Equipment and Clothing Check List
by Paul Richins, Jr. (updated 12/14/98)

Below is a check list of suggested equipment and clothing to take on a multi-day backpacking or a ski mountaineering trip in the winter. Photocopy the list and use it. For summer backpacking, leave the skis and winter related items at home. These items have been noted with an asterisk (*). I hope the list will serve as a convenient reminder and quick check against accidentally leaving a critical item at home thereby potentially sabotaging a great trip with your friends.

My primary advise is to go light!!! I have observed that many hikers and backcountry skiers, even the experienced, take too much with them on overnight trips. You can get by with a lot less than you think, without sacrificing safety. Especially in the Sierra Nevada where the winter climate is relatively mild and the summer weather warm, compared with other mountain ranges in the world.

Speed in the mountains equates to safety and enjoyment. It is difficult to move through the mountains quickly with an oversized pack, weighing 40 or 50 pounds, stuffed to the brim with the latest gadgets from your favorite mountaineering store. When considering purchasing items; whether it be skis, boots, a Gore-Tex parka or pants, a pack, sleeping bag, think function and weight. Refer to the equipment buyers guide for suggestions on purchasing tents, packs, skis and the top ten equipment and clothing innovations. Most items end up in your pack and on your back, so the weight of each item is critical. If a weeks worth of supplies will not fit inside a 4,500 cubic inch internal frame pack, you are taking too much.

Individual Items

• map and compass
• internal frame pack
• sleeping bag to 5-10 degrees*
• sleeping bag to 20-25 degrees for summer and fall trips
• Therm-a-rest sleeping pad
• skis, boots, poles* or
• snowboard, boots and snowshoes*
• climbing skins*
• wax kit*
• avalanche transceivers*
• avalanche probe*
• gaiters*
• weather-proof gloves/mitts*
• light pair of gloves
• midweight thermal wear top
• powerstretch tights
• nylon shorts
• powerstretch or 100 weight mirco-fleece vest
• lightweight nylon wind shirt*
• fleece jacket with hood
• fleece pants with full-length zipper*
• Gore-Tex parka with hood
• wind-proof pants with full-length zipper*
• extra pair of wool/polyester blend socks
• down/fleece booties or Gore-Tex socks*
• hat with sun visor
• warm hat and neck gaiter or baraclava*
• sunglasses and goggles (goggles not necessary in summer)
• large plastic cup (2-cup capacity) and spoon
• wide-mouth water bottles
• water purification tablets
• headlamp or flashlight
• extra batteries
• inexpensive watch
• personal toiletries--sun screen, chap stick, Carmex, aloe vera gel, toilet paper, handi-wipes, antibacterial waterless soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, handkerchief.

Group Equipment

• Bibler hanging stove
• fuel canisters
• 2-3 lighters
• extra pair of sunglasses or goggles*
• free-standing (3 or 4 poles) tent* (2 or 3 pole tent is adequate for summer)
• snow shovel*
• repair kit--duct tape, ski binding repair tools, pocket knife, pliers, screw driver, wire, vice-grips, tent-pole and ski-pole splinting materials, spare basket, epoxy, sewing kit.*
• first aid kit—aspirin, tylenol, motrin, codeine, antibiotics, decongestant, antacids, scissors, mole skin, elastic bandage, field manual of medical care, large bandages, sterile gauze, two-inch roll of stretch gauze, two-inch roll adhesive tape, three-inch elastic bandage, topical antibiotic ointment, antiseptic soap (Mountain Medicine--First Aid Kit contains a complete list of items to be included in your medical first aid kit)

Optional Items

• ice axe
• crampons including wrench
• camera and film
• altimeter
• GPS—Global Positioning System
• cellular phone
• bivy sack*
• down jacket or down vest*
• snow saw*
• thermometer*
• water filter

Mandatory Items

Don’t forget the food!!! See alpine cuisine and recommended food list.

 Backcountry_Resource_Center--Paul Richins, Jr.
www.jps.net/prichins/backcountry_resource_center.htm