Mountaineering Checklist
Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every climber will bring every item on every outing. List is for day use.
For a printer-friendly version, click Print at right.
For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking or Winter camping lists.
The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
2. Sun protection
- Sunglasses, goggles or glacier glasses
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
- Extra batteries (kept near body when cold)
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
- Knife or multi-tool
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
- Water bottles or Hydration system (insulated)
10. Emergency shelter
Equipment options
(hardware quantities depend on route)
- Rope (dry preferred; 9mm-10.5mm x 60M)
- Helmet
- Harness (with adjustable leg loops)
- Boots (crampon-compatible)
- Crampons
- Ice axe (with leash)
- Belay/rappel device
- Pulley
- Climbing pack
- Route description or guidebook
- Locking carabiner(s)
- Nonlocking carabiners
- Runners—singles and doubles
- Prusik cords
- Hand protection (athletic tape, gloves)
- Signaling mirror
- Crevasse rescue gear
- Avalanche transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
For technical or mixed routes
Clothing options
- Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Fleece pants
- Insulating jacket (down or poly fill)
- Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
- Sun-shielding hat or cap
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gloves or mittens
- Gaiters
- Rain jacket with hood (or soft shell)
- Waterproof pants or bibs
- Bandana or Buff (neck or face gaiter)
Personal options
- Multifunction watch
- Two-way radios
- Cell phone in a protective container
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Quick-dry towel
- ______________________
- ______________________
- Lunch; energy food/gels/chews
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Insulated sit pad
- Handwarmer packets
- Permits
- ______________________
- ______________________
Related Items
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