Climbing mountains can be costly, especially if it involves snow and very high elevations. Not only would you need the usual equipment and clothes, you also need specialized gear to protect you from the elements.
I've been slowly accumulating the things we need for our Ama Dablam climb. I'm really happy to have friends who are willing to lend their gear, sponsors who are supporting our trip, and for a fiancee who understands my need to be away for a month for the irrational need to climb a mountain.
1. Eyewear - snow blindness is a real threat in the snowfields up in high elevations, where the sun's rays are stronger. You need goggles/glasses that will protect you from UV rays, and rated to limit the amount of visible light entering its lenses. Celina gave me an early birthday gift, the Julbo Sherpa Spectron3 snow goggles, which has a classic design and the very important side flaps to block light seeping on the edge of the glasses.
2. Base layers - thermal wear is essential for those cold mornings. As these tend to be snug, it's important that you are comfortable in wearing them. These Icebreaker Merino baselayers have gotten rave reviews for their comfort, warmth, and odor-resistance. The last one is very important, since we'll have close to zero baths for at least three weeks. Thanks to CORE of Primer Group for scoring us these bad boys.
3. Mountaineering gear - Aside from the tricky terrain, the frigid temperature is the mountaineer's worst enemy. Frostbites can irreversibly damage your appendages if you are not well protected. And speaking of protection, there's not a lot out there that could protect your feet like the Millet Everest expedition boots. I've used them before, when Levi kindly lent me his pair for my Island Peak climb. Protection does not necessarily equal comfort, and I had a difficult time walking in these with crampons on. This time I want to be more prepared, so I've practiced a couple of times climbing stairs with these on. So far so good.
I'm still waiting for the mother-lode, courtesy of The North Face Philippines. More on that when it comes.
Now to start packing. T-minus 12 days!
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