Thinking about survival at -32 degrees really focuses the mind. The big stuff's obvious - ski-wear ain't gonna cut it, so we definitely need to get our hands on some down filled mountaineering jacket. The Africa Walking Company hire Anapurna Jackets by Mountain Equipment, which are generally considered the dog's doo-dahs, and we're happy with that.
The boys all agree that it's best to hire one first time round and buy one if we get bitten by the mountaineering bug (although bearing in mind the jacket is filled with natural fibres and would have previously adorned umpteen sweaty, unwashed and generally "mountain filthy" bodies, I'd be amazed if it's the only bug we get be bitten by).
JK might buy his own, so he can put it on every now and then in the future to remind himself of the trek. Nice touch, and it would definitely help out with the heating bills.
Gooner D, rightfully concerned that the only sizes available for hire (M, L and XL mens) would swamp her, decides to buy herself the women's version - the Cho Oyo jacket. This turns out to be much more difficult that anticipated, with only two available on the world wide web during the Springtime - but she will never freeze at the Arsenal again.
Would-be travellers be warned, it's much easier to get this stuff in winter, so planning ahead is a good idea.
The not-so-obvious things that we also decide to hire are: 4-season sleeping bags (so we can sleep easy, knowing our tits and knackers will still be attached when we wake up), a foam mattress (so we can get some sleep in the first place - much more comfy than just the half-inch insulating mat), and walking poles.
I wasn't sure about walking poles, but JG has severe knee-knack, mine are a bit dodgy, JK wants all the help he can get, and Cousin Ken, who has spent the last 40 years skipping up mountains on the Isle of Skye looking at Eagles, can't recommend them highly enough. Apparently you need one for on the way up, two for on the way down.
Your knees and ankles will spend the rest of your life thanking you, but be warned, most people get so focused on where to place the poles, they forget to stop and admire the scenery. Good tip!
