The Big Three (Backpack, Tent and Sleeping system)

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1. Backpack:

The Atom+ EP 50L (675 g)

= very lightweight backpack with a sewn-in loop to easily connect an ice axe and a mesh pocket to store crampons. 

= I used this backpack also on my PCT thru hike (versatile!)

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Naturehike 60L (1400 g)

= cheap semi-lightweight aluminium-frame backpack available in Europe, extra large meshes at the exterior for quick storage, not waterproof but it comes with a raincover. I used this one for my mountaineering trip to the Signalkuppe.

= negative: not ultralight

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2. Tent:

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 (964g)

For mountaineering I would almost always go with a double-walled semi free standing tent. This tent protects a lot better to different weather conditions compared with my single-walled Zpacks tent.

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A cheaper option is the Foreclaz 2 person trekking tent from Quecha (2400 g). If you switch the tent stakes for lighter ones and cut out the labels and unnecessary fabrics, you'll manage to carry a decently light trekking tent for less than 300 euro.

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3. Sleeping system:

Enlightened Equipment Quilt 10 Degrees (566 g)

When I first heard about quilts, I was a little sceptic. I am very much a cold sleeper and the thought of not having something around me was not appealing. However, now I really enjoy the versatility of a quilt, you can move freely at night and it's lighter than a sleeping bag! Unfortunately the EE quilts are only available in America but you can find them on some European camping gear webshops. Btw 10 degrees means 10 degrees Fahrenheit which corresponds with -12 degrees Celcius. For very cold trips I would combine this quilt with an extra liner or an emergency isolation blanket (which I needed in the Sierra's). 

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If you're looking for a European alternative for sleeping bags and quilts, please check out Cumulus. 

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Thermarest NeoAir XTherm (430 g)

One of the most important things I learned about air mattresses is the R-value. The higher the number, the more warmth is reflected back on your body while sleeping. Any R-value above 3 is pretty good for normal to cold conditions but with the XTherm (R 6.1) you are comfortable sleeping on snow and in cold environments. 

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  Footwear

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Shoes:

Scarpa Womens Charmoz Boots

The Charmoz is designed as a lightweight modern winter mountaineering boot. It's one of the most popular women mountaineerings shoes. It's is ideal for technical mountaineering, for scrambling and via ferrata. The stiff sole gives the Charmoz accomplished climbing ability, as well as a secure mount for modern C2 crampons. I have to say I had huge blisters wearing them so don't forget to break them in first. Found mine on Vinted for 100 euro.

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   Mountaineering gear

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Ice axe:

CAMP Corsa (202 g)

Hyperlight ice axe for glacier travel and ski mountaineering. I got the 50 cm but I think I should have bought the 60 cm.

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Crampons:

Black Diamond Serac Clip Crampons

These crampons are for classic mountaineering routes (high snowy mountains and glacier traversing), not so much for a thru-hike. 

They are lightweight, 12-point crampon available in three different configurations to be compatible with any kind of mountain boot.

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Harness:

Black diamond Momentum - Women's

I don't think you can make many mistakes with choosing a climbing harness but I very much like this one. It's again very lightweight, quick-drying and durable. 

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