ICE

Below is a link to a list of recommend equipment and clothing for winter mountaineering and ice climbing. As part of any guided day with GRMG harness, helmet, ice tools and crampons are included. Snowshoes and trekking polls can be provided as well. Mountaineering boots can be rented at $25 per day. It is worth noting that these boots are the Lowa Alpine Expert, a modern, insulated leather boot. These have much better sensitivity and climbing ability than plastic boots that commonly make up the rental fleet for guide services. Adirondack Winter Mountaineering - Guided Trip Gear List Footwear: Mountaineering Boots - Decision to use insulated “single" boots (ex. La Sportiva Nepal Cube) or “double” boots (ex. La Sportiva G2 EVO, Scarpa Phantom 6000) will be based on weather and conditions. Merino wool blend socks - Liner socks and one extra pair of wool socks optional. Clothing: Wool or Synthetic Base Layer Top and Bottom - Weight of base layers may vary depending on temperatures and other pieces of your layering system. Athletic Style Moisture Wicking Underwear - Avoid cotton for this layer. Softshell Climbing Pants - Should be designed for winter use. Lightweight 3-season hiking pants are not suitable. Hardshell Pants - Should have side zippers that allow pants to be added over soft-shell pants without removing boots. Avoid heavy insulated “ski pants” as these waterproof hardshell pants may be carried in your pack most of the day. Synthetic Insulated Pants - Should have side zippers so pants can be added over soft-shell pants without removing boots. This item may be optional depending on climbing objective and weather. Discuss details with your guide. (ex. Rab Photon Pant) Mid-layer Insulating Top - Grid fleece or similar. Many people prefer this layer to have a hood. (ex. Patagonia R1 Hoody) Light Insulated “Puffy Jacket” - Synthetic fill jackets work better for layering than down fill jackets. (ex. Patagonia Nano Air Jacket, Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket) Softshell Jacket - This is a broad category with many options. This layer should block some wind and light snow but is more breathable to wear during long stretches of high output activity than the waterproof hardshell jacket. Depending on your layering system, an “active insulation” piece may serve as both your light insulated jacket and soft-shell jacket. Hardshell Jacket - Wind and waterproof jacket with a hood. Avoid heavy insulated “ski jackets” as this layer may be carried in your pack most of the day. Down or Synthetic Fill “Belay Jacket” - This jacket should be very warm, have a hood, and fit over all of the other layers. (ex. Patagonia DAS Parka, Mountain Equipment Citadel Jacket) Face and Headwear: Warm Hat - Something that fits well under climbing helmet. Ski Goggles - These should fit over glasses if you wear them. Wind-stopper Face Mask or Balaclava - Combination of hat, balaclava, face mask, and goggles should cover entire face and not leave any exposed skin. Lightweight “buff” style face covering is not adequate for this layer. High Quality Sunglasses - Category 3 or 4 rated with a protective case. Sun Hat - Trucker or cap style hat or visor with a brim can be nice, especially on a sunny spring day. Buff - Lightweight neck and face covering to protect against sun and wind.
 Gloves: Lightweight Gloves - 1 pair of liner or hiking gloves with very good dexterity. (ex. Outdoor Research Vigor Glove, Outdoor Research Storm Tracker Glove) Mid Weight Gloves - 2 pairs of climbing gloves that offer warmth and dexterity. (ex. Outdoor Research Extravert Glove, Rab Guide Glove) Heavy Gloves/Mittens - 1 pair of expedition weight gloves or mittens. Warmth is more important than dexterity for this layer. (ex. Outdoor Research Alti Mitt)
 Climbing Gear: Climbing Helmet - Must fit properly over hat. Climbing Harness - Must be adjustable and fit properly over layers ranging from base layer top to all jackets. Does not need to fit over the largest “belay jacket”. Belay Device with Large Locking Carabiner Carabiners - 2 mid size locking carabiners, 2 wire gate carabiners. Ice Axes - Choice of ice axes depends on climbing objective and conditions. Some routes may require 2 ice climbing tools. Other routes may require a technical piolet (ex. Petzl SumTec). Long straight shafted mountaineering axes are general less useful given the icy conditions in the Adirondacks. 12 point Steel Crampons - These should be adjusted to boots. 10 point or aluminum crampons and not adequate. Snowshoes - These should be a rugged style with robust bindings and very good traction (ex. MSR EVO Ascent). Trekking Poles - 3 piece folding or collapsible hiking poles with snow baskets. Micro Spikes - Or similar traction device to be used when snowshoes or crampons are not appropriate. Climbing Pack - 30-50 liter pack designed for mountaineering that all of your gear can easily fit into. Ice tools need to be securely attached to pack for hiking. Snowshoes plus hiking poles need to be easily and securely fastened to pack for climbing. If pack does not have a dedicated crampon pocket or straps, crampons should fit inside the pack. (ex. Black Diamond Speed 40) Food/Hydration: Bring a good variety of snack food that is easy to eat during short breaks. Examples; energy bars or candy bars, trail mix, pre-portioned meat and cheese, jerky, peanut butter sandwich, energy gels or chews. Bring a total of 10 snacks to eat throughout the day. 2.5-3 liters of water, sports drink, or hot tea. This should include a hot beverage in a thermos, and water bottles should be inside insulated water bottle sleeves. Personal Items: Sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Phone or small compact camera. Small personal first aid kit. This should include some bandaids and tape to treat blisters, ibuprofen for sore joints and muscles, and any prescription medications that you regularly take. Headlamp with extra batteries.