Gear List - Summiting Mt Elbrus

Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassadors Alyssa and Glenn Azar recently lead a team of adventurers to the summit of Mount Elbrus in Russia. Here they offer an insight into what you'll need to pack, providing a gear list based directly on their experience and expert advice, with personal gear recommendations to help you reach the top of Europe's highest peak.

The Mountain

Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia and is located in the Caucasus mountain range just a few kilometres from the border of Georgia. A dormant volcano, it is the highest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. Though Elbrus is the highest summit in Europe sitting at 5,642m, from a climbing technique perspective, it is one of the easiest of the higher peaks on the continent. The biggest danger is the weather, which can be particularly nasty on this mountain.

Mt Elbrus is located on the Russia-Georgia border and rises some 5,642m above sea level.

The Route

The standard route up Mount Elbrus is via the south side. It is long and strenuous but not technically difficult. Typically, the summit day will take around 12 hours. Besides this standard route and the northern route, there are many other much more difficult routes on the mountain, though they are very seldom climbed.

The Gear

Having the correct gear for this climb – as with any summit attempt – is vital. The way to pack for Elbrus is done in two parts. The first is hiking gear suitable for sunshine and trails, as the expedition to climb Mount Elbrus starts around the local village of Terskol. The second part involves cold weather gear and being ready for the summit bid, beginning at 3am and climbing through until the morning. 

The most important thing about your gear is that it needs to be able to handle the demands of, and protect you from, the cold and wind. It also needs to be versatile to deal with the changing conditions of the mountains. The bulk of it will be transported up to Base Camp by ski lifts and you will only need to carry a daypack, which will contain your water supply, waterproofs, fleece, gloves, camera equipment and other smaller items. This will typically weigh between 5-8 kilograms.

Personal Gear Checklist

Check out our Mountaineering gear list below for expert advice from Alyssa and Glenn on what Mountain Designs gear will best equip you for your Elbrus adventure:

Technical Clothing

• Merino wool thermal tops - Alyssa recommends at least 2 sets of tops and pants:
  Shop Men’s - Merino Blend Long Sleeve Top
  Shop Women’s - Merino Blend Long Sleeve Top

• Merino wool thermal pants
  Shop Men’s - 100% Australian Merino Pants
  Shop Women’s - 100% Australian Merino Pants

• Merino underwear
• Short sleeve synthetic shirts
• Long sleeve synthetic shirts - Alyssa recommends packing 2:
  Shop Men’s - Ormiston Long Sleeve Shirt
  Shop Women’s - Wilpena Long Sleeve Shirt

• Lightweight nylon pants - Alyssa recommends 2-3 pairs, with at least one being a more technical trekking pant like the Menari and Alola:
  Shop Men’s - Menari CORDURA® Pant
  Shop Men’s - Larapinta Convertible Pant
  Shop Women’s - Alola CORDURA ® Pant
  Shop Women’s - Cooloola Convertible Pant

• Fleece jacket
  Shop Men’s - Pro Elite Climber Full Zip Fleece Jacket
  Shop Women’s - Nome Full Zip Fleece Jacket

• Fleece pants
  Shop Men’s & Women’s - Brass Monkey Fleece Pants

• Softshell jacket
  Shop Men’s - Perisher Softshell Jacket
  Shop Women’s - Alta Softshell Jacket

• Softshell pants
• Down jacket - Alyssa recommends this as a lightweight style to go with a more heavyweight Expedition down jacket or down suit:
  Shop Men’s - Advance 600 Down Jacket
  Shop Women’s - Ascend 600 Down Jacket

• GORE-TEX® shell jacket
• GORE-TEX® shell pants
• Expedition down jacket or down suit (optional)

Handwear & Headwear

• Lightweight synthetic gloves or liner gloves
  Shop Multi Adventure Gloves

• Heavyweight softshell gloves
• GORE-TEX® shell gloves
• Down mitts
• Hand & toe warmers
• Headlamp & spare batteries
• 100% UV glacier glasses or ski goggles
• Sun hat
• Balaclava or beanie
• Neck gaiter or scarf

Footwear

• Mountaineering boots
• Trekking boots
  Shop Men’s - Salomon Quest Prime GTX® Hiking Boots
  Shop Women’s - Salomon Quest Prime GTX® Hiking Boots

• Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
• Sandals or shoes for travel
• Expedition socks
• Trekking socks
• Liner socks
• Fleece booties or down booties (optional) - Alyssa recommends this optional extra for some ‘home comfort’ during down time at base camp:
  Shop Bearfoot Fleece Booties

• Gaiters
• Spare laces

Personal Items

• Toiletry bag
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunscreen with maximum SPF
• Basic first-aid kit
• Medication/s
• Travel towel
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitiser
• Pee bottle
• Go Girl funnel (women)
• Sunglasses

Download/Print Gear List

Note: Download/print off this gear list and check it off as you pack. However, this gear list should be used as a guide only and is not exhaustive. It is important you do your own research based on your chosen destination, planned activities, weather conditions, time of year and experience.