your typical bra straps will cut into your shoulders.
- Cotton should be avoided!
Sleeping clothes
- You should pack whatever is most comfortable for sleeping.
- Whether you are camping outdoors or indoors, you may need some extra insulating layers
On the summit of a mountain whose temperatures range between 20 and 40 F (-5 to 5 degrees) here is what worked for me:
- A breathable t-shirt that most climbers typically wear while running is my base layer
- In the middle: a down jacket (mine was an Ultra Light Down from Uniqlo).
- A windbreaker is the outermost layer
Throughout the climb, these layers worked great for me.
Keep in mind that bringing more luggage will make your backpack heavier!
3. Hands And Arms Protective Layers
The following information is needed:
An arm sleeve
- If you are wearing short sleeved shirts, it will help protect your arms from the sun.
- When it’s hot and sunny at the beginning of the climb, this is the best option
Gloves
- If you must grab rocks or stones for climbing, thin gloves can protect your hands, even if it is hot outside.
- It is recommended to wear waterproof gloves in case of rain or when climbing in snowy or icy conditions.
- Ensure that your gloves will not restrict your ability to use any mountaineering tools you need.
4. Lower Body Layers
Keep these few things in mind when choosing your tops:
- Rather than a single thick layer, always apply several thinner layers. Adding and removing one layer at a time is possible as the temperature changes.
- It’s best if there are more pockets.
The following information is needed:
The base layer
- Basically, you should wear pants that can be stretched, squatted, or jumped in comfortably.
- You can wear shorts, leggings, yoga pants, tights, hiking pants, zip-off pants, etc.
- Keep in mind that branches or rocks might tear some of these fabrics if you don’t have another outer layer on.
- Pack one for each day of the climb if you sweat a lot.
Middle layer
- A layer of insulation lies on top of your skin.
- Fleece or synthetic materials are typically used.
- Denim is not allowed! When wet, it becomes very heavy and restricts your movement.
- When it gets down to temperatures of 20 to 40 F (-5 to 5 degrees), I personally find no need for this layer as long as I am kept warm enough.
The outer layer
- You wear this layer to protect yourself from wind and water.
- Has no insulation properties.
- To accommodate the thickness of the middle layers, ensure that your outer layer is baggy enough.
Underwear
- Pack one for every day of the climb. There can be no compromise!
- If you are uncertain, you may want to bring extras.
Sleeping pants
- You should pack whatever is most comfortable for sleeping.
- It may be a good idea to bring some extra layers of insulation if you plan on sleeping outside.
5. Footwear
Footwear is essential for:
- Preventing frostbite on your feet in the cold.
- Blisters, abrasions, and athlete’s foot can be prevented with these products.
- Avoiding twisted ankles.
- A barrier to keep out bugs, sand, or rocks.
The following is needed:
Socks
- To keep your socks dry, make sure they’re always dry. The feet are prone to abrasions and blisters when wet.
- If you’re breaking in new boots, wear thicker socks.
- Your socks should be higher than your boots. Don’t wear ankle socks!
- Pack one for every day of the climb
- Only your socks should be packed as an extra item, along with your underwear.
- You don’t want your sleeping area to stink with stinky socks!
Gaitors
- If you are climbing volcanic mountains or in areas with sand and small rocks, this is a must have. If you don’t, then you will be spilling rocks out of your shoes every 300 feet and more.
- A waterproof boot is a good choice for keeping socks and boot interiors dry.
- You can also use gaiters to protect your lower legs from being cut by your crampons.
Footwear
- If you need thick socks, make sure your shoes won’t be too tight when they are on.
- Shoes shouldn’t be too small – the toes should wiggle in them.
- It should not be necessary for you to slide back and forth in your shoes.
Trainers
- In most non-technical mountains, your trainers can suffice if you don’t want to spend money on boots.
Boots
- Rock-hard surfaces require the use of this product.
- For snowy or icy terrains, this is a must-have.
- If they are water-resistant or waterproof, make sure they are!
Crampons
- Crampons are highly required for snowy or icy terrains
Slippers
- It’s useful to have during downtime or in the shower.
6. Others
Knee brace
- Knees can be particularly strained when going down a mountain.
- If you have knee pain or hear clicking noises from your knees, this is useful for you.
Foil blankets
- It serves as an additional layer of insulation at the summit. In emergencies, it can also prevent hypothermia.
- On the summit, we have seen people wrap themselves into a shiny ball while waiting for the sunrise.
- When sleeping outdoors, this may be useful if you aren’t bothered by the noise.
- The bag is very light, so it won’t add much weight to your backpack.
Do You Need To Buy All Of These?
You might want to consider renting some of the items rather than purchasing everything. You should consider this especially if you are going on your first climb as well as if you aren’t sure if this is something you will do often.
You might be able to rent different items depending on the mountain. It is more likely that you will find a rental if climbing is popular in those mountains.
These items are likely to be rented in the following ways:
| Item | Likelihood Of Renting |
| Cap or hat | Unlikely |
| Beanie | No |
| Headband | No |
| Helmet | Likely |
| Bandana | No |
| Scarf | No |
| Face mask | No |
| Headlamps | Likely |
| Sunglasses | No |
| Base layer | No |
| Middle layer | Unlikely |
| Softshell | Unlikely |
| Outer layer | Likely |
| Undergarments | Erm… No. |
| Socks | No |
| Gaitors | Unlikely |
| Trainers | No |
| Boots | Likely |
| Crampons | Likely |
However, renting is not always cheap either.
You might be able to find items from your friends or family if you have a really tight budget. Make new climbing friends!
Tips for packing
Pack your clothing items according to these tips:
Ziplock bags should be used to store everything.
- With ziplock bags, you can keep your stuff waterproof.
- Instead of a few large ziplocks,we prefer to use many smaller ones. In a big backpack, this makes it easier to find my stuff.
- For climbs lasting for more than a week, it may be convenient to also pack your base layers, undergarments, and socks in sets. When you change each day, you can easily pull one bag out.
Ensure that your outer layers are easily accessible.
- Your backpack should have them right at the top. This will allow you to grab them fast if it suddenly starts to rain
To know more about what to wear during mountain climbing read this article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What shoes do you wear in mountain climbing?
On routes with a grade of 5.8 or harder, alpine climbers typically wear rock shoes. Using Approach shoes for fast ascents of easy alpine terrain is a great option for lightweight footwear. Alpine rock routes are extremely popular with sticky rubber approach shoes, especially after the snow melts and you can hike in on dry trails.
What clothing is required to climb Mount Everest?
An expedition-weight down parka, fleece or synthetic zip-up jacket, and a hooded Gore-Tex shell jacket are all required for climbing Mount Everest. We recommend synthetic insulated pants, down pants, and Gore-Tex shell pants (all windproof with full-separating side zips).
How to climb Mount Everest?
To know how to climb Mount Everest You need to check out this video!
