Ski and Splitboard Summit Climb Packing List
This is a suggested equipment list, utilized by MSHI guides, staff, volunteers, and participants.
Equipment:
- Backcountry skis or splitboard
- Extra parts for boots and bindings for emergency repairs
- Skins: for climbing uphill
- Ski or Splitboard Crampons: Fit to your board
- Ski Poles: Splitboarders may want collapsible poles to store on the way down
- Whippet (optional): A ski pole with an ice axe head attached
- Avalanche Beacon, shovel, and probe
Attire:
Wear synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing. NO COTTON! Cotton clothing is not appropriate for climbing Mount St. Helens. When cotton becomes wet from precipitation and/or sweat, it will not dry out and will not keep you warm. Wet cotton is not only uncomfortable but also hazardous (Polyester/Cotton blend OK.) Dress in layers in order to be able to control your temperature while hiking as well as resting.
- Socks: Polyester or wool hiking or ski/snowboard socks. Optional liner socks help with insulation, as well as reduce the risk of blisters.
- Long Sleeve Base Layer: Synthetic or wool
- Upper Body Mid Layer: Polyester fleece jacket or down jacket
- Rain Jacket: e.g. Waterproof Gore Tex Jackets
- Rain Pants: e.g. Waterproof Gore Tex
- Synthetic Pants: e.g. Polyester zip-off pants, hiking pants
- Bottom Base Layer: Polyester or wool
- Gloves: Warm and waterproof, e.g. thin liner gloves and waterproof shell
- Warm Hat
- Sun Hat: e.g. baseball hat
- Sunglasses: Close fitting to keep out windblown ash and snow reflection
Backpack: (Approx. 30 liter backpack)
- 3-4 liters of water: Filled bottles or hydration bladder. Optional electrolyte drinks
- Lunch and Snacks: High energy foods and plenty of simple carbohydrates; e.g. trail mix, sandwich, trail bars, beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, summer sausage, hummus, cheese
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen and spf lip balm (SPF 30 and above)
- Small First Aid Kit (this includes your own personal prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and blister care. Bring extra prescription meds in case of unexpected delays)
- Headlamp or flashlight, with extra set of batteries
- Bandana: Cotton OK
- Extra Clothing Layers and Socks: Pack them in a dry-bag or garbage bag if weather shows wet conditions
- Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
- Adjustable trekking poles (optional)
- Camera (optional)