Expedition Equipment List

FOOTWEAR

MOUNTAIN BOOTS: This may be your most important piece of equipment (except for good common sense). These should be leather, ankle-high, and stout. I size mine to fit over two pairs of wool socks. It's better to be too big than too small. Fit your boots in the afternoon, as feet have a tendency to swell during the day. Wear them a lot before the expedition -- not to break them in, but to break in your feet. Waterproof them several times before the trip; it protects the leather. [My personal favorite is Vasque NaturSeal, but Bi-well and Sno-Seal are adequate.]

IF YOU PLAN TO OWN SUMMER/WINTER BOOTS: Boots that are not entirely leather, such as many of the hiking boots on the market, will absorb water and freeze, becoming blocks of ice around your feet. Gore-Tex or not, non-leather boots are cold to wear in the snow.

SOCKS: 2-4 pairs of thick wool socks. Expedition-weight capilene OK. Wear a pair of thin polypropylene liner socks if wool makes you itch. I usually have 2 pair on my feet, and 2 pairs drying out. NO COTTON!!!

GAITERS: Keeps sand and rocks out of boots. Ankle or knee-length is ok. Important for stream-wading.

CAMP SNEAKERS: Lightweight, comfortable, old running shoes. May wear these when rock-climbing. Environmentally friendly--doesn't tear up the ground in camp. These will work for hiking if boots and/or feet fall apart.

UPPER BODY CLOTHING

LONG UNDERWEAR TOP. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or wool is OK. Should be lightweight or midweight. Should be fitted as a first layer, next to the skin. NO COTTON!!!

WOOL or FLEECE SHIRT/ SWEATER/JACKET. 100% wool remains warm even when soaked. Midweight or heavyweight polypropylene, fleece, or pile is ok. NO COTTON!!!

WIND JACKET. (optional, but recommended). Reduces the chilling effect of sweat evaporated by wind. Must fit over insulation layers. If you have a breathable RAIN PARKA, it will serve as a wind layer.

RAIN JACKET: MUST BE WATERPROOF AND MUST HAVE A HOOD. This must fit over the insulation layers and should be long enough to cover your butt. Thick ski parkas are not good --they don't allow you to easily layer your clothing. Can be made of coated, waterproof nylon, or one of the expensive breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex, H2NO, Ultrex, or REI Elements. If it is breathable, then this also serves as the WIND JACKET.

T-SHIRTS: 2 cotton or polypropylene t-shirts. Light colors are coolest.

LONG SLEVE COTTON SHIRT: A light-colored, loose-fitting shirt for sun protection.

JOG BRA: 1-2, quick-drying. (Very optional for men.)

LOWER BODY CLOTHING

LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOM. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or wool is OK. Should be lightweight or midweight. Should be fitted as a first layer, next to the skin. NO COTTON!!!

LONG COTTON PANTS (optional): Lightweight & loosefitting --- not jeans.

WIND/RAIN PANTS (optional): These don't have to be waterproof – don’t buy the expensive breathable, waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex, etc. This layer should fit over insulation layers.

UNDERWEAR: 4 pairs. Women should bring cotton rather than nylon underwear. Capilene/ polypropylene briefs are expensive, but warmer than cotton when wet.

SHORTS: 1 pair. Should be quick-drying nylon.

SWIMSUIT or “JOG BRA” + SHORTS: Should be quick-drying nylon.

EXTREMITIES

HAT: Baseball or wide brim. The idea here is sun protection, but waterproof is nice. A drawstring keeps it from blowing off.

WOOL/FLEECE HAT: Absolutely necessary to keep warm. Should cover ears.

GLOVES/MITTENS: Mittens are warmer than gloves. Should be wool, pile, or polypropylene. Waterproof ski gloves are OK, but I suggest a thinner pair.

SLEEPING GEAR

SLEEPING BAG: Mummy-style bag rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Should be synthetic (Quallofil, Holofil, Polarguard, Liteloft, etc.) rather than down -- your sleeping bag may get wet. No Snoopy or Star Wars bags.

STUFF SACK: For sleeping bag. MUST BE WATERPROOF. If you have internal frame pack, you should use a compression stuff sack so that half of your backpack isn't filled up by your sleeping bag.

SLEEPING PAD: Ridgerest is OK, but Thermarest is superior. Must be closed-cell foam, not spongy, which absorbs water

BACKPACK AND STORAGE GEAR

BACKPACK: Internal or external frame. Most name-brand backpacks will work fine. Wide, well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts are a must. Should be waterproof enough to keep your gear semi-dry. Obviously, this must be large enough to hold 4-5 days of gear and food.

DAY PACK/SUMMIT PACK: For carrying climbing gear and lighter loads. Small pack for climbing/ summit attempts. Must hold a water bottles, extra layer, food, and anything else you want on side-trips. Some backpacks have integral fanny packs – if you choose to use that, make sure that it can hold enough stuff.

LASH STRAPS: 2 pairs for attaching stuff to your pack. Should be at least 48 inches long.

SMALL STUFF SACKS: For organizing gear and keeping it dry. Zip-lock bags work, but get ripped pretty quickly.

ZIPPERED DUFFEL BAG: Gym-type. Mainly for storing food -- really handy to just pull out at meal time.

TRASH BAGS: 3 large, heavy-duty bags. For personal shelter, pack cover, trash bag, etc.

MISCELLANEOUS PERSONAL GEAR

BANDANA: (1-2) "A must, they add much color to your photographs, look great hanging out of your pocket, and are useful for nose-blowing, brow mopping, armpit washing, and drying the dishes."

SMALL TOWEL

GLACIER GLASSES or SUNGLASSES w/ SIDE SHIELDS: Must stop 100% UV and be dark. Should be wrap-around type or have side shields. Bring Chums or straps to keep from losing these critical items.

FLASHLIGHT: Compact and light. Mag-Lites are good, but expensive. If you already own a headlamp, bring it. Bring 1 set of extra batteries.

CUP, BOWL, AND SPOON: Make sure that it is strong plastic; it's a real bummer when your cup shatters. Metal is poor insulator. I usually just take a big cup -- used for meals and drinks.

WATER BOTTLES: Better not break! Carry 4 quart-sized bottles – we’re going to the desert!!. Nalgene is best.

LIP BALM: With at least 15-20 SPF sunscreen. [Personal favorite -- wild cherry Lip Sense.] Carmex, blistex, etc. are usually inadequate.

SUNSCREEN: Should be SPF 25 or more. NOTE ABOUT SUNBURNS: Don't get sunburned prior to the expedition -- it makes backpacking awfully painful.

KNIFE (optional): Should be small -- no Rambo knives. Swiss Army type is good, especially if we carry canned food.

WATCH (optional): Cheap and ugly; needs an alarm for early morning starts.

PRESCRIPTION GLASSES: Consider carrying a spare pair, if you're blind without them. For obvious reasons, contact lenses are not easy to deal with, unless you have extended wear lenses that don't require a lot of maintenance. If you wear eyeglasses, you'll need to get glacier goggles that fit over them.

CIGARETTE LIGHTERS: (2) Bic lighters for starting stoves. The child-proof ones are very hard to use when your hands are cold.

NOTEBOOK AND PEN/PENCIL: For spontaneous poetry and emergency notes. Small, lightweight journal.

CAMERA (optional): "Heavy, bulky, and a general nuisance it will nevertheless allow you to capture some memorable scenes." We won't need 10 cameras in our group. I bring a lightweight point-and-shoot. Should be packed in a waterproof bag.

TOILET ARTICLES: No need to bring anything but essentials (no deodorant, etc.). Face it, you're fighting a losing battle against grime and stench in the wilderness.
1. TOOTHBRUSH AND PASTE. tiny "travel" version of each
2. COMB/BRUSH (optional). unless you have long hair that tangles, a total waste of space/weight.
3. TAMPONS. Women, bring plenty of tampons; heavy exertion at high altitude can cause irregular periods. Bring 3-4 ziplock bags.

STREET GEAR

TOILET ARTICLES: Once we emerge from the wilderness, you will need items such as deodorant, shampoo, soap, comb, etc.

NORMAL CLOTHES: For City and airplane. Includes tennis shoes, underwear, shorts, jeans, etc.

GROUP GEAR

You are not responsible for supplying these items, but if you own some of them, and would be willing to share, please mention it.

• TENTS and GROUND CLOTHS
• ROCK CLIMBING GEAR
• STOVES and FUEL BOTTLES
• FIRST AID KITS
• COOK KITS and UTENSILS
• ROPE/CORD
• MAPS and COMPASSES
• REPAIR KITS

FINAL WORD(S)

Ignorance is NOT bliss.

Also, keep working out. Fitness is a key to our success!!