The 10+ Essentials

  • Extra clothing layer(s)
  • Map of area (in waterproof case)
  • Drinking water
  • Compass
  • Food
  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/ bulbs)
  • First-aid kit
  • Sunglasses (with retaining strap)
  • Pocket knife
  • Sunscreen
  • Matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter

Clothing

  • Regular underwear
  • Warm pants (fleece or wool)
  • Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
  • Fleece or wool vest
  • Quick-drying pants
  • Fleece jacket/wool sweater
  • Long-sleeved shirts

Outerwear

  • Outer shell jacket (or insulated parka)
  • Gloves/mittens (fleece or wool)
  • Outer shell pants (or insulated pants)
  • Glove liners
  • Warm hat (fleece or wool)
  • Neck gaiter
  • Waterproof gloves/overmitts
  • Face mask/balaclava

Footwear

  • Hiking/mountaineering socks
  • Insulated camp booties
  • Wicking liner socks
  • Extra laces
  • Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain and conditions
  • Gaiters

Camping Gear

  • Backpack
  • Avalanche transceiver
  • Day/summit pack
  • Altimeter
  • Pack cover
  • Food (adequate supply for your trip)
  • Tent, tarp or bivy sack
  • Stove
  • Rainfly
  • Fuel (for cooking and melting snow)
  • Tent stakes
  • Funnel
  • Snow stakes
  • Matches/lighter
  • Ground cloth
  • Cook set, dishes
  • Tent broom
  • Cooking/eating utensils
  • Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
  • Pot grabber
  • Compression sack
  • Large pot for melting snow
  • Sleeping pad
  • Drinking cup (insulated)
  • Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit
  • Thermos
  • Extra nylon stuff sacks (for organizing gear)
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Extra plastic bags (for water-tight storage)
  • Pot scrubber
  • Ice Axe
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Crampons
  • Resealable plastic bags
  • Snow shovel
  • Water filter/purifier
  • Snow saw
  • Water-purification tablets
  • Snowshoes
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Skis, poles, boots
  • Collapsible water container
  • Skins, wax
  • Lantern

Personal Items

  • Toilet paper
  • Other personal toiletry items
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Lip balm (with sun protection)
  • Small bath towel
  • Insect repellent
  • Brush/comb
  • Trowel

Other/Extras

  • Binoculars
  • Repair/sewing kit
  • Field guides
  • 100-foot accessory cord
  • Camera and film
  • Axe/saw
  • Notebook and pencil
  • Money
  • Travel games
  • Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)
  • Watch/alarm clock
  • Photo ID
  • Weather radio

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