Mountaineering Equipment List

The list below is for our mountaineering trips in areas such as the North Cascades, Ecuador, and winter trips to the Adirondacks, Katahdin, or Mount Washington. Please keep in mind that the equipment you choose to bring can greatly affect the quality of your experience. Each trip and climb is slightly different, please discuss the objectives with your guide and adjust accordingly.

During our trips we will try to spend a great deal of time the mountains. In order to maximize our time there, everyone needs to travel as easily as possible while still carrying needed gear. In general you should select lightweight equipment, and avoid carrying anything extra that can be reasonably duplicated by other items you already have packed. All technical climbing equipment will be provided by Alpine Endeavors. However if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it.

Equipment:

Climbing gear:

  • Summit pack - to carry on the climb (2500 - 3000 cui)
  • Helmet*
  • Harness* - with a locking carabiner*, belay device*
  • Ice Axe* - lightweight and not too long (under 60cm), leashes are generally not used - BD Venom, Grivel Evo, etc.
  • Ice Tools* - if longer ice routes are planned - bring two tools
  • Crampons* - 10 or 12 point, flatpoint crampons that fit your boots
  • 3 or 4 locking carabiners designed for use with the Munter hitch.
  • 2 double-shoulder length runners with 2 carabiners each
  • 2 single-shoulder length runners with 2 carabiners each
  • Cordelette - 5-6 meters of 6mm or 7mm of pure nylon cord. Tech cords are not as helpful for rescue work and hitches
  • Prussik set - one waist loop and one foot loop set of cords
  • Headlamp - with extra batteries
  • Toiletries (medications, sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera - optional

Camping Gear:

  • Keep in mind that on certain climbs, we may be climbing with all of our gear - so light is right.
  • Sleeping Bag - for winter conditions (minus 20 degrees or more)
  • Sleeping Pad - Therma rest or Ridge rest (four season pad)
  • Tent - four season- you can share one with your guide
  • Lantern - optional, but can be nice for the long hours in the tent
  • Back Pack - 4000 - 5000 cubic inches to carry all on the approach
  • Back pack liner - to pack your gear in to keep it dry - either large garbage bags, or better yet Sea to Summit pack liners
  • Stove* - Each party with guide will share a stove
  • Fuel* - We will pick this up before we head out
  • Cook Pots* - Compact and very light
  • Plastic Bowl, Mug, & Eating Utensils - Compact and very light
  • Lighter and Matches
  • Water bottles (at least 2) and/or Thermos
  • Water bottle parkas to cover water bottles and protect from freezing
  • Water Purification* - Tablets or iodine drops are simplest, guides will provide
  • Pocket Knife/tool - for repairs, etc.
  • Repair Kit - crampon adjustment tools, etc..
  • Medical Kit - Professional standard and small
  • Sun Glasses - 100% UV - wrap-a-round work fine, glacier glasses are better
  • Sunscreen & lip protection
  • Personal Toiletries - t.p, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc
  • Specialty gear depending on trip:
  • Backcountry skis, poles and boots
  • Snowshoes
  • Equipment sled
  • Avalanche safety equipment (beacons, probe, shovel)

* Items with an asterisk are available for loan through Alpine Endeavors

Food:

• Freeze dried mountain dinners will be provided. You need to provide breakfast and lunches.

Clothing:

  • Wear items that you can move comfortably in and try to layer when possible, NO COTTON!
  • Shell parka with hood - Gore-tex, event, etc.
  • Shell pants - Gore-tex, event etc. - be sure they have full side zips on the legs
  • T-shirt - synthetic or wool (capalene, coolmax, merino, etc.)
  • Wicking top and bottom first layer - capalene, bergaline, merino, etc..
  • Lightweight insulating top and bottom layer - micro fleece, etc
  • Heavier insulating top layer - 200 or 300 weight polartec
  • A large insulated parka to go over all the clothes you have on to keep you warm while you are standing around.
  • Hat and/or balaclava. Especially a thin one to wear under the helmet
  • Gloves and mittens - bring at least three pairs; one pair should be thin
  • Synthetic or wool socks & liners if needed
  • High gators - to keep the snow out of your boots
  • Face Mask
  • Goggles
  • Camp down booties - optional (to wear around camp)

Note: If you wear contact lenses you should bring a pair of glasses as a back up.

Download a copy of our Mountaineering Equipment List