The right gear makes Mount Baker feel manageable.
Looking for a Mount Baker gear list? This is the packing list for our guided 5-day Mount Baker mountaineering course, and you don’t need to own all of it to get started. Every item marked Rent is available from us, and if you would rather buy a piece, we can help you decide what will work.
Prefer paper? Download the printable PDF checklist.
How renting works
Items marked Rent are available to rent for any of our courses. Reserve them in advance so they are ready for your trip, and let us know what gear you need as soon as you can. Current rates are on our Equipment and Rentals page.
Clothing and Accessories
Warm Hat
Buff
Baseball Cap: Protects your face from the sun's rays.
*Rent - Glacier Glasses (Category 4 Required): Shield your eyes from intense snow glare.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm (SPF 30+): Guard against harsh UV rays.
Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for navigating in low-light conditions.
*Rent - Helmet: Provides crucial head protection.
Base Layers: Lightweight, sun-protective clothing.
Softshell Jacket: Wind-resistant and breathable.
Hardshell Jacket: Waterproof and breathable for unpredictable weather.
*Rent - Down Jacket: Ensures warmth during colder periods.
Lightweight Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves: Keep your hands warm in freezing temperatures.
Baselayer Bottoms: Additional warmth for the lower body.
Softshell Pants
Hardshell Pants: Waterproof protection against rain and snow.
2 Pairs of Medium Socks: Wool.
1 Pair of Heavy-weight Socks: Wool.
Optional - Gaiters: Keep snow, debris, and moisture out of your boots.
Sleeping and Shelter
*Rent - Sleeping Bag (0-20 degrees): Ensures a warm and comfortable night's sleep.
*Rent - Sleeping Pad (Both Foam Pad and Inflatable): Essential for sleeping on snow.
*Rent - Backpack: Suitable for carrying personal items and essentials.
Climbing Gear
*Rent - Mountaineering Boots
*Rent - Ice Axe
*Rent - Crampons
*Rent - Trekking Pole
*Rent - Harness: Essential for mountaineering safety.
2 Locking Carabiners and 1 Non-locking Carabiner: Crucial for securing yourself during climbs.
Note: If there is a crevasse rescue segment of your course please also include the following climbing gear.
Micro traxion (or prussic loop) + Locking Carabiner
Ti-bloc (Or prussic loop) + Locking Carabiner
Cordalette (10 ft of 6mm)
2 additional non-locking carabiners
Safety and Hygiene
*Rent - Ursack: Secure food storage to prevent wildlife interactions.
Wag Bags: Proper waste disposal adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
Water Bottles (Two 1L Nalgenes): Reliable hydration without bladder systems.
Small First Aid Kit, Bowl, Spoon, and Earplugs: For safety and comfort.
Not sure about an item? Ask us before you buy.
Climb Mount Baker with us
This list is built for our 5-day Mount Baker mountaineering course. If you want to start with the safety skills, there is the 2-day crevasse rescue course, and if you have a specific objective in mind, we can design a custom climb.
Planning your route? See my Mount Baker map.
Brian, AMGA Certified Rock Guide and Wilderness First Responder. Access the Alpine is a USFS-permitted guide service on Mount Baker, based in Bellingham, WA.
