THE COMPLETE DAMAVAND PACKING LIST

In order to be safe and comfortable throughout your Mount Damavand climb, you’ll need to bring important gear and supplies with you. We have put together a comprehensive Damavand Packing list to help you prepare for your climb.

Trekking Damavand includes different climate zones, from hot and dry to the region of cold peaks, with natural glaciers, ice and snow.. You should be prepared for all Damavand weather conditions: sunny, windy, and rainy.

We provide tents, the camp equipment, food, cooking facilities, and other shared items. You’ll have a duffel bag with all your kit, carried by the mules ; and carry your own day pack during the trekking day.

Damavand Gear List

If you’re packing for your Damavand climb, it’s important to really plan your outfit properly. That’s why we recommend packing the following:

• Base layers
• Backpack (30 to 40 Liter)
• Wind stoppers (polar jacket)
• Warm trekking pants
• Light down jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm hat
• Waterproof Trekking boots
• Sleeping bag (comfort level :+5)
• Warm gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sun creams
• Headlight
• Sticks , poles
• Mattress

Basic Equipment

Head

Hands and Feet

Upper body

Legs

Other Bits and Bobs

Important Damavand packing list information:

• Mules will carry your main bag up to 10 kg.
• Wrap clothes in rugged, waterproof bags.
• Carry at least water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants and a jacket in your daily backpack. Add any other items you may need during the day as you won’t have access to your main bag until the end of the day trip.
• Carry extra sets of batteries as cold weather shortens their life.
• In case of baggage delay, carry important climbing equipment (especially your boots) on the plane. You may want to bring some vintage items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters

Damavand gear list more clothing information

The inner layer of your clothing should be breathable and wicking – no cotton. The next layer should be insulated and warm, and the top layer should be waterproof yet breathable.

You need clothes for walking during the day, relaxing in the evening and for sleeping. Layers are key, as temperatures vary dramatically.

Your clothing should be light, breathable, hand washable and quick drying.

No cotton! Cotton does not allow moisture to escape and gets wet very quickly

Do not bring jeans, as they are not suitable for walking

If you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll know how to layer your clothing to stay warm and dry. For beginners, it is very simple if we focus on a few basic principles:

Never stay in wet clothes, change into dry clothes as soon as you reach camp.

Your base layer should wick sweat away from your body.

Your mid-layer retains your body heat, while allowing sweat to evaporate.

Your outer layers protect you from wind and rain and add warmth in cold conditions

Even in very cold conditions, if you work up a sweat and your base layer doesn’t remove it, you’ll end up cold or worse, hypodermic .

Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Even if it’s not raining, low clouds, mist and fog can make for a wet and cold hike. The wind chill factor can make a sunny day feel icy cold.

Because climbing is sometimes so hard, your core temperature rises, so it’s important that layers close to your body can wick away moisture. Sweat cools quickly and you don’t want to be toasty and warm as you move, only to be horribly cold when you stop to rest.

Tips for choosing your Damavand clothing:

Make sure the underwear has “flatlock” seams to prevent chafing and is anti-microbial.

Base layers are critical – choose merino wool or a merino/synthetic blend for best odor control and breath-ability.

Take an extra base layer for sleeping.

“Conversion” hiking pants are great for the lower slopes, where it’s usually warm enough to hike in shorts—try them on at home first to make sure they’re comfortable.

For the colder parts of the hike, you’ll need proper winter hiking pants—just make sure they’re breathable.

Waterproof pants with full-length zips make getting them on and off quick and easy

Modern technical fleeces such as Polartec brand make excellent insulation layers

If you’ve got a favorite hard shell jacket like ski jacket just make sure it’s big enough to fit over your other layers

Bring a down jacket because you’ll need this for the summit day as well as in the evenings at camp when you’re tired, you feel the cold a lot more.

Get the best light rain gear possible.

Your gloves are important: they protect you from the sun and also keep you warm. Make sure your inner glove fits comfortably inside your thermal glove/glove.

Sunglasses are very important, they should be 100% UV protection and of the “cover” variety. The sun intensifies at altitude and can reflect off ice and snow.

A lot of heat is lost from your head, so be sure to get a warm thermal hat as well as one that protects your neck from the harsh rays of the sun.

Footwear and Trekking Poles

Of course, shoes are the most important thing you need. Make sure your hiking boots are well worn, fit properly (including with thick socks) and are comfortable to walk in for long hours.

We recommend light to medium waterproof boots with good ankle support. You don’t need full hiking boots, because you don’t wear crampons and you don’t need extra weight. Sneakers are not suitable, except for wearing around the campsite.

Your hiking boots should have a rough, semi-rigid sole, and don’t forget to carry a spare pair of laces. Brands like Salomon GTX are a good example of a typical Damavand hiking shoe.

Gaiters are a good idea to prevent mud, debris and mountain slush from getting into your boots and causing irritation. They also keep the bottom of your pants clean.

Don’t skimp on your socks. Just like the layers of your clothing, the inner sock should wick moisture away from your feet, while the outer sock provides cushion and warmth. Avoid cotton socks.

Using trekking poles – or not?

This is a personal preference, but we recommend using hiking poles to help with your balance and mitigate fatigue. You can rent or buy poles, but you should practice using them at home before you travel.

Head torch & Lighting

We recommend a lightweight head torch with a strong beam. You’ll be using this around camp to and from the toilet tent at night, and on summit night. Brands such as Petzl or Black Diamond are good options. It’s very important to bring spare batteries, as the cold drains them quickly.

Some trekkers bring a small flashlight such as a mini-maglite, for lighting their tent after dark.

Sleeping

It is very cold at night in Damavand mountain . The higher you go, the more tired you will be from walking and the more you will feel the cold.

You should bring a 4-season sleeping bag with a temperature of 0F (or -15F). Bring a sleeping bag liner to keep mountain dust and dirt out of the bag and add some warmth. A small inflatable pillow is optional, most hikers pack clothing to use as a pillow, but this is a personal choice.

Sleeping gear :

Sleeping bag : -5 to -10 degrees Celsius

Sleeping mats: We provide one, but you can bring your own if you wish

Sleeping bag liner: (for more warmth or for a rented sleeping bag)

Compression Sack : for sleeping bag

Down sleeping bags have the best warmth-to-weight ratio, compress easily, and pack small. They don’t like getting wet, so be sure to bring a waterproof compression bag. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags provide better insulation than rectangular versions because they fit closer to your body. A hood is essential to prevent heat loss from your head and neck.

We provide a thin mattress pad to open your sleeping bag, but if you feel like extra padding or have a favorite backpacking pad, bring it with you.

Packages and bags:

Our porters will carry your original duffle bag throughout the day and you will only see it when you arrive at camp. You will carry all the parts and equipment needed for a daily walk in your backpack.

The North Face Basecamp duffel bag is a great choice, it’s waterproof, durable and the 90 liter version will fit all your gear. Although it is waterproof, we recommend placing your items in waterproof bags or packing cubes for added protection.

Your rucksack should be comfortable, have an adjustable shoulder strap and hip belt. You’ll be wearing this all day, so make sure you pack well, have room for a hydration bladder and water bottles, and are big enough to fit your rain gear, layers, and other daily essentials.

Not all daypacks have an internal rain cover, be sure to check and purchase it separately.

Water and snacks

2-3 liter water bladder (platypus or camelback or similar)

1-2 liter wide mouth watering bottle (Nalgene or similar) Powder formula of

Electrolyte/sports drink to add to your water

Snacks: Energy bars of your choice – plan for 2-4 per day

Optional: water purification tablets or filter pen (we provide boiled/filtered water)

Staying hydrated is very important in Damavand . If you become dehydrated, it affects your ability to adapt and puts your health at risk. We provide purified water for our hikers and recommend using a hydration system so you don’t have to stop to drink from a bottle.

A couple of wide mouth Nalgene bottles are good for having water on hand in the tent and for when you are at rest stops. Wide mouth bottles work best to prevent water from freezing as it rises up your body.

Tip: Fill your wide-mouth Nalgene bottle with hot water right before you go to bed, screw the lid on tightly—and use it as a hot water bottle overnight. Then you can drink the water the next day.

Water can get pretty boring, so it’s a good idea to include an electrolyte formula with a favorite flavor. Snacks like energy bars, trail mix, and candy can help you get a quick energy boost along the trail. Just avoid anything with caffeine in it.

Personal health and comfort

The list below is a good starting point. It is not possible to take a shower in the Damavand shelter, so antibacterial “wet wipes” are a good way to maintain personal hygiene.

Sunscreen is very important because the sun’s rays are much stronger at altitude.

Bring two rolls of toilet paper, one to use in your backpack and one to use in camp. Taking out the cardboard center makes it easier to transport.

• Toiletries: toothbrush & toothpaste, hairbrush/comb, foot powder, hand cream, deodorant, soap.
• “Baby-wipes” and anti-bacterial, hand-sanitizer wipes
• Any regular medication you are taking
• Anti-bacterial hand-sanitizer gel such as Purell
• Fingernail brush
• Nail clippers
• Ear plugs
• Sunscreen SPF 40+
• Small microfiber quick-dry towel
• Pee-bottle for night time calls of nature
• Small torch (optional)
• Headtorch
• Pocket knife (Swiss Army Knife or “Leatherman”)
• Spare contact lenses/glasses
• Toilet paper (1-2 rolls. Take out the cardboard center for easier packing)
• Camera/phone/ipod
• Spare batteries

Medical Supplies

Our guides carry a comprehensive medical kit, but for minor scrapes and blisters you should carry a few things. If you are in doubt about what you should bring with you, we recommend that you speak to your doctor or healthcare professional before you travel.

Personal first-aid Kit

• Blister plasters – different shapes and sizes
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Band-Aid/Elastoplast for minor cuts and scrapes
• Ibuprofen/Paracetamol – over the counter pain relief
• Skin healing ointment such as Aquaphor
• Immodium for diarrhea
• Anti-nausea medication
• Any prescription medications
• Diamox (if using)

Top Tips for Preparing your Damavand Gear

Start early. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Check the items in the list and get the ones you don’t have

Practice packing and unpacking your bags and backpacks – knowing where everything goes can come in handy on those cold mornings when you’re trying to get going.

Practice walking with your boots, poles and rucksack. Try switching your daypack on and off, adjusting it to suit different combinations of layers.

Remember what you do before and after the climb, you can leave extra luggage at the hotel during the climb.

Don’t be too shy to ask us! Contact us with any questions and one of our friendly and experienced team members will be happy to help.