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Expedition Skills Seminar
- Winter
Equipment List The following is a list of required equipment for the Expedition Skills Seminar Winter. Our philosophy is to prepare for the worst, and always hope for the best. We may encounter a variety of weather conditions throughout our seminar, 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 & BAG [ ] BACKPACK: A 6,000 cubic inch pack is the recommended size for this climb. A separate summit pack is not needed. [ ] SLEEPING BAG:
A bag rated to 0° F will keep you warm. A small deviation is fine. You may use either goose down or synthetic. Sleeping pads are provided at Camp Muir. A compression style stuff sack is recommended. TECHNICAL GEAR [ ] AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER:
A climb of Rainier involves travel in avalanche terrain. A digital transceiver is preferred; analog will work as well. [ ] HELMET: Helmets are required for glacier travel and on the upper mountain. [ ] CLIMBING HARNESS: A comfortable, adjustable harness is necessary for training and while climbing on the upper mountain. [ ] SNOWSHOES:
Must have traction bindings. [ ] ICE AXE:
The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 58, use a 65 cm. axe; 58 to 62, 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. [ ] CRAMPONS:
The 10 to 12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering are ideal. Rigid frame crampons designed for technical ice climbing are not recommended on Mt. Rainier. If you bring your own crampons, bring the appropriate repair kit/replacement parts and adjusting tools. [ ] TREKKING or SKI POLES:
Trekking poles are used on the approach and to provide additional stability in adverse weather. [ ] PERLON ROPE: Twenty-four feet of 6 mm perlon accessory cord, and fifteen feet of 7mm, for use as prussic slings and cordelettes in crevasse rescue. [ ] 5 CARABINERS: Five climbing carabiners are required for the seminar; at least two should be locking and larger. HEAD [ ] WARM HAT:
A wool or synthetic hat. It should be warm, but thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet. [ ] BALACLAVA/ NECK GAITER: Required for cold and windy days. [ ] BALL CAP:
A lightweight ball cap, bandana or sun hat works very well. [ ] GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed
sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses is required. [ ] GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles are required for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy, dusty nights. [ ] HEADLAMP:
With an alpine start, we will travel approximately four to six hours in the dark. We strongly recommend Lithium batteries as they perform well in a cold environment. If you choose alkaline batteries, bring an additional set, and ensure that they are kept in a warm pocket while climbing. HANDS A good glove / mitten combination is important because of the variety of weather conditions experienced throughout your climb. Below are some recommendations. Your glove combination should include three separate layers that work well together.
[ ] LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE: One pair of fleece
or wool gloves.
[ ] MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE: One
pair of wind/water resistant ski gloves.
[ ] HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE or
MITTEN: One pair of wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens
for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as
emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a 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. [ ] 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. [ ] SHELL JACKET:
You will need a jacket made of rain/wind resistant material with an attached hood. [ ] INSULATED PARKA with HOOD:
This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. Additionally, this oversized, insulated parka traps heat at rest breaks. The parka may be either goose down or synthetic fill and should have at least two inches of insulation thickness. It should fit over all of your clothing layers, including your wind shell. We do not recommend wind jackets with zip-in liners or down sweaters as substitutes as they are not warm enough for this climb. LOWER BODY [ ] BASE LAYER:
One pair light or medium weight bottoms will be used as your base layer. [ ] INSULATING LAYER:
One pair of fleece or windstopper pants is required for the upper mountain. Full-length side zippers are recommended for making quick clothing adjustments, and for ventilating options. [ ] 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. FEET [ ] MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS:
Insulated plastic boots are required for ascents on Mount Rainier at this time of the year. They provide the best insulation and a rigid platform for kicking steps and fitting crampons. If purchasing your own boots, size them large enough to accommodate heavy socks with liners. Allow plenty of room for your toes. Those who are planning for a high altitude expedition will want to choose a boot with a cold weather liner that does not absorb moisture. A closed cell foam "Alveolite" liner is a good example. [ ] 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. [ ] SOCKS:
Two or three pair, either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS [ ] SUNSCREEN and LIP PROTECTION [ ] MEALS and EATING UTENSILS: Five trail lunches, four dinners and four breakfasts are needed. Utensils consist of a bowl, insulated mug and spoon, and a knife. See Food Recommendations for additional information. [ ] 2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES:
Two or three 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. [ ] 2 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS and a 1 GALLON ZIP-LOCK BAG: We recommend lining your backpack and sleeping bag stuff sack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry. Please use the Zip-Lock as your personal trash bag. [ ] TOILET ARTICLES: Toothbrush, toothpaste and a few hand/sanitary wipes. Bring some personal toilet paper for your climb. [ ] EAR PLUGS for sleeping at Camp Muir. [ ] CAMERA OPTIONAL GEAR [ ] BOOTIES are a nice optional item for evenings at Camp Muir. [ ] RESCUE PULLEY Reasonably lightweight. [ ] CANDLE STUB For lighting in snow caves PROVIDED EQUIPMENT RMI provides the following group equipment and technical hardware for your climb: climbing ropes, sleeping pad, 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
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST [ ] Purchase travel insurance [ ] Return Registration Packet to the RMI Office [ ] Reserve hotel accommodations for the evening before Day 1, and for Days 1 and 6. [ ] Reserve rental equipment [ ] Arrange transportation to and from the airport [ ] Be in the best shape of my life!
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1-888-892-5462 info@rmiguides.com |
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