A hardshell is a fully waterproof, windproof outer jacket built to keep rain and snow out in serious weather, typically using a membrane like Gore-Tex with taped seams. Hardshells are tough and protective but less breathable and stretchy than softshells, making them the go-to for storms, alpine climbing, and wet conditions.
A backpack is a fabric pack worn on the back to carry gear, with shoulder straps and usually a hip belt and frame to transfer load to the hips. Outdoor backpacks range from small daypacks to large multi-day packs measured in liters, and a good fit — load on the hips, not the shoulders — is the key to comfort.
Trail running shoes are lightweight, flexible shoes with aggressive lugged outsoles for grip on dirt, rock, and mud. Originally for running, they are now widely used by hikers and backpackers for fast, light travel. They prioritize low weight and breathability over the support and durability of hiking boots.
Hiking shoes are low-cut, lightweight versions of hiking boots, offering grippy soles and trail protection without the higher ankle support. They suit day hikes and lighter loads on moderate terrain, splitting the difference between heavy boots and trail-running shoes for hikers who want some support but less weight.
Hiking boots are sturdy, supportive footwear with grippy lugged soles and higher ankle support, built for carrying loads over rough, uneven trails. They offer durability, protection, and stability — especially with a heavy pack — at the cost of weight compared with trail-running shoes, which many hikers now prefer for lighter, faster travel.
Supplemental oxygen is bottled oxygen, delivered through a mask and regulator, that high-altitude climbers breathe to offset the thin air on the world's highest peaks. Used widely above about 7,000-8,000 metres, it reduces the risk of altitude illness and frostbite and aids performance, though some climbers ascend the 8,000ers without it.
Strap-on (universal) crampons attach with flexible straps and a toe cradle, fitting almost any footwear including flexible boots and even some trail shoes. They are the most versatile and beginner-friendly crampons for glacier travel and general mountaineering, trading some precision and security for broad compatibility.
Step-in (automatic) crampons attach with a wire toe bail and a heel lever, clipping on like a ski binding. They give the most secure, precise fit but require stiff boots with both a toe and a heel welt. They are the standard for technical ice and steep mountaineering on fully rigid B3 boots.
Monopoint crampons have a single central front point instead of the usual two, giving precision on thin ice, small rock edges, and mixed terrain. Favoured by ice and mixed climbers for their accuracy and ability to slot into small placements, they are less stable than dual-points on lower-angle snow.
An ice tool is a short, curved-shaft technical axe designed for climbing steep ice and mixed terrain, used in pairs. Compared with a mountaineering ice axe, it has an aggressive, drooped pick and an ergonomic grip for swinging into vertical ice and hooking rock. Ice and mixed climbers carry two.