Mountaineering trips can be hot and dry, windy and wet, or downright freezing—come prepared. The routes are seldom muddy and often there is only a boot track to follow; no trail. To keep yourself comfortable, be sure to have a system that protects the contents of your backpack from getting wet!
After packing all your gear into your backpack make sure that you are carrying less than 28% of your bodyweight. The lower the percentage the easier you will move, the more comfortable you’ll feel, and the better you’ll sleep.
Note: 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
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
- Personal Locator Beacon(PLB)/ satellite phone
- change of clothes and shoes (waiting at trailhead)
- lightweight tarp and cordage