Private Climbs In Washington Gear List

A lightweight climbing-specific helmet. This must fit comfortably over your bare head, hat, and/or balaclava, and your headlamp must be able to strap securely to the outside of the helmet. Check out our write-up to learn more about helmets.

For general mountaineering, look for a straight shaft axe that, when held at your side with straight arms comes to about your ankle bone. A slight bend in the shaft is ok. For information on selecting an axe appropriate for different types of climbing, please see our write-up here.

General mountaineering crampons. We recommend modern steel 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates. Please do not bring 10-point, aluminum, or single-piece rigid crampons. If you have questions about the suitability of your crampons for your trip, call or email the Gear Department. Check out our write-up to learn more about how to fit your crampons.

Your harness must fit over all of your clothing, feature a belay loop, gear loops, adjustable leg loops and waist belt. We also strongly recommend detachable leg loops for expeditions and trips in cold environments, thus allowing you to put the harness on with both feet on the ground while wearing crampons. If you choose a fixed leg loop harness like the Petzl Sitta make sure you practice taking it on and off efficiently before your climb. Bring two locking carabiners in addition to the harness, which will be used only with the harness. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Collapsible skiing/trekking poles with snow baskets. Three-section varieties are preferred.

Double boots designed for mountaineering. Plastic-shelled models are sufficient, but modern non-plastic versions are more comfortable. Please note that double boots may be required during any season. If single boots are appropriate for your climb conditions, you will not need double boots (see "About Boots" above). Check out our write-ups here to learn more. Please note: if renting boots, the rental price includes gaiters, which will either be built-in gaiters or separate gaiters, dependent on the rental boot model.

Crampon-compatible, full-shank leather or synthetic mountaineering boots. Models such as the La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX are ideal.

Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your boots. Short trekking gaiters do not offer sufficient protection. If using a boot with a built-in gaiter, separate gaiters are not necessary.

Two to three pairs of midweight to heavyweight hiking socks including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Wool and synthetic materials only. Newer socks offer increased loft, warmth, and padding than older socks. These must fit comfortably over your liner socks if you choose to use liner socks.

For hiking on dry trails. These shoes are worn for the first few miles when approach trails are snow free, typically in early/mid-July through September. These shoes must be sturdy and supportive enough to hike with a heavy pack, but lightweight enough to easily carry after transitioning to mountaineering boots. Lightweight, mid top hiking shoes work great. Trail running shoes work if they are stiffer and offer enough ankle support. Street/gym style shoes will not be allowed in place of trail shoes.

One to two pairs including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Synthetic or wool fabrics only - no cotton! Bring comfortable athletic styles based on your needs and preferences (e.g., boxers, briefs, sports bras).

Non-cotton baselayer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction. We recommend lighter weight baselayers rather than heavier fleece-type layers. Wool, wool blend, polyester, or other synthetic fabrics all work well. Be sure your baselayer pants are not constructed from cotton.

Stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated softshell pants that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms. Please note that "zip-off"-style trekking pants are too light to be considered softshell pants.

Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your baselayer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length separating size zippers are generally required; occasionally, 7/8th zippers (extending from the cuff of the pant to the upper hip) can suffice but are strongly advised against. Check out our write-up to learn more.

One long-sleeved base layer top. This item must be constructed of a non-cotton material such as merino wool or polyester. Note that light-colored, hooded sun shirts are strongly recommended for sun protection, and are worn by guides throughout most climbs.

A midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Grid fleeces generally provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Note that very light puffy jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top. Check out our write-up to learn more.

A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. Must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, and softshell. Helmet-compatible hoods are required. Check out our write-up to learn more.

A mid-weight insulated synthetic jacket with a hood. Synthetic insulation is preferred over down insulation for this layer, as synthetic insulation handles moisture well over trips of longer duration.

Very lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a snug, comfortable fit. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection. Black or dark-color gloves are also acceptable.

Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Waterproof shell mittens with insulating liners. We recommend that your liner gloves can fit inside the mitten system as well.

A must-have for all outdoor activities, the UV Buff is a versatile replacement for the bandana and serves a multitude of purposes. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well. Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

High-quality glacier glasses offering full coverage around both eyes and across the nose. Removable side-shields are not required provided eye coverage is sufficient. For individuals that wear prescription glasses we recommend reading this blog post for tips on eyewear. For guide techniques on how to reduce glacier glasses from fogging check out this post here.

High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude. The lens should offer visible light transmission (VLT) of no more than 30%. Those with light-sensitive eyes may wish to use a darker lens. Photochromic models are ideal for use in changing conditions. See here for more.

Nose guards are optional, but can be useful for those with extra-sensitive noses in lieu of constant sunscreen application. Guides strongly recommend the Outeru face glove as a nose guard.

A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output. Freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. Rental headlamps do not include spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred. Check out our write-ups <a here to learn more.

A 75-100 liter climbing pack designed with climber-specific features and an internal frame. The volume you choose depends on experience level packing and gear quality. If opting for a pack smaller than 100 liters, practice packing to be sure you can efficiently use a smaller sized pack.

A 4-season, storm-ready tent. Double-walled tents are required. All tents must arrive with full guylines and snow stakes (most tents do not come with snow stakes and often need to be purchased separately). The listed rental price is charged per person using the tent on a sharing basis. Check out our write-up to learn more about different types of tents.

A full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad is recommended. Older-style three-quarter length pads have been superseded by ultralight full-length pads. We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.

This pad should be either 3/4 or body length. Cut pieces of closed cell foam or industrially-crafted pads are both acceptable.

Whether filled with down or synthetic insulation, this bag must be rated to 20°F and feature a collared hood for warmth. Be sure to include a compression stuff sack.

Two small, light Bic-style lighters are recommended for starting your cook stove. Matches can fail in humid climates and leave waste behind.

Bring two one-liter capacity hard-sided water bottles. Wide-mouth, BPA-free plastic bottles are ideal. Nalgene brand bottles are recommended. Do not bring metal bottles, and do not bring soft-sided water bottles.

A liquid fuel or IsoPro canister-burning stove can be used. Fuel for liquid-burning stoves will be provided at no additional cost. Those wishing to use IsoPro canister stoves will need to purchase fuel on site. We have both canister stoves and liquid fuel stoves available for rental. Check out our instructional article and videos on selecting a stove!

One insulated outdoor-style mug with a removable lid. Your mug should retain heat well and be spill resistant. Models with 12-20 oz capacity generally work best.

Liquid fuel is included with the rental of a liquid stove system. Those using an canister stove will need to purchase isopro fuel which can bought during the gear check.

One durable hard plastic or anodized metal spoon. Longer spoon stems can be helpful for eating while wearing gloves.

One two-cup capacity packable bowl. Models with a lid (like a Tupperware) work well, as do lidless bowls and flatter "deep plate" models. Collapsible models can suffice, but must be handled very carefully to avoid unintended collapsing.

A hydration reservoir is optional while hiking to the lower camp(s) on the mountain. We recommend a 2L hydration bladder for maximum comfort and ease. 2 hard-sided water bottles are still required on this trip. This combination will allow you to stay hydrated while carrying some backup water in case of a reservoir puncture. We recommend the HydraPak Water Reservoirs, as this system is far more durable than a traditional Camelbak product. Note that guides may inform at the gear check that a hydration reservoir is not usable if below freezing temperatures are forecasted. Check out our write-up to learn more about hydration systems.

A cook system sufficient for backcountry cooking. Many cooking systems are functional - practice makes perfect, whether using single pots or a more involved system including items such as a frying pan. Note that some stove systems integrate directly with a pot. If you are renting a stove and prefer a liquid fuel stove, you can rent this item if you are not bringing your own pot. Our canister stove rentals include an integrated pot.

Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models can work well. If opting for a collapsible model, please pick a 1.5-2 liter model as it allows for more space while using in your sleeping bag. For longer expeditions and colder mountains (Everest, Vinson, Denali, etc..) we strongly recommend a hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene as the collapsible models tend to crack in extreme temperatures. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee bottles and funnels.

Optional. Practice is critical for the use of this item. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee funnels and bottles, and this webinar for expert advice and tips from a female mountain guide.

All solid waste must be carried out of the backcountry, so one waste kit per 1-2 days is typically sufficient. Kits are reusable at your personal discretion.

Three heavy plastic garbage bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. Trash compactor or contractor bags are made from a heavier plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use. Alternatively, a reusable waterproof pack liner can be used provided it completely fills the inside of your pack.

Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR's) are ideal & work well at altitude. Alternatively, many opt to use a smartphone camera. Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large dSLR cameras are discouraged.

Small portable battery bank for charging personal items like a cell phone. We recommend models that weight less than 7oz and have enough charge for the length of the trip. Good options Goal Zero Flip 36 which can charge a smartphone three times. We strongly recommend keeping phones in airplane mode to increase battery life in the field. If concerned about pack weight, we recommend forgoing this item.

Include toilet paper (stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wet wipes, and any personal medications or prescriptions. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip. Female climbers should bring an appropriate amount of feminine hygiene products for the duration of the trip (for international trips, these can be difficult to find last minute in-country).

One set of chemical water treatment drops or tablets. We recommend AquaMira, but be sure to purchase the style designed for treating one liter at a time. Lightweight Steri-Pens with extra batteries can suffice. Be sure your system will be sufficient for the entire duration of your trip- some packages of tablets treat only a very small amount of water! As a general guideline, allow for four to six liters of water per day when treating water is necessary.

Two to four ounces of SPF 30+ sunscreen. Varieties with zinc-oxide are more protective! Two to four ounces per week is typically sufficient, but several small tubes can offer insurance against lost or exploded tubes. Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

Several tubes of SPF 30+ lipscreen. As with sunscreen, be sure your lipscreen is new.

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well. Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

A portable certified bear resistant container. This can be a traditional bear canister such as a BearVault, or a soft-sided Ursack is also acceptable. We recommend models with approximately 2L per person per day, such as the BearVault BV475 or Ursack Major. Make sure it can fit all your food and any scented items such as toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, chapstick, etc.

Please review the food information on your climb Logistics page. A close reading of this information is important towards a smooth trip. Please contact our office with any food-related questions. For additional food tips, check out this write-up.

Each climber will help carry some shared group gear which may include things like ropes, pickets, food (if provided), or cooking equipment. The group gear is provided by Alpine Ascents and will be divided equitably between team members. Climbers can expect to carry between 4-8lbs of shared group equipment.

Clean 'town' clothing is recommend for use traveling as well as pre-and-post trip. We recommend bringing a comfortable variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts.

For traveling to your start location, a large soft-sided duffel is recommended. Purchase a travel lock for peace of mind. Do not bring wheeled nor hard-sided models.