14er Gear List

9/9/2002

This is a tried and true compilation; a summer ascent of Blanca Peak succeeded based on this list. A lot of necessary, or just great stuff for climbing. Not included in this list are snow and ice gear.

10 essential items that no climber should be without

Map.
Compass.
Water.
Water purifier.
food.
Extra Food.
Rain Gear, extra clothing.
Firestarter and matches.
First aid kit.
Army knife or multi-purpose tool.
Flashlight and extra bulbs.
Sun screen and sun glasses. lip protection

Recommend Driza-bone authentic oilskin hats and jackets 
from Australia.  See www.hatsdirect.com  for direct importer.

layers for insulation, weather-proofing; prepare for high winds. Capilene Base from Patagonia gets my layering recommendation for any outdoor sports activity.
Tent
Guidebook
climbing rope (need and type depend on route)
stove, food, fuel, cooking equipment etc.
Backpack: Internal frame 5,500 cu. in. minimum; external frame 4,500cu. in. minimum.
Extra tie-down straps for the backpack
Pack rain cover (or use a garbage bag)
Sleeping bag: Synthetic or down rated to 20 degrees minimum
Sleeping pad: 3/4 or full length closed-cell foam pad
Bring extra moleskin, Second Skin, Compeed (or similar), plus tape, and watch out for blisters!
Small daypack: 2000-3000 cu in. minimum for summit attempt. Fanny pack also a consideration.
Insulated parka is required-down or synthetic fill, rated to 10 degrees F,
Midweight fleece jacket and/or wool sweaters (2 garments)
Long-sleeve, for insect/sun protection
Nylon pants
Pile or wool pants
Midweight long underwear top and bottom-synthetic fabric, not cotton
Down or fleece vest (optional)
Lightweight long underwear top and bottom
Synthetic, wicking T-shirt
Hiking shorts: quick-drying (optional)
Hiking boots: should be waterproof and well broken-in.
Socks-3 complete changes of your favorite sock/liner combination, nocotton!
Water shoes are needed for creek crossings. Bring wet suit booties, aquasocks, Tevas, etc.
Gaiters, knee-length, help keep scree out of shoes
Camp shoes or booties (No Tevas!)
Sun hat with bill
Warm hat, wool or synthetic, a balaclava is best
Bandanna
Overmitts, waterproof
Gloves/mittens -- 2 pair of wool or pile (ski gloves are not acceptable)
Thin glove or mitten liners (optional)

Accessories

Water containers (2 one-quart bottles / bladder)
Headlamp with extra batteries and spare bulb (flashlight is not acceptable)
Pocket knife / gadgets
Glacier glasses
Ski goggles (blizzard wear)
Toiletry kit, toothbrush
Toilet paper
Food utensils-1 large bowl, an insulated mug or cup, spoon
Snacks-trail mix, energy bars, etc.
Plastic bags-2 large garbage bags, 1 smaller bag (you may bring more)
Matches and lighter
bear-bagging cord

Optional

Camera and film
Ski / hike poles for hike to base camp
Book, reading and writing material
Cool games
Small binoculars
Mountain game kit
Spare eyeglasses

notes

Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easilyover the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
No cotton! Cotton drains body heat when wet and is not an acceptable fabric when climbing.
wear wool or synthetic clothing (T-shirts are an exception on nice days).
Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags are also great for separating wet clothing and keeping dry clothing dry.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common (many places) , so rain gear is very important.