subject: Outdoor Clothing Essentials for the Mountaineer [print this page] Mountaineering is not for the faint hearted, it's a challenge and an endurance that not everyone is willing or able to endure. There are essential items of clothing that a mountaineer must have and these are summarised below.
Mountaineering pants, or outdoor pants, come in a wide range depending on the extent of the outdoor activities you will be doing. Thermal underwear (short or long) are used in a three layer system, this layer being the first layer and responsible for extracting moisture away from your skin. Tights serve the same purpose as thermal underwear and form part of the base layer, however tights can be beneficial if you need to support key muscle groups and prevent lactic acid build-up, especially useful if you are doing a lot of climbing. Long pants are normally used in combination with some sort of thermal underwear and are often lightweight, breathable and water and wind resistant. Many long pants come with a zipper midway down each leg which allows the bottom of each leg to be unattached and thus converting the pants into shorts. Expedition pants are used if you are expecting to fact the worst possible conditions. They are often big and cushy, resembling sleeping bags and provide insulation.
Gloves are essential, most certainly if you're delving into the depths of winter. A glove liner should be used that fits snugly but still allows freedom of movement you should be able to tie your shoes whilst wearing the glove liner. Add a good glove to your glove liner that fit over them. Make sure the gloves have a leash that attaches to your wrist so you don't loose them.
Another essential item of clothing for mountaineering is an outdoor jacket. The jacket needs to be waterproof, with all seams closed and zippers covered. The jacket also needs to be able to ventilate through the fabric itself. The size of the jacket should also allow for you to add several layers underneath and then be able to take them off when appropriate and not be swimming in an oversized jacket.
Lastly, the feet. Padded 100% wool mountaineering socks provide the best protection for your feet. There should be ample padding to protect from boot pressure, and feature heavyweight padding in the ball and heel to protect from impact and blistering.
