Guides, Logistics & Updates

Footwear & Clothing

• Approach Shoes, Sneakers, or Light Hiking Boots — Closed-toe footwear only. Sandals, flip flops, Crocs, and other open-toed shoes are not appropriate.
• Wool or Synthetic Socks — Best for comfort over long approaches.
• Comfortable Clothing — Durable pants or shorts and a shirt that move well. Cotton is OK for most roadside climbing. Synthetic layers are essential for Backcountry days.
• Rain Jacket and Extra Layer — Bring a shell jacket and fleece or synthetic insulating layer for changing mountain weather.
• Sunglasses, Brimmed Hat, and Beanie for Spring/Fall — Sun protection and a warm hat for cooler shoulder-season outings.

Food & Hydration

• Food & Snacks — A “brown bag” lunch and snacks are appropriate for most roadside climbing days. Easy to eat, high-calorie food and snacks are best for the Backcountry since most days do not include a long lunch stop. Easy to pack and quick to make, modern dehydrated meals are best for overnight dinners and breakfasts.
• Water — 1 liter minimum for most roadside climbing is adequate. 2 liters minimum for backcountry day and overnights. Both hard sided bottles and collapsible bottles/hydration bladders are acceptable for 3-season use.

Personal Items

• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Phone or compact camera
• Small First Aid Kit — Bandaids, tape, ibuprofen, prescription medications.

Climbing Gear

• Helmet — Must fit over hat. Can be borrowed.
• Harness — Adjustable, fits over all layers except belay jacket. Can be borrowed.
• Climbing Shoes — Comfortable for all day use. Can be borrowed.
• Belay Device — With large locking carabiner. Can be borrowed.
• Carabiners — 2 mid-size locking, 2 wire gate. Can be borrowed.

Backcountry Essentials

• Headlamp — Bring extra batteries as well.
• Rain Pants — Recommended for spring, summer, and fall objectives.

Overnight Gear

• Sleeping Bag — Roughly 20-32 F for spring/summer/fall.
• Sleeping Pad — Aim for an R-value in the 3-5 range.
• Cup, Bowl, and Spoon — Keep it simple and easy to pack.

Footwear

• Mountaineering Boots — Insulated single (e.g. La Sportiva Nepal Cube) or double boots (e.g. La Sportiva G2 EVO, Scarpa Phantom 6000) based on conditions. Mountaineering boots can be rented for $30 per day.
• Merino Wool Socks — One extra pair for overnight days.
• Liner Socks — Optional.

Clothing

• Moisture Wicking Underwear — Athletic style. No cotton.
• Base Layer Top & Bottom — Wool or synthetic. Weight varies with temperature.
• Mid-layer Top — Grid fleece or similar, hooded preferred (e.g. Patagonia R1 Hoody).
• Light Insulated Jacket — Synthetic fill preferred (e.g. Patagonia Nano Air).
• Softshell Climbing Pants — Designed for winter use. Lightweight 3-season pants are not suitable.
• Hardshell Pants — Side zippers to add over softshell without removing boots. No heavy insulated ski pants. Optional depending on objective, conditions, and if softshell pants are worn.
• Softshell Jacket — Wind and light snow resistance, breathable for high-output activity. Optional depending on objective and conditions.
• Hardshell Jacket — Wind and waterproof with hood. No heavy insulated ski jackets.
• Belay Jacket — Very warm, hooded, fits over all layers (e.g. Patagonia DAS Parka, ME Citadel).
• Synthetic Insulated Pants — Side zippers required. Optional depending on objective and conditions (e.g. Rab Photon Pant).

Face & Headwear

• Warm Hat — Fits under climbing helmet. No cotton.
• Neck Gaiter — Lightweight neck and face covering (e.g. Buff).
• Sunglasses — Category 3 or 4 rated with case.
• Ski Goggles — Fits over glasses if needed. Optional depending on objective.
• Face Mask — Combined with hat and goggles, no exposed skin. Optional depending on objective (e.g. OuterU faceGlove).
• Sun Hat — Cap or visor with brim.

Gloves

• Lightweight Gloves — 1 pair, good dexterity (e.g. OR Vigor, OR Storm Tracker).
• Mid Weight Gloves — 2 pairs, warmth and dexterity (e.g. OR Extravert, Rab Guide Glove).
• Heavy Gloves / Mittens — 1 pair expedition weight. Warmth over dexterity. Optional depending on objective (e.g. OR Alti Mitt).

Climbing Gear

• Helmet — Must fit over hat. Can be borrowed.
• Harness — Adjustable, fits over all layers except belay jacket. Can be borrowed.
• Belay Device — With large locking carabiner. Can be borrowed.
• Carabiners — 2 mid-size locking, 2 wire gate. Can be borrowed.
• Ice Axes — Choice depends on objective. Some routes require 2 tools or a technical piolet (e.g. Petzl SumTec). Can be borrowed.
• Crampons — 12-point steel, adjusted to boots. 10-point or aluminum crampons are not adequate. Can be borrowed.
• Snowshoes — Rugged style with robust bindings and good traction (e.g. MSR EVO Ascent). Can be borrowed.
• Trekking Poles — 3-piece folding or collapsible with snow baskets.
• Micro Spikes — For when snowshoes or crampons aren't appropriate.
• Pack — 30-50L mountaineering pack. Must accommodate ice tools, snowshoes, and poles externally (e.g. Black Diamond Speed 40).

Food & Hydration

• Food & Snacks — A “brown bag” lunch and snacks are appropriate for most roadside climbing days. Easy to eat, high-calorie food and snacks are best for the Backcountry since most days do not include a long lunch stop (e.g. bars, trail mix, jerky, meat and cheese, energy gels, etc.). Easy to pack and quick to make, modern dehydrated meals are best for overnight dinners and breakfasts.
• Water — 1 liter minimum for most roadside climbing is adequate. 2 liters minimum for backcountry days and overnights. Hard sided bottles in insulated bottle parkas or insulated bottles are necessary for winter use. Soft white Nalgene bottles and collapsible bottles/hydration bladders are NOT acceptable for winter use.

Personal Items

• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Phone or compact camera
• Small First Aid Kit — Bandaids, tape, ibuprofen, prescription medications.

Backcountry Essentials

• Headlamp — Bring extra batteries as well.

Overnight Gear

• Sleeping Bag — Roughly -20-0 F for winter.
• Sleeping Pad — Aim for an R-value in the 5-7 range.
• Cup, Bowl, and Spoon — Keep it simple and easy to pack.