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Equipment list
The weather in Elbrus region is changeable, and conditions can deteriorate rapidly in case of a storm. Be prepared for temperatures between 20 and 70 degrees F ( -7C - +21C) with a chance of rain or snow. Temperatures could fall to -5F (-20C) higher up on the mountain and you may encounter severe winds. Like any large mountain, Mt. Elbrus creates its own weather. There can be serious storms on the mountain, while the next valley is in bright sunshine.
Test your equipment before you come to climb Mt. Elbrus, making sure your crampons fit your boots and that you can put them on and take them off quickly and efficiently. Test your clothing systems and determine what works best for you. There is no one right way to dress, but layering is essential. Make sure your clothes fit and that they are roomy enough for strenuous activity. Proper broken-in boots are of great importance.
Absolutely necessary items required for group members are Red.
Highly recommended items are Blue.
Optional items have normal Black color.
Because this is a private tour equipment list we do not insist on having red items equipment. Probably you are very experienced climber and know good what you realy need. However if it is a guided tour and our guide feels you unsafe because of lack of equipment he can refuse from further climbing.
Official Papers
- Valid passport
- 2 Copies of first page + visa page of passport
- Airline tickets
- Voucher copy (a copy of the form which was sent to you for obtainig visa).
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag rated to -10 °C
- Sleeping mat (pad, mattress) - Only for North side. No need of a mat on the South side.
Outerwear
- Insulated parka/jacket, down or synthetic, rated to -15°C and able to fit over other sweater layers
- Rain jacket and pants(side-leg zippers are helpful), roomy and water repellent
Clothing
- Midweight fleece jacket
- Fleece pants or tights
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom
- Hiking pants/skirt
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts/blouses
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
Footwear
- Hiking boots, sturdy, ankle-support, water-resistant, broken-in
- Camp shoes: running shoes or trail shoes, sneakers
Mountaineering Gear
- Plastic boots or crampon-compatible heavy leather mountaineering boots. Note: cool feet could force you to turn back, or result in frostbite. We strongly recommend plastic boots. The only but very important advantage of plastic boots is that they may be dried easily on field. If you have your leather boots wet on the first day most likely they will stay wet for the whole trip. Wet boots may cause problems.
- Crampons ( See crampons info on Equipment for Rent Page).
- Ice axe - An ice axe sometimes is not necessary depending on current weather (snow conditions). However one must have it in case it becomes necessary (your guide will advise before the climb.
- Protectors for ice axe and crampons; when you ride the chairlifts, they will often be crowded and an unprotected axe or crampons can do damage).
- Headlamp
- Big backpack or a bag which may be carried like a backpack (In case the 3rd leg of lifts is closed by any reason you will be forced to carry your own personal gear to the base camp on Elbrus. It is 0.5 - 1 hour walk depending on one's pace.)
- Flask (thermos bottle) .
- Small backpack for hikes and summit climb.
- Ski/treking poles/sticks.
- Windproof mask - in case of cold strong wind
- Harness with a short piece of rope for selfbelay, 2 carabiners.
Clothing Accessories
- Sun hat
- Warm hat.
- Bandana
- Fleece windproof gloves.
- Thin liner gloves
- Waterproof overmitts (to protect gloves from snow)
- Balaclava
- Snow gaiters, knee-length (supergaiters, which cover the whole boot, are excellent)
City Clothing
- Lightweight easily washable items for travel and daily wear
- Comfortable shoes
Travel Accessories
- Water bottles
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Sunglasses with retainer strap (side-shields or glacier glasses highly recommended) or goggles
- Spare contact lenses/glasses/sunglasses
- Sunblock and lip balm.
- Toiletry kit
- Small, quick-dry towel
- Hand sanitizer gel and Handi-wipes
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags
- Plastic bowl, cup and spoon
- Swimsuit - for a sunbath or sauna. Local people do not like naked bodies at public places..
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Any prescription or over the counter medications used regularly (these will not be available in the Caucasus).
- Watch/Travel alarm
- Rubber sink stopper for sinks in hotel (generally, these are not available in Russian hotels)
- Adapter for any electrical appliances. The 220V current in Russian outlets will ruin Western 110V appliances.
- Knee supports
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
Supplemental food
- Range of goods in Russia is not same as in your country so you may wish to bring some items that are probably not available in Russia and which may make your trip more pleasurable:
- Your favourite: instant coffee, herbal teas, powdered milk, sugar substitute, other instant drinks
- Your favorite trail snacks, dried fruits, candy bars, gumdrops, peanut butter
- Vitamin supplements
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