Upper Body Layers
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| Upper body layers are one of the most important components of a good layering system. They should be comfortable, lightweight and breathable. Cotton is unacceptable except for a sun shirt while hiking on warm days. |
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| Base Layers |
2 |
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One silk weight and one heavy weight top made of synthetic material that can be layered together to increase warmth. A light-colored silk weight is a good idea, because when that is all you are wearing it is usually very warm, and a light color (white/tan/light blue/etc...) will decrease the amount of solar radiation (warmth) that your shirt absorbs. That being said, your mid-weight base-layers should be darker so that they do absorb the suns warmth. |
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| Tee Shirt |
1 |
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To be worn as a sun shirt while hiking at lower elevations. Synthetic fabric is the way to go, and can double as a bandana or extra sun protection under a baseball cap. |
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| Medium Weight Top |
1 |
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To be worn over the base layers and should be synthetic or wool. (a soft shell is an acceptable subtitute) |
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| Synthetic Down Parka |
1 |
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In a maritime climate in the mountains. A burly synthetic parka will be your best friend on those cold wet nights or windy summit mornings. It should easily fit over all layers. A down jacket with a water proof finish is acceptable, but if it gets wet you won't be happy... or warm. Most of our guides use the Patagonia 'DAS Parka'. However if you plan on using this coat in arid areas of extreme cold (ie, high altitude) the 'DAS' might not be the one for you. Please don't hesitate to call us before making any major purchases. 1.800.766.3396. |
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| Outer Wear |
1 |
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A jacket made of waterproof / breathable material such as Gortex is vital for keeping you warm and dry. It needs to fit over all layers. |
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Lower Body Layers
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| Lower body layers should be versatile and easy to change into and out of under changing weather conditions |
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| Base Layers |
2 |
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One silk weight and one heavy weight bottoms made of synthetic material that can be layered together to increase warmth. |
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| Fleece or Synthetic Pants |
1 |
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These should be either fleece or synthetic down. If the pants have side zips, it will make your life a lot easier by allowing you to layer without removing your foot wear. We recommend the Patagonia 'micro-puff pants' |
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| Shorts |
1 |
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These are optional, but are nice to wear at lower elvations. Cotton is unacceptable, synthetic will dry faster and be more comfortable for long periods of wear. |
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| Outer Wear |
1 |
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Pants made of waterproof / breathable material such as Gortex are vital for keeping you warm and dry. They need to fit over all layers and should have side zips. |
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Head, Neck, Hands & Feet
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| Keeping your extremeties warm & dry is crucial. We as humans lose a massive percentage of body heat through our heads, and our hands and feet are the most susceptible to inconveniences like frostbite and trench-foot. Developing a system that works for your specific needs takes time, this guide is a good place to start. |
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| Warm-Hat |
1 |
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Should be made of synthetic material or wool, cotton is unacceptable and dangerous. |
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| Sun-Hat |
1 |
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The sun can be very bright especially with reflection, the more protection your cap offers from the sun the better. |
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| Balaclava or Neoprene Face Mask |
1 |
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Used to protect the face from wind/snow, and can be a real life-saver under stormy conditions. |
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| Goggles |
1 |
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Double lens models with vents work best. |
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| Sunglasses |
1 |
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Dark lenses with good side protection are a must. The sun can be very bright (especially with reflection off of the water/snow/ice) and can cause permanent eye damage. Most of our guides wear Costa Del Mar sunglasses |
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| Light Weight Gloves |
1 |
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Windstopper fleece works best. Work glaves with a water proof palm are nice to have along when dexterity is more important than warmth. 'Dura-Therm' or like models (synthetic glove with rubber palm & fingers) work well, just ensure you find the warmest model available. |
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| Heavy Weight Gloves/Mitts |
1 |
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Removable shell is a must. These should be warm, water-proof and breathable, with removable liners for easy drying. |
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| Socks |
3-4 |
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These should be synthetic or wool. Having a mix of light and heavy weight socks is nice to adjust to variable weather. |
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| Mountaineering Boots |
1 |
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Plastic boots with a removable liner work best because they are easy to dry out. On trips over 7 days, boots without a removable liner are not acceptable. We recommend the Vasque 'Ice 9000' because they are among the lightest and warmest on the market. For shorter more technical ice climbing trips, the Vasque 'Super Alpinista' is the way to go |
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| Gaiters |
1 |
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These should fit over your mountaineering boots, and are used to keep water/snow/rocks out. They should be tall and water/abrasion resistant. |
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Technical Hardwear
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| For technical gear we recommend Black Diamond. We run their equipment on every mountain trip we operate, and find it to be among the best in the industry. For tents, sleeping bags, and duffels; we recommned Kelty. |
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| Backpack |
1 |
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Should have a capacity of at least 5,000 cc, and should be comfortable with 40-60 lbs of weight. The Kelty 'Soar 5200' is a lightweight solution in a high-capacity package. |
YES |
| Trekking poles |
1 |
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Lightweight and adjustable length work best. |
YES |
| Lightweight Harness |
1 |
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Should fit over all layers and be comfortable when wearing a pack. Adjustable leg loops are best. |
PROVIDED |
| Crampons |
1 |
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Light weight, sturdy, and easily adjustable are best. The Black Diamond 'saber-tooth' works well. |
PROVIDED |
| Locking Carabiners |
1 |
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Standard aluminum locking carabineers are used on your harness for glacier travel and technical climbing. . |
PROVIDED |
| Helmet |
1 |
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Should be light weight and rated for rock climbing/ mountaineering. |
PROVIDED |
| Large Duffel |
1 |
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Used for transporting gear in planes and vehicles on route to trip local. Kelty duffel bags are burly and handle large loads with ease. |
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Sleeping Bag & Pads
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| Having a good sleep system is essential in the mountains. While down bags are very warm and pack incredibly small, they lose all insulative properties when they get wet. In a maritime climate like southeast alaska a synthetic fill sleeping bag is a must. |
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| Sleeping bag |
1 |
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We recommend a synthetic fill bag with a comfort rating of 0 degrees farenhieght. However, on bigger mountains and in early season a down bag is more appropriate, please don't hesitate to call us before making any major purchases. 1.800.766.3396. Kelty bags work well. |
YES |
| Sleeping pads |
2 |
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A system of one compact inflatable pad ('Thermarest) and one closed cell foam pad works best to insulate when sleeping on snow. |
YES |
Miscellaneous
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| Eating Utensils |
- |
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Bowl & Spoon (lexan or titanium work well), as well as a 14oz mug with a lid for hot drinks. |
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| Headlamp |
1 |
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We recommend LED headlamps, because they are lightweight, longlasting & durable. Bring extra batteries. |
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| Toilet Paper |
1 |
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Bring your own in a ziploc bag. |
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| Iodine |
2 |
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A bottle of 'Polar-Pure' Crystals is the most convienient, but 'Potable Agua' works well also. |
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| Personal Med-Kit |
1 |
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A personal prescription of a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Ciprofloxacin or Erithromyacin is REQUIRED. Your kit should also include ALL personal medications, as well as a stash of Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Bandaids, and Neosporin. A group Med-Kit will be available for everyone, however bringing a personal kit is mandatory. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call us at 1.800.766.3396. |
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| Blister Kit |
1 |
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This should include mole skin/foam and cloth athletic tape for personal use. |
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| Water Bottles |
2 |
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Wide mouth 1-liter lexan bottles ('nalgene') work best. |
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| Bandana |
1 |
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Used for extra sun-protection. Your tee-shirt can be used in place of a bandana if you are trying to shave weight (which is a good thing). |
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| Stuff Sacks |
2-4 |
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For organizing your gear inside of your backpack. |
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| Garbage & Ziploc bags |
variety |
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To keep your gear dry inside of your pack. (ie. line your stuff sack with a garbage bag before you stuff your sleeping bag in there) |
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Optional
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| Several of the items below are nice to have, just remember you will be carrying them in addition to your personal gear, and your share of the group gear (ropes, pickets, shovels, probes, sleds, stoves, pots and lots of FOOD). So, choose wisely. |
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Equipment
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| Summit Pack |
1 |
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Used on day excursions, should be between 35L - 55L (many people use their big pack for this purpose). |
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| Hand Warmers |
4 |
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A good thing to keep in your pack for those brisk alpine starts. |
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| Sleeping Bag Liner |
1 |
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For increased warmth. |
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| Pee Bottle |
1 |
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1-liter wide-mouth lexane with a SECURE LID. Nice to have when there is really inclement weather outside. |
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| Energy/Candy Bars |
0-20 |
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Bring bars that taste good! |
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| Moist Towelettes |
0-20 |
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This will be as close to a shower as you will get, we recommend one wipe a day. |
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| Book |
1-2 |
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Leave the 15 pound hardcover at home. |
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| Journal |
1 |
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'Rite in the Rain' or similar water resistant papers work best. |
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| Camera |
1 |
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Digital or Film. If you are buying a digital camara; having a view finder allows you to take photos when it is too bright to see the screen and helps save batteries, also having a camara that is compatable with AA's allows you to bring extra batteries that don't cost an arm and a leg. Bring an extra memory card. |
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Additional Information
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We use gear from these select companies on every trip we run! Their gear has proven itself again and again on the highest mountains, roughest water, and steepest ice. We endorse these companies because they make gear that is functional and reliable. |
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| We provide the following: tents, group climbing equipment, expedition first aid kits, cooking equipment, and trip food. |
| Our guides participate in the "Guide Line" program of the Patagonia Company. We use and recommend Patagonia clothing and products. The "Guide Line" is an information service that can answer questions about clothing and gear. For more information call them at 1 (800) 523-9597 |
| Please don't hesitate to call us with any questions 1.800.766.3396 |
