Equipment List: Introduction to Mountaineering (2-day) - WINTER Your equipment is the foundation for a positive and successful experience in the mountains. The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park is fickle it can change drastically within a short period of time. Climbers often carry clothing and gear they rarely use, but in those rare circumstances, that gear is a life-saver! Please read the following key points to consider when accruing your quiver of gear: Quality: In the moment that you need the gear, you will usually wish you had spent the extra money and purchased the quality item instead of the lower-end item that just barely gets you by or doesn t. Sizing: A medium in one brand will feel like a large or small in another. When possible, try clothing on in person. You can wait until you arrive in Colorado to visit one of our many world-class mountaineering shops. The knowledgeable staff and the selection at Neptune Mountaineering (Boulder, CO) and Bent Gate Mountaineering (Golden, CO) are unsurpassed. Bring it all! Please bring everything on the list (optional items are just that optional). It can be a drag when others in the course are waiting for someone to run to the store who did not show up prepared. Due to the immediate weather of the day, your guide may not require you to bring certain items on the list. This list is created to entertain any weather that could be possible for the season. Returns: If you order an item that you re not sure will get used on the course/climb, you can leave the tags on that item for a potential return post-course. For example, the waterproof pants with full-length zippers tend not to get used. Ask: Feel free to contact the CMS office or your assigned guide for advice. Climbers love to talk about gear! DO NOT trust the salespeople at some of the larger Outdoor Equipment stores they tend to hire less experienced staff than the stores mentioned above. Rentals: Some of the items on the list are rentable. In the Rental column, if there is a price, that item can be rented. The first price (ex: $7.50) is the price for the first day of the rental. The second price (ex: $2.50) is the price for subsequent days of renting that gear. The following items are included in the : helmet, harness, ice axe, ice tools, crampons, double boots, beacon, probe, shovel, carabiners, belay/rappel device, and snowshoes. Weight: With all of the items on the list, keep in mind that you will be carrying a 20-40lb pack, including group gear such as climbing ropes and equipment. You may need to carry snowshoes on your pack for lengths of the day. When packing sunscreen and other such items, go for the travel sized 1oz sizes versus a year s supply in a larger tube.
Clothing Quantity Item Rental Example 1 Mountaineering Boots Waterproof, insulated, leather or synthetic boots. Three levels of boots are appropriate for our Introductory courses and climbs, depending on the season, conditions, and personal needs. These boots have rigid and semi-rigid soles so they climb rock well and partner well with crampons. Their thick leather or Gore-Tex lining makes them completely waterproof. 1. Lightweight (May - October). This is a single-layer, semi-insulated, waterproof boot, such as the La Sportiva Trango Cube. 2. Mid-weight (October - June). This is a single-layer, insulated boot, such as the La Sportiva Nepal. 3. Double Boot (November - March). These heavy double-layered boots have a hard plastic shell and a boot liner, much like a ski boot. These are only necessary for those with abnormally cold feet, winter overnights, and very cold winter days. *Note: This is your most important piece of equipment, and having the correct boot for the conditions is important. La Sportiva Trango Evo/Cube La Sportiva Nepal Evo/Cube La Sportiva Baruntse or Spantik 2 Lightweight Baselayer Top Synthetic or Merino Wool This is worn against the skin and is considered a "wicking" layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded baselayers add extra versatility. Marmot ThermaClime Pro LS 1/2 Zip
1 Midweight Baselayer Synthetic or Merino Wool This layer adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one baselayer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds. A fleece jacket/pullover is acceptable for this layer. Marmot Thermo Hoody 1 Softshell/Fleece Jacket Softshell is the preferred fabric for mountaineering. It is water-resistant, windproof, yet it "breaths," which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. For this course, a medium- or heavy-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable. This jacket should fit over all of the above-mentioned layers. Marmot Estes Hoody 1 Waterproof Shell Jacket Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all of the above-mentioned layers. 1 Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket This jacket fits over all of the other layers and is worn during rest breaks, when standing at climbing sites, and on or near the summits in the higher elevations. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet - so they must be taken good care of while out in the elements. For winter courses, this puffy should be a heavy-weight layer. 2 Sport Bra Women Marmot Artemis Jacket Marmot Guide s Down Hoody Women's Jena Hoody or Sling Shot Jacket Women's layer Upper Sportsbra
1 Baselayer Bottoms Synthetic or Merino Wool For winter courses, this should be a medium-weight baselayer. 1 Softshell Pant Softshell material is stretchy, wind-proof, water-resistant, and endures the abrasions that come with mountaineering. For winter courses, mid-weight or heavy-weight softshells are recommended. Typical thin, nylon "hiking pants" are generally not tough enough to withstand the abuse that comes with mountaineering (the crotch seams often blow out), nor do they provide the needed warmth. If your pant zips off into shorts, they are probably not the right pant. Insulated ski pants do not work for this layer they are typically far too hot for hiking. 1 Waterproof Shell Pant w/full-length Zippers Non-insulated Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event or other waterproofing system is required. These pants MUST have full-length side zippers so they can be put on while wearing crampons and boots. Like the shell jacket, these pants often reside in the bottom of your pack and are rarely used - but when the rain and snow really come down, they are life-savers! 2 Synthetic/Merino Wool Socks Wool/Synthetic blends are the most common socks used these days. "Ski" and "Snowboard" socks are especially useful, as they extend up to the knees and can provide extra warmth under softshell pants without requiring you to fully commit to your baselayer bottoms. 1 Beanie/Fleece Hat Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not work under helmets. 1 Buff/ Neck Gaiter "Buffs" have become very popular among modern climbers. They are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind. Marmot ThermaClime Pro Tight or Propel Tight Marmot Pillar Pant or Pingora Pant Marmot Precip Pant Full Zip Smartwool, Lorpen, Bridgedale, Darn Tough, Thorlo Marmot Lightweight Merino Beanie Buff Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube
1 Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves Thin gloves used for warmer temps and dry climbing that can fit inside of your Heavy-weight Gloves. 1 Midweight Softshell/Waterproof Glove This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn in spring/summer/fall mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers. They come in waterproof as well. A Fleece glove with a separate waterproof shell can work for this level of glove. Marmot Connect Active Glove Marmot Exum Guide Undercuff Glove 1 Heavyweight Waterproof Glove This glove comes out when the going gets cold and wet, or in winter, or at higher altitudes. Consider sizing one size up from your normal glove size to accommodate the thin liner gloves fitting inside. When pulling the hands out of the heavy gloves on a windy, cold day, having liners on will keep them warmer. 1 Sun Hat A billed hat that can fit under a helmet. Sun hats with 360 degree bills are not recommended, as they flap in the wind, bump against your pack when hiking, and they do not fit under helmets well. If you need 360 degree sun protection, consider bringing a bandana to wear under the hat, use your Buff, or make sure one of your baselayers has a hood. 1 Gaiters These are instrumental when wearing crampons - they protect your softshell pants from getting ripped, and they keep snow out of your boots when "post-holing" (when your legs sink into soft snow with each step). They are also very useful during self-arrest practice in keeping snow out of your boots. Once the inside of your boots get wet, life gets uncomfortable fast, and they are difficult to dry out. Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove Outdoor Research Crocodiles or Verglas Gaiters Personal Items
Quantity Item Rental Example 1 Sunglasses "Wrap-Around" styled sunglasses with 100% UV Protection. Keeper straps are not required, but are preferred by many. John Lennons, Aviators, and 80s Shades are not appropriate. 1 Goggles When the snow is falling sideways, sunglasses don't cut it. Depending on the weather, these may not be necessary in spring and fall months - call the office or ask your guide if you should bring them. Low light lenses are preferable, as they may be used during storms when the sun is hidden. 2 Lip Screen SPF 15 or higher. Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned. Bring two - these tend to get lost easily. Keep one in your jacket or pant pocket and the other in your pack. 1 Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Travel size. 1 Headlamp w/extra batteries These are used for "alpine starts," or early morning starts in the dark, as well as if unplanned circumstances increase the length of your day and you get caught out after dark. These are always carried in the pack, no matter how long or short you think the day is going to be. Julbo Stunt Julbo Atlas Kiss My Face SPF 30 Dermatone Sunscreen SPF 36 w/z-cote 1oz Black Diamond Storm Headlamp Food Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (such as sandwiches and pre-cut salami and cheese), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, and/or trail mixes. Fruits or any type of food that require preparation in the field are not recommended. Guide favorites are leftover pizza or a container with leftover pasta. Bring food that you actually want to eat when it is cold and is high in calories. Energy bars look great in the store but aren't so wonderful at 5am in the cold.
2-3 Water Bottles 1 Liter Nalgene bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are not acceptable for this course - they freeze, bust in packs, and are difficult to judge how much water is left. 1 Quart Gatorades and Powerades are acceptable. In winter, one water bottle and one Thermos (see Optional Items) will suffice. For those who sweat more, bring more water. 1 Camera (Optional) Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in the cold and folks are left without photos from their trip. If using a Smartphone, keep it in a chest pocket and consider getting an Otterbox -they provide insulation from wind and from dropping phones on the rocky ground. Nalgene 1 First Aid Kit Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Mole Skin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Personal Care Items Allergy medications and other medications, glasses/contacts, etc. 1 Emergency Toilet Kit Sometimes nature calls in the most precarious of places and moments. At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel-sized package of hand-wipes. Ideal - purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a "Rest Stop." The Rest Stop, known as "Blue Bags" in the Pacific Northwest, or the "Wag Bag" in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe, along with a bag to poop into. This bag is then carried out to the trailhead and discarded in the trash. Climbing Gear
Quantity Item Rental Example 1 Climbing Pack 35-50L pack with ice axe carrying system (loops or hooks). Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing. Large backpacking packs are not recommended. 1 Harness With belay loop and gear loops. Any rock climbing harness will do. Some climbers prefer adjustable leg loops. Women-specific harnesses have clips that make dropping the leg loops easier. Alpine-specific harnesses are not required for this course and are not versatile for the many types of climbing one might do. The leg loops should fit over mountaineering boots and the waist belt should fit over 3 layers of clothing. For intermediate and advanced alpine climbing and ice climbing, harnesses with ice screw Clipper holes are best. Marmot Eiger 42 CAMP M4 40L CAMP Laser CR Women's Camp Supernova 1 Helmet Should be large enough to fit over a beanie. Plastic helmets are more durable, but heavier. Foam, bicycle-type climbing helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack. 1 Mountaineering Ice Axe For mountaineering in the steep Rocky mountains, shorter ice axes are preferred - 50-65cm, depending on your height. If planning for trips that involve more low-angled walking and climbing such as Denali or the volcanoes in the Cascades and Ecuador, a longer axe is recommended - 60-75cm. Leashes are discouraged, especially if leashed to a wrist - however, if you are already conditioned to using one, you may clip a leash to a harness when traveling. CAMP Titan CAMP Alpina
1 Ice Climbing Tools Ice climbing tools are different from mountaineering axes. Ice tools are shorter, heavier, and have more aggressive angles to climb steeper waterfall ice more efficiently. Ice climbing tools should have hammers on them, not adzes. 1 Crampons Many options exist for crampons. For this course, steel, 12-point crampons are recommended. Universal Crampons with toe and heel straps fit all boots but can loosen over time and give a rattley performance. Semi-Automatic Crampons fit boots that have a "bail" or flat edge on the heel. Fully-Automatic Crampons fit boots with a bail on the toe and heel. The more secure the crampon, the better. The type of crampon will depend on your boots. Speak with a guide or the office staff if you have questions. CAMP X-Dream Alpine or X-All Mountain w/hammers CAMP C12 - Universal, Semi-Automatic, Fully Automatic 2 Locking Carabiners Pear shaped carabiners are most versatile and useful. Most climbers prefer screwgates over auto-locking gates. CAMP HMS Nitro 1 Non-locking Carabiners Most climbers prefer wire-gated carabiners due to their lower weight and prevention of "gate flutter." CAMP Nano 22 1 Belay/Rappel Device Plate devices with a self-locking "guide" mode are most popular. 1 Double-length Sewn Runner 48" or 120cm. This tool is used for rappelling, making leashes, and rescue. 1 Transceiver (Beacon) This is a device worn on the body that both sends a signal and can receive a signal in case someone is buried in an avalanche. CAMP Piu 2 CAMP Express Dyneema Runner 11mm x 120cm Backcountry Access Tracker 3 or 2
1 Avalanche Snow Shovel Carried to dig out a fellow climber buried in an avalanche. 1 Avalanche Probe Carried to find someone buried in an avalanche. 1-2 Adjustable Trekking Poles When walking on snow, trekking poles aid in balance and prevent falls and injuries. These poles should be able to adjust to a shorter length to be stored on the pack during technical climbing. Backcountry Access B-1 EXT or B-2 Backcountry Access Stealth 270cm CAMP Backcountry 1 Snowshoes During the winter and spring, snowshoes can be needed for the approaches to certain climbing objectives. From June through October, snowshoes are not necessary. Your guide will advise you on the necessity of snowshoes. MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes Optional Items Quantity Item Rental Example 1 Balaclava/Neck Gaiter Like the Buff (higher in the list), these items provide warmth for the face and neck. They tend to be thicker and heavier than a Buff, providing superior warmth on very cold days in harsh winds. 1 Thermos Guides often carry a thermos in the winter with hot tea, cocoa, or a watery soup. Cold, plain water can be difficult to find motivation to drink on a cold day. You are encouraged to bring a thermos as well for yourself if you have one. Marmot Windstopper Neck Gaiter or Outdoor Research Wind Pro or Option Balaclava Thermos 32oz Stainless Steel
1 Toe Warmers/Hand Heaters For those with typically cold feet and hands, these items really help to make your day more enjoyable. HotHands 1 Trash Bag Lining the inside of your pack will keep the contents of your pack dry on wet days. "Trash Compactor" bags are ideal and far more durable than your standard trash bag. These bags will only be necessary when the forecast calls for moderate to heavy precipitation/rain. 1 Watch w/altimeter An altimeter is very useful in gauging progression of altitude gain or loss when climbing, and especially when caught in a "White-out," when visibility is heavily decreased due to weather. Many Altimeter watches have compasses and/or GPS tracking functions. SmartPhone App Most guides and modern alpinists use Smartphone navigational Apps. Common ones are: Avanet, Gaia Maps, and Topo Maps. These apps use your phone's GPS functions and can work in the mountains off-line. Feel free to download one of these apps and practice using them during your course. Consider taking the CMS Mountain Navigation course to learn more about online and Smartphone navigational tools. 1 Compass w/adjustable Declination Though your 2-day Intro to Mountaineering course will not focus on navigational skills, there will be opportunities to orient yourself to the environment using your compass. All mountaineers should be skilled in navigation - consider taking the CMS Mountain Navigation Course. Suunto Vector Sunnto Core Avanet Gaia Maps Topo Maps Silva Ranger CLQ Suunto MC-2/360/D/CM/IN/H