Footwear:

Full Shank Leather or Plastic Mountaineering Boots: Leather boots are better for the summer than plastic boots. We will be moving on a variety of terrain and flexibility really helps. When buying make sure you try them with the socks that you plan to wear and wear the boots around the house to make sure they are comfortable. (Kayland, La Sportiva, Scarpa)

Gaiters: make sure they fit around your boots (Outdoor Research Crocodiles or Expedition Crocdiles)

Lightweight Socks: help to reduce blisters and should fit comfortably under your heavyweight socks; Liner Socks 2 pairs synthetic or synthetic /wool blend (Bridgedale, Smartwool, Patagonia)

Midweight or Heavy Socks: 3 pairs Synthetic/Wool Blend (Bridgedale, Patagonia, Smartwool)

Down or synthetic camp booties: optional luxury, any brand with thick foam soles.

Running shoes: optional, for using around campsite and in the hut in case you don't take the booties. (make sure they're light weight)

Clothing:

Lightweight Long Underwear Top: (Patagonia Capilene, REI)

Midweight Long Underwear Top: Zip T: neck design is good. Light colors are better for tops because they are cooler when hiking in direct sunlight and just as warm as dark colors when worn underneath other layers. (Patagonia Capilene, North Face, Mountain Hardware).

Lightweight Long Underwear Bottoms: (Patagonia Capilene, REI).

Midweight Underwear Bottoms: dark colors are preferable because they do not show dirt (Patagonia Capilene, REI).

Pile Jacket: Mid to heavy weight, a full zip version is easier to put on and it gives more options (Polartec 200 - 300)

Briefs: 2 - 3 pairs synthetic or cotton. Running shorts also work well for underwear. We don't recommend cotton but some people really prefer cotton underwear so we make an exception for this item even though synthetic would be better.

Short-Sleeved Shirt: 1 synthetic; most nylon running shirts or athletic shirts work. (North Face Tek Ware, Patagonia Tech Dri, or any brand of PowerDry).

Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt with Collar: (Optional) Useful around the cabin and at lower elevations on the trip

Rain / snow shell pants and shell jacket with hood: They have to be windproof, breathable, waterproof or highly water resistant. We highly recommend the popular Gore-Tex. Look for long front and underarm zippers for the jacket and full side zippers on the pants.

Down Jacket: (optional) hood recommended, we won't use it for hiking but it can be very useful at camp or on rest breaks. It can also be useful to sleep as an extra insulating layer. A good alternative is a synthetic-insulated parka, but watch out for the weight. Remember, it should be large enough to be zipped up when wearing several layers underneath.

Gloves & Mitts

2 Pairs Synthetic gloves: Bunting or Fleece. One pair can be "Windstopper' Fleece

Head & Hand Gear

Lightweight Fleece or Wool Hat: you should be able to wear it under your helmet

Balaclava: lightweight model

Sun Hat: "Baseball' style hat with good visor

Bandanas: 2 or 3 worn under the hat and across face for additional sun protection

Sunglasses: 100% U.V. with dark lenses designed for high altitude use. Should have a shape that offers minimum light to enter from side. "Glacier glasses' with side shields are one good option, otherwise make sure the lens is large and shaped to fit your face well. Days are long and the sunlight is intense on glaciers at altitude. Bring a spare pair for emergencies. Julbo has a great collection of mountaineering glasses for high altitude and extreme conditions. If you wear contacts, bring a back up pair of prescriptions sunglasses or dark "clip ons' to protect your eyes while wearing glasses. Prescription Glacier glasses are available. Call us if your optometrist cannot provide them.

Ski Goggles: They make life great in storms when your up high.

Climbing Equipment

Ice Axe: general mountaineering axe, 55 - 60 cm length, depending on your height. Shaft should not have a rubber grip. You will need a leash to attach axe to you harness not a "wrist loop'.

Bring a commercial leash designed for glacier travel or 6 ft of 9 / 16 inch webbing and your guide will help you construct one. (Grivel or Black Diamond)

2nd Ice Tool: technical ice climbing tool preferred with a hammer head.

Crampons: We recommend the step in type; 12 point step-in (Grivel, Black Diamond).

Harness: Alpine style, you should not have to step through leg loops to put it on and off, lightweight, fully adjustable (Black Diamond).

2 Locking Carabiners: 1 large locking "pear' shaped (Black Diamond, DMM, Clog) and 1 regular locking carabiner.

Perlon Cord: 40 feet of 6mm perlon ( don't cut it, bring in one piece)

Ski or Trekking Poles: adjustable are better. (Leki, Black Diamond, Lifelink)

Climbing Helmet: must be adjustable to wear with or without a hat (Petzl Ecrin Roc, Black Diamond Half Dome, Ederid Ultralight).

Camping Gear

Backpack: Internal Frame 5000 - 6000 cubic inches or 80 - 90 liters (Arc Teryx Bora, Gregory, Dana)

35 to 40 liter day pack

Sleeping Bag: Recommended 0 - 10 degree F rating or warmer. Down is more efficient and less bulky, but high quality synthetic bags are also acceptable. A compression stuff sack is recommended.

Closed Cell Foam Pad: (Cascade Designs Ridgecrest)

Thermarest Pad: (or similar inflating insulated pad); Therma rest has a new model that can also work as a camp chair.

Bowl: deep plastic 2 - 3 cup capacity (Tupperware 3 cup bowl with lid)

Mug: large, insulated plastic

Swiss Army Knife: (make sure you check it in at the airport)

Insect Repellent: (liquid, not spray)

Compass: With sighting mirror and declination adjustor. (Silva Ranger, Sunnto Global)

Headlamp: with extra Batteries. We highly recommend the new Petzl Tikka Headlamp (70 grams), the Zipka model (64 grams) or another light version (Petzl, Black Diamond)

Water Bottles: Two, One Liter Wide Mouth (Nalgene)

Camera

Small Notebook with Pen, Pencil

Zip lock bags

Stuff sacks: 2-3 (assorted sizes) They always comes in handy

Travel Items

Extra casual travel clothes and toiletries: as needed depending on the length of your trip and your schedule

Duffel Bag with lock: Airlines do not like to check backpacks. You will use the duffel to store items in our office while you are in the mountains.