Mountaineering and Winter Trips

Winter Trips - Snowshoe Winter Camping - Gear List

  • Boots: Comfortable, warm boots that fit into your snow shoes. Sorrels work well.
  • Socks: 3 pairs of thick wool blend mountaineering socks and three pairs of polypro type liners. (Make sure you fit your boots with the sock combo that you will be using). We recommend Thorlo or Smartwool socks.
  • Long underwear: One set (top and bottom) mid to heavy weight Polypro/Capilene. We recommend Patagonia or Mountain Hardwear.
  • Mid weight top: To use on warm days without your jacket and on freezing days with.
  • Fleece or Down Jacket: One heavy weight top. 300 series fleece or down.
  • Gloves or Mittens: Bring a very warm pair of either. You will also need a light weight pair of wool or fleece gloves for hanging out in the evening or using on hot days.
  • Shells: You will need a Gore-Tex type shell jacket and pants.
  • Gaiters: To keep snow out of your boots.
  • Balaclava and wool ski type hat
  • Baseball or brimmed hat: A must for high altitude sun.
  • Sunglasses and goggles: Must be glacier glasses with side coverings around the eyes.
  • Headlamp: We recommend PETZL.
  • Nalgene water bottles: You will need at least two 1-liter size
  • Utensils: An insulated mug, large bowl, fork and spoon is all you'll need.
  • Footwear: Lightweight pair of slippers with good bottoms are recommended. Fleece, down, or synthetic.
  • Toiletries: In addition to your personals ( toothbrush/paste), make sure you bring strong sunscreen, chapstick or zinc oxide, and extra moleskin. Go light on this stuff.
  • Equipment:
  • Ski or Trekking Poles: Even snowshoers find these mandatory.
  • Shovel: Lightweight mountaineering shovel (Can be supplied)
  • Internal frame pack (4000-6000 cu. in.): Must be large enough to carry all gear and portion of food and group cooking gear. (Can be supplied)
  • Tent: Lightweight, 4 season tent preferred. Share with a partner or two. (Can be supplied)
  • Sleeping Bag: ( 0-5 degrees). Down or synthetic. (Can be supplied)
  • Sleeping Pad: Must be full length to insulate yourself from the ground. (Can be supplied)
  • First aid: Everyone should carry the basics. Moleskin, tape, aspirin, IB profen etc. Iodine to treat water sources. Guide carries a big group first aid kit as well.
  • Whistle: Much louder than your voice.
  • Optional:
  • Reading Material: keep it light(physically that is- It can be mentally as heavy as you wish) trade with friends when done.
  • Camera and Film: Any type will do. You'll probably want these memories on film. Again, go Light and possibly combine efforts for photos with a friend.

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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