Skiers and snowboarders are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering will provide all group glacier travel/ski mountaineering and camping equipment (such as ropes, anchor material, tents and kitchen supplies. If you need to borrow personal equipment, please notify our office ASAP. Many of the items on this equipment list have a variety of options and styles specific to your preference and the chosen objective, please get in touch with our admin team or your guide with any questions or to discuss intricacies of the gear. See recommended gear list below for ski mountaineering on Mount Baker:
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Long Underwear: Should be comfortable for a full day of activity, synthetic or merino wool will wick moisture away from the body
Ski socks: Over-the-calf winter weight for superior warmth. Heated socks (e.g. Lenz) are great!
Warm hat
Sun hat
Buff: Lightweight neck gaiter for adding warmth around ears or covering your face in windy or sunny conditions
Softshell gloves: Waterproof with high dexterity. 2 pairs recommended, one midweight and one heavyweight.
Mittens: mid-weight leather are great for colder conditions. Can be used with heat packs.
Midweight top baselayer: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away.
Heavyweight bottom baselayer: Optional for those that run cooler.
Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection
Active insulation jacket: Ideal balance of breathability and warmth for winter aerobic activity
Midweight vest: Optional, adds warmth to your core without restricting movement
Softshell jacket: Midweight with a helmet compatible hood. Should have Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating
Ski pants: Can be hard or soft shell depending on the conditions (hardshell are best for colder, stormy or winter conditions). Side vents are nice to extend the comfort range for warmth on ascents. Must fit over boot cuffs.
Insulated parka: Only necessary for mid-winter and very cold days. Down is lighter/more compressible and a hydrophobic treated down will insulate even when wet. Should have at least 200 grams of 800 fill insulation
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Skis with touring bindings: between 90mm and 115mm underfoot
Ski touring boots
Climbing skins fitted to skis; mohair or mohair mix is great, though full synthetic is fine.
Ski crampons compatible with bindings and skis
Adjustable poles (plus an extra basket)
Avalanche transceiver
Shovel
Avalanche probe
Ski helmet or climbing helmet
Ski pack (~50 liters) with enough capacity to carry overnight kit
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Crampons: Should be lightweight and adaptable to your ski boots
Crampon pouch: Reusing a USPS Tyvek mailing package is a cost effective option. Some packs have an external crampon pouch which replaces this item
Technical mountaineering ice axe: A short, lightweight ice axe. A curved shaft is more ergonomic for sections of steep climbing
Harness: Should be lightweight without padding. Modern ski mountaineering harnesses are able to be put on while keeping skis attached to boots
Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner
48 inch (120cm) sewn dyneema sling
Personal Anchor System (PAS): Popular example includes the Petzl Connect Adjust
Prusik loop: 3 feet of 6mm accessory cord tied into a prusik loop or a manufactured rappel backup
3-4 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner
2 Non locking carabiners: Wiregates are less prone to freezing
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Sleeping bag: 0° F recommended with a compression sack sized for your sleeping bag. We recommend down for its better weight to warmth ratio and superior compression/packability
Sleeping pad: Inflatable pads are lighter, warmer, and more packable. Should have an R-value of 3 at a minimum. You may also consider bringing a ½ - ¾ length foam pad for additional insulation when camping on snow
Personal toiletries
WAG bags: One per day is recommended, plan accordingly
Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes
Bowl, spork, and mug
Snacks: Skyward Mountaineering will provide breakfast and dinners when on the mountain, though you should plan on having your own lunches/snacks. We recommend around 1000-1500 calories per day. Food should be a healthy mix of carbs, fats and protein with some salts and sweets, avoid solely relying on bars as real food can be much more motivational
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Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 4 lenses w/ side shields
Googles: Two pair recommended, one for low vis and another for sun/shade mix.
Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick. Include extra for extended expeditions
First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications and blister kit for feet
Kula cloth: Optional, antimicrobial cloth for people who squat to pee
Pee funnel: Optional, to facilitate easier bathroom usage in a harness for people who squat to pee
Hand warmers: 2 pairs
External battery bank: Optional, bring all necessary charging cables for your electronics
Smartphone with plug-in headphones: Download music and podcasts for relaxing around camp. Download maps on Gaia app. A leash system for your phone is recommended
Satellite messaging device: Optional, your guide will have one but it can be nice to be in control of your own communication with family back home
Headlamp with fully charged batteries: Keep it small but bright. Guide tip: a rechargeable battery is more versatile
2 Nalgene style water bottles: These should be wide mouth, soft bladders should be avoided as they are more likely to puncture
1 liter thermos: For around camp or if you prefer a hot drink on a long touring day