Denali Equipment List
CLICK HERE for simple printable PDF version
*It is recommended to create zipper pulls on all your zippers to make it easier to use with gloves and mittens on.
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Head
Beanie/Toque
Wool, synthetic, or Windstopper material. Windstopper will be warmer but makes hearing difficult. This hat will primarily be used while sitting around camp or in very cold and windy conditions. We lose a lot of heat through our head, so it is always important to cover the head when trying to retain warmth.
Examples
- Ortovox Fleece Light Beanie BUY NOW!
- Arc'teryx Rho LTW Beanie BUY NOW!
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Sun Hat

Examples
- Ciele GOcap BUY NOW!
- AAI District Trucker Hat BUY NOW!
- AAI Classic Trucker Hat BUY NOW!
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Glacier Glasses
You CANNOT go on the expedition without legit eye protection. They are that important. Without adequate eyewear, the eyes can literally get sunburnt and in an extreme situation will give you temporary blindness. Choose a model with 100% UV protection and side shields. Light will be coming at you from all sides, so make sure the glasses and side shields cover your eyes from the top, side, and bottom. Look for lenses that have max 12% or less visible light transmission (VLT), in order to properly protect your eyes. Visible Light Transmission is a measurement of how many visible light waves transmit through a material. We recommend purchasing a cheap "back up pair" to bring with you. You spend a substantial time on the mountain and it is important to have a back up in case something happens to your initial pair.
NOTE: Those using contact lenses should also bring a pair of prescription glasses in the event that your contacts or solutions are lost or damaged by freezing.
i*Prescription Glasses - If you have prescription glasses then you have a couple of options: One is to go to www.sportrx.com, where they have some options to purchase glacier glasses with prescription lenses. Or you can check out the website www.cocoonseyewear.com and purchase Over-The-Glass (OTG) glasses to go over your prescription glasses. If you go this route make sure and purchase the pair with the least amount of visible light transmission (VLT).
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*Contact Lens Care Precautions: In our experience, contact lenses are perfectly acceptable for climbing trips at altitude and in very cold conditions. If you plan on wearing contact lenses on Denali, you should be familiar with the intricacies of long-term maintenance and care in these conditions. Plan on bringing at least two spare pairs of lenses and a few small bottles of whatever solutions you will require. Bring a pair of glasses as a backup or to give your eyes a rest.
**If you are buying Julbo glasses, we advise you purchase the Spectron 4 lens.
Examples
- Julbo Shield BUY NOW!
- Julbo Monterosa BUY NOW!
- Julbo Montebianco BUY NOW!
- Julbo Explorer 2.0 BUY NOW!
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Goggles
This is a very important pice of gear to protect you from high winds or heavy precipitation. They should be 100% UV rated lenses. It is recommended to have a photochromic lens (a lens that gets lighter or darker depending on conditions) or a replacement lens that is on the opposite side of things of the original lens that you buy. For example, if your stock lens is very dark, then have a replacement lens that is lighter, and vice versa. The reason for this is to be prepared for a spectrum of conditions. For example, for the most part goggles tend to be used in low light conditions, where we still need the UV light protection, but we want a lighter lens so we can see better in those conditions. On the other end of that is if it is sunny and super windy (at altitude the wind chill can be extremely cold, so in those conditions you want every inch of skin protected, and that is where the goggles come in, they help protect a large part of the face) in which case we want a darker lens to protect the eyes.
**If you use prescription glasses make sure and purchase an OTG (Over-The-Glass) version of the goggles so they fit over your prescription glasses. Or you can visit www.sportrx.com and safetygearpro.com to get prescription lenses for your goggles.
Examples
- Julbo Aerospace w/REACTIV High Mountain 2-4 Lens BUY NOW!
- Julbo Starwind w/REACTIV High Mountain 2-4 Lens BUY NOW!
Cheaper options
- Julbo Airflux w/Spectron 3 Lens BUY NOW!
- Julbo Ventilate w/Spectron 3 lens BUY NOW!
OTG options
- Julbo Airflux OTG w/Spectron 3 Lens BUY NOW!
Nose Protection
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Examples
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Neck Gaiter
Examples
- Buff Coolnet UV+ BUY NOW!
- Skida Tour BUY NOW!
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Half Face Mask/Bavaclava
Neoprene half masks are recommended. They are lighter, lower bulk, weather resistant, and cheap. This will be worn in extreme cold or windy conditions to help cover every inch of skin on the face. We recommend the half mask because wearing it in tandem with goggles and hoods from your layers will cover everything. Essentially you can take a half mask instead of a full mask or bavaclava. If you do have a full mask or bavaclava, make sure they are at least wind resistant, windproof is better.
Examples
- Zan Headgear Neoprene Half Face Mask BUY NOW!
- Seirus Original Masque BUY NOW!
Face Masks
Our current COVID protocols require everyone to wear a face mask or face covering when in an enclosed space or within 6ft of someone. While neck gaiters are acceptable, double layer masks are preferred.
Examples
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear Face Masks BUY NOW!
- Cotopaxi Teca Face Mask BUY NOW!
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Hands
CLICK HERE for more info on Alpine Glove Systems
Liner Gloves
Examples
- Men's Outdoor Research Vigor Gloves BUY NOW!
- Women's Outdoor Research Vigor Gloves BUY NOW!
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Mid-weight “Work” Gloves

Examples
- Mountain Equipment Direkt Glove BUY NOW!
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Expedition Gloves

Examples
- Men's Black Diamond Guide Glove BUY NOW!
- Women's Black Diamond Guide Glove BUY NOW!
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Expedition Mittens

Examples
- Men's Outdoor Research Alti Mitts BUY NOW!
- Women's Outdoor Research Alti Mitts BUY NOW!
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Torso
CLICK HERE for more info on The Layering System
Sports Bra
Examples
- Smartwool Merino Seamless Racerback Bra BUY NOW!
- Icebreaker Merino Sprite Racerback Bra BUY NOW!
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Moisture Management Base Layer
Examples
- Men's Patagonia Technical Sunshade Hoody BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Technical Sunshade Hoody BUY NOW!
- Women's Bight Gear Solstice Graphene Hoody BUY NOW!
- Men's Bight Gear Solstice Graphene Hoody BUY NOW!
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Active Insulation Jacket
Examples
40g/m2
- Men's Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka BUY NOW!
- Women's Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka BUY NOW!
- Men's Arc'teryx Proton FL BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Proton FL BUY NOW!
60g/m2
- Men's Patagonia Nano Air Hooded Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Nano Air Hooded Jacket BUY NOW!
- Men's Arc'teryx Proton LT BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Proton LT BUY NOW!
Fleece
- Men's Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody BUY NOW!
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Soft-shell Jacket/Windproof Layer

Examples
Thin, light, windproof jackets
- Men's Patagonia Houdini Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Houdini Jacket BUY NOW!
- Men's Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody BUY NOW!
Breathable, wind resistant jackets
- Men's Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded Jacket BUY NOW!
- Men's Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody BUY NOW!
- Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody BUY NOW!
Light Insulation Jacket

The goal for this piece is to add warmth to an internal layering system. Depending on clothing system/environmental conditions, may be worn underneath or over top of your shell jacket. The weight and design of this piece will vary based on the other items of climbing that you are bringing. Generally, jackets with 60g - 100g of synthetic sheet insulation are adequate. For Down, look for a fill weight of 100g-150g of 700 or higher fill power. If your general layers seem on the lighter side, or you run cold then go for a heavier weight for this piece.
Weight: 10 - 20oz / 283 – 566 grams
Examples
60g/m2
- Men's Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket BUY NOW!
- Men's Arc'teryx Atom LT Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Atom LT Jacket BUY NOW!
Warmer options
- Men's Arc'teryx Atom AR BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Atom AR BUY NOW!
- Men's Patagonia Macro Puff BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Marco Puff BUY NOW!
Down
- Men's Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket BUY NOW!
- Men's Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody BUY NOW!
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Hard-shell Jacket

Examples
- Men's Arc'teryx Alpha FL BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Alpha AR BUY NOW!
- Men's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket BUY NOW!
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Expedition Parka
These jackets come in many shapes, sizes and temperature ratings. If you tend to get cold easily, opt for a slightly warmer and more substantial parka. Otherwise, choose a Down parka that is still fully baffled, includes a hood, and offers sufficient coverage over the waist. Stitched through baffle construction is not acceptable, must be a box wall baffle construction throughout the body and arms. One of the main functions of the layering system is to be able to go relatively lighter for this jacket. Worst case all your other layers can be worn to add warmth, with the parka going over everything. Subsequently, the parka needs to be sized to be able to fit layers underneath it.
Weight: 25 - 55oz / 708 – 1560 grams
Fill Materials: Down
Fill Weight: Look for at least 300g of 800 fill Down for size L. If the jacket is using anything less than 800 fill Down, make sure there is substantially more fill weight in the jacket.
Examples
- Men's Mountain Equipment K7 Jacket BUY NOW!
- Women's Mountain Equipment K7 Jacket BUY NOW!
- Rab Expedition 7000 Jacket BUY NOW!
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Compression Stuff Sack for Expedition Parka
Used to compress down the parka to it's smallest possible size.
Examples
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack BUY NOW!
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Lower Body
Undergarments
Bring 1-3 pairs depending on personal preference for changing. Synthetic or wool only.
Examples
- Patagonia Women's Barely Bikini BUY NOW!
- Patagonia Men's Sender Boxer Brief BUY NOW!
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Base Layer Pant
Light to mid-weight bottoms made from wool or synthetic material. No cotton.
Examples
- Men's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms BUY NOW!
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Expedition Weight Base Layer Pant
A thicker pair of long underwear bottoms that will serve as an additional insulating layer for use in colder temperatures. Windproof/Windstopper pants are heavier and less functional and will not work for this layer.
Examples
- Men's Byrnje Arctic Longs BUY NOW!
- Women's Byrnje Arctic Longs BUY NOW!
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Soft-shell Pants
This is your action layer. Should be stretchy, breathable and wind/snow-resistant. They should not restrict movement. A thigh pocket is a useful feature for storing small items.
Examples
- Men's Arc'teryx Sigma FL Pant BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Sigma FL Pant BUY NOW!
- Men's Mountain Equipment Ibex Pant BUY NOW!
- Women's Mountain Equipment Chamois Pant BUY NOW!
- Men's Patagonia Simul Alpine Pant BUY NOW!
- Women's Patagonia Simul Alpine Pant BUY NOW!
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Hard-shell Pants
Similar to the hard shell jacket, these should be uninsulated and have a 3-layer construction. Full side zips are highly recommended.
Examples
- Men's Mountain Equipment Odyssey Pants BUY NOW!
- Women's Mountain Equipment Odyssey Pants BUY NOW!
- Men's Arc'teryx Beta SL Pants BUY NOW!
- Women's Arc'teryx Beta SL Pants BUY NOW!
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Insulated Pants
Sized to fit over soft shell pants and long underwear layers, these pants are the last line of defense in extremely cold temperatures. Full-length side-zips are a critical feature. Down or synthetic fill. The warmth of this layer will vary based on the temperatures expected on your program. Reinforced seat and knees recommended.
Weight Recommendation:
May June
Down: 100-150g 800+ fill 60-100g 800+ fill
Synthetic: 100g/m2 80g/m2
Examples
-Rab Photon Pants BUY NOW!
-Women's Montbell Tec Thermawrap Pants BUY NOW!
-Women's Montbell Tec Down Pants BUY NOW!
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Feet
Socks
Bring three over the calf complete changes, more if you know you have very sweaty feet. If planning to wear 8000-meter boots or Intuition liners, bring several light to mid-weight socks and one pair of heavy/warm socks. Adjust your sock system ahead of time to perfect your boot fit. It is always nice to have a heavy/warm pair as a back up and to wear in the tent.
Examples
- FITS Medium Hiker Sock BUY NOW!
Warmer Option
- Lorpen Inferno Expedition BUY NOW!
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High Altitude Mountaineering Boots
This is one of the most important items on this list, proper fit, and function with sock system is a MUST. Double boots are required, designed for extended use in extreme temperatures. Modern synthetic integrated boots (those with a built-in overboot/gaiter) are suitable for this climb. For traditional plastic boots, thermo-mold liners are warmer, lighter, and more comfortable than standard liners. If you have heat-moldable liners in your boots already and you have worn them for several trips, you may want to have them re-fit to ensure that the foam has not compressed and the temperature rating has been retained.
Examples
Modern Synthetic Double Boots
- La Sportiva G2 SM BUY NOW!
- Scarpa Phantom 6000 BUY NOW!
8000M Boots
- La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube BUY NOW!
- Scarpa Phantom 8000 BUY NOW!
Overboots
If you have an 8000M boot then these are not required. If you have the La Sportiva G2 SM, then an overboot is optional, but recommended if you tend to get cold feet. For any other boot, they are a MUST. Please verify these fit over your boots and that your crampons stay on without fail.
Examples
- 40 Below K2 Superlight BUY NOW!
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Gaiters

Optional. Recommended only if you are using boots that do not have an integrated gaiter. Make sure they fit to your boots.
Examples
- Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters BUY NOW!
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Camp Booties
Nice for use in camp, these must be very lightweight and packable. Down or synthetic fill.
Examples
-Western Mountaineering Expedition Booties. BUY NOW!
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Mountaineering Equipment
Ice Axe - Rentals Available

Examples
- Petzl Glacier BUY NOW!
- SMC Kobah BUY NOW!
Semi-Technical Axe
- Petzl Sum'tec BUY NOW!
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Mountaineering Harness - Rentals Available
Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing. This harness should be light and packable. Size it to be able to fit over several layers. Having releasable leg loops is a desired feature so you can put on and take off the harness with boots and crampons still on.
Examples
- Petzl Altitude Harness BUY NOW!
- Petzl Tour BUY NOW!
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Climbing Helmet - Rentals Available
Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing. Make sure it is a good fit for your head.
Examples
- Petzl Sirocco BUY NOW!
- Petzl Meteor BUY NOW!
- Black Diamond Vapor BUY NOW!
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Crampons - Rentals Available
Modern steel, 12-point, strap-on crampons are recommended. Step-in crampons are easier to put on with cold fingers but can be harder to work well with overboots. Strap-on crampons provide more reliable attachment to boots with overboots. Regardless, be sure crampon, overboot, and boot combination work well together. Make sure that you get a longer linking bar if your boots are too big for the standard one. You must also bring crampon adjustment tools if your crampons require them. Crampons should be suitable for steep ice climbing. Aluminum crampons are not functional on Denali.
Examples
- Grivel G12 New Classic BUY NOW!
- Petzl Vasak Flexlock BUY NOW!
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Carabiners
Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing.
MUST be easy to manipulate with large gloves on, lightweight is preferred.
3x large, pear-shaped locking carabiners
4x wire gate non-locking carabiners
Carabiners are considered group gear and will wind up changing hands while on the expedition. Label/tape them well if you want your exact carabiners back at the end of the trip.
Examples
Locking carabiners
- CAMP Nimubs BUY NOW!
- Petzl Attache BUY NOW!
Non-locking wire gate carabiners
- CAMP Photon Wire Gate BUY NOW!
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2 Shoulder Length Slings
Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing.
We require two 60cm (24in.) “single-length” pre-sewn slings, used to attach your ascender to your harness and for other uses throughout the trip. We supply the ascender. Thinner spectra/Dyneema slings are not recommended because they are hard to remove knots from with gloves on.
Examples
- Black Diamond 18mm Nylon Runner BUY NOW!
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Prusiks
CLICK HERE for more info on Prusiks
Examples
-Tendon 6mm Accessory Cord BUY NOW!
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Trekking Poles - Rentals Available

Examples
- Black Diamond Expedition 3 Poles BUY NOW!
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Snowshoes - Rentals Available
Equipped with an integral crampon and/or aggressive traction on the bottom of the snowshoes. Snowshoes can be sized smaller than is typically recommended by manufacturers since deep snow is not common on the climbing route. Large profile basic models made by Tubbs, Atlas, and Sherpa do not work well and are not recommended. Models by MSR are proven and quite durable. Many climbers rent these from AAI as they are hard to travel with. Length should not exceed 25-28 inches.
Examples
-MSR Evo Ascent BUY NOW!
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Expedition Internal Frame Pack- Rentals Available
Large internal frame pack should fit your body type. This pack must be at least 5600 cubic inches in size; larger is better if possible. Avoid bells and whistles like large, full-length zippers, separate sleeping bag compartments, etc. It is very important that your pack be in good working order and not prone to failures of any sort.
Size Range: 90-100 Liters / 5600 + cu in.
Examples
- Mountain Hardwear AMG 105 BUY NOW!
Shorter-torso option
- Osprey Xena 85 BUY NOW!
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Large Duffel Bag
Your large duffel (120L-140L) should have a full-length zipper and be of durable construction for use on the mountain to transport gear in your sled. Longer, low height duffels are recommended as opposed to shorter, taller ones because they hold a lower center of gravity in the sled.
Examples
Mountain Hardwear Expedition Duffel 140 BUY NOW!
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Small Duffel Bag
A second duffel (40-60L) or travel bag will be needed to store your town clothes and personal items while on the mountain. This bag will be left in a secure storage area at the glacier flight service base.
Examples
Patagonia Black Hole 55L BUY NOW!
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Camping
Sleep System
Sleeping Bag - Rentals Available
Down only. Synthetic bags are not acceptable due to their size and weight. Rated to -30F (-34C) for the early and mid-May expeditions; to at least -20F (-28C) for expeditions in June. If you know you sleep cold, consider a -40F (-40C ) for early season trips and a -30F (-34C)for June trips.
Examples
-20F Mountain Equipment Iceline BUY NOW!
-30F Rab Expedition 1200 BUY NOW!
-40F Mountain Hardwear Phantom -40F BUY NOW!
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Compression Stuff Sack for Sleeping Bag
Used to compress down the sleeping bag to it's smallest possible size.
Examples
-Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Bag BUY NOW!
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Inflatable Sleeping Pad - Rentals Available
Required. Really important piece of gear here: This is the difference between a good nights sleep and a bad nights sleep. When you lay down in your bag, whether it be on your back, side, or stomach, you are compressing the down and mitigating the insulate properties immensely. That is where the sleeping pad comes in, it not only is there for comfort, but it is also pivotal to insulate that side you are sleeping on properly. Being high in the mountains and sleeping on snow can make things fairly cold, even in the summer months. A winter rated inflatable pad is recommended with an R value of at least 5 being ideal. Pads with an R value of at least 4 are acceptable. Since using bulkier sleeping bags and clothing, going with a bigger sleeping pad, like the rectangular shaped ones instead of the mummy (tapered) ones, can be nice for comfort.
CLICK HERE for more info on R-Value
Examples
- Thermarest Neoair XTherm MAX BUY NOW!
- Mountain Equipment Aerostat 7.0 Down Mat BUY NOW!
* MUST HAVE an inflatable pad patch kit with you in case of a puncture.
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Closed-Cell Foam Pad - Rentals Available
Examples
-Thermarest Z-Lite SOL BUY NOW!
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Utensils
Bigger is better. Long handle preferred. Plastic and high temp nylons are not recommended as they break easily in cold temps.
Examples
- Sea to Summit Alpha Light Long Spork BUY NOW!
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Insulated Eating Container
A lightweight tupperware container with insulation is recommended. Avoid small bowls that are prone to tipping and more fragile (plastic). Metal containers conduct heat more rapidly and lead to colder food and drinks faster than other materials.
Examples
- GSI Fairshare Mug II BUY NOW!
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Thermal Mug
12-32oz with a lid.
Examples
-Zojirushi SM-LB 48 BUY NOW!
-Zojirushi SM-LB 60 BUY NOW!
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Water Bottles
Examples
- AAI Nalgene Ultralight HDPE Wide Mouth Bottle BUY NOW!
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Water Bottle Parkas
These insulating jackets are for your water bottles to help prevent freezing. Bring one for each bottle.
NOTE: Please write your initials on the outside of the parka, making it easy for your guides to fill up and return them to you.
Examples
- 40 Below Bottle Boot 1L BUY NOW!
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Other Essentials
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Travel size recommended.
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Hand Sanitizer
Required. COVID considerations, as well as general use before eating and after going to the bathroom.
Examples
- All Good Hand Sanitizer Gel BUY NOW!
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Face and Wet Wipes
The mountain shower. For personal hygiene and general use. Allot for at least 1-2 a day while on the mountain. Using makeup remover pads have been found helpful for taking off sunscreen.
Examples
Women's Specific
-Combat Wipes Gaia BUY NOW!
Generic
-Combat Wipes Active BUY NOW!
Pee Bottle

Examples
Foot Powder/Antiperspirant
A very small bottle will allow you to treat your feet daily, keep them drier, extend the life of your socks, and help you avoid blisters/rashes from chronic wet feet.
Examples
-Gold Bond Medicated Powder
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Women’s Specific Items
Female Urination Device

CLICK HERE for more info!
Examples
-Freshette BUY NOW!
-TinkleBelle BUY NOW!
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Menstruation Collection Cup

CLICK HERE for more info!
CLICK HERE for even MORE info!
Examples
-Diva Cup BUY NOW!
-Intima Lily Cup BUY NOW!
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Sun Protectioni
Sunscreen
SPF 30+, zinc based is preferred. Small travel size tubes are recommended so you can put them in a pocket for easy access. Stick applicators allow you to apply without exposing fingers. Only your face and, at times, your hands will be exposed. Several small containers are better than one large one. Sunscreen is prone to freezing in the cold and smaller containers fit well into pockets for warming.Example
- All Good Mineral Sport Sunscreen BUY NOW!
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Lip Balm
Bring 2 containers/applicators with the highest SPF available. Zinc oxide also works well (available in pharmacies) as do some models of “chapstick” that have SPF25 or higher.
Examples
- Dermatone Medicated Lip Balm BUY NOW!
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First Aide/Repair Kit
Personal First Aid Kit
AAI supplies expedition med kits with a supply of prescription drugs. If you have any special needs please communicate them to AAI and plan to bring an adequate supply of your medications based on counsel from medical professionals.
Cuts, Bruises & Blister kit
- 10 assorted Bandaids
- Plenty of Compeed, Bandaid, or Dr. Scholls blister pads
- A packet of moleskin (note: some people are allergic to the glue on moleskin and other medical adhesives.)
Personal Medications
- Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin
- Immodium (Anti-Diarrhea)
- Antacids
- Pepto-Bismol (Stomach Relief)
- If you suffer from Asthma or significant allergic reactions, please notify AAI and your guide regarding the location and presence of your epi-pen and/or inhaler.
The following drugs require a physician's prescription. Be sure to discuss the use and precautions for each drug with your doctor.
- Acetazolomide (Diamox) - For prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness.
- Choose one broad-spectrum antibiotic that is known to be effective for lung microbes/respiratory tract infections.
o Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra)
o Levaquin (levofloxacin)
o Gatifloxacin
NOTE: Always consult a doctor when selecting medications and antibiotics for personal use.
Repair Kit
Your guides will have a full-featured repair kit. You will want a small personal repair kit as well with the following items:
- Patch Kit for your inflatable sleeping pad.
- Valve Kit if applicable
- Tenacious Tape Repair Patches
- Duct Tape (can be wrapped on water bottles or trekking poles)
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Multitool/Knife
Any multi tool similar to a Leatherman is great. One can be shared amongst tent-mates. Smaller and simpler is better than overly complex.
Examples
-Gerber Crucial Multitool BUY NOW!
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Optional Items
The items below are not required, although many are nice “luxury” items that can make your expedition more enjoyable. Remember that a few ounces here and there add up to extra pounds on your back and knees during your expedition.
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Favorite Snack Food
Optional. Bring no more than one pound of high energy and tasty snack food for high-energy expenditure days (like summit day) and for evening treats while in the tent. If you have special dietary needs, please consult with us.
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Garbage Bags
Bring two or three large ones. They serve a variety of uses. Trash compactor bag, if available, are more durable.
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Entertainment
Books, games, cards, tablet, etc. for stormy days in the tent. AAI provides a solar panel than can be used to charge electronic devices. However, expedition electronics will have first priority.
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Journal and Writing Device
Some climbers like to keep a journal or log for writing on the trip. Ballpoint pens and pencils work well in the cold and at altitude but other ink type pens do not. “Rite-in-the-Rain” notebooks are more durable and more functional for the mountain environment than regular notebook paper.
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Portable Charging Device
Phone charger, battery pack, or small solar panel.
NOTE: Solar panels should only be used to charge battery packs. Battery packs should be used to charge devices. Inappropriate use of a solar panel could lead to the depletion of a device’s power.
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Ear Plugs
For defense against snoring and high winds.
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Insect Repellant
Recommended for use in Talkneetna and Anchorage. If bringing repellent look for more concentrated repellent in smaller containers. Pack it in a Ziploc bag to prevent contaminating other items in your pack.
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Camera
Phone cameras are preferred. SLR cameras are not recommended due to their size and bulk. Small point and shoot cameras that can easily be carried in an outside pocket or small case outside your pack. If you can’t comfortably and safely carry your camera outside your pack, even in bad weather, you’ll miss the best photo opportunities.
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Headlamp? Not Needed….
By mid-May there is very little darkness in the Alaska Range and headlamps are not needed. Climbers on early May trips may choose to bring a small headlamp for the few hours in the late night or early morning that it is close to dark, but most people will not need one. If you do bring one it should be very small and very light like the Petzl Tikka or Black Diamond Ion.
** If you are taking a Denali Prep course in Washington, then a headlamp is needed. 300-450 lumens recommended.
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Post-Climbing Clothing
Plan ahead and pack some clean clothes (and flip flops!) in your duffel at the airstrip to change into when you get off the glacier.