Summer Mountaineering Gear List

Your guide finalizes your exact kit during the gear check, and conditions can change what you bring. Rentals are available for crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet — just let us know when you book. Bracketed items are our recommended models (Outdoor Research / OR shown for clothing).

Clothing

Base layer

  • Wicking bottomOR Alpine Onset Bottoms
  • Wicking topOR Echo Tee / L-S Tee
  • Sock liners
  • Socks

Mid layer

  • Wind shirtOR Helium Wind Hoodie
  • Soft shell jacketOR Ferrosi Hooded Jacket
  • Fleece jacketOR Trailmix Full-Zip Hoodie

Outerwear

  • Soft shell pantsOR Ferrosi Pants
  • Lightweight waterproof jacketM: OR Foray · W: OR Motive AscentShell
  • Lightweight waterproof pantsM: OR Foray Pants · W: OR Aspire Pants
  • Beanie
  • Sun hatOR Swift Cap
  • Lightweight glovesM: OR Extravert · W: OR Inception Aerogel
  • Warm glovesOR Couloir Glove
  • Gaiters — high or low topOR Verglas / Crocodile, or Rocky Mtn Low / Bugout

Insulation

  • Down jacketOR Helium Down Jacket
  • …or synthetic jacketOR Helium Insulated Hoody

Personal gear

  • Internal frame pack — 50 L (3,100 cu in)Exped Black Ice 55 L
  • Sleeping bagExped Lite +12°F
  • Sleeping padExped SynMat UL
  • Tent — 3-seasonBlack Diamond FirstLight
  • Mountaineering bootsLa Sportiva Nepal Evo
  • HeadlampBlack Diamond Storm
  • Water bottles2 × 1 L wide-mouth, or hydration system
  • Water purificationSteriPen or filter
  • Bowl or cupFold-flat bowl
  • UtensilsLong-handled spork
  • Small knife
  • Glacier glasses
  • Lighter or matches

Personal items

  • Adjustable trekking poleBD 3-piece + snow baskets, or Traverse 3
  • Lip balmSPF 15+
  • SunscreenSPF 25+, waterproof
  • Toothbrush / toothpasteTravel size
  • Hand sanitizerTravel size
  • Small first-aid kitBlister kit, ibuprofen, personal meds

Technical gear

  • Climbing helmetBlack Diamond Vector
  • Climbing harnessBlack Diamond Couloir
  • 1–2 ice screws — 13–17 cmExpress Ice Screw
  • Crampons — 10/12-point steel (antiball)Black Diamond Sabretooth
  • Ice axeBlack Diamond Raven
  • 4 × locking carabiners (1 HMS)BD RockLock Screwgate
  • 4 × non-locking carabinersBD Wiregate
  • 1 × 6 m × 6 mm cordeletteNo REI cord
  • 1 × 3 m × 6 mm cordeletteNo REI cord
  • 1 × 60 cm runnerNylon / Dyneema
  • 1 × 120 cm runnerNylon / Dyneema

Technical routes — North Ridge, Mt. Baker

  • CramponsBD Sabretooth or Cyborg (tech only)
  • Ice axe or toolsVenom Axe or Viper Tool (tech only)
  • Axe leashesBlack Diamond Spinner Leash
  • Climbing harnessBlack Diamond Technician

Optional

  • Summit pack — 25–30 LExped Summit Lite 25
  • CameraA phone works too — we love trip shots!
  • Ear plugsFor sound sleep
  • ThermosFor tea or cocoa
  • Note pad & pencilRite in the Rain
  • MapUSGS quadrangle — inquire
  • Ropeman or TiblocFor crevasse-rescue system
  • CompassAdjustable declination
  • AltimeterSuunto watch
  • Map caseA large zip-loc works
  • Collapsible water canteenFor storing snowmelt at camp