Mountaineering and Winter Trips

Winter Trips - Snowshoe Winter Camping - Gear List

  • Backpack: Minimum of 4,000 ci (65 L), internal or external, waterproof pack cover (example: Lowe Alpine Contour 60 +10).
  • Sleeping Bag: minus 10 to 0 degree F. Down is lighter for similar warmth (example: Mountain Hardware Phantom 0).
  • Sleeping Pad: inflatable or foam (example: Thermarest Prolight).
  • Tent: 3-4 season, 6-9 pounds for 2 people (example: Mountain Hardware Trango 2; Sierra Designs Omega 2).
  • **Note: SYMG provides all of the above items at no extra charge for those who need them only if checked on registration form. You may also bring your own.
  • Boots: Stiff, Insulated Boot (example: Columbia Bugaboot).
  • Socks: 3 pairs, heavyweight wool or synthetic hiking socks (example: Smartwool, Thorlo are all good).
  • Underwear: 2-3 pairs. Synthetics are nice to hike in, a pair of cotton to change into. (example: Icebreaker and Patagonia have large selections).
  • Long Underwear Bottom: mid to heavy weight wool or synthetic (example: Icebreaker and Patagonia have large selections).
  • Long Underwear Top: mid weight wool or synthetic. (example: Columbia Mountain Tech Long Sleeve Tee).
  • Shirt:1 or 2 midweight wool or synthetic shirts (example: Columbia Mountain Tech Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip).
  • Insulating layer: light fleece, light wool sweater (example: Patagonia R1).
  • Insulating jacket: Heavy fleece, down or synthetic "puffy" jacket (example: Montbell US Alpine Light Parka).
  • Waterproof Shell / Pants:Waterproof/breathable shell for mountaineering / skiing (example: Patagonia Ascentionist).
  • Sun Hat: baseball cap style, or more if needed (example: Columbia Silver Ridge Cap).
  • Warm Hat: for the chilly nights and mornings (example: Mountain Hardware Windstopper Microdome).
  • Sunglasses: A must in the mountains! (example: Julbo glacier glasses).
  • Personal Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, chapstick.
  • Personal Medications: Don't forget these!.
  • Headlamp: makes camp activities easier. (example: Black Diamond Ion).
  • Water Bottle/bladder: 2-3 liters of capacity; Bladders freeze and are not a good choice (example: Plastic drink bottles).
  • Whistle: it's louder than a voice and we require that kids carry one.
  • Trekking Poles: Highly Recommended to reduce fatigue and add stability (example: Black Diamond Trailback w/ snow cups).
  • Gloves: Mountaineering or skiing gloves. Mittens are ok too! (example: Columbia Bugaboo IC Glove).
  • Glove Liners: For ease in camp and added warmth (example: Columbia Mountain Access Liner Glove).
  • Gaiters: Mid or high, make sure they fit over your boots! (example: Black Diamond Cirqure or Frontpoint).
  • The items below are optional items you might want to bring:
  • Book: keep it light (physically that is- It can be mentally as heavy as you wish).
  • Knife: could be handy.
  • Camp Towel: Small packtowl for washing / drying .
  • Camera: For posterity.

The above is by no means a complete or exhaustive list. If you have questions, call SYMG and ask. Remember, SYMG brings all group cooking gear, stoves, water filters, maps, matches, compasses, emergency/first aid gear, and toilet paper.

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