Gear for Climbing Expeditions

This clothing list is intentionally specific because we want you to be warm, safe, and enjoy the out of doors. Comfort is a must when learning about the outdoor environment! Our climbing courses will frequently have different weather than the Cornell campus. Expect it to be wet and muddy outside and come prepared for variable weather conditions.

It is better to dress with layers so that you can regulate your temperature based on your activity level and changes in the weather. We Alpine Eco Trek strongly recommend wool or polypropylene (or Thermax®, Capilene®, and other synthetics) because these materials retain their insulating qualities when damp whereas cotton does not. Dressing according to these concepts will increase the quality and enjoyment of your outdoor experience.

Upper Body

• 1 long underwear top (polypropylene or wool, not cotton)
• 2 insulating layers, any combination of the following:
• Medium to a heavy wool sweater
• Medium to a heavy wool shirt
• Synthetic pile jacket
• 1 thick insulative coat (down, synthetic, quilted wool)
• 1 raincoat or poncho (must fit over your other layers)
• 1 cotton t-shirt (optional)

Lower Body

• 1 pair long underwear bottoms (synthetic or wool, not cotton)
• 1 lower body layer, any of the following:
• Nylon wind pants
• Loose-fitting pants, tight weave no jeans
• 1 bad weather layer, any of the following:
• Rain pants
• Wool or fleece pants
• Shorts

Head and Hands

• 1 thick, insulative hat (wool or synthetic)
• 1 pair of wool mittens or gloves

Feet

• 1 pair liner socks, thin, synthetic or wool (to fit climbing shoes)
• 2 pairs of wool or polypropylene socks
• 1 pair of tennis shoes or lightweight boots
• camp booties (optional)

Personal Gear

• Closed-cell insolate sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag/stuff sack
• 2 one-quart water bottles
• Lighter or matches
• Camera and film (optional)
• Book, journal, field guides, binoculars
• Something to share (music, poem, reading)
• 1 large day pack (should be bigger than a book bag)
• Cup, bowl, knife, spoon
• Pocket knife
• Watch (optional)
• Small flashlight or headlamp, with extra batteries
• Travel/town clothes (jeans, shirt, sweater)

Personal Maintenance Kit

• Chapstick, sunblock, sunglasses
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Tampons/pads, Ziploc® bags to carry out
• Contacts, solutions, glasses
• Medication (you must let instructors know)

Climbing Equipment

Rental of all climbing equipment except rock climbing is included in the course fee.

Rock climbing shoes

• climbing harness
• Climbing helmet
• 1 belay kit (2 locking karabiners, 1 belay device)
• 2 prussiks