Size
• Backpack capacity is measured in liters (the backpack volume)
• 40–60 liters: Suitable for 1-day trips
• 60–80 liters: Ideal for 2–5-day trips
• 80-100 liters: Best for trips over 5 days
• 100+ liters: Built for winter/long expeditions

Packing an Extra Daypack
• Enables you to leave extra gear at a lower camp
• Essential for technical climbs when summiting
• A lightweight alternative is a drawstring bag

Why No CamelBacks (bladders)
• Complicated to use, prone to leaks, difficult to clean and refill, and you cannot see water usage
• Tubes will freeze and crack in extreme cold
• Most experienced mountaineers don't use bladders

‍Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bags
• Down: Lightweight, compact, warm, and expensive option. The higher fill the warmer.
• Synthetic: Cheaper, less compact, and heavier
• High altitude mountains require down sleeping bags

Inflatable vs Foam Pads
• Inflatable: Compact and comfortable
• Foam: Durable, easy to set up/take down, and cheaper
• Double pad (insulated + pad) needed for high altitude climbs

Extreme Cold Sleeping Options
‍1. Buy a high-rated bag (very warm but expensive)
2. Nesting (using two sleeping bags)
3. Pack an extra blanket (or sleeping bag liner)
4. Wear warm clothing (base layers or some the down clothing you packed)

Sleeping Bag Storage
• Store your sleeping bag loosely packed

Socks
• Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and sweat
• Merino wool is preferred for its warmth and moisture wicking qualities

Double Sock Setup
• Wear a thin base layer socks beneath a thicker wool sock
• This setup reduces friction and moisture, and prevents blisters
• Many experienced adventurers swear by it this setup but it is personal preference

Mountaineering Boots + Approach Shoes Setup
• Ideal for climbs with long approach hiking and slopes that require crampons

Mountaineering Boots ONLY Setup
• Ideal for climbs with minimal approach hiking and slopes that require crampons

Hiking Boots ONLY Setup
• Ideal for low-altitude climbs where crampons are not required

Gloves vs Mittens
• Dexterity: Gloves have better hand dexterity (using ice axe and climbing gear)
• Warmth: Mittens keep your four fingers together making it much warmer
• Use gloves for most conditions, reserving mittens for the coldest sections of the climb

Three-Glove System
• Your glove setup depends on the mountain, time of year, and route.
• Recommended Setup: a liner, a work glove, and an insulated glove or mitten.

Glove Liners
• Buy merino wool or synthetic fabrics
• Warmth: Merino wool is the warmest option but tends to be more expensive.
• Fit: Make sure the liner is thin and fitted

Three-Layer Setup
• Most climbs require a simple three-layer system
• Tailor your layers based on the mountain, route, season, weather, and personal preferences

Sweat Control
• Breathable Clothing = Little wind and rain  protection
• Breathable layers preferred for active climbing

Layering Options
• Base Layer: Fitted and comfortable (synthetic or wool material)
• Light Mid-Layer: Light- insulated jackets or fleece layer
• Heavy Mid-Layer: Insulated hoodies (often fleece lined)
• Soft-shell Layer: Breathable outer-shell that offers warmth and wind protection
• Parka and Insulated Pants: Insulated outer-layer for the extreme cold
• Hardshell Layer: Protection against wet and windy conditions (not breathable)

Core Mountaineering Gear
1. Helmet
2. Two ice picks (with leashes)
3. Compatible crampons (TEST THEM)

Personalization
• Your setup will vary based on the climb, route, season, weather, and personal risk tolerance
• Customize your gear selection according to your climbing location

Learning to Climb
• Learn climbing basics at a local indoor gym (sport climbing)
• Progress to practice traditional lead climbing outdoors (trad climbing)
• Learn alpine-specific climbing techniques (ice climbing, glacier crossing, craves rescue)

Food Options
• Choose calorie-dense, protein-rich, and carbohydrate-heavy foods that require minimal preparation.
• Good options include peanut butter, tortillas, tuna and chicken packets, nuts, protein powder, crackers, cheese, trail mix, oatmeal, dehydrated pasta, sandwiches, ramen, protein bars, dried fruit, hot cocoa, instant mashed potatoes, and Snickers.

Titanium vs. Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
• Titanium: Very lightweight but poor heat transfer (burns food and requires more fuel)
• Stainless Steel: Great heat conductor but very heavy
• Aluminum: Moderately lightweight and moderate heat transfer

Stove Purpose in Mountaineering
• Use a stove primarily to melt snow and boil water
• There’s no real cooking on the ascent