Climbing the mountains of Kilimanjaro and the Matterhorn showed me that layering is everything. I discovered almost immediately that the only things that matter are a merino baselayer and waterproof shell. Test your kit out at home and get the right fit. Something comfortable at sea level is a whole new experience above 4,000 m. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Spending money on the right gear for extreme environments makes a huge difference. We argued about it, but finally chose lightweight insulated boots and moisture-wicking fabrics for our Antarctic and Andean trips. It was the right move. Focus on fit and test your stuff in real weather if you can. Gear that works in one climate might fail the moment conditions get bad. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email