Alpine Ice Equipment
The gear listed is essential for participation in the course. There will be a mandatory equipment check at least one day prior of starting the course, no exceptions. Please ask if you have any questions or would like advice on the gear you plan to bring or purchase before it is too late. High Ice AK has a limited amount of ice tools, crampons, helmets, harnesses and skis for rent. Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking rents boots, ice tools, crampons, skis and snowshoes.
You
- A good attitude and a willingness to learn, and to show up reasonable physically fit
- Backpacking, skiing, or some type of outdoor experience is recommended
Clothing (no cotton allowed any item)
- Wool or synthetic socks (3pr)
- Synthetic long underwear, top and bottom (2pr: mid and exp wgt)
- Fleece or synthetic filled jacket and pants
- Weather-proof shell: Jacket and pants / bibs or one-piece suit (hood must fit over helmet)
- Synthetic or down filled insulated parka with hood
- Warm synthetic hat that covers the ears and a balaclava
- Sun hat
- Two pair of fleece or windstopper gloves
- Insulated gloves / mitts with water-proof shells and removable liners
- Camp gloves (fleece gloves to abuse on camp duties)
- Plastic mountaineering boots with gaiters or insulated leather mountain climbing boots with supergaiters
Climbing Gear
- Ice axe and hammer
- Crampons that fit your climbing boots (recommend step-in)
- UIAA approved size adjustable climbing harness that fits over all your climbing clothes
- UIAA approved climbing helmet that adjusts to fit over your bare head and while wearing hat(s)
- Daisy chain and 30 feet of 6mm perlon for prussiks and stirrups
- Two locking gate carabiners (recommend twist lock gates)
- Rappel-Belay device with a big locking carabiner for your harness
Camping
- Below-zero-temperture-rated sleeping bag (synthetic filled recommened)
- Full-length sleeping pad (closed-cell foam with a Thermarest is warm and comfy)
- Camp booties (recommend synthetic filled)
- Cup / Bowl / Spoon
- Bivy sack for optional night out
Misc
- Pack to carry all your gear with extra room for group gear (4-5000ci)
- Food, snacks and drinks you like
- Two 1-liter water bottles with insulated covers,
- Thermos (1 quart)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Headlight, spare bulb and batteries
- Camera and with lots of film
- Small first aid kit with personal items: sunscreen, lip protection, personal medications, etc
- Chemical heat packs
- Loud shrieking storm / emergency whistle
- Space blanket / emergency bivy bag
- Skis with climbing skins and ski poles or snowshoes with poles
