Learn to Lead - Leavenworth Climbing Equipment List

Learn to Lead - Leavenworth
Climbing Equipment List
The rock climbing area of Leavenworth is located in the Pacific Northwest. Leavenworth
is situated just to the east of the Cascade Crest and lie in the rain shadow of the mountains.
There is quite a bit of temperature variation between summer and winter and far less
precipitation than the western side of the mountains.
Leavenworth is often quite warm in mid-summer and the climbing season begins about
a month earlier and ends about a month later than areas on the west side of the range. Rain is
less common here although the range of temperatures the climber might encounter here is
much greater. A typical day in May or September might begin cool and pleasant, warm to the
lower 70's by afternoon, and drop to a night-time low between 40-50°F.
Though it is possible for program participants to lodge in hotels near any of the climbing
sites, we recommend that you car camp in more convenient sites closer to the rock climbing
areas. Not only is this generally more enjoyable and economical, but it allows for more efficient
use of our limited time. If you decide to stay in a hotel you need not bring any of the items
listed under the "Camping Equipment" heading. Food can be purchased in nearby grocery
stores before (or during) the course.
At AAI we take equipment and its selection seriously.
Our Equipment Services
department is expertly staffed by climbers, skiers and guides. Additionally, we only carry
products in our store have been thoroughly field tested and approved by our guides. This
intensive process ensures that all equipment that you purchase from AAI is best suited to your
course and future mountain adventures. Please contact us to select equipment for your course.
If you decide to rent equipment from us, you can rent climbing shoes, harness, and
helmet as a package for $10 per day. If you do decide to rent, please notify us of your waist
and shoe sizes so that we can reserve your gear in advance.
Questions on gear may be
directed to our equipment staff at the AAI gear shop, (360) 671-1570, Monday - Friday,
10:00am to 6:00pm. We’ll be happy to help you with all your gear questions!
Clothing & Footwear
T-shirt: Light colors are best. This shirt can be synthetic or cotton,
though cotton is excellent for summer climbing due to its wicking
properties. Long sleeved shirts are nice on cool days, while short sleeve
shirts are great for when it’s hot.
Weight: 3 - 7 oz / 85 - 200 grams
Materials: Synthetic, cotton, blends.
Own Buy
!
!
Base Layer Top: These are used mainly in the evening or on colder
days climbing. This will be your primary layer and should be
“lightweight” or “silk weight” synthetic or wool.
Weight: 5 - 8 oz / 140 - 225 grams Materials: Synthetic, wool.
Own Buy
!
!
Undergarments: Most climbers wear undergarments underneath their
base layer.
Materials: Synthetic, wool
Own Buy
!
!
Shorts: Lightweight shorts are nice for warm days.
Weight: 4 - 8oz / 110 - 227 grams
Own Buy
!
!
Wind Shell: Lightweight water repellent nylon recommended. This is
often worn while climbing, so keep it light and simple. No waterproof
coated nylon, please. If you cannot find a lightweight wind shell, a GoreTex rain jacket can be substituted, but remember, a jacket is heavier,
bulkier and does not allow as good freedom of movement as a wind shell.
Weight: 13 - 16oz / 368-454 grams
Materials: Nylon, micro weave fabrics, fleece, wind stopper
Own Buy
!
!
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Running shoes or lightweight approach
shoes are preferred. Sandals, “Crocs,” or flip-flops are not appropriate.
Climbing Pants: Softshells, sweat pants, Lycra or other light
comfortable pants that don’t restrict movement. Old synthetic dress
pants also work.
Rain Jacket: In the event of rain, a lightweight shell jacket will help
protect you from the elements. Your jacket should be sized to
comfortably fit over your other layers. Your hood should fit over your
climbing helmet.
Weight: 8 - 20oz / 227 – 566 grams
Materials: eVent, Gore-tex, h2No, or similar
Sun Hat: A baseball cap or visor serves well.
Light Insulating Layer: The goal for this piece is to add warmth to
your clothing layering system. The weight and design of this piece will
vary based on the other items of clothing that you are bringing. A fleece
jacket or sweatshirt is an example or this layer. Mid-winter dates should
bring a heavier layer.
Weight: 10 - 20oz / 283 – 566 grams
Materials: fleece, Primaloft, down
Own Buy
!
!
Own Buy
!
!
Own Buy
!
!
Own Buy
!
!
Own Buy
!
!
Beanie Hat/Toque: Bring a thinner warm hat that will fit under your
climbing helmet.
Weight: 2 - 4oz / 56 – 112 grams
Materials: fleece, wool, windstopper, or similar
Own Buy
!
!
Socks: Bring one pair per day.
Materials: wool, synthetic, cotton
Own Buy
!
!
Climbing Equipment
Climbing Harness: Choose a harness with adjustable leg loops, and
make sure it fits your body well. A belay loop, gear loops, and light
padding on the waist are desirable features.
Weight: 6 - 16oz / 170 - 453 grams
Own Buy Rent
!
! !
Climbing Helmet: Light weight, well ventilated, and comfortable.
Models with a plastic shell are more durable, but are heavier than all
foam models. Must be UIAA approved for climbing.
Own Buy Rent
!
! !
Rock Shoes: Rock Shoes are recommended for the Introductory course
and required for the Intermediate and Master’s courses. An all around
rock shoe that performs well on both cracks and smearing is
recommended. If you do not own them, you can rent them from AAI.
Own Buy Rent
!
! !
Carabiners: Bring one locking carabiner, if you own one.
Own Buy
!
!
Athletic Tape: Optional. Bring one roll of 1 !” wide cloth athletic
tape for taping hands for crack climbing. Available in athletic supply
stores and climbing shops.
Own Buy
!
!
Chalk Bag and Chalk: Optional but highly recommended.
Own Buy
!
!
Belay Device: Bring one. A Black Diamond ATC-Guide or Petzl Reverso
is required for Masters Courses where lead climbing is the objective.
Own Buy
!
!
Note: If you own a small free climbing rack, feel free to bring it along.
Even though AAI supplies this equipment, most climbers feel more
comfortable using gear with which they are familiar.
Other Essentials
Small, comfortable climbing pack: Used to get your equipment to
the climbing area. Packs are usually left on the ground while climbing,
but are carried when multipitch climbing. Find a model that fits well.
Size Range: 28 – 35 liters / 1700 - 2100 cu in.
Own Buy Rent
!
! !
Hydration: 3 liters of water capacity are the minimum. Hydration packs
or bladders like the Camelback or Platypus with appropriate accessories
are recommended. One water bottle, usually one-quart Nalgene type, is
required. Other plastic bottles, similar in nature can work as well.
Own Buy
!
!
Lunch Food: You are responsible for planning your meals during your
course. Look for lightweight, high energy and ‘snackable’ foods. Some
days it is reasonable to take a lunch break, while prolonged breaks are
often not feasible on multipitch climbing days. Please call our
administrative office for additional guidance in the food planning process.
Own Buy
!
!
Personal Medical Kit: Please include prescriptions at a minimum.
Own Buy
!
!
Sunscreen: With a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. For the
fair skinned, the higher the SPF the better. Dermatone produces an
effective 1” diameter stick as well as a translucent zinc oxide lotion.
Own Buy
!
!
Sun Glasses: Choose a model with UVA/UVB protection. Keeper strings
like “Croakies” are useful to prevent dropping your glasses while climbing.
Headlamp: Required for multipitch climbing days. High output LED
models are preferred over older halogen models. Flashlights are not
acceptable.
Camera: Optional. We recommend small point and shoot cameras that
can easily be carried in an outside pocket or small case outside your
pack. If you can’t comfortably and safely carry your camera outside your
pack, even in bad weather, you’ll miss the best photo opportunities.
Though some climbers bring them, SLR cameras are not recommended
because of weight and bulk.
Passport: Required for Squamish, BC courses.
Own Buy
!
!
Own Buy
!
!
Own Buy
!
!
Have
!
Camping Equipment
These items only need to be brought if you will be camping during your
course.
Tent: Any three-season tent is suitable.
Own Buy Rent
!
! !
Sleeping Bag: Bring one that is rated to around 25°F.
Weight: 16 – 42 oz / 453 – 1200 grams
Materials: Down, Primaloft, Polarguard 3D
Own Buy
!
!
Sleeping Pad: One pad, preferably a lightweight inflatable model, is
preferred. Closed cell foam pads are fine, but are not as comfortable.
Bring a patch kit for inflatable pads.
Own Buy
!
!
Lighter: Be advised, lighters are no longer acceptable in checked
baggage when flying.
Own Buy
!
!
Stove: Any small backpacking stove will do. Guides will have extra MSR
fuel bottles if you fly and need to borrow one. You will need to provide
fuel of course.
Own Buy Rent
!
! !
**United Airlines has indicated that backpacking stoves with detachable
fuel containers may be taken on board, but only the stove itself (the fuel
container-new or used- MUST be left at home). The stove must be air
dried of any fuel and be sent via checked baggage, not carry on. Further
information on this regulation may be found by a United Airlines
employee under Hazardous Materials: Camping equipment; footnote.
Fuel: 3/4 liter is plenty. Fuel cannot be taken on airplanes.
Own Buy
!
!
Pots: One 1! - 2 quart pot is enough for one person. Two people
sharing a stove might want to bring two pots if their meals are
significantly different.
Materials: Titanium, aluminum
Own Buy
!
!
Utensils: Large cup (~16oz) and spoon minimum. Most also bring a
bowl.
Own Buy
!
!