Winter Mountaineering Gear List

Footwear

• Quality mountaineering boots cost a lot of money but are one of your most crucial pieces of gear and a worthy investment. Winter mountaineering boots are made of leather or plastic and look like larger, more technically advanced versions of regular hiking boots. They should be insulated and have a waterproof membrane to keep your feet warm and dry. Take your time choosing a size, and wear the thick, non-cotton socks you will wear in the mountains. Your foot should not move around in the boot, but you should have some room in the toes for blood circulation.

Base Layer

• Look for long underwear with "wicking" properties. You will sweat while winter mountaineering, so your underwear must transfer that moisture away from your skin. Choose long pants and a long-sleeve crew neck or turtleneck. Long underwear can be synthetic, wool or silk, but never buy the cotton kind from your local department store. "Cotton kills" is the catch phrase of mountaineering. Cotton does not hold any heat when wet, so avoid it for all clothing layers.

Middle Layer

• Depending on personal preference and the severity of your climb, you may choose a wool sweater, fleece top or both. Bring two middle layers; you can always take one off. For the legs, wear fleece pants or other warm, synthetic pants that will fit under a waterproof layer without restricting your movement.

Outer Layer

• Because you have insulated yourself in layers, your outer layer should be an uninsulated shell. Look for a waterproof, breathable mountaineering parka and pants. The parka must have a hood to cinch down around your face in high winds. Your parka may ride up while you hike, but bib-style pants with attached suspenders will keep your lower back covered. Gaiters seal your lower legs from shin to foot and keep snow out of your boots. Wear a thick wool or synthetic hat or a balaclava for face coverage in serious cold. Bring a spare. Wear gloves or mittens and bring an extra pair of those too.

Equipment

• An ice axe looks like a smaller, lighter version of a pick axe. If you can't pull on the ice-covered rocks to get through a tough spot, you can sink the pick of your ice axe and pull on that. If you slip on hard snow and start sliding down the mountain, an ice axe can save your life, so learn how to use it. Crampons are metal spikes that strap onto your boots or clip on with a "step-in" binding. If you want step-ins, be sure to ask for "crampon-compatible" boots. With crampons, you can walk over icy surfaces that would otherwise be impassable.

Backpack

• Choose a well-fitting backpack that's neither too big nor too small. Many winter mountaineers choose 2,000- to 3,000-cubic-inch backpacks for day trips, and larger for overnight trips. Your pack should have a thick, comfortable waist belt to take the weight off your shoulders. You should be able to strap your ice axe to the outside when you're not using it.

Backpack Contents

• Your pack needs to hold extra clothing items, plus the clothing that you remove when you are warm. Pack a couple 1-liter water bottles with wide mouths to prevent ice clogging. Carry a map and compass, and know how to use them. Always pack a reliable headlamp with fresh batteries. Bring calorie-rich food that won't freeze solid, such as pepperoni, cheese or even store-bought cookie dough. Snow and ice reflect sunlight, so pack a good pair of ski goggles. They will also keep the wind out of your eyes. Consider bringing extra survival gear such as matches or another fire starter, a small stove for snow melting, extra food and an emergency shelter. A "bivy sack" is basically a lightweight one-person tent without poles.