EQUIPMENT
Mt. Fuji Climbing Equipments
We will introduce you from basic equipments required for climbing Mt. Fuji to carefully selected items with functionality in mind and useful goods for mountain climbing.
Check out the equipments that suit your style and enjoy comfortable mountain climbing!
Basic equipments
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Trekking shoes
Trekking shoes are one of the most important gears on trekking. Unlike the sneakers you usually wear, choose sturdy and well-fitting shoes that can withstand walking on steep mountain paths for long periods of time. With a middle cut that covers the ankle, the lightweight type made of nylon material is suitable for climbing Mt. Fuji. The harder sole will make it easier to walk on rocky areas near the top of a mountain. The waterproof type that can withstand sudden changes in weather will help you climb the mountain.
Rent trekking shoes -
Backpack
To cilmb Mt. Fuji, A backpack with a capacity of 30-35L is suitable. When packing warm clothes, water bottle, and change of clothes when wet and small items, you will find that there is a large amount of luggage. However, if you carry too much luggage, you will get tired. Let's keep them to the minimum necessaries. Also, it is a good idea to have a backpack cover in case it rains.
Rent backpack -
Warm clothes
Even in midsummer, the temperature difference between the base and the top of the mountain is about 20 degrees. It's a good idea to think that the seasons are completely different at the foot of the mountain and at the top. As the altitude increases, the temperature decreases. Not only while climbing but while staying at hut, you will need cold weather gear when waiting for the sun to rise at the top of the mountain and also. Be sure to bring one of these with you like thin down jackets, fleece jacket, sweaters, jackets, etc. Many people say I didn't expect it to be this cold.
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Rain gear
The weather in the mountains can change easily, so it's important to bring rain gear with you. The separate top and bottom types (jacket and pants) are convenient and easy to move around. Jackets are not only good for rain, it can also be used as cold weather gear to protect your body from strong winds and low temperatures. A poncho is convenient because it can be worn completely over the body and even the backpack is covered but on the contrary, in strong winds, it tends to become meaningless.
Rent rain gear -
Hat
A hat is essential to prevent sunstroke and heat stroke. Once you pass through the forest area from the trailhead, you will be exposed to the sun directly. Since the ultraviolet rays in the mountains are stronger than you might imagine prepare a hat with a large brim. Since Mt. Fuji is often subject to gusty winds it would be helpful if the hat had a chin strap or elastic to prevent it from flying off.
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Headlight
Aiming for the surise at the top, a headlight is a necessary item for climbing Mt. Fuji, where you walk in the dark before sunrise. A headlight is a climbing light with a band that can put your head. The feature is that you can keep both hands free. The one for climbing is small and lightweight and is also bright with LED lights and has a long battery life. Make sure to have spare batteries on hand just in case.
Rent headlight -
Gloves
Prepare gloves (or work gloves) to prevent injury and protect you from the cold. It protects your hands when you fall. It's easy to forget in the middle of summer, but this is useful when climbing in the rain or waiting for the sun to rise at the top of a mountain.
Buy glove
Equipments considering functionality
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Basic of clothing
There are some basic ideas about what to wear when hiking in the mountains. It's "layered". Layering is very important since temperature difference is particularly large when climbing Mt. Fuji.The basics of layering is to take off one layer when it gets hot and put on another layer when it gets cold. It's easier to layer clothes if each piece of clothing isn't too thick. During normal mountain climbing, you repeatedly put on and take off your clothes to maintain a comfortable temperature but at Mt. Fuji, it's getting colder and colder, so you heve to layer more as you get higher. Starting with a short-sleeved shirt when leaving gradually add layers of long-sleeved shirts and windproof jackets.
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Inner shirts and pants
You will sweat while climbing, so your underwear and T-shirt will get wet. If sweat doesn't dry quickly, it takes away body heat and makes your body cold. To prevent yourself from getting cold, it's the best to wear underwear closest to the skin and T-shirts made of synthetic fiber or wool material that absorb water and dry quickly. The most important part of mountaineering wear is the inner part.
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Long-sleeve shirt
In addition to your short-sleeved T-shirt, make sure to carry at least one long-sleeved shirt. The standard mountain shirt is one with a checkered pattern but a long-sleeved T-shirt or a light windbreaker is also fine. During mountain climbing, you have to adjust the temperture around you frequently so we recommend one that is not too thick and has a design that is easy to put on and take off. It can be used not only to protect you from the cold, but also to protect you from sunburn.
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Sox
Choose thick socks for climbing. The climbing socks are durable, retain heat and dry quickly. Thicker ones are safer because they protect your feet. Wearing two layers of socks is not good. This can lead to blisters on your feet. For People who tend to peel off their heels or have bunions it is a good idea to apply tape or blister prevention pads beforehand.
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Pants
Trekking pants and jerseys are convenient and easy to move around in. Recently, styles of layering shorts or skirts with functional tights have become popular. Some women substitute thick stockings for functional tights. This doesn't cover the functionality. Materials that dry as quickly as possible when wet will definitely make walking more comfortable. Jeans are also a no-no for the same reason.
Useful goods
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Stocks
Stocks are useful when descending mountains where you are prone to leg and back fatigue such as knee pain. Using two stocks makes it easier to balance and reduces the strain on your knees.
Rent stocks -
Spats
Spats are originally used to cover the feet on rainy days or when there is snow. For Mt.Fuji climbing, it is useful for descending. That prevents sand and pebbles from getting into your shoes on sandy areas.
Rent spats -
Portable oxygen
It can be expected to help prevent altitude sickness and refresh your mood. Climbing specialty stores also sell oxygen in the form of adding a drop to water.
Buy portable oxygen -
Earplug
For those who are concerned about noise and snoring when taking a nap in a mountain hut, it is extremely difficult to get a good night's sleep in a mountain hut in an unfamiliar environment. Earplugs don't add up to much luggage.
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Coin purse
There is a charge to use toilet in the mountain hut. Prepare about ten 100 yen coins in advance and it is convenient to keep them in your coin purse. The point is to keep bills and coins separately.
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Inner sleeping bag, facecloth
Futons are provided at the mountain hut but we recommend carrying an compact inner sleeping bag for those who are sensitive to cold or those who like cleanliness. A facecloth can be used as a pillowcase or a blindfold.
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Wet wipes
There is no water for washing at Mt. Fuji. Bring wet wipes wiping sweat and removing sunscreen.
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Taping tape
It's a good idea to carry taping tape and bandages in your first aid kit. A taping tape can be used as first aid measures when peeling off the sole of the shoe.
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Face mask and sunglasses
These are also useful items when descending the mountain. To walk in the dust, it is safe to cover your face with a mask or sunglasses.