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. So my solution was to list as closely as possible what I will be using this 2019/2020 winter season.
When I think of a clothing system, 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. Once this three stage system is in place, you can add a belay jacket which is an insulated over jacket, and even insulated over pants for emergencies or times when more warmth is needed for a short period. Then there are the accessories such as vest, hats, and gloves etc. Hopefully the list below will help you understand what of your clothing you can use, what you need to purchase and how it all fits together.
Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Thermal Weight Zip-Neck
Patagonia Men’s R1® Fleece Pullover
Patagonia Nano Puff Vest
Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Thermal Weight Bottoms
Outdoor Research Pants
Outdoor Research Jacket
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves
Patagonia Beanie Hat
A Buff
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Neck Gaiter
Julbo Gogles (goggles are a must for Mount Washington climbs)
Petzl Headlamp
Patagonia Ascensionist Pack
Water Bottle and/or Thermos
If you are new to cramponing you can use Outdoor Research Gaitors to protect your pants
You need to provide the above equipment or a reasonable facsimile.
Below is a continuation of the equipment I carry, this equipment is either the kind of things I provide or emergency equipment I carry much of the time. I list it here for educational purposes only. Any equipment like ice tools, crampons, harness, helmet etc that you own you should bring and if appropriate you can use.
In my pack I carry an extra hat, and Puff Pants. I also bring a Black Diamond BBEE 11 Pack that I can climb with so I can leave the big pack at the base. For boots I wear Arc’teryx Acrux AR, Petzl Dart Crampons and my climbing tools are Petzl Nomics or Quarks depending on the nature of the climb.
Well if you got this far down the page you should be rewarded, enjoy the video.
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