Underwear. You should have one pair for each day of the climb. Choose underwear that is suited for high activity. Synthetics (not cotton) are really the best choice for the function.
Thermal underwear top and bottom (not cotton) – 2 pairs (one medium-weight, one heavy-weight). Wear materials which will wick away the moisture from your body. They will not only be drier and lighter than any other materials, but they will dry quickly once you take them off and hang them up.
T-shirts (2 or 3). Synthetic, to allow sweat to be released from your body.
Light-weight long-sleeve synthetic shirts (1) (synthetic with a half-length neck zip)
Long-sleeve light-weight fleece sweater. (Polartec®-150 weight or similar)
Outerwear
Rain poncho (plastic). It should be able to fit over you and your daypack.
Hiking shorts (1). These should be lightweight and synthetic. These are useful below 12,000 ft. (3,650 M) where daytime temperatures are quite hot, especially in the sun.
Trousers -1 pair of light-weight, loose-fitting trousers (synthetic is preferable), and 1 pair of heavier hiking pants, synthetic or canvas. Jeans are not acceptable for hiking as they are heavy and cold when wet. Convertible pants (with zip-off legs) are ideally suited for this trek, as temperatures can swing dramatically during the day.
Waterproof, “breathable” pants. (To be worn over long underwear.). Goretex recommended.
Heavy wool sweater or heavyweight fleece jacket. (Polartec®-200 weight or similar. A full front zip is useful)
Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable shell (for the upper body). Goretex recommended. The best choice would be a waterproof shell with layering underneath that allows perspiration to escape, arranging your clothing so you can easily add or shed layers as climactic conditions change. You will need a full hood.
Note: Keep your waterproof shell with you (either wear it or keep it in your daypack) anywhere above 10,000 ft. (3,050 M). At any time of the year, you can become quickly chilled in rain at this altitude and above.
Wide-brimmed sun hat. A strap is useful for windy conditions.
Fleece hat (must cover ears).
Mittens and gloves (one pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves, and/or synthetic glove liners). shells (to go over your mittens for use against wind and rain. If you have waterproof mittens, you may not need shells).
Balaclava face protection. (If it allows your breath to escape, it will help keep your glasses free from fogging up).
Note: It is important that your hat and balaclava are extremely warm, as much of your body heat can escape from your head.
Footwear
Hiking boots. Make sure they are waterproof, and provide plenty of support. (Technical mountaineering boots are not needed) New boots should be worn beforehand to reduce the risk of blisters.
Ice traction slip-ons for your hiking boots (only for those climbing the Western Breach Route). Please see www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/foot-traction-ice-grippers.html, to view the type of choices for extra traction for your boots, while on the breach wall. The very best choice would be something like the “Stabilicers”. Though none of these products are required, they may help your traction on snow or ice, even though our guides will cut steps with ice axes, if necessary.
Camp shoes (for changing into at the end of a trekking day. Be sure they fit over thicker socks for evening warmth.). The safest bet is to bring a second pair of boots, so you can trek in them if your primary pair is wet. If you are confident that your primary boots will serve you throughout the trek, then a pair of “snow clogs” are a perfect second pair of shoes…they are easy to slip on and off when you need to get in and out of your tent quickly, and also are warm.
Socks. One pair per day on the mountain (Use synthetic/wool-blend, or synthetic heavy trekking socks, and consider sock liners).
