Hats, gloves, socks, gaiters, and other items

Sun Protection

Solar radiation is particularly intense in NZ. Pay attention to covering up your sensitive parts from the sun.

Peaked Cap

Worn for protection from the sun, and glare off the snow. Legionnaire-style hats are ideal as they protect the back of the neck and ears. A baseball cap and a bandanna/scarf/neck gaiter combination is a good alternative.

Glacier Shirt

A glacier shirt is a highly recommended "old school" approach to stay cool on hot afternoons. Choose a light-weight quick-drying fabric, in a light colour, to help reflect snow glare.

Long sleeves and a collar help protect from sunburn. An old polyester business shirt will do, but where possible a shirt with an ultraviolet protection factor is recommended.

Gloves & glove combinations

There are many possible combinations of gloves that suit different conditions, and your preferences. You will carry at least 2 pairs of different gloves with you at all times.

Avoid mittens. These are used at high-altitude especially on fixed rope systems, but are not suitable for most NZ situations - unless used just as a backup for warmth.

Skiing/snowboarding gloves are generally too heavily padded for mountaineering.

Lightweight/quick drying gloves

Any time your are moving around in the mountains you will wear a pair of lightweight quick drying gloves. For:

  • Warmth
  • UV protection
  • Protection from scrapes on ice

Choose polypro or polyester gloves that allow good finger dexterity. These are relatively inexpensive.

Water/windproof gloves

A truly waterproof glove isn’t possible - unless you opt for rubber dishwashing gloves. Even Gore-tex type fabrics will get damp if working with snow for long periods (building snow anchors, for example).

Consider water repellent qualities, ease of drying, and the level of insulation required for the type of trip you are undertaking.

A two layer glove with a water resistant shell and a removable inner is a good approach.

For winter, cold, or poor weather choose gloves that gives both good dexterity and warmth.

Warm Hat & Balaclavas

Use quick drying materials e.g. polar fleece/polypro. Your hat should extend over your ears, and be snug enough to fit under your helmet. Balaclavas or close fitting hats under the helmet are ideal for extra insulation during cold weather/winter trips.

Socks

Choose wool, or a synthetic/wool blend (e.g. "Coolmax®", for moisture wicking).

  • Option 1: bring 3 pairs of thicker socks. You wear one pair at a time, so one pair can be drying out as you wear another set.
  • Option 2: wear both a thin liner pair and a thicker pair socks. If you use this combination, then bring just 2 thin pairs and 2 heavy pairs.

Gaiters

Gaiters should be knee length and made of nylon, canvas, Gore-tex (or similar). Front velcro closures make them easier to get on and off.

Your gaiters should be secure fitting under the boot, so they don’t ride up. Purchasing tip - it pays to try on gaiters while wearing your climbing boots. The gaiters we sell will fit over both plastic or leather mountaineering boots.

How "hard" will the course be?

Are you ready? How does Mt Cook compare to Mount Aspiring? Read about Trip Difficulty ›