For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking or Winter camping lists.
The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
- Map (with protective case)
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
2. Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- 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
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
- Water bottles or Hydration system (insulated)
- Water treatment system
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)
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