CLICK HERE for simple printable PDF version

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Head 

Beanie/Toque

Optional. Wool or synthetic. Avoid windstopper material, it makes hearing difficult and you can overheat faster. This hat will primarily be used while sitting around camp, in cold or windy conditions, or while sleeping at night. More recommended for trips in March -June, unless you have personal preference. Hoods on your torso layers can also be used instead.

Examples

 --> Ortovox Fleece Light Beanie    

 --> Arc'teryx Rho LTW Beanie

 

 

                                                             

Examples

Medium to large size faces

 --> Julbo Shield

Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3

 --> Julbo Montebianco 2

Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3

 --> Julbo Explorer 2.0

Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3

 --> Bolle Graphite

Acceptable Lenses : Cat 4, Cat 3, Cat 2-4, Cat 1-3, Cat 2-3

 --> Bolle Cobalt 

Acceptable Lenses : Cat 4, Cat 3, Cat 2-4, Cat 1-3, Cat 2-3

 --> Revo Traverse

 

Smaller sized faces

 --> Julbo Monterosa 2

Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3

 --> Julbo Shield M

Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3

 

Cheaper option, also good for a back-up pair

 --> Julbo Camino

 

 

 

 

 

Hands

CLICK HERE for more info on Alpine Glove Systems

Liner Gloves

Worn for a majority of your time on the mountain, these should be dexterous and comfortable, with little insulation. Bring 1 pair.

Examples

 --> Men's Outdoor Research Vigor Gloves

 --> Women's Outdoor Research Vigor Gloves

 --> Men's Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves

 --> Women's Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves

 

 

Examples  

 --> Rab Vapour-Rise Glove

 --> Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves

 --> Black Diamond Torque Gloves

 --> Men's Mountain Equipment Super Alpine Glove

 --> Women's Mountain Equipment Super Alpine Glove

 

 

 

 

Insulated Waterproof Gloves 

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Torso

CLICK HERE for more info on The Layering System

Sports Bra

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Moisture Management Base Layer

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Active Insulation Jacket (Midlayer Jacket)

This versatile piece is typically worn when it's cold and you are on the move, or you only need a small amount of added insulation when not moving in warmer conditions. Since we generate a lot of heat while moving (especially uphill), the key features of this piece should be lightweight and breathable. Conversely, because this piece is lightweight and breathable, it does not work as a good insulation piece in colder conditions when stationary.

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Lightweight Soft-shell or Windproof Jacket (Optional)

Passive Insulation Jacket

Waterproof (Hard-shell) Jacket - Rentals Available

The Hard-shell is defined as a waterproof piece. This layer gives protection against precipitation and high winds. This jacket should be non-insulated and have a helmet compatible hood. If insulation is needed, it can be worn over one or more of the insulation layers. When sizing this piece, make sure you can fit at least two other layers underneath. For fabric, make sure to choose a jacket with 3-layer construction. These will be the most waterproof, breathable, and durable jackets on the market - a must in the Cascades. The waterproof rating is based on pressure, and the lesser constructed jackets will let water through from simple things like sitting or the pressure of backpack straps when carrying your pack. Gore-tex Pro will offer the best protection against the rain, but it is only really needed if you know you are going out with rain or snow in the forecast. That said, our guides always carry a shell jacket in the mountains, since mountain weather can always change. We want you to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Examples

 --> Men's Patagonia Storm10 Jacket

 --> Women's Patagonia Storm10 Jacket

 --> Men's Arc'teryx Alpha AR

 --> Women's Arc'teryx Alpha AR

Budget option

 --> Men's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

 --> Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

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 Lower Body 

Undergarments

Bring 1-2 pairs depending on personal preference for changing. Synthetic or wool only.

Examples

 --> Women's Patagonia Barely Bikini

 --> Men's Patagonia Sender Boxer Brief

 --> Women's Icebreaker Merino Siren Thong

 --> Men's SAXX Quest Boxer Briefs

Base Layer Pant (Optional)

Optional. Can be nice for wearing around camp, in the tent, at night,  and in early season (March-June) conditions. 

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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

 --> Women's Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants

 --> Men's Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants

 --> Men's Arc'teryx Gamma FL Pant

 --> Women's Arc'teryx Gamma FL Pant

 --> Women's Rab Ascendor AS Climbing Pant

 --> Men's Rab Ascendor AS Climbing Pant

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Waterproof (Hard-shell) Pants - Rentals Available

Similar to the hard shell jacket, these should be uninsulated and have a 3-layer or 2.5 layer construction. Full side zips are highly recommended but not necessary.

Examples

 --> Men's Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Waterproof Pants

 --> Women's Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Waterproof Pants     *Short inseam available

 --> Men's Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip Pants

 --> Women's Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip Pants     *Short inseam available

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Feet

Socks

Light to mid weight socks are recommended. We want to let the insulation of the boot do the work for you. A lighter weight sock will allow for a more accurate boot fit, and ample room for your feet to swell. This is important because we do not want to inhibit blood flow to the feet, the most important factor when trying to keep your feet warm. Adjust your sock system ahead of time to perfect your boot fit. Thicker socks can restrict toe movement and blood flow. Bring 2 pair, so you can change them out when one pair gets wet. Also if you sleep cold, think about bringing a thicker pair of socks for use at night.

Examples

 --> Men's FITS Medium Hiker Sock

 --> Women's FITS Medium Hiker Sock

 --> Men's Darn Tough Midweight Socks

 --> Women's Darn Tough Midweight Socks

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Mountaineering Boots - Rentals Available

Perhaps the most important piece of equipment on this list. These boots must have a stiff shank, be crampon compatible, waterproof, and insulated.

Examples

Modern Synthetic Double Boots

 --> La Sportiva G2 Evo *Goes up to size US16M/17W, and down to US5M/US6W.

 --> Scarpa Phantom 6000

 --> Mammut Nordwand 6000 High *Cheaper

 --> Arc'Teryx Acrux AR

4 Season Single Boots

 --> Men's La Sportiva Nepal Cube

 --> Women's La Sportiva Nepal Cube

 --> Men's Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro

 --> Women's Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro

3 Season Single Boots

 --> Men's Scarpa Charmoz

 --> Women's Scarpa Charmoz

 --> Men's La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT

 --> Women's La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT

Approach Shoes

 

Examples

 --> Men's Scarpa Rapid

 --> Women's Scarpa Rapid

 --> Men's La Sportiva TX4

 --> Women's La Sportiva TX4

 --> Men's La Sportiva TX2 EVO

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Gaiters - Rentals Available

Examples

 --> Men's Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

 --> Women's Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

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Mountaineering Equipment

Ice Axe - Rentals Available

Examples

 --> Blue Ice Blackbird

 --> Petzl Glacier

 --> Black Diamond Raven

 --> SMC Kobah

 

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Mountaineering Harness - Rentals Available

Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing. For this particular course a simple lightweight mountaineering harness is what you want to look for. This harness should be light and packable. Having releasable leg loops is a desired feature so you can put on and take off the harness with boots and crampons still on. If you own a rock climbing harness then that is also acceptable.

Examples

 --> Blue Ice Choucas Harness

 --> Petzl Altitude Harness

 --> Petzl Tour Harness

 --> Mammut Zephir Altitude

 

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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

 

 --> Black Diamond Vapor

 --> Petzl Meteor

 --> Black Diamond Vector

 --> Edelrid Salathe

 --> Edelrid Shield

 

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Crampons - Rentals Available

Must be steel crampons, as we will be traveling on glacial ice. Aluminum crampons are not allowed for this course. Twelve point crampons are highly recommended. Make sure the crampons are compatible with your mountaineering boots.

Examples

 --> Petzl Sarken

 --> Petzl Vasak

 --> Grivel G12

 --> Black Diamond Sabretooth

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Carabiners

 

Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing.

*Baker Skills and Climb does not extensively teach crevasse rescue, so only the minimum amount of carabiners are needed just to tie into the rope.

2x medium to large pear-shaped locking carabiners (ideally are the exact same)

1x non-locking wire gate carabiner

Examples

Locking carabiners

 --> CAMP Nimbus Lock

 --> Petzl Attache

 --> Black Diamond PearLock Screwgate Carabiner

 --> Black Diamond VaporLock

Non-locking wire gate carabiners

 --> CAMP Photon Wire Gate

 --> Black Diamond Hotwire

 --> Edelrid Pure Wire

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Sewn-Slings 

Must be UIAA or CE rated for climbing. Bring 1 double length (120cm, 48in.) sewn sling. While nylon is preferred for use with gloves, Dyneema is acceptable.

Examples

 --> Black Diamond 18mm Nylon Runner

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Prusiks

CLICK HERE for more info on Prusiks

Examples

 --> AAI Prusik Set 

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Headlamp

 300-450 lumens is a good range. Make sure to bring extra batteries or a way to recharge. If you plan on leading personal mountaineering trips after the course, err on the side of more lumens, as it can make a big difference when navigating complex terrain in the dark.

Examples

 --> Petzl Actik Core

 --> Petzl Swift RL

 --> Petzl Tikka

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Trekking Poles - Rentals Available

Examples

 --> CAMP Sky Carbon EVO

 --> Black Diamond Distance FLZ

 --> MSR DynaLock Explore Backcountry

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Internal Frame Pack - Rentals Available

65L to 75L is our recommended carrying capacity. Torso sizes vary from companies, so make sure you size properly before going out on your first trip. Please contact the shop for any questions on how to fit a pack. For most mountaineering objectives, we generally prefer lighter, more streamlined packs, rather than heavily padded backpacking packs. That being said, if you are a smaller person, you will be carrying more weight relative to your own body weight, so having a pack that is more comfortable at carrying a heavy load can be nice. Bring whatever serves you needs the best. For reference, the hike into camp is only a few hours. 

Example

 --> Black Diamond Mission 75

 --> Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400

Shorter Torso+Comfortable Carry Option

 --> Osprey Ariel Pro 65

 --> Osprey Aether Pro 70

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 Camping

 

Shelter - Rentals Available

Knowing what tent to bring can be kind of tricky since there are some variables to consider. The main questions are "What is the weather going to be looking like? Am I going to be on the mountain or car camping? How long am I going to be on the mountain?" While we recommend 4-season tents throughout the year, 3-season tents can be used if conditions allow. For instance, if the forecast is showing a chance of heavy precipitation or high winds, and you will be camping in the alpine, then a 4 season tent is essential. On the other hand, if the forecast looks favorable and calm, then a 3-season tent would be a suitable option. Keep an eye on the forecast before the start of your course. We always have 4-season tents to rent at the Equipment Shop. We mainly rent the Hilleberg Unna and Nallo 2.

Examples

4 Season - 1 Person

 --> Hilleberg Unna

 --> Hilleberg Akto

 --> MSR Access 1 Ultralight

4 Season - 2 Person

 --> Hilleberg Nallo 2

 --> Black Diamond Firstlight

 --> Mountain Hardwear AC 2

3 Season - 1 Person

 --> Hilleberg Enan

 --> MSR Hubba Hubba 1 Tent

3 Season - 2 Person

 --> Hilleberg Niak

 --> MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent

 

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Sleep System

Sleeping Bag - Rentals Available

Down is recommended for it's warmth to weight ratio, synthetic is also acceptable. While synthetic sleeping bags can still insulate to some degree when wet, they are heavier, and do not compress as well as down in your pack. If you do bring a down bag then some care must be taken to ensure your down bag stays dry. Some sort of waterproof barrier is recommended to protect the bag in your pack, a waterproof compression stuff sack is an excellent choice. Hydrophobic down is recommended when considering purchasing a down sleeping bag. Rough temperature recommendations:

Example

 --> Rab Neutrino

 --> Mountain Equipment Glacier

Fast and Light Option

 --> Rab Mythic Ultra

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Compression Stuff Sack

Used to compress down your sleeping bag to it's smallest possible size. Going with a waterproof compression sack is a nice way to help protect your sleeping bag from getting wet.

Example

 --> Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack

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Inflatable Sleeping Pad - Rentals Available

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. Pro tip: A warmer pad will allow you to use a lighter sleeping bag. Please contact the shop for more questions. An R-value between 3-6 is ideal.

 

CLICK HERE for more info on R-Value

Example

 --> Thermarest Neoair XLite

 --> Thermarest XTherm

 * MUST HAVE an inflatable pad patch kit with you in case of a puncture.

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Closed-Cell Foam Pad - Rentals Available

Example

 --> Thermarest Z-Lite SOL

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Stove, Pot and Fuel - Rentals Available

Liquid fuel or canister stove. Between the months of March and June you need to be prepared to melt snow for a water source. The standard pot, or integrated pot size is roughly 1L, though larger capacity pots (1.5L or 2L) will be more efficient at melting snow. After June, a 1L pot is just fine. We sell both liquid and canister fuel at the shop which you can purchase the morning of the course. The exact amount of fuel needed tends to be specific to each course as conditions dictate how much fuel may be needed. This is usually discussed with your Guide in the morning, after which you can purchase the correct amount of fuel in the shop.

Example

 --> MSR Windburner

 --> MSR Reactor

 --> Jetboil Flash

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Utensils

Don’t forget the official “most forgotten item ever;” the spork. Longer versions are great at getting the last bits out of your freeze-dried meals.

Example

 --> Sea to Summit Alpha Light Long Spork

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Bowl

Example

 --> Sea to Summit X Bowl

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Lighter

Bring one. Available at the shop the morning of the course.

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Hydration 

Example

 --> AAI Nalgene Ultralight HDPE Wide Mouth Bottle

 --> Early Season Bottle Koozie 1L.

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Water Purification

Tablets are recommended. Get ones that work in 30 minutes or less. UV light treatment can also be used, but make sure you have batteries or charging capabilities. Filters and pumps do not work well on Mt. Baker as they get clogged from glacial silt in the water.

Example

 --> MSR Aquatabs

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 Food

You are responsible for bringing your own food for the duration of the course. Please consult our meal planning page. You will need three days and two nights worth of food. Assume your first breakfast and last dinner will be in Bellingham.

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Other Essentials 

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Travel size recommended.

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Hand Sanitizer

Highly recommended. General use before eating and after going to the bathroom.

Example

 --> All Good Hand Sanitizer Gel

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Toilet Paper

The provided solid waste bags have a small amount of toilet paper with them, but most people do not find this to be adequate. Estimate how much you’ll need for a program of this length and place that in a plastic zip lock bag. An extra zip lock bag can be helpful for pack-out of used paper.

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Sunscreen

SPF 30+, zinc based is preferred. Small travel size tubes are recommended so you can put them in a close by pocket for easy access.

Example

--> All Good Mineral Sport Sunscreen

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Lip Balm

Make sure it is SPF rated.

Example

 --> Dermatone Medicated Lip Balm

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Personal First Aid Kit

Repair Kit

Other Optional Items

*The items below are not required, although many are nice “luxury” items that can make your experience more enjoyable. Take into consideration though that a few ounces here and there add up to extra pounds on your back and knees.

 

Gaia Navigation App

Map and Compass

Altimeter Watch

Example

 --> Garmin Instinct Solar

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Pee Bottle 

Example

Urination Device

CLICK HERE for more info!

Examples

 --> Tinkle Belle

 --> Freshette

 

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Menstruation Collection Cup

CLICK HERE for more info!

CLICK HERE for even MORE info!

Examples

 --> Diva Cup

 --> Intima Lily Cup

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Entertainment

Portable Charging Device

Ear Plugs

Insect Repellent

Camera

Comfortable Clothing and Footwear

Car Charger