Gear List

Alpine Rock Climbing Course Gear List

Alpine Ascents

Overview

  • Each item on the list below is required unless specified to be optional.
  • If seasonal fluctuations impact the requirement for an item on your list, it will be specified.
  • All other items are required regardless of the forecast to ensure your well-being, as weather and conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
  • Item images represent one product suggestion for that item.
  • Item images may or may not reflect the model of item available for rent.

RENTAL RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • Items with a price & check box may be rented.
  • Check the box of any item you desire to rent.
  • Complete the personal detail section at the bottom of the page, and click submit.
  • If you are a non-Alpine Ascents climber seeking rental equipment, please inquire via email.

FURTHER RESOURCES

  • If you wish to learn more about any piece of gear, the online Gear Lexicon is available 24/7.
  • A printable/downloadable PDF version of the Gear Lexicon may also be accessed here.
  • For in-depth articles, pro-tips, and advice on select subjects, check out our blog.
  • Our experienced staff are happy to speak with you via phone, or via email.
  • The Alpine Ascents Gear Store offers a wide range of products to suit your needs. All registered climbers are welcome to utilize the discount code contained in your confirmation materials.

Climbing Equipment

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Ice Axe

A general mountaineering ice axe is needed for early season trips (May to July). Typically not necessary in August-September. 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.

Crampons

General mountaineering crampons are needed for early season trips (May to July). Typically not necessary August-September. 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.

Accessory Cord

40 feet of 6mm accessory cord to be used for prusiking and other climbing rigging. If you plan to bring your own pre-tied prusiks, please contact the Gear Department ahead of time. You will need cord for more than just prusiks. 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.

Pre-Sewn Prusik Loop

A pre-sewn prusik loop like the Beal Jammy or Edelrid HMPE Cord. We recommend a diameter between 5.5-6mm and length between 50-60cm. Pre-sewn loops are stronger, more durable, and easier to use than tied loops. This item is in addition to the 40’ of accessory cord that will be used to build a Texas Prusik System and anchor building.

Locking Carabiners

Four (4) locking carabiners are required. Screw-lock models are required, ideally with large openings for easy manipulation

Standard Carabiners

Four (4) non-locking, lightweight carabiners. Wiregates are recommended over standard gates.

Belay Device plus 1 Locking Carabiner

Modern tube-style belay device and 1 large, pear-shaped locking carabiner. Avoid super-specialized belay devices which cannot accept a wide variety of rope diameters. We recommend models like the Black Diamond Guide ATC or Petzl Reverso.

Rock Climbing Harness

A modern, padded climbing harness is required. Choose a rock-climbing specific model with gear loops and adjustable leg & waist loops. Avoid models designed for big-wall climbing or construction. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Double Length Sewn Runner

One (1) double-length (48 in or 120 cm) runner is required. Pre-sewn Dynex/Dyneema models are preferred over nylon models. Do not bring a self-tied sling.

Chalk Bag and Chalk

One climber's chalkbag with a chalk ball. Loose chalk is not recommended. Bring a waistbelt for your chalk bag or a small clip for attachment to your harness.

Footwear

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Single Boots

Crampon-compatible, full-shank insulated leather or synthetic mountaineering boots are needed early season (May - July). Typically not needed in August/September. If you are bringing the Matterhorn prep boots below you do NOT need to bring these boots.

Matterhorn Prep Boots

For those using this course to prepare for the Matterhorn, you will need technical "3/4 shank" mountaineering boots. These boots are stiff but more flexible than a full-shank mountaineering boot, and are critical to climbing the Matterhorn (as well as the Eiger and some other European peaks). Look to models like the La Sportiva Trango Cube, La Sportiva Aequilibrium and Scarpa Ribelle HD. Full-stiffness boots like the La Sportiva Nepal series do not meet the requirement for this item. To rent technical mountain boots contact Ascent Outdoors in Ballard or Northwest Mountain Shop in Sedro Woolley.

Rock Climbing Shoes

Emphasizing a comfortable, snug fit, your rock climbing shoes must be comfortable for extended periods of use across varied rock terrain. Lace-up style shoes are recommended. Avoid down-turned or high-end sport climbing specific shoes.

Hiking Socks

Two to three pairs of midweight to heavyweight hiking socks including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Wool and synthetic materials only. Newer socks offer increased loft, warmth, and padding than older socks. These must fit comfortably over your liner socks if you choose to use liner socks.

Approach Shoes

Climber-specific approach shoes are required, with lightweight but sturdy construction, as well as excellent traction on rock and rough terrain. These shoes will be used while on approach to climb locations, and sometimes on the climb itself. Trail running or tennis shoes will not be sufficient. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Technical Clothing

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

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.

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.

Synthetic Shorts

Comfortable, non-cotton athletic shorts can be used on warm rock climbing days and during warm approach hikes. Quick-dry, lightweight materials are recommended.

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.

Hardshell Pants

Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your baselayer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length separating size zippers are generally required; occasionally, 7/8th zippers (extending from the cuff of the pant to the upper hip) can suffice but are strongly advised against. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Rock Climbing Clothing

Cotton shorts, t-shirts, and lightweight comfortable nylon climbing pants that allow freedom of movement.

Hardshell Jacket

A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. Must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, and softshell. Helmet-compatible hoods are required. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Lightweight Insulated Jacket

Your lightweight insulated jacket serves either as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. This may be filled with down or synthetic insulation. Down feathers are more packable and lighter weight, while synthetic insulation will retain warmth when wet.

Handwear

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

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.

Rappel/Belay Gloves

One (1) pair of climbing-specific rappel/belay gloves are recommended for comfort when belaying a partner or descending routes via rappel. Leather models are recommended for durability and comfort. Full-finger models only.

Headwear

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

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.

Wool/Synthetic Ski Hat

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

Sunglasses

High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection are recommended. A good fit is critical for comfort- try on glasses to check for a comfy fit and good light blockage. Keep in mind that high-quality lenses are an absolute must due to mountain sun.

Headlamp

A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output. Freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. Rental headlamps do not include spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred. Check out our write-ups here to learn more.

Personal Equipment

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Cloth Athletic Tape

One (1) roll of cloth athletic tape will be necessary for taping hands and fingers while climbing.

Small Pack

An internal frame climbing/trekking pack of approximately 32-40 liters in carrying capacity. Emphasize simple, lightweight designs.

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.

Backpacking Tent

A good quality double-walled backpacking or climbing tent. Be sure your tent is packed with the appropriate stakes and has been pre-tied with guylines. The listed rental price is charged per person using the tent on a sharing basis.

20°F Sleeping Bag

Whether filled with down or synthetic insulation, this bag must be rated to 20°F and feature a collared hood for warmth. Be sure to include a compression stuff sack.

Lighters

Two small, light Bic-style lighters are recommended for starting your cook stove. Matches can fail in humid climates and leave waste behind.

Water Bottles

Bring two one-liter capacity hard-sided water bottles. Wide-mouth, BPA-free plastic bottles are ideal. Nalgene brand bottles are recommended. Do not bring metal bottles, and do not bring soft-sided water bottles.

Stove

A liquid fuel or IsoPro cartridge-burning stove can be used. Fuel for liquid-burning stoves will be provided at no additional cost. Those wishing to use IsoPro cartridge stoves will need to purchase fuel on site. Please note that we rent liquid fuel stoves. Check out our instructional article and videos on selecting a stove!

Hydration Reservoir (optional)

A hydration reservoir is optional while hiking to the lower camp(s) on the mountain. We recommend a 2L hydration bladder for maximum comfort and ease. 2 hard-sided water bottles are still required on this trip. This combination will allow you to stay hydrated while carrying some backup water in case of a reservoir puncture. We recommend the HydraPak Water Reservoirs, as this system is far more durable than a traditional Camelbak product. Note that guides may inform at the gear check that a hydration reservoir is not usable if below freezing temperatures are forecasted. Check out our write-up to learn more about hydration systems.

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.

Knife

Medium-sized. Keep it simple and light.

Spoon

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

Bowl

One two-cup capacity packable bowl. Models with a lid (like a Tupperware) work well, as do lidless bowls and flatter "deep plate" models. Collapsible models can suffice, but must be handled very carefully to avoid unintended collapsing.

Fuel

Liquid fuel is included with the rental of a liquid stove system. Those using an canister stove will need to purchase isopro fuel which can bought during the gear check.

Cooking Pots or System

A cook system sufficient for backcountry cooking. Many cooking systems are functional- practice makes perfect, whether using single pots or a more involved system including items such as a frying pan. Note that some stove systems integrate directly with a pot.

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.

Campground Toiletries

A towel, soap, and shampoo for use in campground showers on select nights of the course.

Water Purification

One set of chemical water treatment drops or tablets. We recommend AquaMira, but be sure to purchase the style designed for treating one liter at a time. Lightweight Steri-Pens with extra batteries can suffice. Be sure your system will be sufficient for the entire duration of your trip- some packages of tablets treat only a very small amount of water! As a general guideline, allow for four to six liters of water per day when treating water is necessary.

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.

Swimming Suit

Where possible, swimming can be a welcome break from wearing boots and pack! There are often excellent swimming opportunities available.

Small Personal First-Aid Kit

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

Insect Repellent

One small bottle of insect repellent. Usually not needed early season.

Hand Sanitizer

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

Food

Bring the following snacks and lunches for your climb:

  • Breakfast x 3 (300-600 calories each)
  • Lunch and snacks x 4 (800-1600 calories each)
  • Dinner x 3 (800-1200 calories each)
  • Dessert x 3 (cookies, candy, chocolate, etc.)
  • Energy food for summit or big travel days (Energy bars, energy chews, gels, candy bars, etc.)
  • 2-5 hot drinks per day (instant coffee, hot chocolate, tea, apple cider)
  • Desired condiments (salt, pepper, mustard, hot sauce, olive oil, sugar, etc.)

    Follow the link here for further recommendations.

Traveling

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item

Northwest Forest Pass

A valid Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Annual Passes are available from a variety of local and online vendors, or you can purchase a Day e-Pass online for each day of your trip and print them at home. You will need to enter the date, your vehicle information and destination at time of purchase. Please select “Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests (OKW)” from the drop-down menu. If you have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass you can display that in lieu of the Northwest Forest Pass.

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.

Large Duffel Bag

For traveling to your start location, a large soft-sided duffel is recommended. Purchase a travel lock for peace of mind. Do not bring wheeled nor hard-sided models.

Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions

I promise to return all equipment rented from Alpine Ascents International, Inc. in good condition at the end of my climb/course. I agree and authorize Alpine Ascents International, Inc. to charge my credit card on file for repairs and/or replacements of damaged, lost or stolen gear. And I agree not to hold Alpine Ascents International, Inc. responsible for any injuries incurred through the use of its rental equipment.

Rental Information

Reserving: Please submit one reservation per person per departure. We recommend submitting reservations at least one month in advance to ensure adequate time for processing. Incomplete reservations may cause delay or failure to reserve requested items. Cancellations must be made three weeks in advance of your departure.

Washington Rentals: All rental equipment for trips taking place in Washington will be picked up during your gear check at our Seattle headquarters. For trips with an off-site gear check please contact the Gear Department to pick up your rentals in Seattle. At that time, payment will be taken for all rented items. No security deposit will be charged for Washington rentals; however, Alpine Ascents reserves the right to assess fees for the replacement or repair of any damaged items.

Alaska Rentals: Due to the unique nature of Alpine Ascents' Alaska program, some items requested may be picked up in Talkeetna at your gear check rather than shipped directly to you. However, not all rental items are available for pickup in Talkeetna. Payment for Alaska rentals will be charged to the on-file credit card after your gear check, including a $50 security deposit per item. Alpine Ascents reserves the right to withhold all or part of your security deposit for the replacement or repair of damaged items. All equipment, whether shipped to you or picked up in Alaska, may be de-issued at the Alpine Ascents Alaska facility at the end of your trip.

International Rentals: All rental equipment for trips taking place internationally will be shipped to you approximately two weeks prior to your trip departure date. A USA address must be provided for rental shipments. Rental equipment may not be shipped internationally. At the time of shipment, charges will be assessed to the credit card on file, including shipping charges, rental fees, and applicable security deposits. Please immediately contact the Gear Department with any questions.

Confirmation: Allow 48-72 hours for rental confirmation via email. If you have any questions or have not heard back from us within three (3) working days, please email [email protected] or call (206) 378-1927 and ask for the Gear Department.

Payment: The credit card on file will be used to process rental payment. For climbs in Washington, payment will be taken at your gear check and no security deposit will be required. For climbs taking place outside of Washington, charges are processed at the time of shipment (approximately two weeks prior to departure date) and will include a $50 security deposit per item plus shipping. Shipping cost is based on size and weight and can only be determined at the time of shipment.

Security Deposit: Fees are fully refundable upon a timely return (one week from the end of trip). Fees may be assessed for repair or replacement of damaged item(s). Please allow up to two weeks for your refunded to be credited. Please note that for items not returned within one week after a trip end date Alpine Ascents reserves the right to withhold all or part of your security deposit.

Shipment: Rental items for climbs taking place outside of Washington are scheduled to ship two weeks prior to your trip departure. Once received, please verify that all items are correct and fit appropriately. Please note that sizing information provided is used to determine the sizes of items shipped. You are responsible for rentals once items are shipped and until items are received back at Alpine Ascents. We encourage you to insure your shipment.

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