Our comprehensive mountaineering day-trip gear list keeps you from forgetting anything important. For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking, Winter Camping, or Day Hiking lists.
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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
Matches or lighter
Waterproof container
Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
7. Repair kit and tools
Knife or multi-tool
Duct tape or other repair items
8. Nutrition
Extra day's supply of food
9. Hydration
Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
Water treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket
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
Nuts
Nut extraction tool
Hexes
Ice tools (with leashes)
Ice screws
Camming devices
Clothing
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 Items
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
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