All of the items listed below are required and It is extremely important to the success and safety of your course that you bring them all. Weather conditions can vary dramatically and you must be prepared!

On the left are the items you will need and on the right are some examples and recommendations from our guides. The recommended items represent some of the best gear and clothing in each category that we use ourselves, but you may find other items that will also be appropriate.

Any questions give us a call at: 877-686-2546

Technical Gear

Crampons

General mountaineering 10-12 point crampons with either straps. Rigid ice climbing crampons are not recommended for the mountaineering section of the course. We will have ice climbing crampons available to try out for the day of ice climbing

Ice Axe

The length depends roughly on your height and intended use. For general mountaineering, the axe should hang a few inches above the ground when held comfortably in your hand. Ex. A 5'10" person would have a 70cm axe

Harness

Look for a lightweight alpine climbing harness.

Helmet

A climbing specific helmet is required, a bike helmet will not do. There are some very comfortable lightweight helmets on the market now.

Adjustable Ski Poles

Must have the larger snow baskets... no small trekking baskets.

Other Gear

Mountaineering Boots

You need a highly insulated stiff mountaineering boot. Either a leather or double plastic boot. Regular hiking boots wont do.

Lightweight Hiking Boots or Approach Shoes

Mid top or high top preferable, but low tops will work

Backpack

An internal frame backpack 28-45 liters in size. Ice axe loops on the outside are a good feature

Sleeping Bag

Rated 10 deg to 20 deg is ideal. Down or synthetic, but down is much lighter and a better performer. 850 fill down performs much better than 650 fill.

Sleeping Pad

Either closed cell or inflatable

Headlamp (with extra batteries)

2 One Liter Wide Mouth Water Bottles

Full Wrap Sunglasses or Glacier Glasses

They must be dark lens full wrap or glacier glasses with side shields. Visible light transmission should be around 6%. By comparison, driving sunglasses have around 20% visible light transmission which is not appropriate.

Clothing for Climbing

For clothing, we emphasize a layering system in which we put on and take off layers of clothing depending on the outside temperature and the level of activity.

Outer Waterproof Shell Jacket (hard shell) with Hood

A waterproof & breathable shell jacket with no additional insulation sewn in. Lightweight is better.

Outer Waterproof Shell Pant

Must be waterproof & breathable with side zippers.
 

Climbing Pant (soft shell)

A lighter weight non-waterproof pant that breathes much better than waterproof pants. This is what you will probably be wearing most of the time
 

Mid-weight to Heavy-weight Long Underwear Base Layer

Synthetic or Wool.

2-3 Synthetic Short Sleeve T-shirts

Synthetic or wool

2-3 Midweight Long Underwear Base Layer Top

Synthetic or wool

Insulating Layer - Lightweight

Fleece or wool

Insulated Parka

Down or synthetic fill puffy parka with a hood. Down is lighter.

Warm Hat

Wool or synthetic

Sun Hat or Ball Cap

3 Pairs Socks

Mid weight to heavy weight wool or synthetic socks. If you normally use liners then bring them also

Insulated Glove - Heavy Weight

Water resistant & wind proof and highly insulated

Lightweight Glove

These do not have to be water resistant. Fleece or soft shell is fine

Clothing for Travel

A selection of cotton clothing such as shorts, pants, collared shirts, t-shirts, underwear, etc. for travel and in-town. (We will be going out to some good restaurants)

Other Important Items

Suncscreen

30 SPF or higher

Lip Balm

15 SPF or higher

Toilet Paper

A small amount

Baby Wipes

Small Personal Kit

Personal medications, Toothbrush, Small amount of toothpaste, blister kit, etc. (the guide will have a full first aid kit)

Camera

Pocket sized is best

Foam Ear Plugs

For wind and hut noise

Stuff Sacks

For organization

We reserve the right to refuse services to any client deemed inadequately prepared at the meeting point.