Equipment List: Overnight Alpine Climbs – Difficult and Advanced

Use this equipment list if you are on any overnight alpine climb listed as difficult or advanced, except for routes on Mount Hood. 

You must have all the items on this list at your climber orientation regardless of season or forecast. Please call us if you have any questions. Your guide will not let you climb if you don’t have appropriate gear. Please arrive at your meet-time dressed for the activity. There will be time for questions and adjustments.

Please note that we are UNABLE to provide rental equipment for programs outside of Mount Hood. This includes trips in the Three Sisters Wilderness and in Washington State.  Click here for information about rental outfits in the area of your trip.

Clothing

Personal Gear

  • Lunch/Snacks – 1 lb per day of a variety of tasty, high energy foods
  • Water Bottles – Two 1-liter bottles required. No bladders allowed for risk of freezing and/or breaking. (ex: Nalgene)
  • Sunglasses or Glacier Glasses – Should be high-quality, dark, large and fit snugly or have side-shields. (ex: Julbo Mountain Sunglasses)
  • Ski Goggles – Clear or light in color, in case of blowing snow. (ex: Julbo Goggles)
  • Sun Block – SPF 30 or higher
  • Lip Balm – SPF 15 or higher
  • Toilet Paper – Just in case! Blue bags will be available at most trailheads.
  • Headlamp – For alpine starts (ex: Petzl Headlamps)
  • Personal First Aid Kit – Moleskin, ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, personal prescriptions, band-aids.

Technical Climbing Gear

Please note that we are UNABLE to provide rental equipment for programs outside of Mount Hood. This includes trips in the Three Sisters Wilderness and in Washington State.  Click here for information about rental outfits in the area of your trip.

Technical Gear for Difficult and Advanced Climbs

*Please contact the office if you are not sure which items you need. Or, bring them just in case, and ask your guide at the trailhead.

  • 2nd Ice Tool 50-55 cm tool with hammer (not adze) (ex: Petzl Quark) Most climbers benefit from having a second tool on difficult alpine routes. Sometimes we put this tool away and use our hands.
  • Pair of Ice Tools – 50-55 cm matching tools with hammers(ex: Petzl Quark) This is recommended for the North Ridge of Mount Baker and the North Face of Hood.
  • Rock climbing shoes – some harder alpine rock climbing objectives benefit from wearing rock shoes. This is recommended for the West Ridge of Mount Washington and the North Ridge of Forbidden.

Camping Gear

  • Bowl, Spoon, & Cup
  • Sleeping Pad (ex: Thermarest NeoAir)
  • Sleeping Bag – Rated 0-30 degrees, with compression stuff sack
  • Toiletries – Toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, eyewear, etc.
  • Ear Plugs – If you don’t bring them you can’t complain about snoring!
  • 1 Gallon Ziploc bag – 2-3
  • Garbage Bags1-2 compactor bags