Mt. Rainier is the most prominent mountain in the contiguous United Staes. It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Mount Rainier is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states.
Information coming soon.
The weather on Mt Rainier is unpredictable, but you we can guarantee that you will see some cold blowing days mixed with sunny refreshing days. We may encounter a variety of weather conditions and we want you to be prepared for rain, wind, snow, sleet and extreme heat.
Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success. Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase in Washington, but don’t rely on all the gear being available, prepare before hand.
Pack & Bags
Upper Body
We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, soft-shell, down and synthetic options.
Lower Body
We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
Feet
Miscellaneous
Toilet
Personal Medications
Utensils
Optional Items
Travel Documents
Pre-Trip Checklist
Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success. Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase in Washington, but don’t rely on all the gear being available, prepare before hand.
Pack & Bags
- 2 DUFFEL BAG(S): A 120+ liter bag made of tough material.
- BACKPACK: A 90+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb. Your pack must be large enough for your layers, climbing gear, and food, as well as a portion of your tent and group load (kitchen equipment).
- DAY PACK: A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on, while traveling or sightseeing.
- SLEEPING BAG: A bag rated to 0° to -20° F. Either goose down or synthetic, with ample room for movement. Most guides prefer down, because it is lightweight and compactable. A waterproof bag is preferred, but not mandatory.
- COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
- SLEEPING PAD - INFLATABLE: A full-length inflatable pad.
- SLEEPING PAD - CLOSED FOAM: A second full-length or 3/4 length closed cell foam pad. This pad is used in combination with the first sleeping pad. You will be happy to have both!
- ICE AXE/PICK: The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm axe; and taller, use a 75 cm axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.
- CLIMBING HARNESS: HARNESS IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
- HELMET: Should be a climbing certified helmet.
- CRAMPONS: The 10 to 12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering are ideal.
- TENT: four season
- TREKKING POLES: Lightweight and collapsible poles are preferred. Larger baskets work well with deep snow. Ski poles will also work.
- Head: Keep your Cabeza warm
- Wool or synthetic. It should provide warmth but also be thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.
- BUFF / NECK GAITER / BALACLAVA: One item for face protection is required. Our primary recommendation is the Buff. A neck gaiter or balaclava is also acceptable.
- BALL CAP OR SUN HAT
- Box GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses.
- GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather.
- HEADLAMP: Be sure to begin the program with fresh batteries.
- Hands: Each glove layer is worn separately as conditions change during the climb.
- LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE: One pair of fleece, soft-shell or wind-stopper gloves.
- MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVE: Wind/water resistant, insulated mountain gloves.
- HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE OR MITTEN: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.
Upper Body
We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, soft-shell, down and synthetic options.
- 2 LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Quarter zip styles will allow for better temperature regulation. We recommend light colors, which best reflect the intense sun on hot days.
- INSULATING LAYER - LIGHTWEIGHT
- INSULATING LAYER - MEDIUM WEIGHT
- HARD SHELL JACKET: A jacket made of rain/wind-proof material with an attached hood.
- INSULATED PARKA with HOOD:
- HIKING SHIRT (OPTIONAL): For hot days in mid-summer, we recommend a lightweight, synthetic shirt, either long or short sleeves. Long sleeves are preferred for sun protection.
Lower Body
We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
- 2 - 3 UNDERWEAR: Non-cotton briefs or boxers.
- LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Synthetic or wool.
- CLIMBING PANT: Soft-shell climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them in combination with the base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days. No cotton!!
- RAIN PANT (HARD SHELL): A waterproof pant with 3/4 side zippers (sometimes called 7/8 or full side zips) are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons.
- SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANT: A synthetic primaloft pant.
- LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANT: A lightweight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions.
Feet
- MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Hybrid boots are the preferred choice on Aconcagua. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Leather-only mountaineering boots are not recommended.
- HIKING BOOTS: A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain.
- LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHOES: Great for travel, day hikes, and camp.
- SANDALS: These are used during river crossings and should hold securely to the foot. There is also a shower at Basecamp.
- 2 PAIR OF TREKKING SOCKS: Lightweight hiking socks for the trek to Basecamp.
- 3 PAIR OF CLIMBING SOCKS: Either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction. Keep a clean pair for summit day, you will be happy you did!
- GAITERS: large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots.
Miscellaneous
- LIP BALM: We recommend SPF 15 or higher.
- SUNSCREEN: We recommend small tubes of SPF 15 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.
- MEALS: See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
- CHEMICAL HAND and TOE WARMERS
- 2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES: Hard-sided, screw-top, one-liter water bottles with wide mouths are required.
- INSULATED WATER BOTTLE COVERS: These help prevent liquids from freezing. It should completely cover the bottle.
- WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
- GARBAGE BAGS (LARGE): We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry.
- EAR PLUGS
- 2 SETS ALKALINE BATTERIES
- 2 LUGGAGE LOCKS: For your duffel bags. Must be TSA approved.
- STUFF SACKS
- CAMERA: Don't forget your camera!
- THERMOS: High quality, lightweight, unbreakable 1/2 to 1 quart.
- COUGH DROPS
- DUCT TAPE: A small roll of duct tape always comes in handy for repairs.
Toilet
- TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE
- BABY WIPES
- HAND SANITIZER(S): Personal size (2 oz.) bottle.
- 2 ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER
- PEE BOTTLE (PEE FUNNEL FOR WOMEN): You are not going to want to get out of your tent at night. . .
- BAND-AIDS
- ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN / TYLENOL
- BLISTER TREATMENT
- ANTACIDS
- IMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)
- PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)
- SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE
Personal Medications
- ANTIBIOTICS: Broad spectrum antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea.
- TYLENOL #3: Tylenol 3 for pain
- ACETAZOLAMIDE: For Altitiude Illness
- DEXAMETHAZONE: For HACE.
Utensils
- BOWL
- INSULATED MUG
- SPOON or SPORK
- POCKETKNIFE
Optional Items
- HIKING SHORTS: Good for lower elevations and warm, sunny days.
- READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL
- MUSIC PLAYER
Travel Documents
- PASSPORT: Valid for six months beyond your return date.
- COPY OF PASSPORT: The first two pages of your passport.
- COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY
- EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Return the Registration Packet
- Purchase airplane tickets.
- Reserve rental equipment.
- Be in the Best Shape of Your Life!
Information coming soon.
Qualifications
Lhakpa interviews each climber and has several qualification prior to being accepted on a climb. This climb is open to individuals in excellent physical condition who have a solid understanding (or at least the desire, as Lhakpa will give you guidance and class time as needed) of mountaineering skills.
Screening and final selection will be done on an individual basis. Please contact us and we can walk you through the process and help you be prepared for the journey
Quick check list of qualifications:
- Team rope travel skills
- Knots & slings – prussik, butterfly, Münter, etc.
- Belaying
- Crevasse rescue (from both the victim and rescuer perspectives)
- Fixed line travel with mechanical ascenders
- Ice axe self and team arrest, with and without a backpack
Physical Fitness TrainingMountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.
Lhakpa interviews each climber and has several qualification prior to being accepted on a climb. This climb is open to individuals in excellent physical condition who have a solid understanding (or at least the desire, as Lhakpa will give you guidance and class time as needed) of mountaineering skills.
Screening and final selection will be done on an individual basis. Please contact us and we can walk you through the process and help you be prepared for the journey
Quick check list of qualifications:
- Excellent physical fitness
- Formal mountaineering skills training with competency and proficiency with the following skills:
- Team rope travel skills
- Knots & slings – prussik, butterfly, Münter, etc.
- Belaying
- Crevasse rescue (from both the victim and rescuer perspectives)
- Fixed line travel with mechanical ascenders
- Ice axe self and team arrest, with and without a backpack
- If you currently do not have these skills, Lhakpa can plan an extra day to review these items until you feel prepared and appropriately proficient for the mountain.
Physical Fitness TrainingMountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.
For Rainier, you are preparing for:
Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a great adventure!
AcclimatizationThe key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude. We review your climbing history and will reach the summit based on your bodies ability.
Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize as you ascend. Climbers in excellent physical condition simply have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the climb, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.
Finally, physical performance and acclimatization are also related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and caloric intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are all key factors in an individual’s success on an expedition such as this.
- Steep climbing with a 20 lb load
- A 10-12+ hour summit day
- Mountaineering techniques which require core strength and flexibility
Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a great adventure!
AcclimatizationThe key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude. We review your climbing history and will reach the summit based on your bodies ability.
Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize as you ascend. Climbers in excellent physical condition simply have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the climb, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.
Finally, physical performance and acclimatization are also related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and caloric intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are all key factors in an individual’s success on an expedition such as this.
Information coming soon.
Information coming soon.
Information coming soon.