My Outdoor Gear List – 4000m Peaks
Temperatures and conditions can change quickly in the mountains, which is why I rely on layering to keep me comfortable. I rarely wear more than three layers at any given time as anything more tends to get bulky and restrictive. My typical layering setup is a synthetic or wool baselayer followed by a fleece layer, and finally an insulating jacket or hard-shell. Regardless of season, I always carry spare layers in my pack while in the mountains. I also always bring along a warm hat and gloves
Below is my gear list of major items from which I draw upon depending on the outing. While I don’t change things out all that often, I am always looking to improve things. Currently though, I am pretty happy with things as they are. The outdoor gear market is highly competitive and, as such, manufacturers tend to change models and designs often. Usually, there is just a simple update to what I have. In other cases, there is usually an easy to find equivalent. Finally, the gear that I use may not necessarily work for everyone or in every part of the world. Hopefully, though, what I use will at least serve as a good guide to anyone just starting out or looking to add to what they already have.
Summer Climbs
3-Season Climbs
Baselayers:
I use both synthetic and wool baselayers. The choice between the two is simple. On longer trips, wool is the way to go since it can be worn a lot without picking up too much funk. For shorter and more frequent trips, I use synthetics as they hold up better through frequent washings than wool.
Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite T-Shirt –
Great wicking T-shirts for warm days. A lot of other T-shirts of this type will also do. I have found these shirts, though, to be particularly comfortable and have held up very well through many outings and lots of washings.
Arc’teryx Phase SL Zip-neck – Baselayer that I use in cooler conditions. It is very thin and comfortable. Great for that little extra insulation without overheating during strenuous hiking or climbing.
Midlayer:
I use this layer for both warmth and sun protection depending on conditions.
Outdoor Research Echo Hooded LS Shirt – Positively absolutely the best outdoor shirt ever. It is a very thin and lightweight shirt that gives me great coverage from the high altitude sun, yet breathes very well. I wear this almost without exception for most all summer climbs.
Marmot ThermalClime Pro – Technically a mid-weight baselayer, but I like to use it as a shirt for cooler conditions. I bought a size up so it fits perfectly over a baselayer. This particular model has been discontinued by Marmot. I have not tried any of the newer replacement models.
Insulation:
For early starts or when conditions turn colder, I like to go with a basic fleece. Fleece breathes better than than down or synthetic jackets and also dries quickly. I also always like go with a full zip jacket as opposed to a pullover as it is easier to get on and off. It also allows for better venting.
Arc’teryx Delta LT – A seriously lightweight and very breathable fleece. I frequently wear this when starting out early. It packs down small and is pretty much always a part of my summer climbing pack.
Patagonia R1 Full Zip – A mid-weight fleece jacket that is heavier and warmer than the Arc’teryx Delta LT. It is a little bulky but layers very well for great comfort and warmth while still offering great breathability.
Shell Layers:
I always bring along a wind shell and anytime there is a possibility of rain, a rain shell.
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody – My go-to wind shell for cold early starts and higher altitude wind protection. Does not offer a lot of rain resistance but breathes considerably better than a rain shell. Lightweight and small, I always have this along.
Arc’teryx Zeta FL – Extraordinarily lightweight and easily packed, this rain shell is always along if there is even a remote chance of weather.
Pants:
I always go with long pants for climbing. Shorts are great in really warm weather but offer little protection from sharp rocks or sun. When it is warm, I just go with a thin and lightweight pant. For cooler weather, rough rocks, or wind, I go with a heavier pant.
ExOficio Amphi Pant – A great lighweight long pant that is super comfortable in warm weather. Perfect for long days on the trail. Dries very quickly when wet.
Prana Zion Pant – A little heavier and abrasion resistant than the ExOfficio Amphi, the Prana Zion is pretty much my favorite all-around cooler weather hiking pant. Also nice and stretchy making them easy to climb in.
Marmot Scree Pant – Great soft shell pants that are perfect for three season climbing. Paired with long underwear bottoms and a hard shell, they are also great in extended season cold and snow. Rear pockets zip shut, so I don’t have to worry about losing anything in the snow. These pants are also tough against rocks and moderately water resistant.
Hats and Gloves:
I always go with a bill type cap for most hiking and climbing. In the early mornings or when things get cold and windy, I go a benie type hat. Gloves and a Buff are also always in the pack. Even on seemingly warm days I still bring them just in case things don’t go as planned due to weather or unplanned protracted time on a mountain.
Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome – Super light and super warm. This hat is always in my pack.
Outdoor Research Stormtracker Gloves – A great lightweight glove for cold mornings or when things turn a bit nasty at higher altitudes. Leather palms help on tough rocks as well.
Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome – Super light and super warm. This hat is always in my pack.
Marmot Randonee Gloves – In addition to the lighter OR Stormtracker Gloves, I bring these along for early spring or late fall climbs when temps typically dip below freezing at the start. A nice warm glove with a terrific soft inner liner. These are pretty much my standard cold weather gloves.
Boots:
For anytime I am climbing class 2 or above, I go with a full boot. Trail shoes are lighter and generally more comfortable for easy terrain. Regardless of shoe type, I always wear a medium to heavy wool sock.
LaSportiva Raptors – Great for trail walking and approaches. A nice lightweight and comfortable shoe that allows me to go fast and light.
Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof – My all-time favorite hiking boot. They are super comfortable and yet great on rocky trails and climbing. Being waterproof, they also keep my feet dry in snow drifts and moderate stream crossings.
Oboz Bridger Mid – A more serious boot for colder conditions and higher altitudes. I wore these on summit day for Kilimanjaro. My feet were always warm and comfortable.
Backpack:
I have found a couple of models in the Osprey Talon series that I really like. They are lightweight and comfortable with just the right amount of features.
Osprey Talon 22 – Perfect for most day climbs in modest conditions. Holds everything I need from food to water to extra layers.
Osprey Talon 33 – For day hikes in colder conditions where I might need to bring along heavier layers and likely a small down jacket (Typically a Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody), I go with this pack. Like the Talon 22, it is very comfortable and carries weight very well.
