Mountaineering is a sport where the right gear can spell the difference between and successful adventure and, at best, a failed attempt.SEVERE IMPROPIOnotes.sep Your gear needs to be lightweight, because you are going to have that weight on your backline, and the more extravagant your pack is, the slower you will progress.. and make no mistake— another an unnecessary three-ounce angle piton can easily add 30 minutes or more to your day. Except, due to the forward march of material technology and design ingenuity, a whole new suite of ultralight 2024 mountaineering gear has been developed. Our guide to the key items for your mountaineering kit, looking at the best lightest options for this year. For clothing to technical equipment, I will give you the benefit of my 20-years in mountaineering and knowledgeable advice on gear selection that is best for you.
1. Kathmandu Belayer Mens Jacket V5 Lightweight Waterproof Trench Coat Military Outdoor Mountain Jacket Hiking Windbreaker
Some of the features to look out for in a mountaineering jacket include;
And your jacket is arguably the most important of all your mountaineering equipment. It has to be light and small enough for easy packing, but wind- rain-and snowproof. Breathability is another essential thing that needs extra attention for gaining control over your temperature as you increase higher.
Features to Look For:
Waterproofing: Waterproof fabric/technology – Gore-Tex, eVent. This knocks the two previous jackets out of the park with even better weather protection and more breathability for when you do start to sweat.
Isolation: Synthetic or down insulation (according to the season and altitude).
Weight: Your warm-up should weigh under 14 pounds (12.5oz) for lightweight performance.
Easy to Pack: A good mountaineering jacket may be stuffed in your pack when not in use.
Top Picks for 2024: Best Lightweight Jackets
Arc’teryx Alpha SL Anorak The Alpa SL Anorak is a minimalist jacket built for the fast-and-light alpine climbing kit. Constructed from Gore-Tex Pro, those new whisper-light models are supremely durable, breathable, and totally waterproof.It tips the scales at just 290 grams.
Patagonia DAS Light Hoody: Because those are the hoody rats I’ve hood (nice try, sorry). For insulation purposes the DAS Light Hoody is a great choice. The 300-gram (10.6-ounce) jacket has synthetic PlumaFill insulation that still warms, even when it gets wet on high-altitude expeditions.
Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket : One of the lightest down jackets available and it weighs only 135 grams (4.8 ounces) Does the queen size of gypsy advice for men and women let “down 99 purchase Diy exemple) match 1000-fill power down. ~Allie Brasuell, Infected Mover~This subversively inflatables to grapefruit bacteria.down_fill governs the fabulous isolator of Acquires Light weight as a feature.
Ex: Winter Ascent Jacket for Mount Shasta.
Arc’teryx Alpha SL Anorak – I wore this shell during a winter ascent of Mount Shasta and it kept the snowstorms at bay. It was a bit light weight for the conditions, so allowed me to move quickly, and packable so could be stuffed away when conditions improved.
2. Best Lightweight Mountaineering Boot
Why Lightweight Footwear is Critical
Probably the most crucial of all your mountaineering gear ARE YOUR BOOTS. With miles more to cover than natural foot war ever imagined, they have to supply support, insulation and protection – all without adding excessive bulk and weight. Make sure the boots fit crampons and are appropriate to the conditions you will encounter.
Features to Consider:
Modern mountaineering boots weigh several pounds less than older models. Options 1,500 grams per pair.
Waterproofing and Insulation: In cold, wet environments, waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex are life savers and so is an insulation to provide warmth.
Crampon Compatible :Check which type of crampons you will need for your ascent based on what boots you have.
Best Lightweight Mountaineering Boots for 2024
La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX: At only 1,240 grams per pair, these boots blend a superb makeup of anatomic lighting, support and durability. Designed for go-fast ascents in the alpine, the Aequilibrium LT GTX also offers Gore-Tex waterproofing and crampon compatibility.
Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD Another great lightweight choice, the Ribelle Lite HD tips the scales at about 1,250 grams per pair. With HDry waterproofing and Primaloft insulation, it strikes the perfect balance with heavy technical climbing support in a light package.
For those who want an ultra-light option for summer alpine ascents, the pair of Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite weigh just 1.100 grams Good comfort; waterproof and accepts a semi-automatic crampon.
An Example — Testing La Sportiva Aequilibrium on Mont Blanc
I wore the La Sportiva Aequilibrium boots for a quick ascent of Mont Blanc. Not to mention their lightweight design which enabled me to move rapidly over technical terrain, all the while keeping my feet dry due to the Gore-Tex during long trail snow fields. Perfect crampon compatibility with the icy ridges near the summit.
3. Lightweight Crampons
What Type of Crampon You Should Use
In such conditions, crampons are a necessity to safely continue climbing on ice and snow with the traction that you require for steep ascents. The compromise naturally lies in the choice between weight and durability/performance so the attributes of both will always have their pros and cons. Yes, newer materials such as aluminum have saved weight where it needed to be saved, but for apocalyptic trick climbing I will always choose the steel crampon.
Key Features:
Material Weight Steel ones are heavier but more durable which is essential for technical ice climbing and mixed conditions, while light aluminium crampons provide good grip to a lightweight mountaineering boot on rocky terrain.
Points: Can vary in number and profile of base (tooth) Mountaineering — Usually 10–12 points
Step-In, Strap-On, or Hybrid: Select from one of these three options to find a binding that pairs well with your boot.
Top Pick: Kahtoola K10 Crampons Lightest crampons for 2024
Petzl Irvis Hybrid: A lighter, 540-gram-per-pair pair of hybrid crampons. General mountaineering, aluminum for lightness and steel for coloring.
Black Diamond Neve Pro: Lightweight aluminum crampons with a plastic toe piece, best for non-technical snow climbs; 576 g. They provide excellent grip on ice and snow, but for less overall weight.
Grivel Air Tech Light: Since these crampons are built from aluminum alloy they just 600 grams and are best used for classic mountaineering on snowy and mixed terrain. They have 12 points for a stable grip on any surface.
For example: A Petzl Irvis Hybrid on the Matterhorn
Pertaining to the snow slop ascent on the Matterhorn, I have used the Petzl Irvis Hybrid crampons. The mix of steel and aluminum was super grippy on steep ice, while the weight cheerfully remained in the lightweight category.
4. Minimal-Footprint Mountaineering Headgears
Why a Helmet is Essential
Never skimp on safety and always wear a lightweight helmet in the event of falling debris, ice or rockfall. A functioning mountaineering helmet ought to be lightweight, agreeable and well-ventilated that will not heat you up during an intense climb.
Features to Consider:
Weight: The Importance of a Lightweight HelmetSafety should be paramount in your decision about how much you want to spend on a helmet, but it’s also crucial that the helmet is light.
Venting: Proper vise helps to keep your head cool in those steep climbs by allowing air flow through.
Fit: If you wear a hat or balaclava, make sure the drawer tightens around them.
Lightest Helmets for 2024:
Petzl Sirocco: At only 170 grams, the Sirocco is one of the lightest mountaineering helmets on the market. The hybrid construction also offers great protection whilst optimising breathability, making it perfect for someone doing those big multi hour climbs.
They pulled the featherweight features from Black Diamond Vision Helmet and brought them to this new model—a design that maintains enough durability while eliminating as much weight gain as possible. Combining a polycarbonate shell with EPS foam, it delivers the perfect blend of weight and protection.
Mammut Wall Rider Maneuvering down the rock face is a lot easier when you can see where your feet are going, which makes helmets like the 195g Mammut Wall Rider an excellent option; it also offers improved protection around the sides and back of your head via EPP foam.
Petzl Sirocco Details from Alpine Climbing in the Dolomites
The Spin was also impressively breathable, receiving second in score behind just the standout Petzl Sirocco on our Dolomites missions up exposed routes. It was comfy enough to wear all day — thanks in large part to that lightweight design and its excellent ventilation, which kept me cool as the sun baked the warm stone faces.
5. Lightweight Harnesses
Why Harness Weight Matters
A harness and an insulating pad are required for roped ascents, or when the going gets a little more bobbly coming up the backside of The Old Man. Aim to find harnesses that are light, functional and comfortable.
Features to Look For:
Weight: a lightweight harness should not go over 350 grams and have sufficient support and gear loops for mountaineering.
Comfort: leg loops are adjustable to fit so that you can install those harnesses during long climbs.
Gear Loops: Make sure your harness comes with sufficient gear loops to carry must-haves lowering carabiners, slings and ice screws.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Harnesses for 2024
Black Diamond Solution Buying Guide: At 340 grams, this harness is both comfortable and durable but also light. Additionally, for those same alpine guys and gals out there, this harness also comes with 4 gear loops as well as adjustable leg loops.
Petzl Sitta (270g): An ultralight harness that is also capable enough for use on the big stone. A great option for f-a-l alpine missions thanks to its compact design and wide gear loops.
Arc’teryx Ar-395a ($125): A bit heavier at 395 grams, the AR-395a provides excellent comfort for long mountain days with adjustable leg loops and enough carrying capacity
Ex: Black Diamond Solution Guide In The Rockies
Solution Guide in the Canadian RockiesWe spent several days milking this guide on an expedition to the Canadian Rockies, doing moderate ice climbing. And not to mention the lightweight material made it easy for me to carry my must-have essentials without adding extra pressure on my body.
6. Lightweight Sleeping Systems
Getting Rest at High Altitude
Staying warm and rested during a multi-day climb is important, but most sleeping systems are large and cumbersome to carry. Sleeping bags and pads are the critical item that you need to lighten as much as possible, without sacrificing the ability to get a good rest.
Features to Look For:
It is better to aim for a total weight of your sleeping bags and pads to be below 1200 grams.
Temperature Rating: Make sure your bag is rated to at least the temperatures you plan on climbing in, especially if you will be heading into cold, high-altitude environments.
Packability: Search for sleeping systems that compress and take up less room in your pack.
Top 10 Lightweight Sleeping Systems in 2024
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite: Extremely warm for such a light pad at just 250 grams.
Western Mountaineering HighLite, (-20F): At 16 oz., this down sleeping bag is ideal for alpine climbing at temperatures as cold as 35ºF (like the Grand Teton National Park!) and costs just $260.
Sea to Summit Spark SP1 Sleeping Bag: The Spark SP! is a 340-gram ultra-light down bag that offers a good level of warmth for three-season alpine mountaineering.
Ex: our skinnier Mount Baker sleep setup
This photo is from a climb of Mount Baker where I ran the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite with the Western Mountaineering HighLite sleeping bag. That the whole package came at under 1 kilogram, keeping my pack light without leaving me shivering in the night.
7. Lightweight Backpacks
Finding the Right Pack
Your back pack is your life line in the mountains it carries all of your essential items Not only will a lightweight pack be easier on your body — but it also needs to have the versatility to support extended expeditions. My requirements were simple.
Features to Consider:
Weight: A light mountaineering backpack weighs less than 1,200 grams.
Capacity: Look for a pack with a capacity of 40-60 liters approximately, according to your needs in relation with the duration of your adventure.
Durability: look for a backpack that is made from extras durable materials, to avoid it breaking up or tearing when touching rock and ice.
Top 10 Lightweight Backpacks for 2024:
Osprey Mutant 38 ($170): Osprey has been no stranger to the alpine climbing world for some time now, and its lightweight 1,200-gram Mutant is claimed to be their most versatile pack ever. The minimalist design features ice tool loops and crampon storage as well as a helmet carry system.
Arc’teryx Alpha AR 35 ($159 USD, 1,150g /40 oz): The Arc’teryx Alpha AR 35 is a fairly minimalist alpine pack at an attractive weight that still maintains good durability and weather resistance. Designed with quick ascents in mind and the capacity to carry all of your needed on-route essentials.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Ice Pack: This is an ultralight backpack made from Dyneema fabric which weighs just 870g and waterproof. Perfect for the minimalist alpine climber.
Osprey Mutant 38 on a Weeklong Expedition, for example.
The lightweight but surprisingly spacious design of the 38L Osprey Mutant was perfect for lugging all my kit on a weeklong expedition in the French Alps. I had ice tools attached to the pack which was helped by the ice tool attachments on these and found some of it easier than struggle your way up with a rucksack, while the rope carry system worked seamlessly.
Conclusion
Advantages of being Weight conscious in Mountaineering Environmental ethics aside, there is no way that you could argue against the fact that a lightweight gear can make all the difference to the experience as it dramatically improves your speed, efficiency and comfort on the mountain. In 2024, brands go on improving offering climbers with light and strong without losing performance. Whether you’re climbing a gnarly technical ascent or crossing multiple Alpine passes over the course of days, having good lightweight gear is going to let you get there faster and safer in the mountains.
Each and every gear (jackets, boots, crampons, sleeping system) that you take is critical…better make sure they are effective. When it comes to building a kit, think about your goals and prioritize quality over weight/functionality — make sure your kit helps you meet your objectives but is also light enough on your back that you can bear the load! Technology in mountaineering has come a long way, so there could not have been a better time than now to look into some new gear and see what the hype of going light is all about on your next adventure!
