Mountain Equipment and Safety
This page focuses on mountain gear and equipment. For a broader overview on how to prepare for a hike or trek in the Dolomites, you can also read the introductory guide on planning and preparing mountain outings.
In the mountains, gear and safety go hand in hand.
Using equipment that is functional, up to date and appropriate for the activity is not a minor detail: it often makes the difference between a rewarding experience and a critical situation.
Safety always starts with good judgment and knowing your own limits.
At the same time, proper gear allows you to move more efficiently,
with better control and a significantly higher margin of safety.
Additional information on mountain safety and equipment standards can be found through the UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation.
INDEX
1 – Mountain gear.
2 – Mountain clothing.
3 – Via ferrata equipment.
4 – Climbing equipment.
5 – Buying advice.
6 – Food and hydration.
I was born and raised in the mountains and have been working as a mountain guide for over thirty years.
Over time, I have seen many people heading into the mountains with inadequate, outdated or unsafe equipment — a situation that unfortunately still occurs today.
On via ferratas, for example, it is not uncommon to meet people who appear confident and experienced, move well on the rock and are eager to offer advice, yet are using very old or outdated equipment that no longer meets current safety standards.
When this is pointed out — always with the best intentions — the response is often that they trust their old gear or feel confident it will not be needed.
Unfortunately, accidents do not depend on experience alone.
A falling rock, a sudden storm, a moment of distraction: it takes very little for a situation to change. This is why equipment should always be complete, in good condition, and compliant with current certification standards.
Mountain gear: what to bring
What should you bring when heading into the mountains?
The following recommendations refer to typical summer conditions. This is not a checklist taken from a manual, but the result of many years of real experience on mountain terrain. An overloaded backpack quickly becomes a burden, while a well-organized one allows you to carry everything you need without unnecessary excess.
Backpack
All personal gear should be carried in a backpack. It is an essential piece of equipment, not only for comfort, but also to move safely and efficiently in the mountains. Keeping your hands free is important, especially on steep or uneven terrain, where carrying items by hand can quickly become impractical or unsafe.
For a typical summer day hike, a backpack with a capacity of 25–30 liters is usually sufficient. Larger packs may be useful only when additional technical equipment is required, or when extra clothing layers are needed due to altitude, weather conditions or the length of the outing.
A well-organized backpack makes it easier to manage changing conditions and to access what you need without unnecessary delays.
- First aid kit, even a basic one.
- Water, carried in bottles or a hydration system.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Sunglasses.
- Multi-tool or small knife.
- Spare shirt and socks.
- Plastic bags for waste, wet clothing or to protect spare items.
- Rain cover for the backpack, or a waterproof inner liner.
Mountain Clothing
Choosing the right clothing for the mountains depends on the season, the altitude and the type of terrain.
However, some basic principles always apply, regardless of where you are hiking.
Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. A warm, sunny day can turn colder or windier in a short time, especially at higher elevations. For this reason, clothing should always be planned in layers.
A waterproof and windproof outer layer is essential, even when the forecast looks good. Long trousers and proper footwear suited to the terrain are also important for comfort and safety.
Footwear deserves special attention. Hiking shoes or boots should be chosen according to the route and must be comfortable. New footwear should always be tested beforehand, rather than worn for the first time on a long hike.
Lightweight accessories with minimal bulk, such as a beanie or a headband, can make a big difference when temperatures drop or the wind picks up.
Via Ferrata equipment
Via ferratas require specific technical gear and should not be approached casually. Even routes that appear straightforward can involve exposed terrain and sections where a fall would have serious consequences.
The essential equipment for a via ferrata consists of a helmet, a climbing harness and a via ferrata set with an energy absorber. It is crucial that all equipment is in good condition, properly fitted and compliant with current safety standards. Outdated or unsuitable gear significantly reduces the margin of safety and should not be used.
For a more detailed overview of via ferrata routes and equipment, you can refer to the dedicated page on via ferratas.
Climbing Equipment
Climbing gear varies depending on the route and the objective. It is therefore assumed that anyone engaging in rock climbing is already familiar with the basic equipment required for the activity.
Here, only one practical consideration is worth mentioning. In the Dolomites, when a route is not well known, using twin ropes is often advisable. In case of unexpected situations, this can make retreat and abseiling more efficient and manageable.
As for rope length, 55 or 60 meters are generally sufficient. Very long pitches increase rope drag, make rope handling more tiring and can complicate communication between climbing partners.
Buying advice
Whenever possible, technical mountain gear should be purchased from specialized retailers with solid experience in the field. Knowledgeable staff can make a real difference, especially when choosing items that affect comfort and safety.
Not everyone has access to a good local outdoor shop, and in some cases buying online is a practical and reasonable alternative. However, it is important to choose reliable sellers, check product specifications carefully and make sure the gear is suitable for the intended use.
Avoid leaving purchases until the last minute. Taking the time to test and become familiar with new gear helps prevent problems once you are in the mountains. Advice from experienced partners can be helpful, keeping in mind that not all “experts” have the same level of knowledge.
Poorly chosen gear is not just uncomfortable: in certain situations it can become objectively unsafe.
Food and hydration
Food and hydration play an important role in the mountains, whether you are on a short hike or a more demanding outing. The body needs a steady supply of energy, so food choices should focus on items that are easy to digest and provide sustained energy.
For a typical one-day outing, the following foods are generally suitable:
- Hard-boiled eggs or a light sandwich.
- Avoid heavily salted or very fatty foods, which can increase thirst.
- Fresh seasonal fruit.
- Dried fruit and nuts.
- Biscuits or crackers.
- Chocolate.
- Energy bars.
When it comes to supplements and sports nutrition products, the range of available options is very wide and can be confusing. For this reason, it is advisable to seek guidance from a medical professional, especially if you have specific needs or conditions.
Hydration is equally important. Alcohol should be avoided, as well as sugary or carbonated drinks. As a general guideline, about one liter of water is sufficient for a summer day hike, while higher temperatures or snow-covered terrain in the sun may require increased intake. In colder conditions, a warm herbal drink is often preferable, as tea has a diuretic effect.