A step away from a luxury car camping setup, alpine camping equipment is hyper lightweight, minimalist and smaller than your average camp gear. From the campsite to the cook site, we stock durable and top of the line alpine expedition gear for your campsite needs. 

FAQs

What alpine cooking stoves do you recommend for high altitude expeditions?

High altitude camping brings an array of challenges, including low oxygen and the extreme cold. For high altitude cooking, you will need a different camping gas mix high in propane. An alternate fuel is liquid camping fuel, which is a winner in colder climates. Offering you diverse fuel options easily found internationally, liquid camping fuel can seem heavier, but gives you better bang for your buck. Camping fuel canisters are reusable, durable and work with various fuel lines. Lightweight camping stoves from brands including Soto, MSR, Jetboil and Optimus are reliable in the extreme, with versatile protective features to keep your flame going in the strongest winds. Some brands offer multifuel stoves, a great option for the diverse mountaineer who wants versatility on the road. Windshield can be used for alpine cooking, though always check the manufacturers label, as some do not recommend their use. Stove servicing kits are an important long term alpine camp accessory to have, as all stoves should be serviced regularly. 

What are some durable, lightweight cookware options?

When trekking an alpine trail, weight is important, but reliability is everything. Stainless or Aluminium pot sets from Trangia, MSR, Primus and Sea To Summit are the gold standard. Surviving heavy use, lightweight camping pots come in many shapes and sizes, with pan options available for a campsite cook-up. Most lightweight pots come with a lightweight detachable handle that can be used on multiple pots and pans. Another campsite cookware addition is a fuel stand or canister stabiliser, which stops your camp fuel from tipping over. Lightweight camping cutlery comes in all shapes and sizes, from foldable forks, sporks and sliding spatulas, these cooking tools will ensure your inner alpine chef can fuel you along the way. Larger pot support additions allow you to cook for the whole mountaineering team, supporting wider based camp cooking pots.

What water carrying expedition equipment does Paddy Pallin stock?

Carrying fresh water for cooking and drinking is essential for the success of your alpine expedition, especially in large groups. Large water sacks, water bags and water cells are always available at Paddy Pallin. These durable water carrying bags are lightweight, and can handle the rough nature of the trail. These water cells also don’t affect the taste, meaning you can drink straight from the water bag! For carrying non drinking water, Paddy Pallin also stocks foldable buckets, camping sinks and foldable camping showers. These water carrying equipment are extremely lightweight, and a great camp equipment addition for longer journeys or with large groups. 

What lightweight camp accessories do you recommend for a better alpine mountaineering experience?

For an elevated camp site experience, you can’t go past the lightweight foam chairs from Therm-a-rest. When relaxing outside, in your tent or cooking up a storm, soft foam camping seats take the edge off a long day of adventuring. Lightweight quilts are a great expedition gear addition, with multiple uses around the campsite and in the tent. There's nothing better than draping your lightweight camping quilt around you, watching the sunrise on the peaks of the W track. For camp cooking, insulated sleeves for pots and bowls are a great way to decrease the cook time and keep your meal warm. Remember to ensure you get pot specific thermal sleeves that are fireproof! Bringing an easy firestarter is highly recommended when trekking through remote areas. Easy and quick, fire steels are a great addition to alpine gear. Piezo igniters are also lightweight and extremely reliable, commonly integrated into stoves, carrying an additional ignitor is always a great idea. 

How do I keep my camping pots clean?

Lightweight soaps and sanitizers from Sea to Summit are a camp staple, and offer versatile soaps for the kitchen and laundry. Highly concentrated, camping soaps can also come in soap leaves, meaning all you have to add is water! Most camping kitchen gear has a non-stick coating, so be sure to use a soft sponge or cloth when scrubbing out your lightweight camping pots.