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Title image - BAI takes you to:  Mount Ararat & the Wonders of Turkey
Why climb with Berg Adventures

Recommended Gear for Climbing Mt. Ararat and Exploring Turkey

Top quality mountaineering clothing and equipment is an investment that will see you through years of adventures. It is wise to choose carefully, and not to skimp on quality. The companies and products you see listed below can serve as starting points of reference for you. Take this list to your local outdoor specialty shop.

Feel free to use this list as a reference as you prepare for your trip, but note that not all brands and models are current.

Footwear:

Sport sandals: Such as Tevas, Chacos or Crocs.

Light hiking shoes or boots: For travel, sightseeing and hiking. Something with a sturdy mid-sole is idea.

Climbing boots: Rigid, waterproof boots that are crampon compatible (La Sportiva or Scarpa).

Booties (optional): Down or synthetic fill with thick foam soles (North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Mountain Equipment Co-op, or REI—thin rubber-rubber soled booties will be more durable and will last longer).

Lightweight socks: Two pairs synthetic/wool blend (Smartwool, Bridgedale, Fox River).

Midweight socks: Two pairs synthetic/wool blend (Smartwool, Bridgedale, Fox River).

Clothing:

It is very important that your clothes fit loosely and comfortably so you can layer your clothes appropriately. This is key for maintaining a comfortable body temperature.

Lightweight long underwear tops: (Patagonia Capilene, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op).

Midweight long underwear tops: A zip t-neck design is good. Light colors are better for tops because they are cooler when hiking in direct sunlight and just as warm as dark colors when worn underneath other layers (Patagonia, North Face, Mountain Hardwear).

Lightweight long underwear bottoms: (Patagonia Capilene, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op).

Midweight long underwear bottoms: Dark colors are preferable because they do not show dirt (Patagonia, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op).

Briefs: synthetic or cotton--running shorts also work well for underwear.

Short-sleeved T-shirts: synthetic; most nylon running shirts or athletic shirts work well (North Face, Under Armour).

Jacket synthetic or fleece: Synthetic jackets or pullovers are a great alternative to fleece because they are lighter and more compressible. Primaloft type fill or Polartec 100 or 200 fleece is recommended (Patagonia, Wild Things, Outdoor Research, Mountain Equipment Co-op).

Down insulated jacket w/ hood: (Marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardwear).

Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants: Your jacket must have a hood, and your pants should have full-length side zips (ArcTeryx, Marmot, Mountain Equipment Co-op).

Head & Hand Gear

Gloves: any brand of Windstopper fleece.

Bandana: Two or three traditional cotton bandanas will be invaluable. A circular bandana like those made by Buff may be useful too.

Sun hat: Any lightweight hat with a good brim or visor.

Wool or fleece hat: Any brand of warm hat that covers your ears.

Balaclava

Accessories

Sunglasses #1: For high altitude, you need one pair of high quality 100%UV and 100%IR with a minimum of 80% light reduction sunglasses. Side shields such as those found on “glacier glasses” are not required, but size and shape of lens should offer maximum coverage of the eyes to protect them from bright light on snow. Julbo makes some excellent mountaineering glasses.

Sunglasses #2: Bring 1 pair high quality 100%UV and 100%IR, for lower elevations, and also as a backup. It is important to have a spare pair of sunglasses.

Gaiters: (Outdoor Research, Black Diamond).

Headlamp with spare bulb: Plus one set of extra batteries (Petzl or Black Diamond).

Climbing Equipment

Crampons: Bring a 12-point step-in crampon for glacial travel. Avoid crampons used for waterfall ice climbing (Grivel or Black Diamond). We really like the Sabretooth Pro by Black Diamond.

Trekking poles: Lightweight poles with 2 or 3 sections so they compress while not being used (Leki, Black Diamond).

Camping Gear

Backpack: You will need 35 to 50 liters, with an internal frame. Top opening mountaineer’s rucksack style is best. Avoid large zipper openings and excessive outside pockets. Larger packs are better than smaller, because they are easier to pack with cold hands and they distribute loads more effectively. (North Face, Gregory, Arc’Teryk).

Pack cover: Recommend to protect your gear on rainy or snowy days (REI, MEC, Osprey, Gregory).

Down sleeping bag: Rated to at least 0°F/-18°C, 700 down fill (Marmot, Mountain Hardwear).

Sleeping pad: optional, full-length (Therm-A-Rest). We provide a foam pad but if you wish, you may bring a Therm-a-rest for extra comfort.

Water bottles: Two 1-liter, leak-proof wide-mouth bottles (Nalgene bottles).

Lightweight steel thermal bottle (optional): Some type of thermos to keep liquids hot—One liter size.

Pee bottle: One 1-liter, leak-proof wide-mouth (Nalgene Poly or Lexan bottles).

Pee funnel for women: (Freshette).

Pack towel: Small or medium size, do not bring “terrycloth”, bandanas work in a pinch (PackTowl).

Swiss Army knife: Remember not to leave in carry-on bags for any international or domestic flight.

Medical & Personal

Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, non-oily (Dermatone or L’Oreal).

Lip screen: SPF 30 or higher, any brand.

Toiletry kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, soap, comb/brush, shave kit, (bring travel size bottles to keep your kit small).

First-aid kit: Ibuprofen/Aspirin, assorted Band-Aids, moleskin, Neosporin-type suave, small gauze pad, roll of adhesive tape, tweezers, safety pins. Include any prescription travel meds that might be prescribed by your doctor (antibiotics, sleep aids).

Water purification: Such as Potable Agua (iodine tablets). You will be provided with treated water at camps and while hiking and climbing, but a personal supply is handy for travel and hotels.

Zip-loc bags: Always useful, bring them for personal trash bags (including disposing of toilet paper on bathroom breaks along the trail), and to organize small items.

Baby wipes or wet-naps

Ear plugs

Travel Items

Expedition duffel bag: 130 liters/8000 cubic inches. Light colors are better for labeling with your name. This will hold all your gear as you move between hotels and main camps (North Face, Wild Things, Patagonia). Your duffel bag will be carried by horses.

Small travel bag: Useful for storing things in hotels, most rolling carry-on style bags work well (North Face, Wild Things).

Nylon stuff sacks: For storing and organizing; light colors preferable for labeling (Outdoor Research).

Lightweight long sleeve shirt: Cotton, comfortable.

Lightweight pants: One pair (for traveling or light hiking).

City clothes: casual clothing. People in Turkey tend to dress modestly and will often dress up to go out to dinner. Consider bringing some nice travel clothes.

Passport belt/pouch

Book(s)

Journal

Photography: Camera, Memory Cards, Film, Charger or Extra batteries. Video cameras can also be nice for recording sights and sounds on your trip.