Equipment List

Glacier Mountaineering

EQUIPMENT LIST – GLACIER MOUNTAINEERING

TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:

  • Mt. Baker (Easton, Coleman-Deming, Squak)
  • Mt. Shuksan (Sulphide Glacier)
  • Mount Rainier
  • Eldorado (E. Ridge)
  • Silverstar

A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand.  All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather. Select garments that are warm, lightweight, and durable.  Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allows flexibility, and resists wind, water, and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please talk to your guide in advance about conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast.  With good weather, some of these items may be left behind to save weight. All trips require that you bring adequate food and water, please see our “food” equipment list for details.

CLOTHING:

Head, Hands & Feet

  • Warm Hat 
  • Sun Hat 
  • Buff
  • Lightweight Gloves 
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Heavyweight Gloves (waterproof/breathable)
  • Warm Socks (~2 pairs)

Upper Body Layers

  • T-Shirt
  • Lightweight Sun shirt with Hood
  • Lightweight Fleece jacket
  • Softshell Jacket with Hood
  • Insulated Puffy Jacket with Hood (for Rainier, this must be a heavyweight jacket)
  • Hardshell Jacket with Hood

Lower Body Layers

  • Lightweight Baselayer Bottom
  • Softshell Pants
  • Hardshell Pants
  • Optional: shorts for warmer weather approaches

ACCESSORIES:

  • Backpack (45-55 Liters)
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Water & Food 
  • Headlamp
  • Blister Kit
  • Trekking Poles
  • Cloth Mask
  • Hand Sanitizer

OVERNIGHT GEAR:

  • Tent (4 seasons, lightweight)
  • Sleeping Bag (15-20 degree rating)
  • Sleeping Pad (inflatable)
  • Stove (recommend isobutene stoves over liquid fuel)
  • Fuel (adequate for cooking and melting snow for water – the quantity will vary with the trip length; please consult your guide)
  • Pot
  • Bowl, Cup, Spoon
  • Utensils
  • Toiletries: toilet paper, a tiny tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush and earplugs (optional)

CLIMBING / TECHNICAL:

  • Boots: Talk to your guide about the best options for your trip. Must be crampon-compatible
  • Ice Axe (lightweight)
  • Crampons (must be compatible with your boots)
  • Climbing harness (lightweight will be most comfortable)
  • 2 Locking Carabiners
  • Climbing Helmet
NCMG Equipment List - Glacier Mountaineering_0.pdf356.28 KB

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