Climbing Mount Ararat has become quite desirable and accessible among hikers, especially in recent years. There are many questions related to this climb. What does it cost? How long does it take? What’s the temperature at the top? What food is needed? And the most asked question is related to gear.
In this article, we will try to present as thoroughly as possible the necessary equipment and gear for climbing Mount Ararat.
Let’s start with the fact that even though the mountain is located in the south and the weather conditions are relatively more favorable, especially in the summer months, you should be careful and take great responsibility when it comes to choosing your gear. High mountains like to show their character suddenly and at once, especially at an altitude above 3000m.
Let’s start with the necessary property for climbing Mount Ararat.
SLEEPING BAG
Since the overnight stays will be in tents, you definitely need a sleeping bag, a good sleeping bag… What is a good sleeping bag? There are many good sleeping bags on the market today, so many that sometimes it is difficult to make a choice with a wide selection. Here it is important to understand that the main role of the sleeping bag in the case of a high mountain is to keep warm. Therefore, in the case of Mount Ararat, we recommend choosing a sleeping bag that provides -10’C comfort, taking into account the minimum and maximum temperature indicators on the slopes of Mount Ararat.
CRAMPONS
HEAD TORCH
You will need a head torch during the night climb to the top. The latter is available with fast charging and chargers. It is advisable to choose a flashlight containing 250-300 LEDs.
TREKKING POLES
The use of trekking poles is also very important, as they take some of the weight off your feet when you are leaning on them in hard-to-reach places.
Here it is important to pay attention to the fact that the sticks should be adjustable. Well, the valves should be as shown in the picture.
The clothing for the ascent of Mount Ararat in the summer season can be the usual hiking clothing for up to 4200m. The clothing above 4200m (on the night of going to the top) is three-layered. Below we will present the clothes according to layers.
FIRST (BOTTOM) LAYER
THERMAL WEAR
Thermal wear is an integral and very important part of clothing. It is a blouse with long sleeves and trousers. When sewing thermal wear, synthetic fibers such as polyester, microfiber, lycra serve as raw materials, which perform the function of removing moisture and retaining heat. During the overnight stay, you can even sleep in thermal wear.
THERMAL SOCKS
The thermal type of socks is just right for climbing Mount Ararat from start to finish. You can wear thin membrane socks at the beginning of the ascent, but you need thicker and warmer ones to go to the top.
SECOND (MIDDLE) LAYER
FLEECE BLOUSE
FLEECE PANTS (AS NEEDED)
THIRD (OUTER) LAYER
WARM AND WINDPROOF TROUSERS
Pants with a windproof layer are especially important. It is recommended to choose the pants with “Goretex” outer layer, which also has an inner warming layer.
WARM AND WIND PROTECTIVE JACKET
Like the pants, the jacket must have a wind protection layer (Goretex). In this case, we recommend jackets with a hood, because the latter are quite useful in case of strong wind and you can additionally wear the hood over the hat.
The jacket should also be thick. Polyester as raw material is very popular, but we advise you to buy goose feather versions, or jackets with raw materials containing a mixture of polyester and goose feathers.
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS
Mountain boots designed for mountains of 5000m+ altitude
High mountain boots always have thick and strong soles, as well as the front of the shoe. If you are not going to plan other high ascents besides the ascent of Mount Ararat, there is no need to buy the expensive and strictly professional versions. It is enough to pay attention to the waterproof layer of the shoe and the quality of the sole (Vibram). You can see this type of the sole in the picture.
Lightweight hiking boots
Light hiking shoes are quite enough for you to reach the 2nd camp of Mount Ararat (4200m). However, the water-resistant function of the shoe and its durability are also very important here, in order to avoid possible injuries, such as, for example, sprained ankle.
Hiking sandals
You will need the hiking sandals in the camps to make the camp life more comfortable 🙂
ACCESSORIES
BACKPACK (70-80l)
The big backpack is sonsidered to carry all the belongings, which are transported from one camp to another on horses.
BACKPACK (20-30L)
This backpack is intended for the essentials that you will carry during the entire ascent.
MOUNTAIN GLASSES
Mountain goggles with category 3-4 protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays are quite suitable for climbing Mount Ararat.
A WARM WINTER HAT
Options with fleece or fleece inner layer are recommended.
BUFF
We recommend having both: fleece warm and thin synthetic.
FLEECE GLOVES
The fleece gloves are responsible for providing warmth in the upper limbs. Don’t forget to have a second pair as well, in case you accidentally lose the first one.
MITTENS (Gloves without fingers)
Mittens are designed to be worn over fleece gloves. Gloves with fingers are also actively used by many, but we advise you to get mittens. The latter have more free space inside and allow the fingers to move, thus regulating the temperature of the fingers inside the glove.
ADDITIONAL:
⇒ Inflatable mattress
⇒ Inflatable pillow
⇒ Long sleeve breathable shirts
⇒ Slim hiking pants
⇒ Hygiene items
⇒ A small membrane towel
⇒ Chargers
⇒ Power bank
In the article, we mentioned the list of the most necessary things, but the list of property and equipment for climbing Mount Ararat can be endlessly expanded. By gaining experience and knowledge in the hiking field, you will understand yourself what is right for you and what is not.
We wish accomplishment of your dream! See you on the top of Ararat!
The article was compiled based on observations and materials collected by ArmLand club.
