EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
You're probably aware that people who spend a lot of time
in the mountains are usually gear freaks. When you're many mile from the
trailhead, you are totally dependent on your equipment and are on a constant
quest to improve and upgrade. Having the right clothing and equipment is
often the difference between enjoying your time in the backcountry or being
miserable, much less surviving if conditions take a turn for the worst.
It is quite possible to spend a huge amount of money on the
most expensive backcountry gear, or to spend very little and hope it makes it
through the trip. (Many of the items I recommend by Mountain Hardware or
Marmot may make your heart stop when you see the prices. But they do last
forever and are often on sale.) The best course is to buy what is
necessary for your activity and provides the best value. The following
recommendations are an attempt to assist you if you're just starting
out. These recommendations are not the last word, but are based on
my 30+ years of climbing and backpacking all over the world. These are the
things I currently use or would likely buy as a replacement. I don't
receive any compensation from any of the recommended manufacturers, so these are
strictly my personal biases .
HOW TO BUY
Sales are very good and all outdoor providers have them at regular
intervals. The trick is know what you want and watch for it, especially if
you are upgrading. Reading reviews in magazines like Climbing, Rock
& Ice, and Backpacker are good ways to learn about what's
new.
WHERE TO BUY
REI is the place I usually start. They have stores throughout the USA and
a great website, www.rei.com. They offer
significant discounts through www.rei-outlet.com/
and they have sales at two to three month intervals. They also rent
equipment. Another great website is
www.sierratradingpost.com/.
They offer closeouts and seconds, often at amazing discounts. Another
mail order source with a very broad selection is Campmor, who also has a web
site at
www.campmor.com.
In the Portland, Oregon area, good stores are The Mountain Shop (excellent rental selection),
Oregon Mountain Community (
also do rentals), and ClimbMax.
Next Adventure offers used and new things also.


JOE'S STUFF
Here are my personal recommendations for the Pacific Northwest area:
CLOTHING
Boots:
For snow climbs - Koflach VivaSoft
plastic double boots. (Replaced by the Degre). Plastic boots don't
get wet, are warm, and usually are very comfortable. Wear them when you're
mostly going to be in snow. They also are compatible with step-in
crampons.
For trail hiking with more than a day pack-
LaSportiva Thunder
GTX
For trail hiking with a day pack- Asolo FSN95
Most any good
brand will work. They use different lasts so you may have to try on
several before one works for your foot shape. Note that they usually feel
as good as they are going to feel in the store, so don't expect the boot to feel better once it's "broken-in". I prefer all leather boots
for backpacking. They provide ankle and arch support and enable you to
slosh through streams and muddy sections without getting your feet wet.
Sturdiness is especially important if you're hauling a heavy pack. The
more flexible sole makes these boots more comfortable to wear on the trail but
require strap-on crampons for snow or ice travel.
Socks:
Liners -
Wrightsocks Thin polypropylene liner socks help
wick away sweat and minimize blisters by preventing your skin from rubbing
directly on your outer socks and boot. Most any non-tube style
polypropylene liner sock will work ok. Wrightsocks has an extensive line
of liner socks, most of which are double layered to minimize blisters. I
have several pair that I wear for veryday and dress socks.
Outers with Climbing Boots -
Thorlo Backpacking.
Outers with Hiking Boots -
SmartWool Hiking Medium
cushion. Again most any good
brand works. They are a blend of wool and synthetic. You're looking
for padding as well as warmth and durability.
Gaiters:
Summer -
Outdoor Research (OR) Rocky Mountain Low
Gaiters. These keep rocks and scree out of
your boots. They're uncoated, so aren't hot, but don't help much if you're
in the wet.
Winter/Snow -
Outdoor
Research (OR) Crocodiles Gore-Tex Gaiters. Easy
to put on and take off, they keep the snow out and your boots drier and
warmer. The Crocodiles come in many sizes. The plastic mountaineering boots are bigger than
leather ones, so make sure you try on your gaiters with the boots you are going
to wear, before you leave town..
Underwear:
Skin Layer -
Patagonia Capilene. Synthetic
materials wick perspiration away from your skin so you're not having to burn
fuel to evaporate it. The Capilene products are expensive, but feel very
good and last forever. The eXtend line from
Mountain Hardware are also good. They have added a silver compound to
discourage microbe growth and to reduce odor build-up. That said,
you can get very inexpensive garments by Wickers from Sierra Trading Post and
they work fine as well.
I start with a synthetic T-shirt and briefs. If you are carrying a big pack that
concentrates the weight on your hips, you will want to make sure that the briefs
extend below the area of contact and that seams aren't running along there. Otherwise, you'll get raw rubbed
spots. For the next layer I like a long-sleeve zip-T top and lightweight bottoms. I
usually don't wear the bottoms during the day unless it's very cold. I
will wear a long-sleeve top and bottoms and liner socks in my sleeping bag at
night, as much to keep the bag clean as for warmth. Keep the clothing you
aren't wearing in a waterproof bag.
Insulation Layer:
Bibs -
Lowe Alpine Ninja bibs. For cold
conditions, I really like wearing fleece bibs. They don't have the opening
between pants and shirt and are more comfortable and warm. I don't see
bibs in the current Lowe Alpine offering, but the Powerstrech bibs from Mountain
Hardware and Marmot look very good. Make sure the openings on the bibs
match up with the openings on your shell layer so you don't have to take things
completely off to perform biological elimination.
Jacket - Synthetic
Primaloft Hoody
Sierra Designs Chockstone Jacket.
This is light, compact, very warm, and does very
well without a shell since it is water and wind resistant. Even wet, it
has sufficient loft to still provide some insulation and it dries very quickly.
Jacket
- Fleece
Mountain
Hardware Windstopper Tech Jacket. Fleece jackets are very
toasty and with the windstopper layer, you don't have to put on a wind shell if
a breeze comes up. Unless it's really cold, you'll mostly be wearing the
jacket on breaks or in camp.
The North Face Denali Jacket -
I've had my TNF Denali Jacket since 1994, and I mostly
live in it during the winter. It's very durable and I really like the
pockets.
Pants - Fleece
Mountain Hardware
Windstopper
Tech Pant. These are just
great. They have full side zips so you can put them on and take them off
without having to take your boots off.
Outer Bottoms: Sport
Hill XC Pants. These are a tightly
woven synthetic material which is breathable but also wind resistant.
During the summer, I'll just wear these for bottoms if it's too cool for
shorts. In the winter, I'll wear long underwear bottoms under these and
add layers as necessary.
During the summer, I usually wear
nylon convertible pants with zip-off legs. REI will usually have them
on sale.
Wind and Moisture Outer Shell:
Parka -
Marmot Alpine Jacket.
I probably have the last one produced. It's very similar to the
Marmot Shadow jacket. Your parka is your first and most important element of shelter. It
provides protection from the wind and, for some period of time, from the wet.
I haven't had one that wouldn't eventually leak. They do better when new,
even if you do the treatments. The 3-layer Gore-Tex is more durable and
lighter than the 2-layer versions. The Gore-Tex concept is that water
molecules are kept out while water vapor molecules can escape through the
fabric. It works to some extent, but features like pit zips and full front
zips for venting are more important. The hood should be attached and
enable you to see when you turn your head. If you wear a helmet, the hood
should fit over it. Your parka will spend a lot of its time going in and
out of your pack and needs to very durable. Make sure you try on your
parka with all the stuff you think you will be wearing under it to ensure that
it fits comfortably.
Bibs -
The North Face Mountain Bib. I also like to looks of the Mountain
Hardware Ethereal FTX Bib. For cold conditions or if I know I'm going to be on
or in the snow a lot (like when I'm down hill skiing), I like bibs for an outer
layer. TNF version has full-length side zips and the "kangaroo
pocket" in front is very handy. I also like the chest panel and the
suspenders. Again, make sure that the openings match with your layers underneath.
Rain/Wind Pants
-
REI Alpine Lakes Pants. These are lightweight and are more water resistant than
waterproof, but are fine for summer outings. The Marmot Driclime Pant and
Mountain Hardware Tempest SL Pant are similar and have the always important
full-side zips.
Windshirt -
Marmot DryClime Windshirt. This
is a light shell with a thin but amazingly warm layer of the DryClime fabric.
It wicks moisture away and protects you from the wind. It's perfect for
when you don't want to carry your parka, but want to have something in case
a cool breeze comes up. Very nice to stuff into your tiny rock climbing
pack.
Headwear:
Hat For Cold-
The North Face
Windstopper High Point Fleece Hat. this is my
favorite warm hat. Windstopper layer keeps the wind out and the Durable
Water Repellency (DWR) treatment keeps it from getting soaked for a while. It
also has ear flaps and a chin cord so I can flip it back when my head is getting
too warm. Keeping your head insulated is
essential to staying warm. I also use a thin
Fleece Balaclava which comes down around my neck. It's good for
wearing under a helmet and for sleeping.
Hat For Hot-
REI Ball Cap with Mesh Sides. This
is mostly for keeping the thin spot on my head from getting sunburned and for
eye shade. The sizing strap unclips making it easy to attach to a strap
when you're not wearing it. I also have a ball cap with a flap on the
back. The longer bill in front keeps the rain from getting on your glasses
and the rear flap provides rain and sun protection, especially on snow.
Headband.
If you sweat a lot, this will let you enjoy the
experience.
Handwear:
REI Polypro Liner
Gloves and Outdoor Research Modular Gore-Tex Mitts With Fleece Liners.
I also have a pair of OR fleece gloves with a windstopper
layer. Mitts are much warmer than just gloves. I usually wear gloves
until my hands start getting cold and then put the mitts on immediately.
It's a lot easier to keep them warm than to rewarm. The chemical hand
warmer packets are nice. Put them in between your liner glove and the
overmitts. Tying loops of small cord in your clothing/tent/pack zipper
pulls will make it easier to use them without having to take off your
mitts. Always carry at least one extra pair of liner gloves in a
waterproof bag.
Essentials
MAP:
USGS 7.5 Minute Series (Topographic), Geo-Graphics,
Green Trails, and USFS Maps. Topographic maps are
essential. You may need all four versions to have the most current trail
information. Carry in a waterproof pouch/Ziploc bag. If you are
going to be going to various places in your state, the
Topo CDs are a great
value. Know how to use them. Take our Land Navigation class to
learn how.
Compass:
Silva Ranger 515CL. Most work well. Desired
features are a clear base plate and declination adjustment. If you're
using a GPS, UTM roamer scales are also good. If none of this means
anything to you, take our Land Navigation class.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen:
Prescription Glacier Goggles and PhotoSun Single Vision Glasses.
I buy the glacier goggle frames at REI and get the lens from my optician.
Get the coatings that make them very dark and provide complete UV
protection. Side shields are essential on glaciers and snow fields.
I need bifocals to read, but I hate hiking with them. The photo sun
glasses are great off of the snow and at night. I have flexible metal
frames which are, so far, indestructible. I also carry a pair of bifocals
for reading in camp and as a back-up. Carry a little repair kit with
replaceable screws that fit your glasses. A lot of folks have problems
with their contact lenses, especially in gritty, windy conditions.
Aloe Gator SPF 40 Total Sunblock and Banana Boat SPF 30 Sunblock
Lip Balm. Getting fried in the mountains is no fun. I especially
hate it when strips peel off of my lips and start bleeding. Going to be in
the cold? Tie the tube on a string (drill holes in the top) and hang it
around your neck to keep it warm enough to squeeze out.
I currently am using the Anthelios "S" SPF 30
by LaRoche-Posay. It contains "Meroryl" which blocks both A & B UV rays.
It also comes in an "L" version, SPF 60, which is close to a total sunblock.
It is available from
Feelbest.com in Canada.
Extra Food:
Cliff Bars and Trail Mix. I am also using the "Gu" Energy
Gel packets when a extra boost is required.
Extra Clothes:
See Above. What if you were injured and had to spend to
night out waiting for rescue? We also always carry a long ensolite pad and
a lightweight bivy bag.
Headlamp/Flashlight:
Petzl Zipka
Plus Headlamp. I carry the Zipka in my fanny pack. It
uses LEDs and is very light and goes for 10s of hours on three AAA batteries.
First Aid Supplies:
Depends on your level of training. American
Red Cross Standard First Aid is the minimum level. Wilderness First Aid or
Wilderness First Responder classes are very good. Check out http://wmi.nols.edu/
for available classes. All Oregon Peak Adventures lead guides are
certified Wilderness First Responders.
Fire Starter:
Candle in a Metal Cup or Paraffin-Soaked Cotton Chunks . I
these in
my fanny pack. Fritos™
and other chips work pretty well also.
Matches/Lighter:
Matches in Plastic Waterproof Container and a Bic Butane Lighter.
I carry both in my fanny pack. Sign-up for our
Wilderness Survival
class
to learn more.
Knife:
Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool in Fanny Pack and a small Victornix Classic Swiss Army Knife in Pocket. Don't
try to take them on an airplane!
Whistle:
Plastic without a ball. (The ball can
theoretically freeze-up) I've attached
it to my compass. Three blasts is the traditional emergency signal.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
Altimeter Watch:
Avocet Vertech II Alpin. I've had three of these
since 1994. It's smaller and lighter than many and is reasonably accurate.
The alarm isn't very loud, so you also will need to have a small alarm clock for
alpine starts. You have to send it in every two of three years for a new battery
and recalibration. The customer support is very good. They
will offer you a good deal when they think it's best to replace it. Don't
dive this watch- it makes the altimeter go crazy (They were nice enough to replace it, even
though I did tell them it had been down to 60')
Communications:
iPhone - Just got it (1/2007)
Haven't tried the phone out in the backcountry, but it's nice also having the
PDA functions and an iPod all in one unit. The battery life isn't so good,
so you need to be focused on keeping it charged up. In the backcountry I
will carry a solar recharger if I'm going to out several days.
Motorola Talkabout FRS Radios- The Family Radio Service
radios do not require a license to use and they are inexpensive and work well.
The T6530 model also has the weather frequencies, which has helped make go/no go
decisions on occasion. There are many brands and varieties available.
On The Move
Backpack:
EXPEDITION - McHale Alpine Bayonet. This is
a huge (7,0000 +cubic inches) custom pack Dan McHale made for me
for my first trip to Denali in 1994. It's a totally bombproof pack that's
amazing comfortable even with big loads. I've never had a problem with it.
More info on Dan McHale is at
http://www.mchalepacks.com/.
DAY Climb- Lowe Alpine Attack 60. This is a very comfortable pack.
At about 3,600 cubic inches, it carries all the gear needed for a day climb or
going light overnight trip.
There are many great packs made by many companies.
My bias is have one bigger than what I need so that it's easier to find things
and you don't have to cram your stuff into it. I'll gladly trade an extra
pound of weight for a comfortable carry. Make sure yours is comfortable, durable and big enough to carry what you need.
Essential features for climbing include: comfortable waistbelt, sternum strap,
adjustable shoulder straps, wand pockets, side straps, and ice axe loops. Try it out with an actual load before you go on a multiple-day trip.
Feeling pain and thinking dark thoughts about your backpack is not the best way
to enjoy your trip.
Fannypack:
I carry mine almost all the time. I put all the
stuff in it that I need on a regular basis like sunscreen, mosquito repellant,
etc., and survival items in case I lose my pack. It needs to be durable
and large enough to hold the stuff you need.
Water bottle:
I carry a pint bottle with a sport top in a holder
attached to my backpack strap. It's good to be able take a drink without
taking off your pack. Hydration systems like Camelback are handy, but you
need to be attentive to prevent a disaster.
In cold conditions use insulated water bottle parkas from Outdoor Research.
Trekking Poles:
Leki Super Makalu. I
like the angled handles and the shock absorption feature. Trekking poles
are a delight. Especially when you are carrying a heavy pack over rough
terrain. They provide stability, protect your knees, and increase your
efficiency since you're able to use your arms to propel yourself. Make
sure you have snow baskets when travelling in the snow.
In Camp
Tents:
Three
Person/Four Season- Moss Little Dipper I have used this on
Denali and extensively in the Pacific Northwest. It weighs about 12 pounds, is
durable, very roomy for three people (54 sq. ft. floor space and 14 sq. ft
vestibule), and exactly where you want to be when the wind and rain/snow go wild.
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) has purchased Moss and, with some redesign, are
now marketing these tents under the MSR brand. For the Little Dipper
equivalent, called the Prophet, see
http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/prophet.asp
Mountian Hardware Trango 3.1- Very sturdy, roomy, and easy to set-up.
TWO
Person/Four Season- Mountain
Hardware Trango 2 I have used this extensively in the Pacific
Northwest. It weighs about 9 pounds, it is durable, roomy for two people
(41 sq. ft. floor space and 16 sq. ft of vestibule space), and is also confirmed
to be a very good shelter from a storm.
TWO
Person/Three Season-
Sierra Designs
Baku 2 This is a great light tent for non-snow camping. It weighs
4.9 pounds, is sturdy and roomy for two people
(28 sq. ft. floor space and 14 sq. ft of vestibule space). It's single
wall construction. I haven't been in a rain storm with it, but it holds up
to wind well. It's not so good for ashy/dusty places like St. Helens, since
the mesh inter-walls allow grit to accumulate inside the tent.
Use a ground cloth or tent footprints to protect the bottom and
carry snow stakes for winter camping.
Sleeping Bags:
Expedition
bag- Feathered Friends
Ptarmigan (Rated for -25°F/-31.7°C; weighs
about four pounds.). Had it since 1994. It's been to Denali three
times, Nepal twice, and anytime I expect it's going to be cold like winter
camping. Never had a cold night in it. Bags from other manufacturers with
similar ratings will likely work as well. The smaller person you are, the
lower temperature rating you will need. Get a long version as you
will need to sleep with lots of stuff to keep it from freezing. Using a
vapor barrier liner is good when it's very cold. Put your wet things
inside the liner with you and they will dry out without soaking your bag.
three season bag- Marmot
Helium (Rated for -15°F/-9°C. Weighs 1 lb.
13 ozs. and stuffs to about the size of a loaf of bread). It's warm and
light because it uses 850 fill down. That means that 1oz. of the down
expands to fill a volume of 850 in.3 Generally, cheaper equates
to a heavier and bigger bag for the same temperature rating.
Sleeping Pads:
Therm-a-Rest-
I have several of these open cell pads. The happy
combination of a foam pad and an air mattress, they are warm and
comfortable. My current favorite is the
ProLite 4
which is also light at 1 lb. 8 oz., and compact (rolls-up to 11 x
4.8 in. regular size). They can be punctured and eventually do leak (after
years of use). The Cascade Design folks have replaced the two or three I
have sent to them at no charge.
closed cell pads-
These are inexpensive and do not have air to leak out, so they
are good back-ups to your open cell pad. Essential to also have one of
these when snow camping. We also carry one on all backcountry trips in case
we have to bivouac or package up an injured person. You can also cut them
up to use for splinting materials. These are usually found as stacks of
blue pads, or you can get fancier ones such as the Therm-a-Rest
RidgeRest
series.
Camp Chair:
CRAZY CREEK
ORIGINAL CHAIR -
These fold and sort of roll up for carrying and provide a padded seat with back
support in camp and on breaks. It's an essential for me.
Stoves:
White
Gas/Multi-Fuel- MSR
DragonFly This is a great stove. You can actually control
the flame - from blowtorch to simmer. It is, however, very loud! I
almost always take two stoves on trips. Since we actually cook meals, we
use one to cook and one to heat water for hot drinks. Plus, for those
infrequent occasions when one of the stoves decides they're not going to
function, you still have a heat source. Bring a stove board if you're snow
camping.
CANISTER STOVE-
Jetboil The Jetboil system is truly a
major advance in stoves. Very light and highly efficient. When I was
just boiling water, I've had one 3.53 fl. oz. canister last for five days.
The Jetboil folks are constantly adding accessories, and now have a 1.5 liter
pot available. It requires a pot stabilizer and stove support add-ons,
which are a good idea anyway. Another accessory is a French press for
making coffee.
To be continued....................
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