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Guiding Principals
Keep in mind that small and light are optimal. Less is more in the mountains, in that we tend to enjoy ourselves more when we carry less and simplify our needs. So aim for light and efficient.
Mountain weather can change quickly. A sunny, hot day in summer can turn cool, windy and wet quickly. It's important to be prepared. That way you'll be comfortable and safe. Protect your personal items from water with plastic garbage or zip lock bags in a variety of sizes.
Please do not bring cotton sweatshirts, jeans, etc. Cotton will not dry quickly and tends to make you cold. Cotton clothing is also heavy to carry when it soaks up water. Wool and synthetics (polypropylene or fleece) keep you warm even when wet - they dry quickly.
The basic "bring list"
A layered clothing system to keep you warm and dry: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants - LARGE ENOUGH TO COVER YOUR WARM LAYERS UNDERNEATH in cold seasons! Gore Tex is best, but nylon will do the job. Mid-weight fleece top and pants. Light weight polypropylene top and bottom (long underwear). Wool or fleece ski hat. Light weight gloves or mittens.
Wool is great. It keeps you warm even when wet, but it is bulky and heavy. Fleece is superior to wool. It keeps you warm when wet and dries quickly.
The above items are your foundation in the high mountains, even in summer. They will keep you comfortable and safe. Remember that for these items in particular, it's better to have them and not need them, then to need them and not have them.
For early Spring, late Fall and winter add: Heavy weight polypropylene top and bottom. Heavy weight fleece top. Heavy weight gloves or mittens. For winter trips: winter jacket.
Light weight hiking boots or shoes. Be sure your boots are comfortable, fit and are broken in - at home!!! Waterproof them if necessary. A pair of sandals or sneakers for in camp comfort and low impact. Synthetic/wool socks (2-3 pairs).
2 pairs of hiking shorts, nylon recommended, cotton is ok, but remember they will not dry very well. A couple of shirts/tops
A ball cap with a bill or other style hat is great for protection from sun and rain. A bandanna or two can be very handy. Sun-glasses and sun screen. Bug repellant.
Toiletries: toothbrush and tooth paste (small size). comb/brush, biodegradable soap, small synthetic hand towel, waterless antibacterial hand soap/lotion and deodorant.
Personal TP kit: A zip-lock bag with enough toilet paper for your trip.
Any prescription or over the counter medication that you must have on hand. A "comfort kit" containing any over the counter medicine you need on hand or take regularly. A small, simple personal first aid kit. Solution for your contacts.
Small, light, plastic AA battery head-lamp. A flash light is OK, but a head-lamp is best. Fresh batteries. Extra batteries. Camera (small disposable is best), journal, paperback book (small, lightweight).
Two plastic 1 liter water bottles, with large mouth screw type lid. Small Swiss Army style knife.
A couple of plastic garbage bags, and 1 gallon and quart size zip lock bags to organize and protect your things from water, etc. They are great for dirty clothes, too.
Please do not bring radios. If you must bring your cell phone or pager, please respect your fellow hikers. Video cameras, binoculars, etc. can be fun, but remember that they add to your pack weight. Remember SMALL and LIGHT!
We provide the following high quality equipment: Backpack, sleeping bag and Thermarest ground pad, tent, kitchen hardware and all group gear.
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