Equipment List for Climbing Mount Ararat

By, Mount Ararat Trekking

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Equipment List for Climbing Mount Ararat

1. Crampons

There is an alpine type glacier system under the permanent snow cover of Mount Ararat above 4750 meters. This glacier can be very slippery on some days due to weather conditions. If you slip and fall from the glacier, you may crash into the rocks from the hellish cliff. We recommend using crampons to prevent slipping and have a better Mount Ararat climbing experience. Glacier cracks are rarely seen, so climbing without a guide is not recommended.

2. Goose Down Jacket

In Summer (June – August)

On the foothills (approximately 1,500 – 2,000 meters)

Daytime temperatures can be between 20-30°C.

Night temperatures can drop to around 10-15°C.

In the winter months (December – February):

On the foothills:

Daytime temperatures can be between -5 and 5°C.

Nighttime temperatures can drop to -10°C.

In areas close to the summit:

Daytime temperatures are usually around -20°C.

Nighttime temperatures can drop to -30°C.

When climbing Mount Ararat, your strongest weapon against the cold is your down jacket.

Jacket for summer:

Filling Amount: 100–250 grams of down

Fill Power: 700–800

Jacket for winter:

Filling Amount: 300-500 grams of down

Fill Power: 800-900 grams

Purposes of Use: At night in camping areas, on the morning of the summit, during windy times.

Note: The body already warms up with movement during the day; The main need is the breaks given after the camp and during the Mount Ararat trip.

3. Waterproof Jacket

The weather is unpredictable on Mount Ararat. The weather can change very quickly during the Mount Ararat trip. The weather, which is sunny and calm for a moment, can turn into rain, snow or hail with intense wind in a few minutes. Water reduces your body temperature very quickly. Therefore, even if the weather is only cool, getting wet can lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal on the mountain.

It is important to have a raincoat to complete your Mount Ararat trip more comfortably.

4. Hiking Boots or Shoes

The descents and ascents on Mount Ararat can be on steep slopes.

Therefore, the ankles need solid support.

Ankle supports are very important during the walk on the Mount Ararat trip.

The high ankle part of the boot helps prevent ankle sprains.

The boots should be waterproof; your feet should stay dry, especially in conditions such as snow and rain.

The outer surface of the boots should be resistant to cuts and abrasions.

GORE-TEX or similar waterproof technologies should be preferred. This prevents water from entering but allows sweat to escape.

Insulated boots (e.g. Thinsulate or similar materials) should be preferred for the Mount Ararat tour.

Lightweight but durable materials should be used on the Mount Ararat summit route.

Double Layer Structure A structure consisting of both inner and outer layers prevents water from entering and provides extra insulation.

5. Sleeping Bag

Night temperatures on Mount Ararat can drop to -5°C to -10°C even in the summer months and below -20°C in the winter months. Therefore, choosing a sleeping bag suitable for the Mount Ararat hiking tour program is not only about comfort, but also vital. Choosing the wrong bag can lead to sleepless nights, the risk of hypothermia and decreased performance.

For summer climbs: Bags with a comfort value between -5°C and -10°C are suitable.

For winter climbs: Models with a limit value between -15°C and -20°C should be preferred.

Goose Down Sleeping Bags:

Lighter, better compressible, provides high thermal insulation.

However, if it gets wet, it loses its insulation ability to a great extent.

It should be used with a waterproof carrying bag.

6. Backpack

When climbing a mountain with high altitude and difficult natural conditions like Mount Ararat, choosing the right climbing bag is vital. A bag that will carry all your equipment safely, will not tire you and will be resistant to changing weather conditions is one of the most critical parts of your climb.

On a climb to Mount Ararat, the bag you will carry should not tire you; on the contrary, it should lighten your load, keep your Mount Ararat climbing equipment organized and protect you from bad weather conditions. When the right volume, comfortable carrying system, water resistance and technical features come together, your bag becomes your greatest supporter for this difficult mountain.

Carrying Comfort and Back System:

Since the mountaineering bag has to carry heavy equipment, it is very important that the carrying system is comfortable. Adjustable back length, padded shoulder straps and a supported waist belt that transfers the load to the waist are essential for the bag. Having air channels on the back panel to reduce sweating is also a great advantage.

Technical Features:

Ice axe and baton carrying rings

External connection points for connecting equipment such as mats, tents or down jackets

Raincoat compartment or integrated raincoat

Water bag (hydration system) compatibility

Helmet carrier that can be connected to the exterior

7. Knitted hat

The beanie to be used in climbing Mount Ararat should have strong thermal insulation, windproof, non-sweating, ear-covering, light and quick-drying features. Although it may seem like a small piece of equipment, choosing the right beanie directly affects comfort and safety on the mountain. A warm head means a healthy body on the way to the summit.

If the climb involves technical equipment and the use of a helmet is required, the beanie should be thin and flexible enough to fit under the helmet. In this case, thermal beanies made of seamless and elastic fabric are recommended.