The following is a list of equipment required for the Crevasse Rescue School. Our philosophy is to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. We may encounter a variety of weather conditions throughout our climb, including rain, wind, snow, sleet and extreme heat. Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success, so we want you to think carefully about any changes or substitutions you are considering.

Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford or online. RMI participants receive a 10 percent discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering (excluding sale items). The Discount Code is RMI 2008 for internet orders. For more information or questions regarding clothing and equipment items call 800-238-5756 or click below.

PACK

[  ] BACKPACK: A 4,000 cubic inch pack is the recommended size for this program.
Guides’ Pick: JanSport Whittaker L Series 

TECHNICAL GEAR

[  ] AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER: A digital transceiver is preferred; analog will work as well.
Guides' Pick: BCA Tracker DTS

[  ] HELMET: Helmets are required.
Guides' Pick: Grivel Salamander or Petzl Ecrin Rock

[  ]  CLIMBING HARNESS: A comfortable, adjustable harness is necessary for general mountaineering.
Guides' Pick: Black Diamond Vario Adjustable

[  ] ICE AXE: The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5’8”, use a 65 cm. axe; 5’8” to 6’2”, use a 70 cm. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.
Guides' Pick: Grivel Rainier or Black Diamond Raven Pro

[  ] MECHANICAL ASCENDER / PRUSSIC SLINGS: 1 or 2 Mechanical Ascenders OR 24 feet of 6 mm perlon accessory cord.

[  ] BELAY DEVICE

[  ] 2 LOCKING CARABINERS
Guides' Pick: Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate and Black Diamond Oval

HEAD

[  ] WARM HAT: A wool or synthetic hat. It should be warm, but thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome or SmartWool

[  ] BALL CAP: A lightweight ball cap, bandana or sun hat works very well.
Guides' Pick: RMI Ice Axe Hat

[  ] GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses is required.
Guides' Pick: Julbo Dolgan

HANDS

A good glove / mitten combination is important because of the variety of weather conditions which may be experienced. Below are some recommendations.

[  ] LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE: One pair of fleece or wool gloves.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear Kahiltna Glove

[  ] MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE: One pair of wind/water resistant ski gloves.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear Serrano Glove

UPPER BODY

[  ] BASE LAYER: One long-sleeve, light or medium weight top will be used as your base layer. Light colored tops are ideal, since dark colors absorb heat from the sun, and neck zippers will provide extra ventilation.
Guides' Pick: SmartWool Next-to-Skin Lightweight Zip-T or Patagonia Capilene 3

[  ] INSULATING LAYERS: A variety of insulating layers work well on Mt. Rainier. Your choice of garment (fleece or soft-shell) and the number of garments (one or two) should be based on how well you do in the cold. Generally speaking, we recommend two layers that work in combination with each other.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear Torch: Men | Women and Mountain Hardwear Micro-Chill Zip T

[  ] SHELL JACKET: You will need a jacket made of rain/wind resistant material with an attached hood.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear Pinnacle Jacket

LOWER BODY

[  ] BASE LAYER: One pair light or medium weight bottoms will be used as your base layer.
Guides' Pick: SmartWool Next-to-Skin Lightweight Bottom or Patagonia Capilene 3

[  ] INSULATING LAYER: One pair of softshell or windstopper fleece pants is required for the upper mountain. Full-length side zippers are recommended for making quick clothing adjustments, and for ventilating options.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear Makalu Pant

[  ] SHELL PANT: A pant made of rain/wind resistant material will be needed for the climb. Full-length side zippers are a great option, facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons.
Guides' Pick: Mountain Hardwear GTX 2.5 Pant

[  ] LIGHTWEIGHT TREKKING PANT OR SHORTS - OPTIONAL
Guides’ Pick: Mountain Hardwear Trekking Pant

FEET

[  ] MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Insulated plastic boots are the preferred choice on Mount Rainier. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Some leather boots that have Vibram soles and full shanks are also adequate, but they will need to be a stiffer design and might still result in cold feet on summit day. Lightweight hiking boots are not acceptable as they don’t work well with crampons, or in very cold or wet weather.
Guides' Pick: Plastic Boots: Scarpa Inverno
Guides’ Pick: Leather Boots: La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX 

[  ] GAITERS: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots, will be needed. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing.
Guides' Pick: Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles

[  ] SOCKS: Two pair, either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction.
Guides' Pick: SmartWool Mountaineering or Adrenaline Heavy Crew

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

[  ] SUNSCREEN and LIP PROTECTION
Guides’ Pick: Coppertone Sport SPF 30

[  ] MEALS: One trail lunch is needed for the day. See Food Recommendations for suggestions and additional information.

[  ] 1 – 2 WATER BOTTLES: One or two sturdy one-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze. If you bring a hydration system, also bring two one-quart water bottles as back up.
Guides' Pick: Nalgene

[  ] 1 LARGE GARBAGE BAG and a 1 GALLON ZIP-LOCK BAG: We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry. Please use the Zip-Lock as your personal trash bag.

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PROVIDED EQUIPMENT

RMI provides the following group equipment for your climb: climbing ropes and blue bags (for solid waste disposal). Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a cell phone for emergency contact.

GENERAL PACKING INFORMATION

• Duffel bags made of tough material and with a rugged zipper are preferable over suitcases.
• Make sure everything fits comfortably in the bag and that all sharp points are covered. Crampon cases, point protectors and duct tape work well to cover sharp objects.
• Protect your clothing from water by placing them in plastic trash bags inside your duffel on the airline and throughout the trip. Bring several thick, durable trash bags.
• Two lighter or smaller duffels are easier to manage than one large duffel.
• Write your name on the inside and outside of your duffel bag and inventory the contents.  Keep this inventory list with your important papers.
• Stuff Sacks are a great way to help organize all of your gear.
• Storage is available at Rainier BaseCamp for any clothing or equipment that you do not need while on the mountain.

PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST

[  ] Purchase travel insurance

[  ] Return Registration Packet to the RMI Office

[  ] Reserve hotel accommodations for before and after your program.

[  ] Reserve rental equipment

[  ] Arrange transportation to and from the airport

[  ] Be in the best shape of my life!