Gear List For Winter Mountaineering

Our goal is to make your mountain adventure as memorable and comfortable as possible. To do this, you must be properly prepared. We provide all of the technical gear that you will need for an awesome adventure. However, we ask that you please bring your own clothing – including but not limited to: a base layer for top and bottom, climbing or snow pants, some insulating layers and jackets, socks and warm gloves or mittens. When selecting clothing for your adventure, choose synthetic materials, wool, or fleece as cotton will absorb sweat and freeze – increasing the chances of hypothermia.

For your convenience, we have the mandatory gear available for rent! We also have a small selection of clothing available for rent if you are missing anything listed above. Upon completion of registration, you will receive a welcome packet via email with a gear rental form that you will complete and return to reserve the gear you need for you adventure!

Mandatory Items

Guides Pick
[  ] Pack with Waist Strap: A 3000 cu. in. pack is the recommended size for one day climbs. Your pack MUST have a waist strap. A backpack will not suffice. Camp M4
[  ] Insulated Parka: This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. This should be an expeditionary-type heavy parka that extends well below the waist and above the knees. Goose down is recommended versus synthetic fill. It does not have to be waterproof, but that is a nice feature. The parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day and as an emergency garment if needed. When sizing a parka, allow for several layers to be worn underneath; buy it large. The parka must have an insulated hood.
[  ] Crampons: 10-12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering. Camp Stalker Universal
[  ] Ice Axe:The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5’8″, use a 65 cm. axe; 5’8″ to 6’2″, use a 70 cm. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground. Camp Neve
[  ] Headlamp: Petzl Tikka XP2
[  ] Trekking Poles: Optional but recommended. Lightweight and collapsible. Camp Backcountry Carbon
[  ] Mountaineering Boots: Insulated plastic boots are the preferred choice for ascents on Mt. Rainier. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Leather mountaineering boots that have completely rigid soles are also adequate, but they will need to be insulated and may still result in cold feet on summit day. Lightweight hiking boots without insulation are not acceptable as they don’t work well with crampons, or in very cold or wet weather. Scarpa Inverno
[  ] Gaiters: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing. OR Crocodile
[  ] Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm and thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet. Camp Race Hat
[  ] Goggles: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights. Smith Scope Pro
[  ] Balaclava/Neck Gaiter: Optional but recommended Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch
[  ] Heavy Insulated Glove/Mitten: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.  Marmot Expedition Mitt
[  ] Sun Glasses: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses. Julbo Dolgan
[  ] Goggles: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights. Smith Scope Pro
[  ] Hardshell Jacket: Goretex outer layer to block rain and wind. Marmot Precip
[  ] Hardshell Pants: Goretex outer layer to block rain and wind. Marmot Precip