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  • CLOTHING (This you must provide)
    Developing a clothing list was getting pretty difficult
    with all the choices out there, soft-shells, hard-shells, soft-shells with and without windstopper, light or heavier hard-shells, many combinations can be made to work. I didn't want to have a list of gear that was so specific that people climbing with me got the impression they needed a whole new wardrobe or a list so generic that it was useless.

    When I think of a clothing system that I use day to day, I think of a three part system. First is a next to skin layer that will wick moisture away. Second is an insulation layer that will resist losing its insulation properties when it gets damp. Third is a wind and moisture proof yet breathable exterior. This third layer may need to be actually waterproof at times, but to be honest that is rare in a New England winter. Once this three layer system is in place, you can add what people call a belay jacket which is an insulated over jacket, and even insulated over pants for times when more warmth is needed for a short period.. Then there are the accessories such as hats, gloves, and socks etc.

    So the best way for me to illustrate this systematic approach is to list what I wear and carry. Now for full disclosure, I am not sponsored by any companies but I do receive a few pieces of free gear through the AMGA that is given to those of us that instruct guide courses. I also receive discounts from most manufactures and distributors that are afforded to professionals. The bottom line is I use gear from a wide variety of companies and do not have a contract to wear or push any specific company.

    Here is the list:

    Patagonia Capilene 2 Long Sleeve Crew Neck
    Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms

    Patagonia Capilene 4 Zip T-Neck
    Patagonia Backcountry Guide Pants
    Marmot Super Hero Jacket
    Patagonia Heavyweight Mountaineering Sock
    Patagonia Big Mountain Beanie
    Patagonia Neck Gaiter
    Mountain Hardware Jalapeno Glove

    Julbo Goggles (a must for Mount Washington climbs only)
    Petzl Headlamp
    Winter Day Pack
    Water Bottle or Thermos

    In my Cold Cold World Valdez Pack I carry an extra hat, neck gaiter and Patagonia Micro Puff Pants. I also bring a butt pack similar to this that I can climb with so I can leave the big pack at the base, in the butt pack I have an extra pair of gloves along with Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket and a 1/2 liter of Gatorade. For boots I wear the La Sportiva Nepal Evo Gtx along with the Petzl Dart Lever Lock Crampon and my climbing tools are Petzl Quark Ice Hammers.

    If it is going to be a cold day I may add a polartec vest like this and go to a Patagonia Capilene 4 Bottoms to replace the Capilene 3 pair I mention above. If I think it will be particularly wet or a high wind day on Mount Washington I bring along an Marmot Precip Rain Jacket and the Marmot Precip Full Zip Pants. I have not been using boot gaiters but if I feel I will need the wind pants I wear Gaitors like these because wind/rain pants can catch crampons easily so I can protect the pants from cramponing and avoid the tripping hazard that can cause.

    As I said above there are many systems, I hope you find this helpful in deciding how to build and manage yours.

  • These Items I will Provide if Necessary
    Mountaineering Boots
    Ice Axe or Steep Ice Tools
    Crampons
    Harness
    Helmet
    Snowshoes*
    Sleeping Pad*
    Winter Sleeping Bag*
    Expedition Pack*
    * For overnight trips only

  • CAMPING GEAR (you must bring)

    Extra Long Underwear
    Lighter
    Extra Socks
    Headlamp
    Toothbrush
    Large Mug
    Sunscreen
    Spoon
    Water Bottle Parka
    Personal First Aid Kit (moleskin, aspirin, lip balm, etc.)
    Extra Water bottle

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