Mountaineering trips can vary widely in weather conditions, ranging from hot and dry to windy and wet, or even extremely cold. It’s important to come prepared for any scenario. The routes you encounter are often dry and rarely muddy, with no marked trails—just a boot track to follow. To ensure your comfort, make sure you have a reliable system in place to protect the contents of your backpack from getting wet.
After packing all your gear into your backpack, ensure you carry less than 28% of your body weight. The lower the percentage the easier you will move, the more comfortable you’ll feel, and the better you’ll sleep.
Note: The club has some equipment, and the trip leader may have some gear you can borrow
The Essentials
- Navigation (map & compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Hydration 1.5 L , maybe an extra empty bottle too
- Knife/multi-tool, and at least 3m of cordage
- Whistle (on a cordelette or wristband)
- First-Aid Kit (small personal kit)
- 2 large garbage bags
Mountain Specific Items
These items are trip-specific
- Crampons
- ice axe
- helmet
- climbing hardware
Clothing (No Cotton!)
Hiking Clothes:
- sturdy hiking shoes/boots
- synthetic socks or wool socks
- rain jacket (shell)
- synthetic or thin wool shirt
- synthetic or wool mid-weight long sleeve
- synthetic gloves
- synthetic pants (or convertible pant/shorts)
- toque
Camp Cloths (dry):
- synthetic or wool long sleeve, mid-weight shirt
- dry wool socks (for sleeping)
- dry pants/tights for camp
Optional Clothing:
- rain pants
- gaiters
- rain hat
- camp gloves
- camp shoes (light, even sandals can be useful)
Camping Gear:
- backpack – minimum 40 L, max 28% of body weight
- a system for making a food cache
- toiletries
Sleep System
- tent/shelter
- sleeping bag (rated to at least 0 but preferably -5; you know what you need best)
- sleeping Pad
Cooking System
- stove/Fuel
- pot/cup
- eating utensils (cup, bowl, spoon)
Food:
- snacks enough for each day
- dinners for each night
- lunches for each day
- extra snacks in case you get stuck for an extra day
Extras Items:
- hiking poles
- camera
- sitting pad
- GPS
- Sattelite communication device
- change of clothes and shoes (waiting at the trailhead)
- lightweight tarp and cordage