Essential Gear Lists for Your Gunks & Catskills Adventure

Much of your body heat escapes through your head. When you're feeling cold the first thing to add to your clothing system is a hat. This should cover your ears, fit under a helmet and be made of fleece or wool. A balaclava is nice on colder days to cover the neck too.

Shop for hats HERE

Light weight or liner gloves are a good alternative to bare hands on cold days when try tie lace and fasten buckles. They are useful in the more aerobic approach to the climbs

Shop light weight / liner gloves HERE

We recommend having at least 2 pairs of waterproof gloves or mittens. Insulated gloves, like ski gloves with a windproof and waterproof shell are a must to keep your hand warm and dry.

Ice climbing specialty gloves are low bulk gloves with less insulation in the palm. This allows for more dexterity and less squeezing of ice tools that would cut off blood flow to your hands.

Mittens are a great option if your hands tend to get cold but can be difficult to use climbing.

Shop for gloves / mittens HERE

Staying hydrated is very important. Bring about 2 liters of fluids per person for your day.

Having a bottle that keeps your water from freezing is equally as important. A double-walled insulated widemouth bottle does a great job. An insulated sleeve to cover your normal bottle can work too.

A thermos with a hot drink is wonderful to sip on between climbs!

Please do not bring hydration systems, single walled metal bottle or thin plastic. All of these systems freeze easily, making water unavailable to you.

It’s recommended that you have an extra water bottle for the drive to a from the trailhead.

Shop for water bottles HERE

Fuel your body. Only bring enough food that you will actually eat plus a little extra. Trail mix with nuts, raisins, pieces of chocolate and dried fruit are great for a winter outing. Cut up meats and cheeses are good low bulk high calorie options.

Consider that food may freeze during the day. Fresh fruit, some bars can be nearly impossible to bite in to on a cold day.

30 to 40 liter is recommended. Use a backpack large enough to stow all of your gear on the inside without having to strap any of your personal gear on the outside where it is exposed to the elements.

Shop for backpacks HERE

Single pair of wool socks. How many times have your feet been way to cold? Merino wool or wool blends are great natural insulators even when wet. Too heavy of a layering on your feet is your worst enemy; it constricts blood flow and causes your feet to be cold.

Shop for sock HERE

The start to a good layering system. Light to midweight merino wool or synthetic material, with a snug close to skin fit.

Avoid cotton clothing in the winter! Cotton against you skin will get wet when you sweat and stay wet making you cold.

Shop for base layers HERE

Mid layers add insulation to help retain your body creates and are worn between the base layer and outer shell. Examples of insulating mid layers include a fleece or synthetic jacket with PrimaLoft insulation, a lightweight grid fleece or midweight merino wool shirt.

Mid layers will change based on the temperature and activity. having layering options will help keep you comfortable all day.

Shop for mid layers HERE

Weather protection layer that is waterproof breathable. Leave the bulky coats behind, wear an outer shell on the top and bottom to shed water and snow. look for pieces that have Gore-Tex, or similar waterproof breathable membrane. An integrated hood is a must have, flimsy so away nylon hoods are not adequate protection on wet snowy days.

Soft shell pants and jacket can be appropriate on days when we are not expecting snow or wet weather. They are highly breathable while providing wind and water resistance protection.

Shop for outwear HERE

The “belay coat” or over everything jacket is for cold days when you're taking a break. It helps maintain your body temperature while you’re resting and is essential for keeping you warm on the most extreme days.

Shop for puffy coats HERE

Snow gaiters are protective coverings worn over the lower legs and boots to keep snow, water, debris and cold air out. Made from waterproof and durable materials, they seal the gap between your pants and footwear.

Gaiters are especially important if you’re wearing wide-leg bottoms or trekking through deep snow, as they prevent snow from creeping into your boots. They also streamline the lower leg, reducing the risk of catching crampons on your pants.

Gaiters for ice climbing come up near the knee and should fit over mountaineering boots. Look for something like Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters or similar.

Shop for Gaiters HERE

Hand / Toe Warmers

Thermos with a hot drink

Sunglasses - for sun and eye protection from ice shards

Camera

Sunscreen

Chapstick

Balaclava / Neck Gaiter

Trekking Poles

Personal first aid kit