Technical Snow and Ice

EQUIPMENT LIST – TECHNICAL SNOW & ICE


TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:

  • Mt. Baker (North Ridge)
  • Mt. Shuksan (North Face)
  • Selected climbs in NCNP (e.g. Buckner North Face)

 

A NOTE ON EQUIPMENT LISTS: Equipment selection can make or break a trip. Weather conditions can change rapidly and having gear that is a combination of warm, lightweight, and durable is ideal. Taking the time pre-trip to make sure that your equipment meets these standards is worth the effort and sets up everyone for success. In the mountains, it is best to use an integrated layering clothing system. Layers create the ability to dial in what works best for you. Each layer should have the ability to dry quickly, be flexible, and be resistant to water, wind, and abrasions to help you regulate your temperature and not hinder your climbing.

 

Please discuss the conditions you are most likely to encounter with your guide in advance of your trip.

 

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 
  • Warm Socks (~2 pairs)

Upper Body Layers

  • T-Shirt
  • Lightweight Sunshirt Top 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
  • Gaiters or boots with built-in gaiters

 

CLIMBING / TECHNICAL

  • Boots: Insulated leather or synthetic mountaineering boots in the early season (such as the La Sportiva Nepal) and an uninsulated synthetic boot such as the Trango. Must be crampon-compatible
  • Optional: Approach shoes
  • 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
  • Belay Device

 

 

ACCESSORIES 

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

OVERNIGHT GEAR

  • Tent (4 season, 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 possibly some earplugs are all you should need

 

CREVASSE RESCUE GEAR 
(optional, please consult your guide)

  • 3 additional locking carabiners (5 total)
  • 6 non-locking carabiners
  • 1-2 double-length dyneema slings
  • 1 cordelette 18—21 feet long, 6mm—7mm
  • 2 Friction hitches (recommend Sterling 6mm autoblock)
  • Optional: 1 Petzl micro traxion ratcheting pulley

 
NCMG Equipment List - Technical Snow and Ice.docx_.pdf352.37 KB

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