Mountaineering Gear Checklist

Here's a great interactive checklist and pack-weight calculator app that can be a valuable tool:

http://www.weighmygear.com

I second the pot and booze!!!

no marijuana? or alcohol? what kinda hike is this??

You can actually edit this checklist and discuss changes on expertchecklists: http://expertchecklists.com/checklists/61

As I read all the comments it is apparent that what really matters is season, route and duration. A summer climb up Long's Peak or Mt. Whitney does not require most of the extreme cold weather items or more than basic climbing gear if you start in the early morning and do the whole thing in one day. But even a summer climb up Mt. Rainier or Gannett Peak requires most of these items. I actually like the two matresses in weather below 20 degrees F. And I always use down clothing and bag. I am just careful about how I pack it and use it in my tent. If size and warmth to weight ratio matter, then down is the only choice. Of course, in winter conditions one needs at least a 5500+CI/80+L pack. All that clothing takes up a lot of space!

Mr. Schmidt,
You are correct that air is an excellent insulator against conduction. However, large air spaces lose heat as the air moves around (this is called convection). Closed cell foam pad keep lots of small isolated air spaces that provide better insulation by preventing convection. Cheers.

Chris, what do you mean by "as in air does not insulate?" Air is the best insulator know to man. Why post a comment in complete ignorance.
It's a good checklist, modify for what you actually need.

Why two sleeping pads? C'mon people...the closed cell foam (thin...almost weightless) is insulation from the cold hard ground or snow and the inflatable mattress is about the comfort. A lot of self-inflating matresses have a low R-value as in air does not insulate. There is an alternative tho'. Try an insulated inflatable mat like tha Exped Downmat or a similar one by Big Agnes

Why two sleeping pads? C'mon people...the closed cell foam (thin...almost weightless) is insulation from the cold hard ground or snow and the inflatable mattress is about the comfort. A lot of self-inflating matresses have a low R-value as in air does not insulate. There is an alternative tho'. Try an insulated inflatable mat like tha Exped Downmat or a similar one by Big Agnes

Ok, I'm a Gear Guy, but.. How the heck do you carry all this stuff? I really want to know. Not a rhetorical question. Start with Pack size, essentials, weight? I'd like to know what it really takes to top, say, Mt. Hood in the summer. Thanks. JD

Why is "camp footwear" listed twice?

Ok, I'm a Gear Guy, but.. How the heck do you carry all this stuff? I really want to know. Not a rhetorical question. Start with Pack size, essentials, weight? I'd like to know what it really takes to top, say, Mt. Hood in the summer. Thanks. JD

The waterproof overmitts are not optional on Rainier, it can get cold cold cold and you really want them to keep your hands warm.

"Compass or GPS" should read: "Compass and Map (GPS & Batteries (optional))"

A pee bottle makes using a hammock a lot more convenient too.

cold cold world and other high end packs employ a foam frame that can be removed for bivy situations or combined with another pad for no extra weight.

I'm pretty sure they meant this sleeping pad or that sleeping pad. Although two does sound really comfy. I was more shocked by the last item. You know how many trips I've spent wondering if it was worth getting dressed and going to find a spot to relieve myself. What a great idea!

2 sleeping pads................TOO MUCH WEIGHT!!!

good list although depending on the season, i would choose a synthetic sleeping bag as well for safety. takes a little more space but i know if you were to crawl into a synthetic bag when wet and cold, by morning you should be dry for the most part and down takes forever to dry.