Vitaliy Musiyenko's Essential Climbing Gear for the Goliath Traverse

How did Vitaliy Musiyenko survive on a 33.3-pound pack during the longest technical ridge traverse in the Western Hemisphere? By restricting himself to 3.8 pounds of climbing gear, 3.5 pounds of camping gear, 17 pounds of dwindling grub, and a parched, 9-pound water capacity. He’d also shed 16.5 pounds himself along the way. Here’s the climbing gear he brought (*and didn’t).

Climbing Gear

Petzl Pur Line

Ultra-lightweight and durable, this hyperstatic cord is perfect for climbers and mountaineers. The Pur Line is 6mm thick and comes in two different lengths, 65m or 200m. Ideal for hauling packs during your trek, it also features a rough sheath for a firm grip and easy handling.

[$239.95; petzl.com]

Petzl Sirocco Climbing Helmet 

Lightweight yet durable, this helmet sits lower in the back for maximum coverage. It’s shaped for maximum comfort and provides excellent ventilation.

[$109.95; petzl.com]

Edelrid Dyneema 8mm Sling

The Edelrid Dyneema Sling is 8mm thick and comes in various colors and lengths fit for all sorts of adventures. Its high-strength, super-light core provides maximum reliability while keeping weight to a minimum for climbing.

[price varies; edelrid.com]

Edelrid Micro Jul Belay

Compact and light, the Edelrid Micro Jul Belay can be used for both half ropes and twin ropes. Offering high-braking performance, its robust stainless steel composition provides ultimate safety.

[price varies; edelrid.com]

CAMP Nano 22 Carabiner

Lighter than its predecessor, the Nano 22 carabiner is versatile and functional with a variety of ropes and comes in multiple colors. Its easy-to-use design and durability make it an easy choice for a new generation of climbers.

[$6.95; campsaver.com x 2]

Climbing nuts x 4 (40g each)

Camping Equipment

Zpacks Nero 38L Robic Backpack

This compact, frameless backpack is the smart choice for long-distance climbs, treks, and interminable technical traverses where lightweight travel is key. The Nero Robin Backpack’s combo of durability and next-to-nothing weight won’t make the climbing itself any easier—just possible.

[$199; zpacks.com]

Zpacks 30F Solo Quilt

This minimalist quilt ensures comfort and warmth on your adventures and stuffs into virtually nothing. It comes in three different measurements for width and length, with four color options.

[$369; zpacks.com]

Mountain Laurel Designs Superlight Solo Bivy Sack

The innovative Superlight Solo Bivy Sack has a durable, water-repellent top that’ll keep you dry if not quite as cozy as your bed at home. As its name suggests, this is about the lightest crib (of sorts) you can carry into the backcountry.

[$185; mountainlaureldesigns.com]

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad

The Uberlite Sleeping Pad offers an even ratio between weight and warmth while shielding your aching back from that resting-on-granite experience. The comfiest insulated sleeping pad in its weight class, the Uberlite also ensures minimal environmental impact.

[$189.95–$249.95; thermarest.com]

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Inflatable Pillow

Even Vitaliy Musiyenko wouldn’t be without a pillow in the High Sierra. This soft, inflatable, polyester must-have is so weightless and stuffable that you’ll forget it’s there until you need it. Offering adjustable, contoured head support, the pillow also has a unique lock system to ensure stability at night.

[$39.95-$44.95; seatosummit.com]

Emergency blanket, cut to specific body width (20g)

BRS 3000T Stove

Weighing in at just 26g, BRS’s 3000T Stove is a tiny workhorse, packing enough power to boil water in approximately three minutes. Simple to set up, it’s a no-brainer for backcountry camping, hiking, and big-league treks.

[$16.95; amazon.com]

Toaks Light Titanium 550ml Pot

Titanium is the bomb for durable, lightweight cookware. This Toaks pot will whip up a good meal wherever you take it, and cleans quick and easy before neatly stowing away in an included mesh carrying bag.

[$29.95; toaksoutdoor.com]

Trango Piranha Knife

Small and compact, the Trango Piranha Knife is tough enough to last for years. Its serrated blade is as handy as that bottle opener after a taxing day on the trails.

[$19.95; trango.com]

HydraPak 3L Seeker Collapsible Water Container

Constructed from ultra-durable elastic material, HydraPak can withstand both cold and hot temperatures while collapsing into nothing when it’s emptied. Heavy liquids are about as light and compact as they’re gonna get with this smart container.

[$27; rei.com]

Nalgene 1L bottle (106g) Ibuprofen, vitamins, lip balm, toilet paper, two lighters, duct tape

Clothes

Black Diamond Technician Pro Alpine Pants

Black Diamond’s signature lightweight alpine pants offer maximum durability, solid four-way stretch, and will never drag you down. Suitable for all climates, the breathable fabric regulates heat for ultimate comfort.

[$159; blackdiamondequipment.com]

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody

Constructed with feel-good recycled materials, Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer offers optimal insulation and warmth while keeping things light when you’re on the move. Thoughtful design features include double zipped pockets for security and a carabiner clip loop.

[$325; mountainhardwear.com]

Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket

Built for stormy weather and light travel, the Visp Rain Jacket holds up with waterproof material and solid breathability. A fitted hood provides extra protection when the gusts and rain pick up.

[$210; enlightenedequipment.com]

La Sportiva TX Guide Shoes

La Sportiva’s TX Guide shoes are the perfect hybrid—providing the cushion of running shoes with the durability and sturdiness of climbing shoes. Geared for fast, light performance in even the toughest terrain, your feet will repeatedly thank you for these.

[$159; sportiva.com]

InjiInji Liner Crew NuWool Socks

Blister protection and odor resistance are more than virtues on the trail. These soft, thermal, foot-saving liners will keep you and your toes happy during the longest hiking day. Built for way out there, they’re plenty comfortable for everyday use too.

[$13; injinji.com]

Zpacks Goose Socks 

Yeah, they look fun to wear—but ZPacks Goose Socks are more than just pretty booties to lounge around in back at the campsite. On those frigid nights in the mountains, they’ll save your idle feet from that lousy freezing feeling.

[$69.95; Zpackszpacks.com]

Electronics

Goal Zero Flip 12 Power Bank

Sleek, stylish, and compact, the Goal Zero Power Bank can be charged using a USB or solar energy. Convenient for on-the-go charge and long treks with zero outlet access, this power bank keeps your essentials fully functional in the middle of nowhere.

[$19.95; goalzero.com]

Apple Iphone 12

Apple’s iPhone doesn’t need much introduction. The 12 comes in a variety of colors, with a mini option and the latest supreme, pocket-sized camera quality.

[$699; apple.com]

Garmin InReach Mini

A safety essential, the Garmin InReach Mini tracks your location, allows for two-way messaging, and can send SOS signals from anywhere. It also has a weather forecast service to keep you alert on what’s coming your way.

[$349.99; garmin.com]

Nitecore NU25 Headlamp

There’s nothing the Nitecore NU25 Headlamp won’t illuminate—while biking, hiking, camping, and summiting your 60th peak in the Sierra. Equipped with three light sources, adjustable brightness levels, and modes for any time of day, this user-friendly essential comes with a USB rechargeable battery for long-lasting use.

[$29.56; nitecorestore.com]

Meals

B: Oatmeal with chocolate, raisins, nuts, 1 scoop protein powder. Instant coffee
L: 1 ProBar per day (Chocolate-Coconut and S’mores), energy gels, mixed protein bars, more chocolate
D: Freeze-dried meals repacked in Ziplocs to save weight

*Nah: Sunscreen, toothbrush, underwear

-----------------------------

By: Chris Van Leuven
Title: Vitaliy Musiyenko's Essential Climbing Gear for the Goliath Traverse
Sourced From: www.mensjournal.com/gear/climbing-gear-vitaliy-musiyenko/
Published Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:12:08 +0000

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