Mountaineering Checklist

Even though weight is always a consideration, mountaineering is not an ultralight activity. You'll need to have more than the basics to survive unexpected mountain weather (which you should always plan for). To determine what you need to bring, think about the length of your climb, how remote the location is and the weather forecast. (You'll also need to have the necessary technical skills, of course.)

For multiday trips, also check out our Backpacking and Winter Camping lists.

How to Use This Mountaineering Checklist

Use this checklist while you plan and when you pack to make sure you don't forget anything important. Here are a few tips on how to use this list:

Beyond items listed as optional, this list likely includes other items you won't take, too. It's intentionally comprehensive, but it isn't the final word on things. Add or subtract items as you see the need.
Items that are part of the Ten Essentials systems are marked by an asterisk (*). While the Ten Essentials systems are not optional, the exact items you take for each system can be tailored to your trip based on considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration and distance from help. To learn more, see our article on the Ten Essentials.
Print out the PDF version for easy use at home.

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Equipment

Hardware quantities depend on route.

Climbing pack
Rope(s) (dry preferred)
Helmet
Harness (with adjustable leg loops)
Crampons
Ice axe (with leash)
Belay/rappel device
Pulley
Locking carabiners
Nonlocking carabiners

Runners-singles and doubles
Prusik cords
Hand protection (athletic tape, gloves)
Snow protection gear
Shovel
Probe
Avalanche transceiver
Headlamp
*
(plus a spare)
Extra batteries
*
(kept near your body)

For Technical or Mixed Routes:

Crevasse Rescue Gear:

Snow picket
Slings (single- and double-length)

(2) Lightweight pulleys
20 ft. of 5-7mm accessory cords (to make prusik slings)

Navigation

Navigation * is one of the Ten Essentials systems. If you use a GPS (or GPS app on your phone), you also need a map and compass as an emergency backup.

Map
*
(inside a waterproof sleeve)
Compass
*
Route description or guidebook
*
Wands
Altimeter watch
*

GPS
*
Satellite messenger and/or personal locator beacon
Cellphone
Battery pack or a solar panel for charging phone and/or GPS

Overnight Gear

Mountaineering tent
Sleeping bag (rated appropriately)

Sleeping pads (1 foam + 1 inflatable to deal with severe cold)

Mountain Kitchen

Food & Water

Water bottles and/or reservoir
*
Water filter/purifier or chemical treatment
*
Meals

Energy food and drinks (bars, gels, chews, trail mix, drink mix)
Hot drink mix
Extra day's supply of food
*

Clothing & Footwear

Pack extra dry clothes * beyond those required for the trip.

Long underwear
Underwear; sports bra (if needed)
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Mountaineering pants
Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Boots (crampon-compatible)
Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
Insulated/down or synthetic booties for camp wear

Rainwear (jacket and pants)
Warm insulated jacket or vest
Fleece pants
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Bandana or Buff
Neck gaiter or balaclava
Gaiters (for rainy, snowy or muddy conditions

Emergency & First Aid

One of the Ten Essentials is an emergency shelter. Even if you're carrying a tent with you, you should have an emergency shelter in case you have to sleep overnight away from your basecamp.