Climbing Equipment
Rental
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Ice Axe w/Leash
General mountaineering tool. Sizing is important: under 5'7" use a 60cm tool; 5'7"- 6'1" use a 65cm tool; over 6'1" use a 70cm tool. (Too short is preferable to too long). No rubberized grips-they are heavy and do not plunge well into the snow. Make sure that you have a leash that is designed for use on a glacier axe or a leash that you make from 9/16 webbing.
$39
Crampons
With flat rather than 'cookie cutter' frame rails. Your crampons should be steel, not aluminum for strength and durability. A combination heel bail/toe strap is a more universal system than a heel and toe bail system. We strongly recommend crampons with anti-balling plates
40 ft 6mm Acessory Cord
For Prussiks. Please bring as a continuous piece, prussiks are cut as part of the curriculum. Choose cord that is soft and supple.
$22
Climbing helmet .
Carabiners
Non-Locking Carabiners: 4 oval or D shaped carabiners. Wire gate carabiners are lighter and stronger than standard gate carabiners.
$20
Alpine Climbing Harness plus two locking carabiners .
Harness should fit over all clothing, have gear loops, adjustable leg loops and be reasonably comfortable to hang suspended in. Make sure you can get into the harness without having to step through any part of it.
Footwear
$56
Double Plastic Climbing Boots
Good quality climbing boot with a removable inner boot. Avoid tight fit with heavy socks. Comfort is key in buying boots. Spend a little extra time walking around the store or take them home and wear them around your house to make sure the fit is right. A little big is always better than a little small. In mid-season (approximately July 15 - August 31) one can use non-plastic 'technical' mountaineering boots. (Do not bring crampon compatible leather hiking boots! You may be asked to rent a pair of our plastic boots)
$29
Gaiters .
Wool or Synthetic Socks
3 pair heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (wool is warmer) to be worn over the liner socks. When layering socks, check fit over feet and inside boots. It is very important to buy new socks regularly as they lose their cushioning over time. Socks with padded shins are especially nice with plastic boots.
Liner Socks
3 pair of smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and hot-spots and makes the outer sock last longer before needing to be changed. They should fit well with your heavyweight socks.
Technical Clothing
Synthetic Short Underwear.
2-3 Pairs of NON-Cotton short style underwear. (boxers, briefs, panties, bras etc.) Amount based on personal preference.
Lightweight Long Underwear ( M | W )
2 top & 2 pair bottoms (2nd pair bottoms optional), synthetic or Merino wool. No Cotton.
Heavyweight Long Underwear Shirt ( M | W ). Zip-T- neck top allows more ventilation options.
Heavyweight Soft Shell Jacket ( M | W )
This jacket will be worn over your other layers and underneath your shell jacket.
$51
Soft Shell Pants ( M | W ). These non-insulated pants can be worn everyday during the climb as they are more versatile than fleece.
$49
Hard Shell Jacket w/ hood ( M | W )
We recommend a waterproof breathable shell material with full front zipper, underarm zips, and no insulation. This outer layer protects against wind and rain.
$53
Hard Shell Pants ( M | W )
Waterproof, breatheable. Full length side zippers preferred because it allows easy removal of pants, 7/8th zippers allowed but is more difficult to remove pants. No short 1/2 length, or short lower leg zippers allowed as it is difficult to put pants on when crampons are already on.
Synthetic Shorts (Optional) ( M | W )
Can be worn during approach hike in July and August.
Lightweight Insulated Jacket w/ hood ( M | W ). Lightweight down Jacket. The jacket is worn during breaks or climbing in extremely cold weather.
Headwear
Warm Lightweight synthetic/wool hat .
Balaclava .
Baseball Cap or other Sun Hat .
Bandana. To shade the neck. (Optional)
$34
Glacier glasses (w/ side covers or wrap around).
Regular sunglasses are usually not sufficient. 100% UV, IR, high quality optical lenses designed for mountain use, must have side covers and leashes. No more than 10% light transmission. If you wear contact lenses we recommend packing a spare pair of glasses - it is a good idea to have these with "photo-gray" or equivalent light-sensitive material so they can double as emergency sunglasses. If you wear glasses we recommend prescription glacier glasses (gray or amber).
Handwear
Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves
1 Pair. To wear alone on very sunny days for hand protection or as a layering piece with your Shell mitts.
$26
Soft Shell Gloves
1 Pair. This glove is usually worn alone and during times when the shell mitts would be too warm. This glove can have a light shell exterior.
$25
Shell Mitts w/ insulated removable liners.
Waterproof, breathable shell material. We recommend that the insulation in your mitts can be removed in order to dry faster. Make sure that you can wear your Lightweight Synthetic Liner gloves inside the mitts. Shell gloves “ski gloves” can substitute for mitts during the later part of the climbing season.
Personal Equipment
Expedition Backpack
Internal frame pack approximately 70L - 90L (4300-5500cu. in.) Keep itsimple and light, avoid unnecessary zippers which add weight.
Sleeping Bag
(High quality with hood rated to at least 20°F). Goose down preferred over synthetic for bulk & weight. If well-cared-for a down bag will last much longer than a synthetic bag. If you sleep cold bring a warmer bag. Your bag needs to be long enough that your feet are not pressing out the foot box which will make you colder. It should be roomy enough for comfortable sleeping but snug enough for efficient heat retention.
Compression Stuff Sack for reducing volume.
$39
Self-Inflating pad
One 3/4 or full length pad. Make sure to include a valve stem and patch repair kit.
$6
Closed Cell Foam Pad
One full length closed cell is recommended.
$35
Tent (price per person)
2 person, 4-season mountain tent. Make sure there are guy lines for body and fly. No 3-season tents. Include snow stakes.
$20
Ski/Trekking Poles w/ Snow Baskets.
Snow baskets are required. Helpful for balance when carrying a heavy pack, traveling on uneven terrain or if you have knee problems. Collapsible three section pole preferred.
Cup :
Spoon :
Bowl :
$15
Cooking Pot
2qt. minimum, lightweight pot with tight fitting lid and handle. Aluminum or titanium are much lighter and easier to use than stainless steel. Make sure you include pot grabbers to hold your pot.
$20
Backpacking Stove (rental includes fuel bottle)
Complete liquid fuel stove and repair kit. Make sure fuel pump is included. Gas canister stoves are not recommended as you have to supply your own fuel and they are much heavier and take longer to boil water.
Fuel Bottle (33oz)
Alpine Ascents will supply the fuel. We can supply the bottles at no cost due to expanded airline security measures.
$21
Headlamp
If batteries are brand new spare batteries are not required. LED headlamps preferred due to their low bulk, long battery and bulb life. Spare bulbs not necessary for LED lights.
Sunscreen
SPF 40 or better, 2 small tubes. Note: Sunscreen older than 6 months loses half of its SPF rating, make sure that you have new sunscreen.
Lipscreen .
Water Bottles
2 or 3 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Litre capacity per bottle. No water bag or bladder systems, they freeze or
are hard to fill.
Pee Bottle (1 Liter).
Large mouth, clearly marked water bottle. Collapsible 1 liter canteen takes up less volume than a bottle when empty.
Pee Funnel (for women).
Water Purification tablets.
1 bottle. Water filters are too heavy and clog quickly with silt. Steri-Pen also acceptable. Suggested Iodine or AquaMira (Non-iodine)
Toiletry Bag.
Include toilet paper (no more that one roll stored in plastic bag), alcohol hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste. Do not include soap, shampoo, deodorant, or cosmetics.
Waste Kit .
Insect Repellent
Small bottle. Not necessary until July. Do not use repellant that is stronger than 25% DEET.
Compass. (Optional)
With sighting mirror and declination adjuster.
Knife or Multi-Tool
(Optional) Medium sized. Keep the knife simple.
Lighters (2)
We recommend disposable, adjustable lighters, rather than matches, for lighting stoves. Make sure the lighter is new and full of fuel.
Small Personal First-Aid Kit
(Simple and Light) Aspirin (Extra Strength Excedrin is best), Antibiotic ointment, Moleskin, molefoam, waterproof first-aid tape, athletic tape, Band-Aids, personal prescriptions, etc. The guides will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your guide know about any medical issues before the climb.
Trash Compactor bags (3)
To line stuff sacks and pack. Trash Compactor bags are made from a heavier plastic.
Camera gear: Optional. Keep it simple and light. Disposable and digital cameras also work well.
Traveling
Travel Clothes. A set of clean clothes is nice to have to change into after the trip.
Large Duffel Bag w/ travel lock.
Used for transporting your gear and for storage of extra gear at Alpine Ascents.
Food
Please review the 'Menu Plan' document that was included in your confirmation materials for what items you are expected to bring. Your lunch bag should weigh as much as your dinner & breakfast bags combined.
Washington Climbs Rental Information
Reserve: Please submit one reservation per person per departure. Recommend
submitting reservation at least two weeks in advance.
Payment: Due at the end of your gearcheck. Cash, Check, and major credit cards accepted. WA State Sales tax applies to all Washington rentals.
Confirmation: Allow 48-72 hours for confirmation via email.
Damage Deposit: Copy of credit card information to be kept on file. Fees may be applied to your card on file for repair or replacement of damaged items.
Pickup: Rentals items are issued during your gearcheck. Sizing adjustments can be made at that time. Early arrival is not required.
Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions
