Carstensz Gear List Focus on Clothing

If you’ve dreamed of climbing the highest peak on the continent of Oceania, you’ve undoubtedly had a look at a Carstensz Gear List. If you go to the different guide companies they will put up their list for you to read and prepare. My own biggest gripe about the average Carstensz Gear List is that they seem pretty copy/paste and don’t consider the serious and extreme conditions that you will endure on this trek and climb.

Carstensz Gear List: Bali Tourism

Many of the guides and outfitters that service this area will include a day or two before and/or after your trek and climb in Bali or another beach resort area.

Bali Clothing:

• 1 – Swimsuit – fast drying works best
• 1 – Thin airy travel pants
• 2 – Thin airy travel shirt
• 2 – Thin airy undies

That should be all you need in the way of clothing for your beach resort phase of your expedition.

Carstensz Gear List: Papua Clothing

You might be in the West Island area, maybe Timika, for a few days waiting on weather for your flight. It might be a bit cooler at times, and insects and rain could also affect your comfort level. You will be leaving a bag in Bali most likely, and some outfitters do not return to Timika to get a bag left there. That means that everything you have in Timika will be going on the trek with you. Do not bring your Bali clothing on the trek. You will want some relatively clean and decent smelling clothes to put on when you return to Bali. So when you leave Bali, wear the following.

Timika Clothing:

• 1 – very thin, very light weather resistant trekking pants
• 1 – thin and light base layer shirt
• 1 – thin and light undies
• 1 – thin light water-resistant windbreaker
• 1 – tech (running) baseball cap

Remember, these are your trekking clothes. You should be fine in Timika with those items on.

Carstensz Gear List: Trekking Clothing

The trek might be the worst part of the trip. It can be long, miserable, wet, muddy, and get colder each day you’re out. Then on the return trek it will get warmer each day. While most outfitters will give an estimated time for the trek do not get locked into that. Allow a few extra days for roadblocks, weather and emergencies. The less you have with you the better, overall. If you’re already experienced in expeditions, such as having climbed Kili, you know. Otherwise, get used to having to wear the same set of clothing for a couple of weeks. You already have some of these trekking items in your Timika list so add in the following.

Trekking List

• 1 – pair of quick drying shorts
• 1 – set of alternative or backup undies
• 1 – tech fabric t-shirt
• 1 – thin waterproof/breathable parka with zipper vents
• 1 – thin waterproof/breathable pants with zipper vents
• 1 – thin tech (helmet liner) beanie
• 1 – fleece jacket with hood
• 2 – pair fleece gloves with rubber pads, one pair weather resistant

Carstensz Gear List: Climbing Clothing

For climbing day on Carstensz you’ll be on jagged limestone cliffs using fixed ropes. I recommend that you keep this second set of clothes zipped up tight in a waterproof cargo bag and do not touch it until you get dressed to head for the summit in the middle of the night. You can use your windbreaker and waterproof/breathable jacket and pants if you have been able to keep them dry. If you have any doubts, add in the extra set to this list.

Summit Day Clothing

• 1 – pair rugged thin softshell climbing pants
• 1 – pair undies reserved for summit day
• 1 – base layer set (pants/shirt)
• 1 – fleece/hybrid/softshell jacket
• 1 – medium weight synthetic puffy
• 2 – pair treated leather gloves
• 1 – synthetic buff (neck tube)

Climbing Carstensz might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Do not go cheap and do not risk having the wrong clothing.

Carstensz Gear List Consulting

If you are in need of further information about the Carstensz gear list, based on my own successful experiences, then please, buy the book I wrote about my climb Carstensz, Stone Age to Iron Age.

If you need some question answered that isn’t covered here or in my book, I do offer Google Helpouts consultations at a great rate, and they’re well worth the money and time. I have consulted with dozens of people about their own concerns for a Carstensz trip, and so far several have already had successful climbs. If you take a chance on Carstensz, you should definitely increase the odds in your favor.