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A landscape of the Carpathian Mountains. A landscape of the Carpathian Mountains.

Kit List

Basic

This is a representative (not necessarily comprehensive) list of items which a mountain walker should possess so as to be able to bring with them, as required by the demands of the prevailing conditions and the route in question.

Item Comment
Rucksack and rain cover. In addition or alternatively to using a rain cover, items carried inside the rucksack may be placed inside plastic bags during rain.
Water bottles. From an environmental perspective, reusable water bottles made of a material such as stainless steel are preferable to disposable plastic bottles. Make sure to carry sufficient capacity for the route in question, taking into account the season and temperature.
Food and utensils. Don't forget to bring a spoon.
Head torch and spare batteries. Very important!
Map.
Compass.
Walking boots. Special purpose trainers for hiking may be acceptable for some routes during the summertime.
Snowline Chainsen or similar. Romanian: gheruțe, lanț de zăpadă. Required if there is any risk that there may be remnant or new snow on the route.
Cap or sun hat.
Warm hat. In colder or wetter conditions, bringing a spare hat may be necessary.
Warm gloves. In colder or wetter conditions, bringing a spare pair of gloves may be necessary.
Trousers. The material should preferably be quick drying. Trousers are usually preferable to shorts as they provide better protection from the elements, ticks during spring and autumn and toxic plants in summer meadows. If you will wear shorts, pack a spare pair of trousers.
Leggings. Leggings made from Merino wool are particularly effective for retaining warmth.
Waterproof trousers. Romanian: suprapantaloni. Packing a spare pair of trousers may constitute an adequate alternative.
Long-sleeve vest. A long-sleeve vest made from Merino wool will be particularly effective for retaining warmth.
T-shirt. The material should preferably be quick drying.
Fleece.
Raincoat.
Jacket. A down coat will be particularly effective for retaining warmth.
Climbing helmet. Recommended for routes passing underneath cliffs where falling stones might pose a hazard.
Thermal blanket. Romanian: Folie de supraviețuire. For use in an emergency. Should be compact and light weight.


Winter

All of the above, paying particular attention to bringing warm clothing. Especially remember to bring warm gloves and a warm hat and preferably spares. Always remember to bring a torch and spare batteries. Additionally, the following items may be required.

Item Comment
Ice-axe. Necessary for all routes where there is even a moderate slope so as to be able to self-arrest during a fall.
Crampons. A Snowline Chainsen (or similar) is acceptable for light winter routes without steep terrain. Actual crampons are required for any serious winter walking.
Gaiters. Worn to protect the lower legs from snow and exposure.
Avalanche kit. Necessary when conditions may be facilitating of an avalanche in areas which are prone thereto.

If the route necessitates crampons and an ice axe, it is not sufficient that you merely bring them with you - you must also have sufficient experience or prior training in their proper use.


Multi-Day

All of the items mentioned in the first section, as well as the following items.

Item Comment
Sleeping bag. Ensure that the sleeping bag is sufficiently warm for the expected conditions.
Carry mat or compact air mattress.
Tent. Required if it is not intended to make use of other forms of shelter or accommodation.

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