Gear List For Mountaineering Skills Courses

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
[  ] Crampons: 10-12 point adjustable crampons designed for ice climbing. Camp Cassin C14
[  ] Ice Axe: An ice axe designed for general mountaineering.
[  ] Climbing Harness: A comfortable, adjustable climbing harness. Camp Group II
[  ] Helmet: A lightweight climbing helmet. Camp Rock Star
[  ] Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm and thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet. Camp Race Hat
[  ] Balaclava/Neck Gaiter: Optional but recommended Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch
[  ] Ball Hat/Sun Hat: Optional. A lightweight ball cap or sun hat.
[  ] Sun Glasses: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses. Julbo Dolgan
[  ] Lightweight glove: One pair of fleece gloves. Camp G Lite Wind
[  ] Medium Weight Glove: Wind/water resistant insulated mountain gloves. Camp G Tech Dry
[  ] 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
[  ] Base Layer Top and Bottom: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top will be used as your base layer. Zip-neck styles will allow for better temperature regulation. Patagonia Capilene 3
[  ] Light Insulating Layer/Soft Shell Top: A fleece or other insulation layer. Patagonia R1 Hoody
[  ] Hard Shell Jacket with Hood: Wind/rain Proof. Gore-Tex recommended. First Ascent Storm Shell
[  ] 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. Camp ED Protection Jacket
[  ] Climbing Pants: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days, or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well you do in the cold. First Ascent Guide Lite
[  ] Hard Shell Pants: A pant made of breathable rain and wind-proof material will be needed. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons in cold, inclement weather. First Ascent Rainier Storm Shell
[  ] 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. Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles
[  ] Heavyweight Socks: Either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction. Smartwool Mountaineer
[  ] Sunscreen