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A Ski Expedition to Denali: Part 2 (Essential Gear Checklist) | 11/25/2010, by BrennanLagasse
This article is the 2nd in a series of trip reports from ski mountaineering on Denali in May of 2010 . Click here to read Part 1 of the adventure.
Gear is your friend on Denali. You want to be comfortable, very comfortable, and it’s worth it to take any necessary steps you need to get the best gear you possibly can. Thankfully, because I was able to line up a writing assignment for Unofficial Squaw as well as secure pieces of gear I needed my checklist was finally complete after months of planning and preparation to bring it all together. There are some essential pieces of gear you’ll need if you’re ever attempting to climb/ski Denali.
Here a quick list of some of the pieces I would recommend based on testing on “the Great One”:
Backcountry Access (BCA) Arsenal Shovel with Built-in Probe
The 30 cm snow saw also comes in handy so long as you have a big one to complement it.
Mystery Ranch Big Sky Ski Backpack
If you want a smaller pack on the mountain there isn’t a better ski pack out there.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 Tent, and the Absolute Zero Mittens, Park & Pants
Trust me, the Trango 4 is bomber, the mittens were way warmer than I thought, and without the parka and pants you will be very uncomfortable.
Marmot CWM Membrain -40 Degree Sleeping Bag
Do you want to look forward to rest and warmth each night? Then here you go.
Marmot Ultimate Guide Gloves
Multiple sets of gloves are necessary for Denali. I’ve found these are the best all around gloves that give you dexterity with ropes and building camp, and are decently warm.
Petzl Vasak crampons and Tikka Plus2 Headlamp
The crampons are well built, sharp, and perfect for the West Buttress. The headlamp was perfect.
Cascade Designs MSR XGK Stove and Fuel Bottle
Built for high altitude it’s a great addition to any snow camping quiver.
Stanley Thermos
Hot drinks are a celebration on Denali so it’s best to have a good thermos.
40 Below Parkas for Fuel and Water Bottles, Camp Booties with Insoles, and Overboots
If you’re going to Denali or on any high altitude trip you need to get some gear from this company, especially their overboots.
Gu Energy Packets
You know why, and even though they freeze, you’ll probably want more than you think.
Brunton Restore 2 Solar Panel
Music is a nice thing at all camps and this baby is the best thing for an iPod recharge.
Salmon Jerky
Because this is the only meat I consume I looked long and hard for snacks that would be healthy and give me some protein on the hill. If you can handle the weight Dave’s Albacore makes the best canned tuna you can imagine. Trapper Creek has by far and away the best salmon jerky in the universe, and Go Wild is where to get the tastiest smoked salmon I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat.
Julbo Glacier Glasses
They make a wide variety of options to choose from and are all over Denali.
Grabber Hand and Feet Warmers
Even the most hardcore alpinists have a few of these stashed in their pack just in case-might as well go with the best brand if you can.
Smith Backdrop Sunglasses and I-O Goggles
Back up sunglasses are a must on Denali and these were phenomenal. The goggles were equally as great.
Clif Bar
After testing so many bars, and having thought I had finally burnt out on Cliff Bars for good I was surprised I made the call to take a bunch of their newer flavors (White Chocolate Macadamia, Maple Nut, Bannana Nut) along with salty Mojo bars and their builder protein bars for the trip. Thankfully the balance of energy, salt/taste, and protein fit the bill and then some.
Bridgedale Socks
I swear by them. Super comfy and super warm.
Garmont
In the past several years this company has never let me down with their products. From skiing inbounds to touring for weeks on end they make the most comfortable boot on the market. My Axons, while a tad heavy for Denali, were perfect for skinning, booting with crampons, and skiing. Even when I went back to Deanli as a guide in June/July I choose not to use the normally more comfortable mountaineering boots because I trust them so much.
Ortovox S1 transceiver
Many will say you don’t need one on Denali…yeah, so for those who are concerned about avalanche danger this is what I use and trust.
You know why, and even though they freeze, you’ll probably want more than you think.
Brunton Restore 2 Solar Panel
Music is a nice thing at all camps and this baby is the best thing for an iPod recharge.
Salmon Jerky
Because this is the only meat I consume I looked long and hard for snacks that would be healthy and give me some protein on the hill. If you can handle the weight Dave’s Albacore makes the best canned tuna you can imagine. Trapper Creek has by far and away the best salmon jerky in the universe, and Go Wild is where to get the tastiest smoked salmon I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat.
Julbo Glacier Glasses
They make a wide variety of options to choose from and are all over Denali.
Grabber Hand and Feet Warmers
Even the most hardcore alpinists have a few of these stashed in their pack just in case-might as well go with the best brand if you can.
Smith Backdrop Sunglasses and I-O Goggles
Back up sunglasses are a must on Denali and these were phenomenal. The goggles were equally as great.
Clif Bar
After testing so many bars, and having thought I had finally burnt out on Cliff Bars for good I was surprised I made the call to take a bunch of their newer flavors (White Chocolate Macadamia, Maple Nut, Bannana Nut) along with salty Mojo bars and their builder protein bars for the trip. Thankfully the balance of energy, salt/taste, and protein fit the bill and then some.
Bridgedale Socks
I swear by them. Super comfy and super warm.
Garmont
In the past several years this company has never let me down with their products. From skiing inbounds to touring for weeks on end they make the most comfortable boot on the market. My Axons, while a tad heavy for Denali, were perfect for skinning, booting with crampons, and skiing. Even when I went back to Deanli as a guide in June/July I choose not to use the normally more comfortable mountaineering boots because I trust them so much.
Ortovox S1 transceiver
Many will say you don’t need one on Denali…yeah, so for those who are concerned about avalanche danger this is what I use and trust.
I’ll stop there. If I continued there would be several more pages of the actual gear I used and trust overall, but those are just some of the better items I put to use on Denali and I highly recommend each product.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story. Part 3 coming soon!
