The weather and terrain can vary greatly on mountaineering trips. During a single trip, temperatures may swing wildly, from extremely hot and dry to cold, windy, and wet. At higher elevations on Vancouver Island, you can even experience snow in August. Mountain routes may have little or no marked trail, and sometimes there isn’t even a boot track to follow. Rely on your equipment and packing systems to stay comfortable, dry and safe.
Note: The club has some equipment, and the trip leader may have some gear you can borrow
Know before you pack
Packing for a trip isn’t always black and white. The equipment you need depends on the trip, conditions and your own needs. Check the trip information and make sure you know:
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- Expected weather and trail conditions, and where the technical problems are
- Research route descriptions and read 1st hand reports
- Distance and difficulty of the trip
- Appropriate training and knowledge to use the equipment you’re packing
- Expected temperature at night
- Water sources and water treatment requirements
- Food storage requirements
- Camping regulations and permits
- What group equipment the trip leader is providing
The 10 Essentials
All members should carry the 10 Essentials appropriate for the trip. Refer to our detailed description for more information.
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- Navigation/Communication (map, compass, whistle, GPS, satellite communicator, battery packs and cables)
- Sun protection (glacier glasses or sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and sun hat)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid kit and personal medications
- Fire starter (waterproof matches or lighter)
- Multitool with knife and a small repair kit appropriate for your equipment (repair tape, cord, patches, spare parts, etc.)
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (plastic tarp, tent, garbage bag)
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Mountain Specific Items
Technical equipment should be appropriate for the route and used only by people who know how to use it. If a trip requires specialized equipment, the trip leader will provide additional information about what is required and what group equipment will be supplied.
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- Crampons compatible with your boots
- General mountaineering axe
- Helmet
- Climbing harness
- Belay/Raepel device
- 3 locking carabiners
- Personal safety anchor
- Prussik and accessory cord for reversing rappel and backing up rappel
- Ropes
- Avalanche transceiver (Avi beacon), probe and metal shovel if the route involves avalanche terrain and the trip leader requires them
- Other technical climbing equipment specified by the trip leader
Clothing:
Avoid cotton. Synthetic or wool clothing dries faster and retains more warmth when damp.
Hiking Clothes:
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- Mountaineering or hiking boots appropriate for the route and compatible with the crampons being used
- Synthetic socks or wool socks for hiking
- Base layer — synthetic or wool
- Mid layer — fleece or other insulating layer
- Waterproof/windproof shell jacket
- Waterproof shell pants
- Synthetic pants (or convertible pants/shorts)
- Warm hat/toque
- Warm gloves or mitts
Camp Clothes:
Keep these clothes dry until you reach camp.
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- Warm synthetic or down jacket
- Dry shirt/base layer
- Dry pants
- Warm dry socks
- Lightweight glove liners
Optional Clothing:
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- Long underwear, synthetic or wool
- Extra socks and underwear
- Rain hat
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Sleeping gloves
- Tent ground sheet
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Gaiters
Base Kit Equipment:
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- Backpack – approximately 40–60 L, depending on the length of the trip and your equipment. Your pack should fit properly and be comfortable when fully loaded. It should also allow for equipment like an axe to attach to the outside.
- Pack liner or waterproof bags/stuff sacks
- Tent (with extra cordage for guying tents out against strong winds)
- Sleeping bag appropriate for the expected overnight temperature
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow or stuff sack for clothing, if desired
Cooking, Food and Water:
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- Stove, pot and fuel
- Eating utensils, cup, bowl, spoon
- Water treatment (filter, tablets or drops)
- Snacks enough for each day + 1 extra day
- Dinners for each night + 1 extra night
- Lunches for each day
- Water containers — choose containers appropriate for the conditions. In freezing conditions, hydration hoses can freeze.
- Food storage: bear-resistant container or approved food-hanging system as required for the trip.
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Personal Items and Hygiene
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- Toiletry kit (hand sanitizer, toilet paper, hand soap, toothbrush and toothpaste)
- Small hand trowel, where required
- Personal hygiene items (wipes, menstrual products, etc.)
- Small face/hand towel
- Garbage bags or other method for packing out waste
Optional Extras:
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- Camera
- Sitting pad
- Bug net/hat
- Insect repellent
- 2 large garbage bags (one for garbage and one because you just never know!)
- Hiking poles
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Optional Trailhead Items
Mice often visit the interior of your vehicle while you are away. If possible, hang your snacks, coffee cups, and any tissues. These items can be left in your vehicle for the trip home:
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- Clean change of clothes
- Dry shoes
- Towel
- Rewarding drink and car snacks for a long ride home
- Bag for dirty, smelly clothes