Gear List

Waist Leash

To be used with your ice axe, a commercial waist leash is designed to keep your ice axe attached to you even in the event that you drop it while climbing or taking a break. Note that only waist leashes will work - no wrist leashes!

Ice Axe

A general mountaineering ice axe. We recommend the following size as a general guideline to follow. When in doubt, a shorter ice axe is better than a longer axe. Heights 5'4” and under should use a 52 cm axe, 5'5'' to 6’0'' use a 59 cm axe, above 6'0'' use a 66 cm axe. Note that wrist leashes should be removed from your axe. Check out our write-up to learn more about different ice axes.

Accessory Cord

40 feet of 6mm accessory cord to be used for prussiking and other climbing rigging. If you plan to bring your own pre-tied prussiks, please contact the Gear Department ahead of time. You will need cord for more than just prussiks. Make sure the cord is soft, flexible and supple. Stiff and rigid cord will not work. To test this, hold the final 12-inch/30-cm piece of the cord in the air, with your hand below. If the cord stands up straight (stalagmite style) it will not work.

Carabiners

Please bring (2) large auto-locking carabiners for use with your harness, and (6) non-locking carabiners (wiregate or standard are both OK).

Crampons

General mountaineering crampons. We recommend modern steel 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates. Please do not bring 10-point, aluminum, or single-piece rigid crampons. If you have questions about the suitability of your crampons for your trip, call or email the Gear Department. Check out our write-up to learn more about how to fit your crampons.

Alpine Climbing Harness

Your harness must fit over all of your clothing, feature gear loops, adjustable leg loops and waist belt, and must be able to fully separate at the legs . We strongly recommend newer models with a belay loop and which do not require "doubling back" your waist belt - older models are cumbersome. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Trekking Poles

Collapsible skiing/trekking poles with snow baskets. Three-section varieties are preferred.

Ascender

One right or left-handed ascender (pick your dominant hand to choose which style ascender). This item must be in good condition.

Wool or Synthetic Socks

Three pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These must fit over your liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

High-Altitude Double Boot

Double boots. Plastic-shelled models are sufficient, but modern non-plastic boots are more comfortable and are highly recommended. Single boots of any kind (boots without a removable liner) will not be sufficient. If using a boot with a built-in gaiter, separate gaiters are not necessary. If using an all-in-one high altitude boot (e.g. Olympus Mons), overboots and gaiters are not necessary.

Insulated Overboots

Below the knee length neoprene overboot. Should fit tightly over your boots and work well with your crampons. Necessary when using a high-altitude double-boot system. Not necessary for use with a high-altitude all-in-one boot system. Make sure your crampons are compatible with your overboots (strap on crampons).

High-Altitude All-in-One Boot

Used instead of standard double-boot, this all-in-one integrated boot system is warm enough for use without overboots, and eliminates the need for gaiters. If using triple boots, full strap-on crampons fit better than semi-automatic or fully automatic crampons.

Booties

Synthetic or down camp booties for comfortable wear around camp.

Waterproof Snow Boots (Optional)

Waterproof winter snow boots are optional. These can be a nice addition for base camp and incase of a weather delay at Union Glacier. They are NOT a substitute for your mountaineering boots. Models that have a built-in gaiter, removeable liner and insulated to -40F are best. Common models our guides recommend are the Sorel Glacier XT, Baffin Impact or Endurance.

Short Underwear

Two to three pairs including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Synthetic or wool fabrics only - no cotton! Bring comfortable athletic styles based on your needs and preferences (e.g., boxers, briefs, sports bras).

Baselayer Bottom

Non-cotton baselayer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction. We recommend lighter weight baselayers rather than heavier fleece-type layers. Wool, wool blend, polyester, or other synthetic fabrics all work well. Be sure your baselayer pants are not constructed from cotton.

Heavy Baselayer Bottoms

Heavy, expedition-weight baselayer bottoms designed to be used while climbing in very cold conditions. Fabrics such as Polartec Power Stretch, Capilene 4, and Polartec Power Dry will work well.

Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

One long-sleeved base layer top. This item must be constructed of a non-cotton material such as merino wool or polyester. Note that light-colored, hooded sun shirts are strongly recommended for sun protection, and are worn by guides throughout most climbs.

Second Baselayer Top

A second non-cotton baselayer top. Wool or synthetic fabrics are required. Short or long sleeve acceptable, though we recommend long sleeve.

Softshell Pants

Stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated softshell pants that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms. Please note that "zip-off"-style trekking pants are too light to be considered softshell pants.

Softshell Jacket

This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Midlayer Top

A midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Grid fleeces generally provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Note that very light puffy jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

Lightweight Insulated Jacket

We recommend a lightweight insulated jacket to serve either as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. This may be filled with down or synthetic insulation.

Expedition Down Parka

An 8000-meter rated, expedition ready parka. This parka must be in excellent condition, fully baffled, and should be recently cleaned with Nikwax Down Wash to ensure maximum loft. We recommend calling to discuss your parka choice, as this item is key to success on any expedition.

No One-Piece Suits

Please note that one-piece down suits are NOT appropriate for this trip. Do not bring a down suit; instead, bring an expedition parka and insulated synthetic pants. Down suits will not be allowed on this trip.

Insulated Synthetic Pants

A synthetic insulated pant with full-length separating side zips. Ski pants are typically not appropriate for this layer.

Lightweight Liner Gloves

Very lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a snug, comfortable fit. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection. Black or dark-color gloves are also acceptable.

Softshell Gloves

Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Insulated Shell Gloves

One pair of warm shell gloves with insulated removable liners. Excellent for use when conditions are too cold for softshell gloves, but too warm for expedition mittens. We recommend models with a durable leather palm.

Expedition Mittens

Expedition-rated mittens with an insulated removable liner. Please be sure this mitten is the warmest model available by any manufacturer.

Climbing Helmet

A lightweight climbing-specific helmet. This must fit comfortably over your bare head, hat, and/or balaclava, and your headlamp must be able to strap securely to the outside of the helmet. Check out our write-up to learn more about helmets.

Buff

A must-have for all outdoor activities, the UV Buff is a versatile replacement for the bandana and serves a multitude of purposes. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Sun Hat

Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well. Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

Balaclava System

Two full balaclavas, one heavyweight and one lightweight, that will comfortably layer together. These items are not replaced by a Buff.

Wool/Synthetic Ski Hat

A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

Facemask

Breathable models are recommended; be sure your face mask is sized well to your face. Guides recommend the Outeru Faceglove for its breathability and anti-fogging capability. Balaclavas with built-in face masks also work well.

Glacier Glasses

High-quality glacier glasses offering full coverage around both eyes and across the nose. Removable side-shields are not required provided eye coverage is sufficient. For individuals that wear prescription glasses we recommend reading this blog post for tips on eyewear. For guide techniques on how to reduce glacier glasses from fogging check out this post here.

Ski Goggles

High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude. The lens should offer visible light transmission (VLT) of no more than 30%. Those with light-sensitive eyes may wish to use a darker lens. Photochromic models are ideal for use in changing conditions. See here for more.

Nose Guard

Nose guards are optional, but can be useful for those with extra-sensitive noses in lieu of constant sunscreen application. Guides strongly recommend the Outeru face glove as a nose guard.

Expedition Climbing Pack

A 75-100 liter climbing pack designed with climber-specific features and an internal frame. The volume you choose depends on experience level packing and gear quality. If opting for a pack smaller than 100 liters, practice packing to be sure you can efficiently use a smaller sized pack.

-40° Fahrenheit Down Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag should be appropriately rated to -40° Fahrenheit. Down bags are a must, synthetic bags are overly bulky and heavy when rated below 0° Fahrenheit.

In Flight Carry-On Pack

For your flight to Antarctica, a SMALL backpack or bag is necessary. We recommend an approximately 25-30 liter stuffable/compressible pack. You will carry gloves, mittens, a warm hat, sunscreen, goggles, prescriptions, and your passport in this pack. To fit beneath the seats of the plane, the pack must not exceed 18" (H) x 10" (W) x 16" (D). See 'Luggage Logistics' above for more information.

Inflatable Sleeping Pad

A full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad is recommended. Older-style three-quarter length pads have been superseded by ultralight full-length pads. We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.

Foam Pad

This pad should be either 3/4 or body length. Cut pieces of closed cell foam or industrially-crafted pads are both acceptable.

Thermos

A stainless steel vacuum-sealed thermos with an air tight lid and thermal cup lid. We strongly recommended bringing a thermos for those who prefer hot water to help with hydration on cold mountain days. One-liter sizes are preferred, and avoid narrow-mouthed thermoses which can be challenging to fill.

Water Bottle Parkas

Bring two fully insulated water bottles parkas with zippered openings. Neoprene 'cozy' style constructions do not provide enough insulation and are not recommended.

Water Bottles

Bring two one-liter capacity hard-sided water bottles. Wide-mouth, BPA-free plastic bottles are ideal. Nalgene brand bottles are recommended. No water bag or bladder systems (they freeze or are hard to fill) and no metal bottles (they have a tendency to freeze).

Spoon

One durable hard plastic or anodized metal spoon. Longer spoon stems can be helpful for eating while wearing gloves.

0.5L Nalgene Bottle (OPTIONAL)

One 0.5L "baby" Nalgene bottle in lieu of a traditional mug is optional. This is a guide favorite for hot drinks - the leak-proof lid allows you to stick the bottle in your pocket or inside your jacket, keeping it - and you! - warmer. Bottles should be wide mouth made of co-polyester (BPA free plastic).

Bowl

A sturdy bowl with a sealable lid to keep items hot. We recommend a 16oz Nalgene container with screw top lid. Many of our guides then duct tape a cut foam pad around the container for insulation.

Knife

Medium-sized. Keep it simple and light.

Pee Bottle

Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models can work well. If opting for a collapsible model, please pick a 1.5-2 liter model as it allows for more space while using in your sleeping bag. For longer expeditions and colder mountains (Everest, Vinson, Denali, etc..) we strongly recommend a hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene as the collapsible models tend to crack in extreme temperatures. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee bottles and funnels.

Mug

One insulated outdoor-style mug with a removable lid. Your mug should retain heat well and be spill resistant. Models with 12-20 oz capacity generally work best.

Pee Funnel (for Women)

Optional. Practice is critical for the use of this item. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee funnels and bottles.

Trash Compactor/Contractor Bags

Three heavy plastic garbage bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. Trash compactor or contractor bags are made from a heavier plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use. Alternatively, a reusable waterproof pack liner can be used provided it completely fills the inside of your pack.

Camera

Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR's) are ideal & work well at altitude. Alternatively, many opt to use a smartphone camera. Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large dSLR cameras are discouraged.

Solar Panel + Power Bank (Optional)

Small portable solar panel and power bank for charging personal items like a cell phone on longer trips when access to power is not available. Solar panels with 10-20 charging watts that weigh no more than 2.5lbs are handy, lightweight, and cost-effective. We recommend bringing a small lightweight power bank like the Goal Zero Flip 36 or Venture 35 to store the solar power, and charging your devices directly from this power bank. For more information please see our blog post.

Toiletry Bag

Include toilet paper (stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and wet wipes. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip. Female climbers should bring an appropriate amount of feminine hygiene products for the duration of the trip (for international trips, these can be difficult to find last minute in-country).

Sunscreen

Two to four ounces of SPF 30+ sunscreen. Varieties with zinc-oxide are more protective! Two to four ounces per week is typically sufficient, but several small tubes can offer insurance against lost or exploded tubes. Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

Lipscreen

Several tubes of SPF 30+ lipscreen. As with sunscreen, be sure your lipscreen is new.

Altimeter/Smart Watch (Optional)

Altimeter and Smart Watches are increasingly popular and a great way to track your trip in the field. Models with GPS tracking, altimeter, and activity mode options are most common in addition to having traditional watch features like an alarm clock. Smart watches can be a very helpful tool in training for your climb. For a long trip, we recommend bringing a power bank and charging cable into the field as GPS tracking requires a significant amount of a battery power. For more information on altimeters and smart watches please read our blog post.

Sled Duffel Bag

An approximately 150-liter expedition-ready duffel bag used to transport all gear on your sled during the trip. The duffel needs to be fully waterproof and durable. Choose a model like the North Face Base Camp duffel with specific sled tie-down points. This bag can also be used to travel with gear to and from your destination.

Small Personal First-Aid Kit

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

Medications & Prescriptions

Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg tablets), Z-Paks (250mg tablets), Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 2 per day at altitude), and a variety of standard painkillers like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.

Face Mask (Optional)

We recommend that all climbers have a face mask easily accessible in a waterproof bag (Ziploc, etc.).

Hand Sanitizer

Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well. Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

Hand and Toe Warmers

Bring three sets of each. Please note that toe warmers are different than hand warmers. They are formulated to work in a lower oxygen environment, like the inside of a boot, they also burn out more quickly.

Food

All the food for this trip is provided, but bring any snacks or other food and drink items you wouldn’t want to climb without!

Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.

Vinson Additional Clothing

For this expedition, we strongly recommend packing one additional set of clothing to fly to Vinson base camp. This fresh set of clothing can be nice to change into incase of a weather delay with flights at base camp or Union Glacier. We recommend one pair of socks, underwear, base layer top and bottom. Please keep this set light and simple as we are restricted by flight weights into Antarctica

Ski the Last Degree Kit

ONLY for those also Skiing the Last Degree, please contact us for an addendum of additional equipment. As this equipment is incredibly specialized and crucial to your success, please call or email the Gear Department with questions.

Travel Towel & Soap (Optional)

Optional. A small quick drying packable towel and a small bottle of soap/shampoo can be nice to have for personal hygiene in case of a weather delay at Union Glacier.

Travel Clothes

Clean 'town' clothing is recommend for use traveling as well as pre-and-post trip. We recommend bringing a comfortable variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts.

Small Duffel

This item can double as carry-on luggage for your flight, and is used to store any items you do not plan to take into the mountains. Think light and simple, with 40-50 liters of total capacity. Bring a travel lock for peace of mind.