Mount Vinson, Antarctica: 16,050′ (4,892 m)

Mount Vinson is the highest peak in Antarctica, lying within the Ellsworth mountain range, a mere 600 miles from the South Pole. The icy continent is a landscape of extremes, with nighttime low temperatures often reaching -40 F and a summertime sun that never sets. Antarctica is one of the last truly wild places on Earth, and climbers who venture to “The Ice” will leave with a feeling that they were just part of something very, very special.

Our Mount Vinson Antarctica climbing team meets at the southern tip of Chile in the bustling port town of Punta Arenas. We will spend two days checking equipment and weighing our collective gear and supplies in preparation for the six-hour flight to The Ice. Flying to Antarctica aboard a Boeing 757 jet and landing on the blue ice runway at Union Glacier is an experience you will never forget. From Union Glacier, we board a Twin Otter on skis for the flight to Vinson Base Camp. It takes an impressive amount of logistical support to get people and gear to the bottom of the world.

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The guided expedition up Mount Vinson involves glacier travel and moderately steep snow climbing. We generally put in two camps above base camp before going for the top. The summit ridge provides some interesting climbing as you wind through rocks, ice and snow on your way to the top of Antarctica. The views from the summit on a clear day are breathtaking, as you gaze across an ocean of ice which extends all the way to the horizon.

Vinson climbers should prepare themselves physically to be able to carry moderately heavy loads over the course of 6-8 hour days. Antarctica is a very cold place and proper equipment is essential. Our Mount Vinson Expedition guides are very adept in taking care of climbers in Arctic and Antarctic conditions; however, climbers must ultimately be familiar with how to look after themselves in a very cold environment.

If you have questions, please contact the Mountain Trip office at [email protected] or (970) 369-1153.

The Mountain Trip Difference

We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of personal attention to our Mount Vinson Expedition climbers from your first contact with our office until after you return home. Our office staff is comprised of Vinson veterans, who can answer your questions based on personal experience. We provide the very highest standard of client care at every stage of your trip, and base all of our decision making on “What is best for you?”

Our expedition guides are very experienced with the rigors of Antarctic climbing, and we provide them with the very best in food and supplies to ensure that you have the greatest possible experience at every stage of your journey. Mountain Trip sets the standard for quality on Mount Vinson. We use the finest Antarctic tents and a comfy dome tent at Base Camp.

Vinson climbing expeditions take about 13-14 days; however, flight delays in Antarctica are quite common due to the ever-changing weather. Mountain climbers must keep some flexibility in their return schedules to allow for delays.

Based on booking trends over the past few years, and the limited availability of seats on the 757, we strongly encourage prospective climbers to book well in advance of their desired departure. Early booking also gives us priority for flights to Vinson Base Camp. Booking in April for a December expedition is a good idea if your dates are not flexible.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN PUNTA ARENAS. Team members should plan to arrive in Punta Arenas on this date. Depending on when everyone arrives, we might have our team meeting and equipment check at our hotel this afternoon. There are very few gear shops in Punta Arenas, so be sure that you brought everything on the equipment list, and that everything is in good condition and of the highest quality. We’ll discuss the following days’ events in detail and probably still have some time to explore the interesting port city. That evening, we’ll all go out for a welcome dinner in one of several great restaurants.

DAY 2: TEAM MEETING OR CONTINGENCY DAY. We’ve seen enough delayed luggage on flights into Punta Arenas to have learned that it’s worth arriving a day early for an expensive and time-sensitive trip like this one. We often have time to go on a sightseeing tour on this day, but we might spend it doing gear checks and conducting our team meeting, depending on when team members arrive the day before.

DAY 3: GROUP MEETING. All climbers flying to Antarctica must attend a pre-flight orientation with ALE. Later in the day, we’ll weigh all of our equipment and food, and ALE will stow it all for the flight south.

DAY 4: FLY TO THE ICE. Weather permitting, we make the 4.5-hour flight to the blue ice runway on Union Glacier. From there, weather permitting, we’ll fly a short hop to base camp at 7,000′ in a Twin Otter. At base camp, we’ll have an on-glacier safety talk and prepare our sleds with loads for our ascent.

DAY 5: MOVING UP GLACIER. We have a couple of options as to where we can camp on the Branscomb Glacier. This decision as to which camp to use first will be based on weather conditions and on how the team is feeling on our first day on the trail. One camp is at the major bend in the glacier (about 9,600’) and the other is located at the base of the steep ridge and face leading to high camp at about 10,000′. (For the sake of this itinerary, we’ll assume that we placed camp at the 10,000′ site.)

DAY 6: CARRY TO HIGH CAMP. We’ll carry loads up to high camp at 12,500′ and return to Camp 1 for the night. This gives us a chance to “carry high and sleep low,” helping us stock the camp with supplies and enable our bodies to better acclimatize to the upper mountain.

DAY 7: REST/ACCLIMATIZATION DAY. The day of carrying loads up the steep face is a long and tiring one, so most climbers will want to rest for a day before moving up to high camp on our summit bid.

DAY 8: THE RIDGE TO HIGH CAMP. The route up to high camp climbs a steep face next to a rocky ridge for 3,000′. The views back down the Branscomb Glacier can be astounding, so don’t forget to look back over your shoulder on your way up. This stretch follows fixed lines for most of its length, so be prepared to use an ascender with mittened hands.

DAY 9: OPTIONAL REST/ACCLIMATIZATION DAY. We’ve just made a big gain in elevation, so many climbers will benefit from taking a rest day before making a bid for the summit.

DAY 10: SUMMIT DAY! From High Camp it’s about a 3-mile traverse with 3,600′ of elevation gain to the summit. The summit ridge offers fun climbing with sensational views of Ellsworth Range and the Ronne Ice Shelf. After summiting, we’ll spend the night back at High Camp before descending down the steep face the next day.

DAY 11: RETURN TO BASE CAMP.

DAY 12-13: CONTINGENCY DAYS. You’ve flown a long way and spent a lot of money to get here; these days are insurance so that you get the best possible shot at summiting. We’ll have plenty of delicious meals to keep us busy, and the sledding and hiking out of Vinson base camp are fantastic.

DAY 14: FLY FROM BASE CAMP TO THE UNION GLACIER/PUNTA ARENAS.

DAY 15: FLY HOME. This is quite optimistic, and climbers should heed our recommendations for booking return flights.

This is a very rough outline of how the schedule might proceed. There are many options for moving, camping, rest days, etc. and we might easily be delayed by weather at the beginning, middle or end of the trip. Please keep an open mind and stay flexible!

Inclusions and Exclusions for Mount Vinson

Included in the Trip Fee:

• Unlimited pre-trip access to our office resources.

• U.S.-trained Mountain Trip guide(s).

• Four nights’ lodging in Punta Arenas (3 nights pre-climb, 1 night upon the return).

• Scheduled R/T flights between Punta Arenas and Union Glacier, Antarctica.

• Scheduled R/T flights between Union Glacier to Mount Vinson Base Camp.

• 125 lbs (56 Kg) of weight per climber (including group food and gear) is included with our flights.

• All group equipment for the expedition, including tents, kitchen, ropes, snow pickets, sleds, satellite phone for emergency use and calling in dispatches, and GPS tracking device for the team.

• Custom expedition dispatch blog for your climb, complete with audio posts from the mountain.

• Assistance arranging post-climb activities, such as penguin tours, Torres Del Paine excursions, etc.

 

Not Included in the Trip Fee:

• Flights to and from Chile.

• Chile’s reciprocity fee for citizens of certain countries (approx. $160 USD).

• Personal clothing and equipment.

• Meals beyond the welcome dinner in Punta Arenas (breakfasts are generally included with your hotel room).

• Excess weight fee for Antarctic flights.

• Base Camp showers, services and beverages beyond those provided in our meal program.

• Travel and/or Rescue Insurance – Please note that Medical Evacuation Insurance is required for trips to Antarctica.

• Costs incurred due to evacuation or unplanned departure from the mountain due to illness or other problems.

• Costs incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Mountain Trip.

• Customary gratuities for local staff.

• Costs as a result of force majeure.

Refunds and Cancellations

Mountain Trip recognizes how difficult and disappointing it can be for climbers who must cancel expeditions which they have planned for a long time. Team members must also recognize that, due to the nature of planning expeditions and dealing with governmental permits and regulations, Mountain Trip also accrues significant expenses in the months prior to expedition departure dates. We must therefore adhere to a strict refund policy for all climbers. Trip cancellation and travel insurance is generally available for all expeditions. U.S. and Canadian residents should contact us for more information regarding travel insurance. Our refund and cancellation policy is outlined below.

  • All expeditions require a deposit to secure a spot on the team. Your submission of a deposit constitutes your acceptance of this Fee Schedule, Refund and Cancellation Policy.
  • All deposits for Mount Vinson expeditions include a non-refundable $1,500 administration fee. (We highly recommend you consider Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect the administration fee, if not the entire cost of your climb.)
  • Final payments for expeditions must be received 120 days prior to the Team Meeting Day.
  • Failure to pay expedition fees by the date they are due constitutes cancellation of your spot on the team and forfeiture of your deposit.
  • Any cancellation 120+ days before your Team Meeting Day will be refunded in full, less the administration fee.
  • If you cancel 120-90 days before your Team Meeting Day, you are eligible for a refund of 50% of any monies paid, less the deposit.
  • No refunds will be provided for cancellations occurring within the last 89 days prior to an expedition.
  • All requests for refunds must be made in writing and received in our Colorado office.
  • If you register for a climb within 90 days of the Team Meeting Day, expedition fees will be due in full to secure your spot on the team.
  • No refunds will be given for unused hotel bookings due to schedule changes, late arrivals, etc.
  • Mountain Trip reserves the right to cancel an expedition prior to the departure date for any reason. In the event that the expedition is cancelled based solely on an internal administrative decision by Mountain Trip (Internal Cancellation), all monies, except for nonrefundable administrative fees, collected by Mountain Trip from team members for the canceled expedition shall be refunded within 30 days. That is the extent of our financial liability for such cancellations. This Internal Cancellation provision shall not apply when external factors that force Mountain Trip to cancel an expedition against its will, including, but not limited to international political upheaval, terrorism, drought/famine, epidemics/pandemics, and/or cancellations imposed by foreign or domestic governments or permitting agencies (External Cancellation). All External Cancellations shall not be subject to a refund unless such cancellation occurs prior to the deadlines set forth in the Refund and Cancellation policies stated above.

The following applies only if all expedition fees are paid by the date they are due:

If Mountain Trip cancels your expedition due to External Cancellation factors resulting from coronavirus more than 90 days prior to the Team Meeting Day, Mountain Trip will credit 100% of your paid expedition fees toward a future program with Mountain Trip or refund all monies paid except for the non-refundable administrative fee.

If Mountain Trip cancels your expedition due to External Cancellation factors resulting from coronavirus 90 days or less prior to the Team Meeting Day, Mountain Trip will credit 75% of your paid expedition fees toward a future program with Mountain Trip or refund 50% of your expedition fee.

General Agreement Concerning Services to be Provided and Responsibilities of Team Members

When registering for an expedition with Mountain Trip we want to help make sure you understand the services we are providing and the services you are responsible for.

Transportation is Incidental

The main purpose of becoming a team member is to join us on an expedition in the mountains. As such, any transportation we provide or that you may contract for on your own is incidental to the trip. We suggest that you make sure you have time built into your itinerary for delays.

Transportation to and from your Destination

We will designate a specific Team Meeting Day for your expedition. Transportation to the meeting point on your Team Meeting Day is to be provided by you. You must arrive in time to be ready to participate in a team meeting at the appointed time on the Team Meeting Day for your expedition. Expedition climbing is very dynamic and we will provide you with a recommendation as to when you should book your flights to and from your destination. We suggest you book a ticket that allows you to change your flight with little effort or cost.

Lodging off the Mountain

Mountain Trip will provide lodging per the Inclusions and Exclusions section of the “What’s Included?” tab. Any additional lodging is your responsibility.

Responsibilities of Team Members

You are ultimately responsible for your own well-being, including making all necessary preparations to ensure good health and physical conditioning. You are responsible for understanding the conditions that may exist on the climb and choosing a climb that is appropriate for your abilities and interests. You are responsible for having knowledge of all pre-departure information and for assembling the appropriate clothing and equipment for your climb.

While on the expedition, team members are responsible to maintain basic levels of hygiene and to conduct themselves respectfully with other team members and members of the local population. If a guide feels that a team member is putting other members’ health or safety at risk, the guide has the discretion to remove a team member from an expedition.

Use our office staff and your lead guide as pre-trip resources to ensure that all your questions are answered. Travel insurance may help recoup expenses if you need to leave an expedition due to an illness.

Airline Responsibility Passenger/Airline contracts are in effect while team members are on board any aircraft contracted for use in the expedition.

No Guaranteed Outcomes

While it is one of our goals to help every climber on every Mountain Trip expedition reach the summit, Mountain Trip cannot guarantee you will reach the summit. Any number of factors, including weather, conditions encountered on the route, your personal level of fitness or ability, the abilities of your teammate(s) or any number of other circumstances, might result in you and/or your team turning around before reaching the summit. Failure to reach the summit due to any reason associated with mountaineering, such as weather, team dynamics, route conditions, avalanche and rockfall hazard, or due to your lack of fitness or preparation, are not the responsibility of Mountain Trip, and will not result in a refund or a rescheduling of your expedition.

The following is a general list of required gear for climbing The following is a general list of required gear for climbing Mount Vinson with Mountain Trip. Climbers joining Mountain Trip on an expedition will receive an updated, comprehensive equipment list that may supersede this list.

Many of the items on the list need to fit you well in order for you to fully enjoy your experience on the mountain. Please plan ahead with equipment purchased for your trip so you can be certain that your gear fits you well. On the ice in Antarctica is not the place to discover that your pack is too small for your torso or that your boots give you blisters. Recommended items reflect the opinions of our guides. We have used and have faith in all of our recommendations, but they may not necessarily fit or work for you.

Please follow this list closely and don’t hesitate to call or email us for clarifications, or to solicit an opinion about anything you are considering. There is a modest selection of gear available in Punta Arenas, so please don’t plan on purchasing anything there. Lastly, only bring down top-notch gear that is in very good condition. It will all get tested, perhaps to the extreme!

Print Equipment

Footwear

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Mountaineering Socks3 - 5 pairs of good wool socks. Try a couple of different weights as that will affect the fit of your boot.
OverbootsDouble mountaineering boots require overboots for the potential extreme cold of the upper mountain. We prefer snug fitting neoprene overboots, such as the ones from 40 Below. Overboots are required for the La Sportiva Spantik and G2 SM boots, but not the Olympus Mons. **these are available for rent in Alaska**
Custom InsoleA custom insole can help fine tune the fit of your boot, support your feet. A good fitting boot will be warmer and prevent blisters.
Mountaineering BootsModern Mountaineering Boots fall into two categories, traditional double boots and the newer triple boot systems with integrated gaiters. Either variety works well, however triple boots are lighter and arguably simpler. Whichever you decide to use, the goal is to have warm, comfortable feet! Try on a variety of boots as they all fit differently and get the one that fits well. Consider your future mountaineering objectives when purchasing boots as well. Remember double boots require overboots! With triple boots it is all built in.

Recommended Triple Boots: La Sportiva Olympus Mons, Scarpa Phantom 8000

Recommended Double Boots: La Sportiva Spantik or G2 Evo.

GaitersIf your pants fit tightly around your boot you do not need gaiters. Many modern boots have built in gaiters. They do help keep out water, and can prevent crampons from catching your pant legs.

Torso Layers

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Expedition Down ParkaThis is an important layer so don't skimp! You do not need the heaviest 8000meter parka for peaks like Denali and Aconcagua, but you should have a warm, baffled parka with a hood.
Base Layer Top(1 or 2 sets) of Wool or Capilene light weight base layers. Long sleeve or short sleeve base layers work well.
Light Fleece HoodyLight/mid weight fleece (or wool) top with a hood. You will wear this over your light weight base layer.
Puffy Light Insulated JacketSize this layer to fit over your light fleece hoody and wind shell, and it is often layered underneath your expedition parka. Synthetic is easier to deal with and not worry about getting compared to a down filled layer. A hood on this layer in mandatory! *** Guides Tip! Use TWO lightweight puffy layers in the early season or if you are worried about being cold. A Micro or Nano Puff jacket with a Ultra Light Down Jacket or Vest allows versatile layering options.
Hard Shell JacketThis jacket should be large enough to go over your light puffy jacket layer. You do not need the burliest/heaviest Gore-Tex jacket you can find, and we prefer the lightest weight versions.
Soft Shell Wind JacketMany high alpine peaks are cold and dry. We are huge fans of very lightweight softshell wind jackets for high, dry, cold peaks. Weighing just a few ounces, these can be carried in your pocket or in the lid of your pack for rapid deployment. This layer is used in addition to your more waterproof hard shell jacket.
Vest (optional)A lightweight down or synthetic filled vest can be a nice addition and add some warmth with little weight. **This is an optional layer**

Leg Layers

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Base Layer Bottoms(1 or 2 sets) of Wool or Capilene light weight base layers.
Light Fleece BottomsAs the air thins and the wind picks up, you'll want a bit more insulation on your legs. This should be a slightly warmer layer that can go over your base layer bottoms when it gets cold.
Soft Shell PantsSoft Shell pants are the workhorse in the mountains and you'll be wearing these day in and day out on most expeditions. On peaks like Denali and Aconcagua, you can wear them in lieu of your hard shell pants for much of the expedition.
Hard Shell, Waterproof PantsWhen it's raining a soft shell pant just isn't enough and you'll need a waterproof "hard shell" pant, meaning Gore-Tex or equivalent. These should be as light weight as possible. Fully separating side zippers will help you get them on without taking off your boots. On some peaks, you might carry hard shell pants for the lower mountain, but switch to soft shell pants for the colder and drier upper mountain.
Puffy Insulated Expedition PantsOn summit day or on a cold morning, you will need a warm layer that can go over your baselayers and softshell pants. This layer should be down or synthetic (ie. Primaloft) filled and must have fully separating side zippers. Practice putting these puffy pants on and taking them off while wearing your boots before you leave for your expedition.
UnderwearConsider synthetic or Merino wool for your underwear. Most longer trips, such as Aconcagua or Denali, typically require 3-4 pair, but choose your quantity based on your personal level of comfort.

Head and Hands

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Heavyweight GlovesWarm, insulated gloves are the day-to-day workhorses on cold peaks or for cold days of ice climbing. We prefer gloves with removable liners for ease of drying.
Medium Weight GlovesA mid-weight glove will generally be a softshell type glove with some light synthetic insulation.
Light Weight GlovesWhen the sun comes out on a glacier, the temperature can soar. Light weight, soft shell gloves are great for keeping the sun off your hands, while still giving you a bit of protection from the wind and cold.
Buff Neck GaiterBuff is a brand of light weight neck gaiters that have grown to become a staple of every guide's kit. These are amazingly versatile, and can be worn as a hat, a neck gaiter or pulled over your face for protection from the wind or sun. They come in many thicknesses nowadays, but we prefer the original weight for its versatility.
Summit MittensThick, warm mittens made from down, synthetic fill, or a combination of insulation are crucial for summit morning on many big, cold mountains. Most come with some form of retention straps, which can help reduce the chance of losing them to a gust of wind or in the event of a fall. Good mittens are expensive, but how much is one finger worth?
Warm HatBring one warm hat or two hats of different weights. Wool or fleece are fine, but your hat must provide ear protection from the cold.
Face CoveringCheeks and the tip of your nose are always exposed and easily freeze in a biting wind. Neoprene face masks do a great job of protecting those exposed surfaces. The Outer U FaceGlove can also be used for sun protection!
Sun HatBaseball type or wide brimmed sun hats are required for protection against the intense sunshine found on many peaks. You can combine a baseball hat with a BUFF for good sun protection or go for a wide brimmed version to protect your face, ears and neck.
Hand WarmersBring 4 -6+ sets of these disposable insurance policies, depending on where you are climbing. Make certain that your hand warmers are relatively new, as they do go bad over time.
Glacier GlassesGood, dark (Category 4) glacier glasses are a must for high altitude climbs. They must have side protection and filter 100% UVA and UVB rays.
Expedition Ski GogglesThese are necessary for use while traveling during storms or during really cold and windy weather. These must have double lenses and provide full UV protection. Fogging is a real challenge, so goggles that actively vent are worth the investment. Julbo's Aerospace or Airflux have a slick venting system or Smith makes battery-powered "Turbo Fan" models. Select a general purpose lens that will provide some protection in bright light, but not be so dark as to make them useless on a cloudy or flat-light day.
Nose GuardBeko makes nice nose protectors that keep the wind and sun from wreaking havoc on your skin.

Sleeping Gear

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Inflatable Sleeping PadInflatable pads have improved tremendously in recent years, they are the foundation of a warm and comfortable night!
Foam Sleeping PadBringing two sleeping pads, one closed cell foam and the other an inflatable pad, will provide additional comfort and insulation, as well as a bit of insurance in case you have a catastrophic failure of your inflatable pad.
Antarctica Sleeping BagOnly the warmest (- 40 degree) down sleeping bags are appropriate for camping in Antarctica. Synthetic filled bags warm enough for Antarctica are far too bulky and heavy, so goose down is really the only choice for a trip to the icy continent.

Packs and Duffels

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Backpack for ExpeditionsDenali and Mount Vinson climbs require a larger capacity pack than do most other expeditions. Climbers need to have a pack with a minimum volume of 100 liters, and bigger is better for most climbers. You'll need enough capacity to carry all your personal gear, plus your share of the group food and equipment.
Large Zippered DuffelYou'll want an XL sized (90 – 100L) duffel for your expedition. Lightweight and inexpensive bags work fine, although water resistant bags like the Patagonia Black Hole Bag 100L are nice for their toughness to weight ratio. A quality duffel bag can work for a sled bag on Denali, a mule bag on Aconcagua and a great all around travel bag.

Climbing Gear

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Ski / Trekking PolesAdjustable poles work great and are easier to travel with as they fit better in your duffel bag. The small “trekking” baskets on some poles are not large enough for use on soft snow, so make certain your poles have bigger “snowflake” style baskets for any climb with glacier or snow travel.
AscenderYou need one full-sized ascender such as the Petzl Ascension to clip into the fixed lines on the route, and to use for crevasse rescue applications.
Ice AxeA general use, mountaineering axe is sufficient for this climb. Some axes are much lighter than others, so select for weight as well as a size for your height. Most climbers do well with a 60 - 75 cm axe. On less technical routes, a longer axe can act like a walking stick on flatter terrain.
Alpine Climbing HarnessYour harness should be adjustable enough to accommodate several layers of clothing. As with most items on this list, choose a light weight harness.
CarabinersBring eight regular (non-locking) carabiners. Please do not bring “bent-gate” carabiners, as these have certain limitations that do not make them appropriate for how we will use them. Mark your 'biners with colored tape for identification.
Locking CarabinersBring three locking carabiners. Screwgate or auto-locking 'biners work equally well, although the new magnetic gate versions seem like they might be less prone to freezing closed. Select light weight carabiners.
Accessory/Prussik Cord25-30 feet of 6mm-7mm accessory cord will be used to create a prussik, rig your ascender, and extra for setting up your sled for glacier travel. We will go over this in our pre-trip training.
Climbing HelmetMake certain it fits over your warmest hat and under the hood of your shell. The super-lightweight foam helmets are great, but can get crushed in your duffel bags during travel, so protect your lid!
CramponsSelect a pair 12-point Mountaineering Crampons that fit your boots well. Step-in or strap versions work equally well; just make sure they fit your mountain boots and overboots. You may need to lengthen your crampons to accommodate your overboots, please make sure you can make this adjustment in the field. Aluminum crampons are not acceptable for expeditions.
Primary Attachment Locking CarabinerFor your primary attachment to the rope, we will us a "triple action" locking carabiner. Triple Action (TriAct) carabiners will not come unlocked while you are traveling on the glacier. You only need one of these carabiners.

Other

GearDescriptionGuide's Pick
Stuff SacksWe are fans of the very light stiff sacks made from Sil Nylon fabric. Bring enough for your clothes and personal items. Light, zippered stuff bags are really nice for toiletries.
Two (2) One-Liter Water BottlesYou will need two, 1-liter plastic water bottles. Please bring wide-mouth bottles, such as those from Nalgene, as these are much easier to fill than bottles with small openings.
Insulated Bottle Cover(s)Water bottles freeze when it gets cold. Crazy, but true! Extra clothing can help insulate bottles, but dedicated water bottle insulators do a much better job. Bring at least one.
Large Plastic BowlBowls are much easier to use and are much more versatile than are plates. Bring a 2-4 cup camping bowl or a plastic "Rubbermaid" style container for your mountain dining.
Insulated Cup or MugA 12 - 16 ounce (350-500 Ml) mug with an attached lid will help keep you hydrated. The Kleen Kanteen Insulated Bottle with the "Cafe Cap" is pretty nifty, as it is a mug and a thermos all in one!
Lexan SpoonA soup spoon made from Lexan will survive most trips and is more useful and versatile than a fork or even a "spork." Mark your spoon with your initials to keep spoon rustlers at bay.
Lip Balm (2 tubes)Protect your lips! Bring two tubes of high quality lip balm with SPF.
SunscreenSmaller tubes work well, as they are easier to keep from freezing than is one big tube. You'll want to bring 3-4 ounces (85 - 110g) for the trip.
P-BottleWide-mouth, collapsible Nalgene Cantenes work great- they make a 96 ounce version, which will come in handy during long storms or if you take Diamox. Ladies- look for an appropriate adapter available at your local outdoors store. These items can both be tough to find in Anchorage so plan ahead!
Toiletry KitTooth brush & paste, dental floss, Handi-wipes (1 per day on average), a small bottle of hand sanitizer, perhaps some foot powder… keep it small!!!
Toilet PaperDepending on your technique, you'll want 1-2 rolls, each packed in a quality zip-lock bag.
Personal Medical KitMountain Trip's guides will have fairly comprehensive medical kits developed by our Medical Director, but we encourage each climber to bring a small, personal kit. Items to consider bringing include: blister treatment and prevention, pain relievers, and antacids. Presctiption medications should be based on consultation with your personal physician. Suggested drugs for altitude expeditions include: Diamox (acetazolomide) 125 mg, Decadron (dexamthazone) 4 mg, Nifedipine XR 30 mg, and a couple of antibiotics for respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
Journal (and pencil)Expeditions can be a great time for reflection and a journal can be a nice way to wax poetic or just keep track of what you did each day. Keep it small and leave the leather bound version at home.
Book(s) or E-ReaderThere is a lot of "down time" on an expedition, even when you have good weather. An expedition can be a good time to catch up on reading!
CameraMost climbers these days use their phone as a camera, but if you plan to bring a dedicated camera, consider a small, light weight point and shoot camera. If you are a photography buff and really want to bring a DSLR, plan for that extra weight with your training!
Altimeter WatchAn altimeter watch can be fun to have on an expedition to keep track of your ascent and to watch for changes in barometric pressure.
MapsOur guides will have maps and/or GPS devices, but a good map can be fun to have along.
LighterYour guides will have plenty of lighters, but it is nice to have one lighter per tent, as cord always needs to be cut and melted.
Small KnifeA small knife or small multi-tool is also handy to have. One per tent is sufficient. There is emphasis on the word small when it comes to multi-tools!
Satellite Tracking/Texting DeviceSatellite linked devices such as the Garmin inReach have been increasingly popular, as you can send and receive text messages with it. Again- consider how you will keep it powered over the course of your expedition. These new devices will allow you to send and receive text messages nearly anywhere in the world! It is a fun way to keep in touch with the family and let them follow along on your journey. They are not required, and Mountain Trip guides carry several forms of communication devices including satellite based communications that we can use in case of an emergency situation.
Several Good Jokes!"A Moose walks into a bar..."
SunscreenThe sun can be intense at altitude. Bring one small tube for use while climbing and one larger tube for use while not on route.
Solar Panel/Battery *optionalIf you are planning to charge your iPhone, inReach, or other electronics on the expedition you will need a good, small solar panel. We recommend using the panel to charge a battery and then charging your devices from the battery. This is definitely some extra weight, so keep it light and maybe share a panel and battery with your tentmate!
Pee FunnelThis is a women's specific tool for expeditions and winter trips that gives women the ability to pee standing up like men. This also creates a little more privacy and protection from the elements when on a rope team. We prefer this hard-sided version.
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