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Gear List
One Day Alpine Climbs


Situations:
Generally a full day in the mountains with 2-4 hour approaches, conditions variable, with the weather ranging from harsh and wet to pleasant and sunny.

Clothing: Items that are breathable, allow flexibility, resist wind and water, and based on a layering system.
** Some of the clothing and gear below are season dependent especially in regard to the amount of snow and ice encountered on the approach and climb. Please confer with your guide about current conditions and/or if you have any questions.

 

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Boots –Sturdy leather or synthetic mountaineering boots, such as the Garmont Tower GTX, for early
season trips. Beefy trail shoes, such as the Garmont Sticky Boulder, are adequate for late season conditions.

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Gaiters –Necessary for snow travel in early season. Ex. Outdoor Research Flex Tex Gaiter

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Socks – Wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton.

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Pants –Synthetic preferred. Pants made from Schoeler Fabric such as Patagonia's "Alpine Guide
Pants".*

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Shorts – For those beautiful, sunny climbing days.

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Shell gear –- Gore-tex or other waterproof jacket with hood and pants as lightweight as possible.
These will live in your pack for much of the trip. Side zips on your pants are nice for pulling on over
boots.

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Jacket – Synthetic, pile or wool. Patagonia's "Puffball"* or similar synthetic is a great option as its lighter, warmer and more packable than fleece.

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Shirt – Capilene or polypropylene recommended.

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Gloves – Medium weight, preferably with leather palm for durability and grip while climbing.

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Warm Hat - A wool or fleece ski hat.

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Sun cap/hat – Quick drying preferable.

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Ice axe –Needed on many early season approaches and climbs. Nothing longer than 60 cms.

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Crampons – Often needed on several early season approaches and climbs. Steel or Aluminum.

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Harness – Should be able to fit over bulky clothing. Adjustable leg loops and belay loop helpful. NCMG can provide.

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Helmet – Must be specific for climbing/ mountaineering. NCMG can provide.

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Rock Shoes - A necessity for certain climbs. These should be comfortable shoes that can ideally be worn with thin socks. NCMG can provide these if you let us know.

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Headlamp – A necessary tool for early starts. One of the new lightweight combinations LED and Halogen are great for nighttime climbs. A simple LED model will work fine as well.

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Day Pack - Around 2000 cubic inches or about 30-35 liters is ideal. Much bigger and the pack gets too heavy and does not climb well.

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Food – Lunch and snacks. An adequate amount for a high-energy day.

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Water bottles – Carry at least 2 quarts. Hydration bladders recommended.

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Water purification – Tablets or liquid drops

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Sunscreen/ lip protection –SPF higher than 30. A small tube should last the entire trip. Many Dermatone products work for both skin and lips.

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Sunglasses – With 100% UV protection. Consider wearing with retention straps. Changeable lenses are great for variable light conditions. Smith's slider series offers this option. Dark lenses are a must and many people use side shields as well.

   

Optional:

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Trekking Poles - Adjustable poles are great for improving balance, saving energy and sparing your knees. The 3 section poles are nice as they won't make you a lightning rod when they are strapped to your pack. Keep them fairly short so that your hands are below your navel when standing on flat ground. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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Pocket knife

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Insect repellent - Some times the bugs are bad, most times they aren’t.

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Foot protection – For blisters and hotspots.

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Belay device/ locking carabiners(2) – Can be provided by NCMG.

* - A 30% discount is available for NCMG guests on Patagonia items. Call us for details.