On short day hikes in good weather, plan on a good day; be prepared if it's not. ALWAYS have the 10 essentials with each climber. Here is the list:

1. Map and compass. A map of the area, in plastic so water and dirt will not compromise it. A compass; know how to use it.
2. Whistle. To signal for help. You can blow a lot longer than you can scream.
3. Flashlight or headlamp. Spare batteries and bulbs are a must.
4. Extra food. Waterproof, and edible, no cooking required.
5. Extra clothing. Bring enough extra clothes to survive in the worst weather for the season.
6. Sunglasses. Eye protection in a sunny location is critical.
7. First aid supplies. You don't have the luxury of an ER, bring Band-Aids, waterproof 1 inch tape, mole skin, 4x4 gauze bandages, kling, any meds that are needed daily, and anything else that helps fix minor.
8. Knife, attach a small piece of cordage to help prevent loss.
9. Matches in a waterproof container. Fire is important for heat as well as signals, the ability to start a fire is very important.
10. Shelter. Something to wrap you in, get under, or generally get out of the weather. An emergency blanket works well in most situations.

Equipment to bring on day hikes, in addition to the 10 essentials, include:

Gor-Tex pants. For the same reasons as above. They can also block any wind and that can be a good thing.

Hat. One that will cover your ears and not blow off in a stiff wind.

Gloves. Bring what is appropriate for the conditions. Gloves are lightweight and don't take up much space, bring multiple choices such as thin cotton gloves, ski gloves and mittens.

Vest. A lightweight pile vest is a good extra layer if it gets cold or the wind starts to blow. It can be a top layer if your climbing and it's not very warm.

Coat. It should have a front zipper that opens all the way up. Pit zips are nice to help with ventilation.

Socks. A thin synthetic pair (as liners) and a heavier synthetic pair usually work well for most climbs.

Underwear. Long underwear is a good thing to bring on cold (30 or less degree) climbing trips. If you wear it on a warmer day trip without the threat of high winds or bad weather, you may find it too warm. Some experimentation will be needed to know just what to wear, based on how your body reacts to the elements. Synthetic material is the best choice. Moisture is wicked away from the body and you will stay drier.

Pants. They should be a synthetic material, as not to wick up water, and cool the wearer in the wind. Synthetic will also dry much faster. A good choice under most conditions.

Shorts. When the weather is warm and the chance of wind is low, try them. Bring some long pants (convertible shorts are great for this option) if you think the weather might change.

Boots. On short hikes with moderate terrain and dryer conditions, low-top or mid-top, lightweight hiking shoes are great. On trips that may be wet or have snow in the forecast, mid-weight or heavier mountaineering boots are recommended.

Plastic or synthetic? Leather boots are more than acceptable if they have a sole that will take a Crampon. Plastic is all that can be rented at most climbing shops, and it is the boot of choice for most. There is no real break in time for new plastic boots and they have the benefit of never needing to be waterproofed. Leather boots will need some break in time, (trips, weeks, months) try plastic.

Ski/trekking poles. A must on the glacier trips and on the first day of the summit climb. We will use them on our day hikes to help get us ready for the Climb. Poles will really help on the night hikes and it's always nice to have the extra control that poles contribute.

Gaiters. Use gaiters on any climb on the snow and a wet trips in the spring that will be on mud or snow. A pair of gaiters are nice to keep the water and dirt out of your boots. Not needed on trips in the summer with dry trails.

Packs. For a day trip in the spring and summer with the equipment listed above, a pack with a capacity of 3,500 square inches will work fine. Go much smaller and it will not fit all the things you need. If you only have one pack to train with, as well as use for the summit attempt, then invest in a 5,000 cubic inch pack or bigger. No matter the size, a good fit is essential. Try it on and simulate the weight it will carry. Wear it for a few minutes and see how it feels. Move, bend and twist. No pack will feel like you're not wearing it, but a well designed pack that is properly fit to you will be comfortable and secure. Make sure to ask yourself: will it easily hold all the gear that I need on a climb?

Water. In a wide mouth, Nalgene-type bottle. Bring at least a quart (32 ounces) on short cool trips. Bring 3 quarts to a Muir climb and the summit climb attempt. A note on hydration packs (ex. CamelBaks): Good idea on low land training trips, don't bring them on Muir climbs or the day of the summit climb, as the hose may freeze and your ability to rehydrate stops. At altitude this can be life threatening. Do not plan on drinking water found along the route unless it has been treated or filtered.

Sunscreen. On the Muir snowfield (Mt. Rainier) the reflection from the snow is almost complete. We need to have an SPF rating of 30 or better any time we hike on snow. Sunscreen needs to be applied every time we stop because with the altitude and the fact that you are working so hard, sunscreen will wash off sooner than the label will suggest. Failure to apply sunscreen will result in a nasty burn and could have long lasting consequences.

Lip Balm. Chapstick, a SPF rating of at least 30 is a good choice for a glacier climb. Sunburned lips swell (avoid this, wear chapstick).

Camera. Don't forget to bring em' along!

All of this equipment sounds like a lot of stuff to go out and buy, and it is, but being on a trip and having the weather conditions change or worse yet, somebody gets hurt or lost and has to spend the night out in the elements, and the listed gear becomes essential. Always carry the TEN ESSENTIALS, you never know when you will need them.

Here are some strategies to get what equipment you need:

Buy it new. REI, Feathered Friends and Marmot Mountain Works and North Face to name a few local retailers.

Buy it used. Second Ascent in Ballard (206-545-8810) is a great source of used, quality gear.

Borrow it. Find someone that has it and ask to borrow it.

Rent it. Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford (where we will be for our Climb) has a good selection of gear for rent at a 30% discount for our registered climbers. You can also purchase anything that you may have forgotten on the day of the Climb. I know that REI, Feathered Friends and Marmot Mountain Works will rent some of the gear on the list. They are a good source to get boots.