My full Denali gear record consists of all the things you’ll have to summit the very best mountain in North America
Denali in Alaska, USA, stands at a lofty 6,190m (20,310ft), making it North America’s highest mountain and one of many seven summits (the seven peaks that make up the very best level on each continent).
I just lately returned from climbing Denali with American Alpine Institute (AAI). Any good guiding firm will concern you an in depth package record, however I at all times prefer to see precisely what others have used. As such, I believed it will be useful to share my full Denali gear record for future climbers to reference.
Denali gear record
As I joined a guided climb, tents and cooking gear had been equipped. Nonetheless, climbers had been answerable for supplying their sleeping system, footwear, mountaineering clothes and gear together with some other private objects. A handful of things had been obtainable to rent from AAI however I might at all times advocate shopping for your individual the place potential. Rent gear might not at all times be in one of the best situation or obtainable in your dimension.
I had a lot of the gear beforehand however there have been some specialist objects I wanted, significantly when it got here to among the cold-weather gear. Denali is without doubt one of the coldest and windiest locations within the USA, so it’s value investing in one of the best and warmest obtainable. On arrival in Anchorage, Alaska, you’ll have the chance to go to an out of doors retailer in case you’re lacking any gear.
Regardless that Denali is ‘solely’ a 6,000m mountain, among the gear I purchased – equivalent to my sleeping system and mountaineering boots – is powerful sufficient to make use of on Everest (if I ever make it there) and different 8,000m mountains.
Some objects on the record beneath are non-compulsory – electronics and toiletries for instance – however the majority are important until in any other case said. For reference, I’ve linked to the precise gear I used the place potential.
Sleeping system
For this expedition, I up to date my sleeping system utterly. Each piece of package was new. It turned out to be probably the greatest selections I ever made when it got here to tenting. I slept soundly each evening and whereas the dearth of oxygen on the larger camps might have been discomfiting at instances, the chilly by no means saved me awake. Learn our devoted sleeping system for Denali article for extra data.
Footwear
You’ll put on your mountaineering boots almost all day, each day, so be sure you get a pair which inserts nicely and is heat sufficient. They need to be double boots – ideally triple – and no less than rated to be used at 6,000m. Nonetheless, in the event you’re planning to climb larger mountains sooner or later then go for 8,000m boots. One other benefit of 8,000m boots is that you just received’t want to purchase extra overboots that are wanted for six,000m boots.
Within the evenings and through relaxation days, a pair of light-weight camp booties after an extended day in your mountaineering boots are bliss. They are often worn with or with out socks and even inside your mountaineering boots if the interior is eliminated.
Atlas & Boots
My snowshoe-clod boots and down booties
Snowshoes are used till Camp 3 however not above. When you already personal a pair then verify together with your guiding firm whether or not they’re appropriate. They need to be geared up with an integral crampon and/or aggressive traction on the underside and ought to be now not than 71cm (28in). When you don’t already personal a pair, then I like to recommend hiring them until you commonly use snowshoes.
Mountain garments
Heat clothes can also be important on Denali. Out of your base layer to your down jacket, it’s value investing in the proper gear for the proper surroundings. For summit day, a down jacket with no less than 380g of 800+ fill energy is important together with prime and backside waterproof shells.
Woollen base layers are preferrred, significantly Merino wool. Merino provides excellent breathability and moisture-wicking and customarily offers with odours higher than polyester or nylon alternate options. Learn our article on tips on how to layer clothes for extra data.
Gloves
I took 5 pairs of gloves onto Denali and used every one at varied instances relying on the temperature and activity at hand. Usually, a liner glove that matches beneath each different glove might be helpful at each stage of the climb. Each glove aside from your mitts must be dexterous sufficient so as to clip and unclip carabiners.
Face/head safety
On summit day, you must be ready to cowl each little bit of pores and skin to make sure nothing is uncovered to frostbite. It’s best to check this technique beforehand to just remember to’re comfy respiratory by way of your varied face and head layers.
Mountaineering gear
I had most of this left over from earlier expeditions however up to date my harness and topped up my carabiner rack. It’s value taking some duct tape to wrap unfastened ends of rope and to label/mark carabiners if you would like your actual ones again on the finish of the journey.
Well being & hygiene
Each climber ought to carry a private first assist package however guides do have a complete package obtainable. Solely use biodegradable toiletries within the mountains.
- Sunscreen (ought to be SPF 40)
- Lip block
- Hand sanitiser
- Eye masks
- Earplugs
- Tissues
- Moist wipes
- Foot powder
- Nail scissors/clippers
- Nail brush (non-compulsory)
- Painkillers
- Cough lozenges
- Plasters
- Compeed (blister safety)
- Rehydration powder sachets
- Antiseptic cream
- Diarrhoea therapy
- Penknife
- Rubbish/bin baggage
- Insect repellent (to be used in Talkeetna)
Baggage
On the mountain, you will want a 120-140l, sturdy package bag for transporting your gear on the sledge and no less than an 80l backpack. Use dry baggage or stuff sacks to maintain gear organised. The small package bag and rucksack could be saved in Talkeetna, the small city the place climbers take the flight onto the glacier.
Lunches
AAI offers breakfasts and dinners on this expedition however climbers should present their lunches. Steering on what to pack was despatched however this largely comes right down to your preferences. It’s best to keep away from packing any objects that require preparation or scorching water. Crucial factor is to have a wide range of meals which it would be best to eat. The whole weight for all 21 lunches shouldn’t exceed 6.8kg (15lb). Beneath is what I packed.
Electronics
Because it’s to date north and stays gentle all through the evening, you don’t want a headtorch on Denali. All of that is non-compulsory, however everybody I climbed with no less than carried a smartphone (which you’ll want to have the ability to cost your self).
Journey garments
Two days in Anchorage first; as much as 5 days afterwards in Talkeetna and Anchorage. The very first thing you’ll wish to do once you get off the mountain is placed on some cotton.
- Unfastened trousers
- T-shirts
- Hoody/heat jacket
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sneakers/comfy sneakers
Documentation
- Passport + photocopies
- ESTA/visa data if required
- Insurance coverage certificates and particulars
- Flight data
- Spending cash (enable $500-$800 USD for ideas)
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