Overview

  • Each item on the list below is required unless specified to be optional.
  • If seasonal fluctuations impact the requirement for an item on your list, it will be specified.
  • All other items are required regardless of the forecast to ensure your well-being, as weather and conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
  • Item images represent one product suggestion for that item.
  • Item images may or may not reflect the model of item available for rent.

RENTAL RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • Items with a price & check box may be rented.
  • Check the box of any item you desire to rent.
  • Complete the personal detail section at the bottom of the page, and click submit.
  • If you are a non-Alpine Ascents climber seeking rental equipment, please inquire via email.

FURTHER RESOURCES

  • If you wish to learn more about any piece of gear, the online Gear Lexicon is available 24/7.
  • A printable/downloadable PDF version of the Gear Lexicon may also be accessed here.
  • For in-depth articles, pro-tips, and advice on select subjects, check out our blog.
  • Our experienced staff are happy to speak with you via phone, or via email.
  • The Alpine Ascents Gear Store offers a wide range of products to suit your needs. All registered climbers are welcome to utilize the discount code contained in your confirmation materials.
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Climbing Equipment

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles

Collapsible skiing/trekking poles. Three section, adjustable-height models are preferred.

Footwear

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Wool or Synthetic Socks

Wool or Synthetic Socks

Three pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These must fit over your liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

Hiking Boots

Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots designed for hiking in cool to cold conditions. Modern, lightly insulated boots with room in the toe box and good support should be stressed. Models like the Scarpa Terra GTX are ideal.

Technical Clothing

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Short Underwear

Short Underwear

Two to three pairs including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Synthetic or wool fabrics only - no cotton! Bring comfortable athletic styles based on your needs and preferences (e.g., boxers, briefs, sports bras).

Baselayer Bottom

Baselayer Bottom

Non-cotton baselayer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction. We recommend lighter weight baselayers rather than heavier fleece-type layers. Wool, wool blend, polyester, or other synthetic fabrics all work well. Be sure your baselayer pants are not constructed from cotton.

Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

One long-sleeved base layer top. This item must be constructed of a non-cotton material such as merino wool or polyester. Note that light-colored, hooded sun shirts are strongly recommended for sun protection, and are worn by guides throughout most climbs.

Trekking Pants

Trekking Pants

1-2 pair of lightweight nylon trekking pants. We recommend models that are simple, made with synthetic fabrics, and offer pockets for convenience. Zip-off models are not required, but are preferred by some.

Softshell Jacket

Softshell Jacket

This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Midlayer Top

Midlayer Top

A midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Grid fleeces generally provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Note that very light puffy jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

Hardshell Pants

Hardshell Pants

Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your baselayer bottoms and hiking pants. Having at least a 1/4 zip near the ankle can be helpful, but not required.

Hardshell Jacket

Hardshell Jacket

A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. Must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, and softshell.

Insulated Jacket

Insulated Jacket

Bring a midweight down jacket with a hood. Many midweight options can work well, including heavier synthetic jackets, but most prefer down for the sake of weight and packability. Please do not bring light down sweaters (not warm enough) nor large high-altitude parkas (too warm).

Handwear

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Softshell Gloves

Softshell Gloves

Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Headwear

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Buff

Buff

Two buffs are a must-have. The UV Buff is a versatile replacement for the bandana and serves a multitude of purposes. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Sun Hat

Sun Hat

Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well. Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

Wool/Synthetic Ski Hat

Wool/Synthetic Ski Hat

A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection are recommended. A good fit is critical for comfort- try on glasses to check for a comfy fit and good light blockage. Keep in mind that high-quality lenses are an absolute must due to mountain sun.

Headlamp

Headlamp

A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output. Freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. Rental headlamps do not include spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred. Check out our write-ups here to learn more.

Personal Equipment

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Small Pack

Small Pack

An internal frame climbing/trekking pack of approximately 32-40 liters in carrying capacity. Emphasize simple, lightweight designs.

Inflatable Sleeping Pad

Inflatable Sleeping Pad

A full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad is recommended. Older-style three-quarter length pads have been superseded by ultralight full-length pads. We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.

20°F Sleeping Bag

20°F Sleeping Bag

Whether filled with down or synthetic insulation, this bag must be rated to 20°F and feature a collared hood for warmth. Be sure to include a compression stuff sack.

Trash Compactor Bag

Trash Compactor Bag

One bag for use as a waterproof pack liner. Compactor bags are made from a heavy plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use.

Small personal power bank (Optional)

Small personal power bank (Optional)

Small portable battery bank for charging personal items like a cell phone. We recommend models that weight less than 7oz and have enough charge for the length of the trip. Good options Goal Zero Flip 36 which can charge a smartphone three times. We strongly recommend keeping phones in airplane mode to increase battery life in the field. If concerned about pack weight, we recommend forgoing this item.

Toiletry Bag

Toiletry Bag

Include toilet paper (stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wet wipes, and any personal medications or prescriptions. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip. Female climbers should bring an appropriate amount of feminine hygiene products for the duration of the trip (for international trips, these can be difficult to find last minute in-country).

Water Purification

Water Purification

Bring a small, lightweight Steri-Pen or other single-serve water treatment system. As you will be using this to refill a 1-liter Nalgene or other container, be sure your system is designed to treat approximately 1-liter at a time.

Sun Protection

Sun Protection

Bring one 2-ounce tube of SPF 30+ sunscreen, as well as one tube of SPF-rated lipscreen. All sunscreens lose SPF ratings over time; be sure your sun protection is brand-new.

Small Personal First-Aid Kit

Small Personal First-Aid Kit

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

Medications & Prescriptions

Medications & Prescriptions

Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Metronidazole (500mg tablets), Z-Paks (500mg tablets), Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 2 per day at altitude), Zofran (4mg tablets), Immodium, Erythromycin ointment for those who wear glasses/contacts, cold medicine (Mucinex, Tylenol cold +flu, Theraflu), and a variety of over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Some find that Excedrin (a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine) works particularly well at relieving altitude-related headaches. We also recommend a selection of hard candies and cough drops to handle the cold, dry air.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer

Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well. Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

Face Mask (Optional)

Face Mask (Optional)

We recommend that all climbers have a face mask easily accessible in a waterproof bag (Ziploc, etc.).

Food

Food

Please review the food information on your climb Logistics page. A close reading of this information is important towards a smooth trip. Please contact our office with any food-related questions. For additional food tips, check out this write-up.

Traveling

Description
Click to Reserve/Buy Item
Travel Lock

Travel Lock

We recommend two (2) TSA-approved travel locks for your luggage. When traveling or when storing items in hotels or lodges these are useful, offering extra peace-of-mind.

Travel Clothes

Travel Clothes

Clean 'town' clothing is recommend for use traveling as well as pre-and-post trip. We recommend bringing a comfortable variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts and a pair of comfortable athletic shoes, such as running shoes, approach shoes, or other trainers.

Travel Luggage

Travel Luggage

For traveling to your start location, we recommend standard luggage with a travel lock. Medium-sized soft-sided duffels will be provided for transporting your belongings during your journey, so this travel luggage may be left behind at your hotel.

Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions

I promise to return all equipment rented from Alpine Ascents International, Inc. in good condition at the end of my climb/course. I agree and authorize Alpine Ascents International, Inc. to charge my credit card on file for repairs and/or replacements of damaged, lost or stolen gear. And I agree not to hold Alpine Ascents International, Inc. responsible for any injuries incurred through the use of its rental equipment.

Rental Information

Reserving: Please submit one reservation per person per departure. We recommend submitting reservations at least one month in advance to ensure adequate time for processing. Incomplete reservations may cause delay or failure to reserve requested items. Cancellations must be made three weeks in advance of your departure.

Washington Rentals: All rental equipment for trips taking place in Washington will be picked up during your gear check at our Seattle headquarters. For trips with an off-site gear check please contact the Gear Department to pick up your rentals in Seattle. At that time, payment will be taken for all rented items. No security deposit will be charged for Washington rentals; however, Alpine Ascents reserves the right to assess fees for the replacement or repair of any damaged items.

Alaska Rentals: Due to the unique nature of Alpine Ascents' Alaska program, some items requested may be picked up in Talkeetna at your gear check rather than shipped directly to you. However, not all rental items are available for pickup in Talkeetna. Payment for Alaska rentals will be charged to the on-file credit card after your gear check, including a $50 security deposit per item. Alpine Ascents reserves the right to withhold all or part of your security deposit for the replacement or repair of damaged items. All equipment, whether shipped to you or picked up in Alaska, may be de-issued at the Alpine Ascents Alaska facility at the end of your trip.

International Rentals: All rental equipment for trips taking place internationally will be shipped to you approximately two weeks prior to your trip departure date. A USA address must be provided for rental shipments. Rental equipment may not be shipped internationally. At the time of shipment, charges will be assessed to the credit card on file, including shipping charges, rental fees, and applicable security deposits. Please immediately contact the Gear Department with any questions.

Confirmation: Allow 48-72 hours for rental confirmation via email. If you have any questions or have not heard back from us within three (3) working days, please email gear@alpineascents.com or call (206) 378-1927 and ask for the Gear Department.

Payment: The credit card on file will be used to process rental payment. For climbs in Washington, payment will be taken at your gear check and no security deposit will be required. For climbs taking place outside of Washington, charges are processed at the time of shipment (approximately two weeks prior to departure date) and will include a $50 security deposit per item plus shipping. Shipping cost is based on size and weight and can only be determined at the time of shipment.

Security Deposit: Fees are fully refundable upon a timely return (one week from the end of trip). Fees may be assessed for repair or replacement of damaged item(s). Please allow up to two weeks for your refunded to be credited. Please note that for items not returned within one week after a trip end date Alpine Ascents reserves the right to withhold all or part of your security deposit.

Shipment: Rental items for climbs taking place outside of Washington are scheduled to ship two weeks prior to your trip departure. Once received, please verify that all items are correct and fit appropriately. Please note that sizing information provided is used to determine the sizes of items shipped. You are responsible for rentals once items are shipped and until items are received back at Alpine Ascents. We encourage you to insure your shipment.