Technical Snow and Ice

EQUIPMENT LIST – TECHNICAL SNOW & ICE

TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:

  • Mt. Baker (North Ridge)
  • Mt. Shuksan (North Face)
  • Select NCNP Climbs (e.g. Buckner North Face)

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
  • Hardshell Jacket with Hood

Lower Body Layers

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

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)
  • Cooking Pot
  • Bowl, Cup, Spoon
  • Utensils
  • Toiletries: toilet paper, a tiny tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush and earplugs (optional) 

ACCESSORIES:

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

CLIMBING / TECHNICAL:

  • Boots: Consult your guide on the best options for your trip. Must be crampon-compatible 
  • Ice Tools or Technical Piolets with pinky rests. Please consult your guide.
  • Crampons (must be compatible with your boots)
  • Climbing harness
  • Climbing Helmet
  • 2 - 3 Locking Carabiners
  • 1 – 2 double-length Dyneema slings

CREVASSE RESCUE GEAR: (optional, please consult your guide)

  • 3 additional locking carabiners (5 total)
  • 6 non-locking carabiners
  • 1 cordalette 18—21 feet long, 6mm—7mm
  • 2 Friction hitches 
  • Optional: 1 Petzl Micro Traxion ratcheting pulley
NCMG Equipment List - Technical Snow and Ice_1.pdf357.54 KB

Proudly Sponsored By