| | | | | | | | Suggestions regarding clothing and equipment
The best advice for protecting from the cold is to dress in "layers"; that is, to use different layers of clothing, preferring those that enable:
- Breathing: expelling the humidity caused by sweating.
- Insulation: keeping in the warm air our body generates.
- Weatherproof protection: breaking the wind and preventing water or snow from soaking our clothes.
Wearing several layers of clothes keeps warmth in better than one thick layer, and it is also more practical because it is possible to control body temperature by adding or eliminating layers. Bear in mind that clothes do not generate heat by themselves; they only retain or eliminate it.
First layer
Underwear keeps away from our skin steam from sweat, maintaining our body dry and warm. Long underwear is advisable (underpants and shirt). It could be made of polypropylene or capylene, since synthetic fabrics work well. Cotton is not recommended.
Second layer
The second layer goes on the underwear and is the layer that keeps the body warm. Polar linings work well here because they are lighter and warmer than wool.
Trousers with side zippers are advisable to ensure simple dressing and good ventilation.
Third layer
Finally comes the protection. A good quality waterproof jacket that allows breathing (Goretex or Ultrex) would be ideal. Let us not forget that it must have a hood. The trousers must have the same characteristics and should have zippers on the sides.
Now it is the turn of the limbs, which are the ones that suffer most and the first to freeze:
Head
Through the head is lost 30% of body heat, and this is easily prevented by wearing:
A cap or hat
- neckerchief
- polypropylene or capylene balaclava
- wool or polar hat
- front torch (spare bulb and batteries)
- sunglasses 100 UV protection with lateral covers. Always carry an extra pair.
Hands
For weather conditions such as these, wear mittens (due to the air chamber they form inside) or else very good gloves. Since wearing gloves is uncomfortable, it is advisable to wear thin gloves and on top of these thicker polar gloves. In this way the hands will be protected from the cold and free to work.
Ski poles are essential to save energy. It is necessary to carry one in each hand and not too high; otherwise, the hands get cold faster. The angle has to be slightly above 90 degrees.
Feet
Let us remember that feet are the only means of locomotion; therefore, it is necessary to wear comfortable shoes, tried before the expedition. The necessary footwear is:
-Trekking gear
- plastic double boots
- leggings -warm socks (3 pairs): use synthetic fabric for cold weather
- thin socks (2 pairs): use nylon or polypropylene for first skin
- very warm sleeping socks.
| | | | | For the camp
- A backpack of at least 70 liters with pick holder and a place to fix the crampons.
- Another optional small backpack for the summit run or for touring the area.
- Sleeping bag for at least -18º C (0º F) with insulating mattress (neoprene)
- Pocket knife
- two-liter bottles of water
- one-liter thermos
- sunscreen: minimum SPF 30- chapstick with sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Down jacket
- Kitchen utensils
- Gas or benzene heater
- high mountain tent
- Candles to see inside the tent.
Technical equipment
- Ice pick, light short-shafted ice ax, 12 point crampons. | | For the Polish Glacier
- Ice pick, short tool
- harness, preferably with adjustable legs
- Climbing helmet
- Snap hooks: two safety and two regular
- 3 meters of 5-6 millimeter string.
Extra equipment
- Large haul bag to carry all the equipment. Mules can not transport weight over 30 kilograms on each side. If the bag is heavier than 30 kilos, then its contents should be split into two. It is advisable to carry a safety padlock.
- Plastic bags to keep clothes and for waste disposal
- small hygiene bag
- photo camera (optional but advisable)
- cotton shirts (2)
- watch
- toilet paper
- paper an pencil
- sewing kit
- Duct tape
- lighter and matches
- mirror
- whistle.
| | | | | Summary of recommended equipment | | | | | | | Waterproof jacket
waterproof trousers
polar trousers
polar jacket
undershirt
underpants
inner gloves
polar gloves
mittens
balaclava
Down jacket
inner socks
warm socks
trekking boots
pair of double shoes
pair of sunglasses (an extra pair)
kitchen utensils
personal hygiene elements
high mountain tent
ski poles
short-shafted ice ax
crampons
leggings
thermos
pocket knife
hat
sunscreen
| | photo camera
neckerchief
polar hat
torch
warm socks
70 liter backpack
small backpack
sleeping bag
insulation
water bottle
first-aid kit
chapstick with sunscreen
ice pick
snap hooks
strings
haul bag
plastic bags
cotton shirts (2)
watch
toilet paper
paper and pencil
sewing kit
duct-tape
lighter and matches
mirror
whistle | | | |  | |  |  | | | | | |
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