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Gear checklists - a guide to packing for an expedition
If you have brand-specific questions don't hesitate to contact me. Look for the lightest, expedition-quality gear. One day you may be thankful that you bought the best. Avoid cotton, it gets wet and stays wet!

BACKPACKING 

ULTRA-LIGHT 

Don't skimp on boots or over-boots, any mountain isn't worth the price of a few toes. Remember, this all has to go on your back up to 20,000' or so.

While correct gear adds to  your safety and comfort in the wilderness, it is preferable to take as little as possible.

Lighter can mean faster and sometimes safer.  Add or subtract items to match the weather, and your trip plans.

Cooking Gear/Food

Sleeping bag. Rated at least 0 F/-20 C. (down preferred)

Sleeping pad RidgeRest or ThermaRest with repair kit

Sleeping bag. Rated according to climate of destination (down preferred)

Sleeping pad RidgeRest or ThermaRest with repair kit

Sleeping bag. Rated according to climate of destination (down preferred)

3/4 length sleeping pad RidgeRest or ThermaRest with repair kit

Cooking Gear/Food

Food

Stove with spare parts + fuel

Fire starter/waterproof matches 

Cook kit

Lexian cutlery

Large insulated plastic mug

Washing up materials - plastic scrubber

Water filter

Water bottle/water

Food

Stove with spare parts + fuel

Fire starter/waterproof matches

Cook kit

Lexian cutlery

Large insulated plastic mug

Washing up materials - plastic scrubber

Water filter

Water bottle/water

Food
Water bottle/water

Stove and fuel

Fire starter/waterproof matches

1 cook pot

Lexian spoon

Clothing

Long underwear, heavyweight. Capilene or polypro. No cotton or blends.

Fleece/Pile jacket

Fleece/Pile pants -Full side-zips for easy on/off with

boot/crampons and for ventilation

Gore-Tex jacket. Expedition quality + hood

Gore-Tex pants. Expedition quality with full side-zips.

Down parka. Medium-to-heavy weight, must fit over all layers.

Light Fleece/Pile gloves and liners. Windproof Fleece/Pile with grip palms are great.

Warm mittens and Gore-Tex over-mitts

Wool or Fleece/Pile hat Balaclava

Sun hat & bandanna

Shorts

T-shirt

Long underwear, midweight  (tops/bottoms). Capilene or polypro. No cotton or blends.

Short sleeve shirt

Shorts

2 pairs pants (synthetic or wool)

Insulating shirt, mid-layer (synthetic)

Insulating headgear

Sun hat

Gloves/Mitts

Gore-tex Outer shell (tops/bottoms)

Long underwear (tops/bottoms) Capilene or polypro. No cotton or blends. 

Quick dry shorts or pants

Insulating headgear

Synthetic insulated top

Gloves/Mitts

Gore-tex Outer shell (tops/bottoms)

Footwear

Double plastic boots

Lightweight trekking boots 
(for the 30-mile approach).

Wool socks and liners (3 pairs)

Insulated super gaiters (OR, Brooks Rangers or Wild Country Summit

Super Gaiters)

Hiking boots

2 pairs socks

Gaiters

Boots

1 Pair socks (liner and outer)

Camping Gear

Backpack (5,000 cu. in./80 liters min). + ice axe haul loops & crampon attachment point.

4-season tent and repair kit

Stuff sacks (assorted sizes, as needed)

Nylon/shock cord 30'/10m for lashing equipment, securing tents, etc.

Pocket knife/Leatherman

Toilet kit - Toilet Paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

First aid - blister kit, aspirin, moleskin, tape, band-aids

Repair kit - needle, thread, 1/8" nylon cord, ripstop repair tape, safety pins.

Glacier glasses with side protection

Nose guard for sunglasses

Spare sunglasses or goggles

Sunscreen and lip sunscreen

Headlamp with spare bulb & batteries

Plastic bags (zip-lock, garbage)

Book, pen & paper

Camera, film

Pee bottle - for those real cold nights!

Camping/Climbing Permits (if needed)

Backpack

Tent and repair kit

Water treatment or filter

Toiletries (including toilet paper)

Sunglasses

Camping Permits (if needed)

Backpack

Tent, tarp, or bivi sac

Toiletries (including toilet paper)

Camping permits (if needed)

Miscellaneous

Climbing Equipment -

Harness, belay/rappel device

Ropes and protection according to route

Ice axe & Crampons for ice route

Ski poles

Map/route description, Compass

Optional

Tevas or other sandals for river crossings

30'/10m emergency rope 

GPS, radio, altimeter, binoculars

Spare parts for crampons, ice tools, etc.

Diamox

Candle lantern

Biodegradable soap

Watch/alarm clock

Map

Compass

Optional

GPS, radio, altimeter, binoculars

Camera and film

Candle lantern

30'/10m emergency rope 

Notebook and pencil

Deck of cards

Biodegradable soap

Watch/alarm clock

Map

Compass

Optional

Altimeter

GPS

Camera and film