Item |
Description |
Quantity |
Example |
Purchase At |
Rent At |
Equipment Type |
Approach Shoes |
These are “hiking” shoes specifically made for approaching and descending from a climbing venue where scrambling is necessary, or even for climbing an entire route. They have sticky climbing rubber on the bottom and a formed fit to influence better climbing abilities while scrambling. Consider high-tops for additional ankles support if needed. Regular hiking boots or athletic shoes may be acceptable for many climbs.
|
1 |
Men: La Sportiva TX3 Men
Women: La Sportiva TX3 Wmn
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Clothing |
Backpack: 20-40 liter |
Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing.
|
1 |
CAMP M3 30L
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School
|
Equipment |
Backpack: 35-50 liter |
Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing.
|
1 |
CAMP M4 40L
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Baselayer Bottoms |
Synthetic or Merino Wool, Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended.
|
1 |
Men: Rab Syncrino Leggings
Women: Rab Syncrino Leggings
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Beanie or Fleece Hat |
Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets.
|
1 |
Filament Beanie
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Belay and Rappel Device |
Plaquette style devices with auto-block mode are ideal.
|
1 |
CAMP Piu 2
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Belay Gloves |
Leather gloves, either full fingered or fingerless. These protect your hands from rope wear when belaying or rappelling and keep your hands warm at belays.
|
1 |
CAMP Axion
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Clothing |
Climbing Harness |
UIAA or CE approved; With belay loop and gear loops. The waist belt should fit over multiple layers of clothing.
|
1 |
CAMP Laser CR
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School
|
Equipment |
Compass |
Used for navigation and orientation. A compass with adjustable declination is preferrable.
|
1 |
Silva Ranger CLQ
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Double-length Sewn Runner |
48″ or 120cm. Used for rappelling, making leashes, and improvised rescue.
|
1-2 |
CAMP 11mm Express Dyneema
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Face Mask – PPE |
Should be made with at least two layers of fabric. Your mask needs to cover your nose and mouth without large gaps. The mask should have ear loops or ties so you can adjust it. Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.
|
2 |
|
|
|
Clothing |
First Aid Kit |
Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen.
|
1 |
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Food |
Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips.
|
1 |
Made in Nature, Thrive Tribe
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Gaiters |
These are instrumental when wearing crampons. They protect your softshell pants from getting ripped and keep snow out of your boots.
|
1 |
RAB Muztag GORE-TEX® Pro Gaiter
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Headlamp |
Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark.
|
1 |
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Heavyweight Waterproof Glove |
This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes.
|
1 |
Men: Pivot GTX Glove
Women: Pivot GTX Glove
|
Rab Store
|
|
Clothing |
Hot Drinks |
Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it’s cold outside.
|
1 |
Cusa Tea; Alpine Start Coffee
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Laptop |
Useful for navigation courses, including hiking and ski tour planning.
|
1 |
|
|
|
Optional |
Lightweight Baselayer Top |
Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility.
|
2 |
Men: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee
Women: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Lightweight Gloves |
Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered.
|
1 |
Rab Vapour-Rise Glove
|
Rab Store
|
|
Clothing |
Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher. |
Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.
|
1 |
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Mechanical Pencil |
Great for taking notes in the field.
|
1 |
|
|
|
Optional |
Midweight Baselayer Top |
Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds.
|
1 |
Men: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie
Women: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Midweight Softshell Glove |
This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn on warmer days when mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers.
|
1 |
Rab Khroma Tour Glove
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Mountaineering Axe |
Utilized in ascending or descending snow slopes. Ideal length is variable based on terrain and height of person.
|
1 |
CAMP Alpina
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering
|
Equipment |
Mountaineering Boots |
Waterproof, insulated, leather or synthetic boots. Two levels of boots can be appropriate depending on the season, conditions, and personal needs. These boots have rigid and semi-rigid soles so they climb rock well and are compatible with crampons. 1. Lightweight (May – October): This is a single-layer, semi-insulated, waterproof boot, such as the La Sportiva Trango Cube. 2. Mid-weight (October – June): This is a single-layer, insulated boot, such as the La Sportiva Nepal.
|
1 |
Men: La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX 0r G5
Women: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX Women’s or G5
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering
|
Clothing |
Mountaineering Crampons |
Steel crampons with horizontal front points are ideal. Must be semi-rigid and compatible with your boots.
|
1 |
CAMP Alpinist Universal
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering
|
Equipment |
Neck Gaiter |
“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun.
|
1 |
CMS Neck Gaiter
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Clothing |
Personal Toilet Kit |
At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a “Rest Stop.” The Rest Stop, known as “Blue Bags” in the Pacific Northwest, or the “Wag Bag” in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe.
|
1 |
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Rock Climbing Helmet |
UIAA/CE approved; Should be large enough to fit over a beanie. Plastic helmets are more durable, but heavier. Foam helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack.
|
1 |
CAMP Titan
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School
|
Equipment |
Smart Phone App |
There are a plethora of apps that assist in navigation. These apps use your phone’s GPS functions and can work in the mountains offline.
|
1 |
Avanet; Gaia Maps; Topo Maps
|
|
|
Optional |
Smartphone |
Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone.
|
1 |
|
|
|
Optional |
Softshell and Fleece Jacket |
Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable.
|
1 |
Men: Rab VR Summit Jacket
Women: Rab VR Summit Jacket
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Softshell Pants |
Softshell material is stretchy, wind-proof, water-resistant, and resists abrasion. Mid-weight is recommended and light-weight pants can work for warm days. Typical thin, nylon “hiking pants” are generally not tough enough.
|
1 |
Men: Rab Sawtooth Pants
Women: Rab Women’s Sawtooth Pants
|
Rab Store
|
|
Clothing |
Sports Bra |
Provides support and allows for full range of motion
|
1 |
North Face Beyond the Wall
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Clothing |
Sun Hat |
A billed hat to keep the bright mountain sun at bay.
|
1 |
Rab Trucker Logo Cap
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Sunglasses |
“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.
|
1 |
Julbo Shield
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
SunscreenSPF 30 or higher. |
Travel size.
|
1 |
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket |
Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet.
|
1 |
Men: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket
Women: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
Synthetic or Merino Wool Socks |
Wool and synthetic blends are great for long days on the trail. “Ski” and “Snowboard” socks are especially useful when warmth is desired.
|
2 |
Point 6 AT Hike Light Crew
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Clothing |
Thermos |
Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles.
|
1 |
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Toe Warmers and Hand Heaters |
Help keep you warm on particularly cold days.
|
1 |
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Trash Bag |
Lining the inside of your pack with a heavy duty trash bag will keep the contents of your pack dry on rainy days.
|
1 |
|
|
|
Optional |
Trekking Poles |
Adjustable and without powder basket.
|
1-2 |
CAMP Backcountry
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
Colorado Mountain School
|
Optional |
Watch with Altimiter |
An altimeter is very useful in gauging progression of altitude gain or loss when climbing, and especially when visibility is decreased due to weather. Many Altimeter watches have compasses or GPS tracking functions.
|
1 |
Suunto Vector; Suunto Core
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Water Bottles |
1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable.
|
2 |
Nalgene, Hydro Flask
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Equipment |
Water Purification Tablets |
Iodine or Chlorine-based treatments; To keep packs light in the summer during early morning approaches, your guide may suggest only carrying a liter or two of water, with the plan to refill during the day at a stream.
|
6 tabs/day |
Aquamira, Potable Aqua
|
Neptune Mountaineering
|
|
Optional |
Waterproof Shell Jacket |
Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers.
|
1 |
Men: Rab Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket
Women: Rab Women’s Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket
|
Rab
|
|
Clothing |
welmakerj (verified owner) –
This course was amazing! I took it during the last week in May and the conditions were perfect. It is a great introduction course for mountaineering. My guide was Mia Tucholke. She was a true professional and very knowledgeable in this field. If you are looking to hire a guide, I would definitely go with her!
Sanjee Choudhuri (verified owner) –
Overview: I did the 5-day Mountaineering Development Series Level 1 course through the Colorado Mountain School led by Max Lurie and found it to be an incredible introductory course to learn the basics of snow climbing, technical rock climbing, and other soft skills such as navigation, knowledge of tools/equipment in a relatively safe and controlled manner while still pushing our limits to learn more. If you are someone interested in learning about mountaineering in a hands-on environment I cannot recommend the 5-day course enough.
Full Review: I took the Mountaineering Development Series Level 1 course in May 2021 and found the experience very useful and rewarding. I have been hiking, including thru-hiking, for a few years but I have never seriously rock climbed or snow climbed and signed up for the course to learn more with some goals of climbing Mt. Rainer or similar peaks. Our class size was six people ranging from completely new beginners to people with some snow climbing experience. During the course, we varied the topics from the basics of technical rock climbing (tieing in, rappelling, etc) to, basics of snow climbing (mountain ax usage, basic motions, and steps, self-arresting) and then progressed to climbing different gulleys/couloirs in RMNP. I found all of the guides and instructors to have an incredible depth of experience and knowledge. Our lead guide/instructor was Max Lurie, who was able to create a great learning environment where he taught us the basics and gave guidance when necessary but also allowed the space to try things independently and learn at our own pace while practicing skills. When doing more technical/challenging climbs we were joined by a host of other guides: Joey, Tyler, and Ben. By having so many guides we were able to receive individualized help and attention while climbing and helped to mitigate any lack of security or safety that could occur with new climbers. During the entirety of the course, there was not a single moment where I felt unsafe – Max helped to ensure that we were well equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary for everything we did and talked us through the multiple redundancies in place to keep us safe. I climbed specifically with both Joey and Ben as well and found that they were both fantastic guides who were able to answer any questions I had and also were able to even individualize parts of the climb themselves. For example, Ben realized that our rope team enjoyed technical rock climbing so he took us on an alternate route that had more rock climbing on it which ended up being my most exciting and enjoyable moment! Finally, at the end of the course, Max provided great next steps on how to continue our education and possible future goals. After the conclusion of this course, I now feel like I have been equipped with the knowledge necessary to do the following: walk into any outdoor store and know what equipment I need for an objective, climb some simple objectives with like-minded people, and prepare for and climb more difficult objectives with a trained guide (such as Mt. Rainer). These outcomes were more than I expected to receive from just a 5-day course, but that speaks to the experience of the guides not just as climbers but as instructors and teachers. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in mountaineering from a first-time beginner to a moderately experienced hiker such as myself. Thank you to Max, Joey, Ben, and Tyler for such a great experience!
Jud Strong (verified owner) –
I took the mountaineering level 1 course starting Dec 4, 2021 and found it to be outstanding. My guide, Buster Jesick, a pinned mountaineer was fantastic. Buster’s attention to detail gave me confidence at all times that I was never in great danger. He was very clear and concise as to the proper methods for anchoring, belaying, rappelling, etc. as well as being a thoroughly pleasant and friendly person. With the lack of snow in early winter we focused mostly on rock climbing (my primary interest) and ice climbing. What a challenge and thrill! Everyone I came in contact with was very helpful and friendly and I cannot recommend CMS (and Buster) any more highly! Thank you, I will be back in the spring for the Level 2!