Mt. Baker Equipment List
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
Sun Hat

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Glacier Glasses
You CANNOT go on the course 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% UVA/UVB protection and side shields. Light will be coming at you from all sides, so make sure the glasses have side shields that cover your eyes from the top, side, and bottom. Look for lenses that have around 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.
*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).
*Contact Lenses - Please make sure you are aware of how to take care of your contact lenses out in the field and bring some extra.Examples
Medium to large size faces
Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3
Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3
Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3
Acceptable Lenses : Cat 4, Cat 3, Cat 2-4, Cat 1-3, Cat 2-3
Acceptable Lenses : Cat 4, Cat 3, Cat 2-4, Cat 1-3, Cat 2-3
Smaller sized faces
Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3
Acceptable Lenses : Spectron 4, Spectron 3, REACTIV 2-4, REACTIV 2-3
Cheaper option, also good for a back-up pair
Nose Protection (Optional)
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Neck Gaiter
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
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Mid-weight Soft-shell Gloves
This glove needs to have a durable palm, some insulation value, and should be made out of soft-shell or breathable material. These do not need to be waterproof. In the good ol' PNW snowpack they are going to get wet regardless of waterproof material or not, and a more breathable fabric will dry out much faster.
Examples
--> 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

Examples
--> Black Diamond Renegade Glove
--> Black Diamond Patrol Glove
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Torso
CLICK HERE for more info on The Layering System
Sports Bra
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Moisture Management Base Layer
Examples
--> Men's Patagonia Technical Sunshade Hoody
--> Women's Patagonia Technical Sunshade Hoody
--> Women's Arc'teryx Remige Hoody
--> Men's Arc'teryx Remige Hoody
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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.
Examples
Fleece
--> Men's Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody
--> Women's Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody
--> Women's Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Jacket
--> Men's Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Jacket
40g/m2
--> Men's Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka
--> Women's Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka
--> Women's Arc'teryx Proton FL
60g/m2
--> Men's Patagonia Nano Air Hooded Jacket
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Lightweight Soft-shell or Windproof Jacket (Optional)

Examples
Thin, light, windproof jackets
--> Men's Patagonia Houdini Jacket
--> Women's Patagonia Houdini Jacket
--> Men's Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody
--> Women's Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody
Breathable, wind resistant jackets
--> Men's Patagonia Houdini Air Jacket
Passive Insulation Jacket

Examples
Down
--> Men's Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
--> Women's Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
--> Men's Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
--> Women's Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
Warmer Down Options
--> Men's Rab Electron Pro Jacket
--> Women's Rab Electron Pro Jacket
--> Men's Arc'teryx Thorium AR Jacket
--> Women's Arc'teryx Thorium AR Jacket
Synthetic 60g/m2
--> Men's Patagonia DAS Light Hoody
--> Women's Patagonia DAS Light Hoody
--> Men's Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
--> Women's Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
Warmer synthetic options
--> Men's Arc'teryx Atom AR Hoody
--> Women's Arc'teryx Atom AR Hoody
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
--> 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.
Examples
--> Men's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms
--> Women's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms
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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.
--> Mammut Nordwand 6000 High *Cheaper
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 La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT
--> Women's La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT
Approach Shoes
Examples
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
--> Black Diamond PearLock Screwgate Carabiner
Non-locking wire gate carabiners
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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
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Trekking Poles - Rentals Available
Examples
--> 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
--> Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400
Shorter Torso+Comfortable Carry Option
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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
4 Season - 2 Person
3 Season - 1 Person
3 Season - 2 Person
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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
--> Mountain Equipment Glacier
Fast and Light Option
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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
* 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Pee Bottle
Example
Urination Device

CLICK HERE for more info!
Examples
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Menstruation Collection Cup

CLICK HERE for more info!
CLICK HERE for even MORE info!
Examples
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