Equipment Lists

Mountaineering

Courses

Mt. Hood Mountaineering Programs

Guided Mountaineering Climbs

Rock Climbing

Backpacking, Hiking & Camping

AIARE

Ice Climbing

Backcountry Ski/Splitboard

Gear Rental

Renting can be a great way to try out various gear before making an investment, or to reduce the need for ownership, especially for items you may only use a few times.

Washington

Oregon

  • Coming in 2025: Kaf Adventures will have a Mt. Hood Rental package of helmet, crampons, ice axe, and harness. Stay tuned for more details.
  • Next Adventure (Portland & Sandy) - avalanche and mountaineering gear
  • The Mountain Shop (Portland) - ski, avalanche, mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and backpacking gear

**You can ask The Mountain Shop for a 30% discount when renting gear for a Kaf Adventures trip or course. Rental equipment is available for Walk-in-Only service. Please allow adequate time to procure any rental equipment before arriving at your designated meeting location.

DETAILS AND CONSIDERATIONS

These are some of our recommendations for gear layers and specific items, in case you are looking to purchase. Please support your local gear shops! Many items can also be purchased in good condition at consignment shops such as Wonderland Gear Exchange (Seattle) and Next Adventure (Portland) as well as online marketplaces, as a great way to reduce costs and help keep used gear in circulation.

Foot Layers

  • Boots: plastic or leather with at least 3⁄4 shank and well treated with waterproofing. Ie. La
    Sportiva Nepal EVO.
  • Socks: at least 2 pairs, lightweight liners help prevent blisters. Three pairs are recommended,
    with one being a comfortable pair for in the tent/sleeping in.
  • Gaiters: High enough to cover ankles of boots and lower calf (helps protect pants from crampons).

Leg layers

  • Two base layers: wool, synthetic, or lightweight fleece long underwear.
  • One extra insulating layer if you get cold easily; this is also nice for overnights.
  • Softshell pants.
  • Waterproof shell pants. Full-length zippers are key so they can be put on/off without removing boots.

Torso Layers

  • Two base layers: 1 thinner wicking and 1 insulating. ie. Smartwool 150 + Patagonia R1 Hoody
  • Warm parka, most prefer a hood.
  • Extra vest or fleece jacket for colder days, or if you get cold easily.
  • Rain Jacket with hood.

Head and Neck Layers

  • Warm hat, beanie style, must cover ears
  • Neck Gaiter
  • Sun hat with brim or visor

Hand Layers

  • Liner layer
  • One insulating layer
  • One waterproof layer

Personal and Camping Gear

  • Large backpack (at least 50L or 3,000 cu. inches) internal frame: Osprey Variant 52L
  • Sleeping Bag (15-30o): Montbell Spiral Down Hugger
  • Sleeping pad (inflatable or solid foam): Thermarest Neo Air or Ridgerest
  • Two water bottles: at least 2 liters, camelbaks are okay with at least one additional hard bottle
  • Cup and bowl to eat and drink from: can be the same vessel but that means tea/coffee cannot accompany meals. And a spoon, to eat with.
  • Extra food and snacks, lunches for all days.

Climbing Gear

  • Ice axe: Black Diamond Raven/Pro
  • Crampons: BD Sabertooth
  • Helmet: BD Half Dome
  • Harness: lightweight alpine harness, BD Couloir or Petzl Altitude
  • 2 locking carabiners: BD Positron or Petzl Spirit Screwlock
  • Glacier Rig Kit:
  • 2 prusik cords: 5-6mm nylon cord, cut into two lengths (one ~6’ and one ~12’)
  • 3 locking carabiners: pear shaped – BD Rocklock or Petzl Attache
  • 2 non-locking carabiners: BD neutrino or Petzl Spirit
  • 1 – 48” (double-length) sling: BD 18mm nylon or 10mm dynex runners