Clothing: |
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Boots - Rigid, insulated mountain boots. Ideally
one of the modern insulated leather boots, though
plastic boots will work as well. |
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Approach shoes -A beefy pair of hikers for approaching climbs in Mazama and later season at Washington Pass.
You might cross some small sections of snow in
these. |
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Gaiters – Necessary for snow travel. |
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Socks – Wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton.
A single heavy weight pair is best. A pair of
liners with a medium sock also works well. Bring
a spare change. |
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Pants – Synthetic preferred. Pants made
from Schoeler Fabric such as Patagonia's "Alpine Guide
Pants".* |
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Long Underwear - Top and bottoms: Capilene or
polypropylene recommended. Light colors are best and bottoms are optional. Capilene Boxers or briefs are great for summer climbing trips. |
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Lightweight shirt - A lightweight fleece such as " Patagonia's
R1"* or wool shirt. |
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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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Shell gear - Gore-tex or other waterproof parka 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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Gloves- Two pairs: one insulated with shell,
the other lightweight, such as a fleece lined leather glove
or nordic ski glove. Mittens are not recommended. |
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Sun cap/hat – Quick drying preferable. |
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Warm Hat - A wool or fleece ski hat. |
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Shorts and T-shirts - For hiking and climbing
around the valley floor. |
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Climbing Gear: |
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Crampons - We suggest a standard flat frame alpine
crampon such as the Black Diamond Sabretooth or
the Grivel G12. You will also need rubber anti
balling plates (called antibottes) specific to
your crampons. Many crampons come standard with
these. Bring a small lightweight stuff sack for
storing your crampons in your pack. You won't
need a heavy case with padding and zippers. |
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Ice axe - A general all purpose ice axe. I use
a 53cm Grivel airtech evolution and love it. Your
axe need not be more than 60cm tall. |
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Climbing Harness - A versatile, lightweight harness
is best. Ideally one with a belay loop and adjustable
leg loops. Gear loops are critical on the harness. NCMG can provide one if you let us know. |
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Carabiners - Bring 2 lockers and 2 non lockers. |
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Belay/ Rappel device -Plate type device like
the Black Diamond ATC or the Petzl Reverso. NCMG can provide one if you let us know. |
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Rock Shoes - 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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Helmet – Must be specific for climbing/
mountaineering. NCMG can provide one if you let us know. |
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3 Cordlettes – Prusik loops of 6mm cord
in three lengths: 14’, 5’ and 6’ or pretied prussiks. |
Miscellaneous Gear: |
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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. This is merely
a day pack as you won't be carrying camping gear. |
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Overnight Pack - Around 3500 cubic inches or about 45-55
liters is ideal. Consider lining your pack with a trash compactor bag if weather looks iffy. |
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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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Water bottles - Carry at least a quart. Most
people like to carry 2. Collapsible bottles like
the platypus take up less room in your pack as
you drink water. Hydration bladders work well. |
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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. |
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Personal med kit - Mostly just for blisters and
hotspots. Molefoam, athletic tape and Spenco's
second skin all work well. Your guide will carry
some of this, but bring some of your own if you
are prone to foot issues. You may also want to
consider bringing a small amount of Tylenol or
ibuprofin, antacids (ie- Pepto Bismol, Rolaids)
and a few Bandaids. |
Camping Gear: |
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Tent – Lightweight 4-season tents in
good shape. Often course participants pair up
in one or share a rental. Ask your guide. |
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Sleeping bag – Down or synthetic rated
to 15 F. Bring large, garbage bag type liner
for your sleeping bag stuff sack. |
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Sleeping pad – 3/4 or full length closed
cell or Thermarest. |
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Stove – Pump type, white gas stove or isobutane stove
are recommended. Participants often pair up on
stoves. |
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Fuel – Sufficient amount for entire
course. Often depends on if needing to melt snow
for drinking/cooking water. 1 cup/person/day
if melting snow. Ask your guide if unsure about this. |
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Fuel bottle – Leak-proof bottle such
as MSR or Sigg work best. |
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Pots – one 1 1/2 to 2 quart pot is enough
for one person. Two or more participants sharing
one stove should have two pots. |
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Utensils – Large insulated cup, a spoon
and a bowl, all as lightweight as possible. |
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Water bottles – Two 1 quart wide mouth
bottles. Camelback type hydration bladders are
highly recommended.
|
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Water purification – Bring tablets such
as Potable Aqua or a filter pump. Your guide will usually carry this as well. |
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Food – Enough breakfast, lunch and dinner
meals as needed. Should be lightweight, fast
cooking, tasty and nutritious. Click here for more info on food planning. |
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Optional Gear: |
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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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Camera- Most likely you will want to document
this great adventure. Try to get a carrying case
that fits on your pack and will not interfere
with your climbing. If you keep your camera inside
your pack you won't take many pictures. |
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Pocket knife – Lightweight and simple
Swiss Army knives are good. |
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Insect repellent – Some times the bugs
are bad, most times they aren’t. |
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Toiletries - Keep it simple. A tiny tube of toothpaste
and travel toothbrush is all you will need for
a few nights out. A few wetwipes will feel like
a real luxury. Don’t forget
some toilet paper (which we will pack out). |
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* - A 30% discount is available for NCMG guests on Patagonia items. Call us for details. |
