Initially, all the mountaineering equipment you need can be rented. As you start to get hooked into the view from the top you will have several different options for gear you will need. See our advice below. Basic Setup To start out you are going to want mountaineering boots, crampons, and an ice axe. In addition to those three items you will need a backpack that is large enough to provide for the length of your trip, gaiters, helmet, and good weatherproof clothing. Your clothes are extremely important and should not be looked over even for the most mundane summit attempt. Remember, cotton kills! Layer effectively, not excessively. Equip yourself with shell pants and a shell jacket that can withstand water, snow, and wind. Size your boots correctly so that you do not impede your circulation. Sunglasses are another piece that you do not want to forget about. You do not want to get snow blinded, so get a pair of shades that offers a lot of protection. Items of honorable mention Boots: Mountain 07 from Madrock Crampons: Sabertooth Clip from Black Diamond Ice Axe: Raven from Black Diamond Sunglasses: Sherpa Glasses from Julbo Advanced Setup The basic mountaineering setup is pretty advanced, but it does leave you lacking gear for more technical ascents. For more advanced mountaineering adventures you will need a harness, rope, carabiners, belay device, technical ice tools, quick draws, and an assortment of protection pieces designed for ice. The one thing that any Mountaineer can never do without is proper experience with the terrain and types of activities required by that terrain. Items of honorable mention Harness: Corax from Petzl Helmet: Ecrin Rock from Petzl Rope: Super Safe 10.2 from Mammut Extreme Setup Take everything you have and double your quantity. Then get a portaledge, a sponsorship, quit your job, your Thursday-Saturday bar habits, and go climb mountains!!Note: The AOS crew always recommends packing a probe, beacon, shovel, and snow-saw on any mountaineering adventure. These tools are used to evaluate snow conditions and perform rescues in the event of an avalanche. Practice this rule, know how to use your avalanche equipment, and always climb with a competent climbing partner. Experience is always absolutely necessary, but can never be allowed to substitute for proper planning and proper equipment. Though the risk of fatal avalanche in our local Cascade peaks during the spring-summer climbing seasons is typically lower than the risk faced during winter, familiarity with snow conditions and the efficient use of your avalanche equipment is invaluable. |
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