My Climbing & Mountaineering Gear List
Last Updated: May 2026
I’ve compiled my complete personal gear inventory here with photos and honest reviews based on real-world use. I check this list before every trip to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. I’ve added my experiences, pros, cons, and tips — hopefully they’ll help you make better gear decisions.
Clothing System
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Jacket | The North Face Himalayan Parka |
This is a truly legendary piece of gear. As Tunç Fındık once called it, an “8000-meter sweater”! It gives you immense confidence in freezing conditions. I wish I could own several and rotate them. For me, it’s indispensable. |
 | Pants | The North Face M Trekker Convertible |
A True Companion. It is one of those rare designs where you can adjust the length by folding the cuffs and zip them into shorts whenever you like. It is truly hard to come across such functional details these days. There have been so many times after summit climbs where I’ve converted these pants into shorts and plunged into cool waters. Combined with UPF sun protection and Quickdry technology, they have become my personal definition of “perfection.” I bought two, but I really wish I had bought more; unfortunately, functional models like this are hard to come by nowadays. |
 | Technical Jacket 1 | The North Face – Torre Egger Futurelight |
This model features North Face’s in-house Futurelight membrane instead of Gore-Tex. According to tests, it offers three times more breathability while remaining completely waterproof. The velcro straps on the cuffs used to wear out quickly in previous versions; they’ve improved them in this model, and the result is excellent. |
 | Technical Shell Jacket 2 | The North Face Observatory |
Besides the Gore-Tex membrane, it includes all the important features a proper hardshell jacket should have. It stays in place when you lift your arms, the helmet-compatible hood is easy to adjust with one hand, and the underarm zippers provide excellent ventilation to expel moisture quickly. |
Base Layers & Accessories
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Upper Base Layer 1 | The-North-Face-Hybrid |
In cold weather, my biggest challenge is staying warm while moving and not getting chilled once I start sweating. The HyActive fabric used in this base layer really makes a difference. It wicks away moisture extremely fast during climbs or long hikes, yet continues to keep you warm. Thanks to its seamless construction, I experienced no chafing or irritation even after long hours with a heavy backpack. It’s very lightweight and feels almost non-existent on the body. The quick-drying feature was especially useful in camp. It also doesn’t hold odors, which is a big advantage on long trips. For me, this has become a reliable base layer that I can wear confidently under mid and outer layers — almost a four-season piece. |
 | Upper Base Layer 2 | BlackSpade |
This locally produced thermal base layer is truly successful. It keeps you warm while effectively moving moisture away. A must-have item to have with you in the mountains. |
 | Balaclava 1 | Marmot Super Hero |
The thermal performance of this balaclava is highly impressive, and it does an excellent job of blocking the wind. However, the moisture-wicking capability of the fabric around the mouth and nose area fell short of my expectations. During high-intensity activities that require heavy breathing, moisture from my breath gets trapped inside the fabric over time. This creates a wet and cold sensation in that area, significantly reducing overall comfort. This specific section definitely needs a more effective solution, such as a fast-drying tech fabric or rubber/plastic air vents. I highly recommend keeping this detail in mind while doing your own research before purchasing. |
 | Balaclava 2 | Friendly Swede |
Quite comfortable for skiing. I’m also considering their Arctic model designed for mountaineering. You can tell the Swedes know what they’re doing. |
 | Fleece Gloves | The North Face Etip Pamir Windstopper |
The “Etip” name refers to touchscreen compatibility on the index finger, but I couldn’t really use this feature effectively. The idea of using your phone without taking off the gloves is nice, but it didn’t work well for me. Apart from that, the Gore Windstopper technology that cuts wind and the water-resistant DWR coating are very successful. The grippy panels on the palm, index, and middle fingers provide secure pole grip and reduce the chance of dropping your phone. Overall, the gloves are comfortable and fit the hand well. |
 | Outer Gloves | The North Face Nuptse Mitt |
The Nuptse Mitt is lightweight but extremely warm. I liked how well it blocks the wind and the secure grip provided by the leather palm. The inner lining is soft and remains comfortable during long use. |
 | Ski-Gloves | Reusch Lech R-Tex XT Freeride |
A waterproof, high-quality ski glove. It keeps your hands as warm as if they were indoors, yet still breathes well enough not to cause sweating. It provides good dexterity without restricting hand movement during activities. Choosing the right size is important. The one-hand adjustable cord on the cuff tightens the wrist and keeps the glove securely in place. They’re so comfortable that you don’t want to take them off. German quality shows itself clearly. |
|
| Polar Fleece | The North Face Radium High-Loft |
This product is made from Polartec’s warmest fleece, Thermal Pro® High Loft. Unfortunately, it has become quite difficult to find. Sometimes brands release these high-end pieces almost by mistake, then discontinue them — I really don’t understand why. The Polartec Power Stretch fabric used on the underarms and collar is the real star. It effectively wicks moisture away from the body’s highest heat-producing areas, preventing overheating while maintaining excellent warmth. Compared to other fleeces, its biggest advantages are being lightweight and packing down very small, making it ideal for backpacking. Since it’s designed for mountaineers, it brings together all the desired features in one piece. Of course, other fleeces will also keep you warm, but always pay attention to breathability. If you plan to wear it as a standalone layer without an outer shell, other models might be more suitable. I usually wear this as a mid-layer under my technical jacket. Its segmented construction makes it very comfortable and highly breathable. When I wear it alone while going on a mountain activity, its furry appearance makes me look like a fluffy bear; everyone on the road wants to hug me 🙂 |
Footwear
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mountaineering Boots | Scarpa Mont Blanc GTX |
I was planning to buy the Phantom model with built-in gaiters, designed for 6000m peaks. However, it has a long, narrow shaft that didn’t fit my thick calves and felt too tight. Even though I didn’t want to, I ended up choosing this model and I’m really happy with it. Italians hardly ever let you down in the footwear department. Make sure to get one size bigger than your usual shoe size. Although, finding the size you want in stock is often a challenge in itself! |
 | Hiking Boots | Salomon Quest 4D GTX |
Salomon really nailed it with this model — it’s incredibly tough, almost like ski equipment. It comes with Salomon’s own Contagrip outsole. The rock protection, flexibility for comfortable walking, and high material quality completely won me over. I used them for many years. The only downside is that they slip excessively on trails. I wondered if it was due to wear, but they were slippery even when brand new. Vibram soles perform much better in this area. |
 | Touring Ski Boots | Roxa X-Face 120 |
When it comes to ski touring boots, the absolute golden rule is finding a fit that snugly wraps your foot without pinching. If the boot is too tight, it restricts blood circulation; if it’s too loose, you lose maneuverability and invite friction. That is why it is crucial to keep the boots on your feet for at least 1–2 hours while testing them in the store. Natural foot swelling throughout the day can easily mislead you. I bought my very first pair too tight, being a bit too impatient. After just an hour on the mountain, my circulation was severely compromised, and I was forced to take the boots off in sheer agony. On the flip side, even the slightest dead space inside the boot compromises your edge control during descents and causes painful blisters on your toes during ascents. The most critical takeaway is this: You aren’t just buying these boots for downhill skiing; you are buying them for hours of uphill skinning and hiking. As you push forward on the trail, your feet will inevitably swell. These seemingly minor fit details are actually what dictate whether your day in the backcountry will be a sublime adventure or a painful nightmare. Keep this in mind during your search. |
 | Climbing Shoes | Scarpa Force X |
Unlike traditional models, the sole has a flatter shape rather than the usual curved/cambered profile. It’s a great choice for climbers who value comfort more than aggressive performance. It also allows you to quickly loosen the velcro straps to give your feet immediate relief — especially useful between climbs or when you only wear them for short sessions. |
Backpacks & Bags
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Camping Backpack | Deuter Air Contact Pro 60 + 15 Litre |
Deuter Air Contact Pro 60+15 has an empty weight of approximately 3 kg and is suitable for carrying loads up to 30 kg. For men, choosing at least 80 liters or 70+15 volume is usually more advantageous. Overall, I’m satisfied with it, but I sometimes feel I need more capacity. |
 | Hiking Backpack | Deuter Speed lite |
With an incredibly light empty weight of just 500 grams, this is an ultra-light backpack. I generally use it during acclimatization climbs, camp-to-camp hikes, or on final summit pushes. The side straps allow you to securely attach trekking poles or an ice axe reasonably well. |
 | Travel Duffel Bag | The North Face Duffle Bag |
I frequently use both the Small and Large sizes. The Small model measures 52×32.5×32.5 cm, has a 50-liter capacity, and its volume can be reduced when needed. I’ve also used it for regular travel and had no issues in the cabin, although some airlines may cause problems when it’s completely full. Thanks to its ballistic nylon material, it is extremely resistant to wear and tear. With no fragile buckles, wheels, or handles, it’s virtually indestructible. It can withstand all kinds of rough handling by baggage handlers. A long-lasting bag that I really enjoy using. |
 | Touring Ski Bag | North Face Patrol 34 |
I used this model on my ski tours, but unfortunately it didn’t meet my expectations. Unlike The North Face duffel bag I praised earlier, this one has external buckles that broke quickly, and the stitching at the bottom came apart. I think I got a lower-quality batch. It was a disappointment for me. |
 | Climbing Rope Bag | Beal Combi Pro 80 Siyah İp Çantası |
The way the bag opens is exactly what I wanted — very practical to use. With its 80-liter capacity, I can easily fit an 80-meter rope plus some additional gear. It really makes my life easier. |
Technical Gear
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Harness | Black Diamond XENOS |
The front-mounted buckles on the waist and leg loops allow for very quick and easy adjustment. I can carry my gear securely. At 460 grams, it is easy to carry and offers serious performance as a specialist harness. In short, it is a reliable and comfortable choice for demanding ice and mixed climbing. |
 | Quickdraws | Black Diamond Posiwire |
Black Diamond Posiwire 6-pack quickdraw set. Ideally, you should buy at least two sets (12+ draws). If your budget is limited, starting with one set and gradually completing at least 10 draws is also a reasonable approach. |
 | Dynamic Rope 60 m | EDELRID Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry ColorTec 9.3mm |
The ColorTec two-tone system makes it much easier to use the rope properly and safely. Thanks to the two different colors, I can easily see when the middle of the rope has been reached. |
 | Lanyard | Petzl Dual Connect Adjust Lanyard |
Thanks to the adjustable arm, clipping into anchors is both easy and very comfortable. |
 | Belay & Rappel Device 1 | GriGri+ |
This is my current favorite belay device. The improved handle makes rope handling much smoother, and the anti-panic feature adds extra safety, especially with less experienced climbers. It’s slightly heavier than an ATC, but the comfort and confidence it provides are absolutely worth it. Highly recommended! **Pros:** – Very smooth and precise rope handling – Excellent safety with the anti-panic system – Works great in both belaying and lowering – Durable build quality **Cons:** – Slightly heavier than the regular ATC (but worth the weight for me) – Takes some time to get fully comfortable, especially with giving slack quickly |
 | Belay & Rappel Device 2 | Black Diamond ATC |
The old reliable! |
 | Crampons | Grivel G22 |
After struggling with crampons that were torture to put on, the ease of putting these on brings great comfort. Storing crampons with mud or snow residue on them will shorten their lifespan. After cleaning, always dry them completely before putting them away to prevent rusting. |
 | Ice Axe | Black Diamond Raven |
A standard ice axe… This tool always reminds me of the late Barış Manço’s song: “If you say the neighbor’s chicken looks like a pickaxe to the neighbor, and you don’t spare the chicken from where the pickaxe comes… With this mindset, you can’t be the handle of an axe, but one day you become the tip of the handle — pickaxe, pickaaaxe, pickaaaxe!” |
 | Helmet | Petzl Elios |
A lightweight and well-ventilated helmet with adjustable air vents. The chin strap is very easy to adjust. Because of its affordable price, it seems like almost everyone has one — as if the municipality handed them out. |
Other Equipments
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Julbo Eris |
They offer quite comfortable use during climbs. However, the Cat 3 lenses reduce too much light, which darkens my vision while skiing. If you are considering them for skiing, it’s better to choose a lower category lens. |
|
 | Snow Shovel | Black Diamond Deploy 3 |
The foldable handle is a great feature, making it easy to carry in your backpack. |
 | Gaiters | Black Diamond Frontpoint |
They fit perfectly around the foot in rocky, snowy, and icy conditions without slipping or opening up. Their waterproof yet breathable design provides a big advantage during long activities. They work especially well with crampons and stiff boots, wrapping the ankle tightly. The zipper and fastening system is practical. They feel a bit stiff at first but adapt to the foot over time. |
 | Trekking Poles | Black Diamond Trail Shock Compact |
Thanks to their compact design, they are very comfortable to carry. However, they are a bit expensive compared to their competitors. Since trekking poles are items that wear out relatively quickly, I was hesitant to allocate such a high budget. You might prefer a more affordable model that “will need replacing anyway.” |
 | Sunglasses | Julbo Instinct |
The Julbo Instinct adapts quickly to changing light conditions and provides ideal light transmission in every environment. This makes it possible to handle cloudy, foggy, or sunny conditions with a single pair of glasses. |
 | Solar Charger | Powermonkey Extreme |
Since external power banks meet my energy needs in most activities, I couldn’t use this product very efficiently. It can be useful for very long trips far from civilization, but charging the battery takes a long time. It is neither light enough to carry in the mountains nor powerful enough when transported by vehicle. |
 | Touring Skis | Völkl V-WERKS BMT |
This is truly a versatile and impressive ski. Its weight is very well balanced — neither too light nor too heavy. This makes it comfortable and non-fatiguing even on long tours. It also offers excellent stability and confidence in deep snow. My only regret is that I couldn’t find the perfect length for my height and skiing style. The ski is currently available in three sizes: 166 cm, 176 cm, and 186 cm. There is still no custom-length production or modular design that allows users to modify the ski according to their height and weight. Therefore, you need to find the model that best matches your measurements in stock. If I had gotten the right size, it would have been the perfect “one ski for everything” option for me. |
 | Touring Poles | LEKI – Haute Route Speed Lock Trekking & Tur Batonu |
I use them for both trekking and ski touring, and so far I’ve been very satisfied. They are not foldable, and they’re not an ultralight model either, but that actually works in favor of durability. Especially under heavy use, they feel like long-lasting and reliable poles. Overall, I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for dependable and durable poles for both trekking and ski touring. |
 | Alpine Skis | Elan Amphibio 12 TI Erkek Kayak + ELS 11.0 Shift Bağlama |
They provide smooth skiing. At the same time, they offer strong edge grip and stability at high speeds. They feel easy to use and accessible for all levels. I would say they are especially suitable for intermediate skiers. |
 | GPS Watch | Suunto Ambit3 Peak Sapphire |
I made a review video for this watch. Click to watch. |
Camping & Sleeping
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Uyku tulumu iç çarşaf | Quechua Silk Liner |
I bought this 110-gram product from Decathlon thinking it would be useful for hygiene. My plan was to return to the tent at night, get into the sleeping bag without taking off my shoes, and rest quickly. In practice, things don’t work that way. First, when you return exhausted, you definitely want to take your shoes off to rest your swollen feet. Second, it’s rarely possible to spend the night in a sleeping bag with wet clothes. Since dry clothes are usually changed, the need for this liner becomes very low. |
 | Kettle | Optimus Terra |
I’d like to say it makes gourmet tea, but that wasn’t my expectation when I bought it. It melts snow quickly and provides fast access to hot water. It has a 0.7-liter capacity and weighs only 153 grams. Its design takes up very little space. You can even put other small items inside it for easy packing in your backpack. It successfully fulfills its purpose in camp. |
 | Headlamp 1 | Led Lenser H14R.2 |
German engineering — a truly lifetime product. No need to mention technical specs; this thing is like a truck headlight! It has its own rechargeable battery pack, but you can also use 4 regular AA batteries in the same compartment. Beautiful. |
 | Sleeping Mat | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm |
An ideal inflatable mat for high altitude. It packs down very small, which is a huge advantage, and its thermal insulation is excellent. Because it is quite valuable for base camp use, I usually prefer cheaper models (like foam mats) there. It is definitely a very good choice for winter mountaineering and high-altitude expeditions. The only downside is that it requires a lot of breath to inflate on the mountain, which can be dizzying at high altitude. I wish they added a light solution like some other inflatable mats that allow you to inflate by rolling the pillow. |
 | 5-Season Winter Tent | Husky Felen 3-4 |
If they wrote “3 rooms + 1 living room” instead of “3-4 person” in the product specifications, it wouldn’t be wrong! It has a spacious interior volume and high ceiling. Of course, its disadvantage is its 5.5 kg weight. Luckily, it can be split between two people. One person carries the 3 kg tent, and the tent partner carries the 2+ kg poles — that’s what I personally do. There is a saying in this community: “Carry like a mule, live like a king.” |
 | 3-Season Tent | Husky Boyard |
3-Season Tent: Husky Boyard. It’s enough for my weekend rock climbing trips in the summer on nice days. |
 | Cookware Set | GSI Pinnacle |
I bought this after I lost my Jetboil set on Mount Ararat. Thanks to its coating, food doesn’t stick and it is very easy to clean. The material quality is solid and it feels reliable despite being lightweight. Be careful — metal spoons/forks can scratch it, so it’s better to use plastic or wooden utensils. |
 | Camping Stove | Primus Powercook |
Its foldable design makes it easy to carry. It has a powerful flame that cooks food quickly. It works stably even in windy conditions. A solid and reliable camping stove. |
 | Headlamp 2 | Petzl Tikka Kafa Feneri E93 |
It lights up my face and the inside of the tent well enough while eating. I don’t take it to the mountain; I mostly use it when sitting in the tent during other activities. |
 | Down Sleeping Bag | Marmot Pinnacle |
This sleeping bag features an 800-fill goose down filling and stands out with its total weight of just 1.13 kg (638 grams of which is pure goose down). The temperature ratings are Comfort: -5.4°C, Lower Limit: -12.2°C, and Extreme: -31.5°C. Its thermal insulation is more than sufficient for standard winter activities. The biggest reason I preferred this model is its outstanding weight-to-performance ratio. I’m someone who counts every gram. At high altitudes, every gram you save from your pack provides a vital comfort advantage on the way to the summit. Unfortunately, production of this model has been discontinued, and only heavier alternatives are currently available on the market. With proper cleaning and storage (including occasional airing), it is a lifetime investment. |
Paragliding
| Image: | Name: | Model: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Paraglider Wing | Apco Vista III |
it was one of the best EN B class paragliders in its time. I benefited greatly from its “Shark nose” technology. |
 | Paraglider Harness | Apco Spark 2 |
I could never sit comfortably in a stable and upright position in this harness. Other pilots had no issues with it, but I was never satisfied with this harness. |
This list is based on my personal experiences and preferences. Gear choice is highly individual — always consider your own needs, body type, and climbing style.
