Complete gear list for alpine mountaineering

I would recommend looking at the equipment from a different perspective, not as climbing-specific, but as backpacking/hiking specific. Look at your equipment, and think, "How much of this stuff do I want/need and how much of it am I willing to carry?" Did a four-day climb of Rainier via the DC and I was happy when I looked back after it was over and said "Yes, I used everything in this pack, except for emergency gear (fortunately)." Most of the "beginner" routes up mountains are essentially long inclined hikes, with periods of camping, which you will actually be spending most of your time in the mountains doing, either walking or camping. Once you get to the point where you feel confidant in tackling more technical routes, you should have a solid grasp of these points as fundamentals.

I agree with Christoph on the skiing point. A 2 mile ski is trivial compared to post-holing for 4 hours. It all boils down to efficiency and moving fast. And obviously the lighter you go the faster you go. But I agree that skiing is the future.

But to echo what a few have already said, experience is the most important factor here. I used to be in your same situation. Lived in Georgia my whole life and moved to Wyoming after college. Wrapping your head around big terrain is tough to do, and does not easily transfer even if you've climbed the biggest shit in the southeast. It just doesn't compare.

Work on dialing your backpacking systems then move into winter camping. Despite being the "south" North Carolina can have some nasty winter weather.

Just don't rush it.

DavisMeschke wrote:I agree with Christoph on the skiing point. A 2 mile ski is trivial compared to post-holing for 4 hours. It all boils down to efficiency and moving fast. And obviously the lighter you go the faster you go. But I agree that skiing is the future. But to echo what a few have already said, experience is the most important factor here. I used to be in your same situation. Lived in Georgia my whole life and moved to Wyoming after college. Wrapping your head around big terrain is tough to do, and does not easily transfer even if you've climbed the biggest shit in the southeast. It just doesn't compare. Work on dialing your backpacking systems then move into winter camping. Despite being the "south" North Carolina can have some nasty winter weather. Just don't rush it.

Excellent advice.

Matthew1Phillips wrote:Gaiters. Definitely add gaiters to your list. It's mandatory for snow, and useful for scree.

I disagree - use a piece of cord looped through the grommets at the bottom of your pants to make use of the built-in gaiters that are featured on most alpine-oriented pants.

Summit Beer?

Kyle Tarry wrote: He changed it. It was "K2Alpinist." To each their own and all that, but given the context of the discussion, it seemed "reachy."

I did change it - to prevent trolls from divulging from the purpose of the post. And it is just a name.

Also to you other google search comment - as I said they are all basically the same gear lists with different gear recommendations - I just randomly threw up a list, I was looking for specific brands that people on this site enjoy using and why. I appreciate the info you have provide though! Thanks!

Dan Baker wrote: I did change it - to prevent trolls from divulging from the purpose of the post. And it is just a name. Also to you other google search comment - as I said they are all basically the same gear lists with different gear recommendations - I just randomly threw up a list, I was looking for specific brands that people on this site enjoy using and why. I appreciate the info you have provide though! Thanks!

As far as brands go for most equipment they are all pretty good. The only one that I really like to call out is Outdoor Research Gaiters. They are good. Most climbing/mountaineering companies make quality gloves, jackets, sleeping bags etc. I am reminded now that I really really like my Sierra Designs Convert 2 tent. Much better than most of the single wall mountaineering tents that I've used.

Just use deals to get good prices, don't get bargain brand stuff to save money.

yer gunna die.

Just in case you missed it:

Skis.