1. Sleeping Bags: It's best to choose a sleeping bag that is lightweight, warm, comfortable, easy to compress, and fully covers your head. A sleeping bag maintains warmth by using insulating materials to trap air. The temperature rating of a sleeping bag depends on the insulation material, thickness, size, design, and manufacturing process. Generally, they are categorized into three types: summer, non-snow, and snow. The recommended temperature ranges provided by manufacturers are just reference values, usually around -30°C to 5°C.
2. Hiking Boots: When buying hiking boots, choose a pair that’s slightly larger than your usual shoes, with enough room to fit one finger between your heel and the boot. Make sure the heel fits snugly without slipping, and check the overall fit, comfort, and whether the sole matches well. There should be no pain when kicking forward or against the heel. The BLACK-YAK brand's Partner is an excellent leather hiking boot. Its sole uses Italian VIBRAM material, offering superior grip and durability. The King Kong Boot is a GORE-TEX hiking boot — lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for trekking. For mountain climbing with many rocks, choose Edge or Blue Mountain boots, which have climbing-specific soles for added safety.
3. Watches: Keeping track of time is essential during outdoor activities, so a reliable watch is a must-have for adventurers.
4. Headlamps and Flashlights: Headlamps or flashlights are crucial gear, but remember to remove the batteries when not in use to avoid corrosion. Some headlamps even offer waterproof or water-resistant features. Bulbs don’t last forever, so it’s wise to carry spare ones. Bulbs such as halogen, krypton, and argon produce more heat and are brighter than vacuum tubes. I. Sunglasses: High-altitude skiing can easily damage your eyes. In terms of UV rays, snow reflects over 50% more light at 10,000 feet compared to the beach, making bare eyes highly susceptible to injury and causing severe discomfort known as snow blindness. Sunglasses help reduce this risk, but don't be fooled by cloudy weather — UV rays can penetrate clouds. Harsh light can also trigger headaches. Good sunglasses should filter 95–100% of UV rays. When buying, look in the mirror: if you can easily see your eyes, the lenses are too light. For true color perception, choose gray or green lenses. For overcast or foggy conditions, yellow lenses are ideal.
5. First Aid Kit: First aid supplies can only treat minor issues; serious conditions require professional medical treatment. The kit is mainly for handling small injuries or stabilizing a patient’s condition to evacuate them from the mountains quickly. Store first aid items in a waterproof, sturdy box. Common supplies should cover: (1) blisters, (2) sunburn, (3) abrasions. For severe bleeding or fractures, wait for professional medical help.
6. Clothing: Recently, functional outdoor clothing suitable for field life has become mainstream. Designs range from professional mountaineering wear to everyday outdoor and casual wear — choose according to your needs.
Daytime temperatures on the mountain may be relatively high, but they drop sharply at night. Therefore, warm clothing is essential all year round.
For underwear, it's best to choose Coolmax fabric with moisture-wicking properties. During activity, the body generates sweat and moisture. In cold weather, sweat can make you feel chilly and uncomfortable; in heat, it leads to stuffiness. Coolmax keeps your skin and clothes dry, ensuring long-lasting comfort in both winter and summer.
7. Backpacks: Backpacks can be categorized by capacity: small (20–40L) for day trips, medium (40–60L) for overnight stays, and large (over 60L) for trips requiring tents and multi-night camping. You can also choose based on how much gear you plan to carry.
8. Hats: The human head is very sensitive to heat. In summer, wear a wide-brimmed hat with good ventilation to block direct sunlight. In autumn and winter, opt for functional hats that retain warmth.
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