What special equipment do I need to climb above treeline?
The first thing you’ll need to bring with you is good judgement. Next, you need plenty of warm clothes including: • polyester long underwear • several insulating layers • down or synthetic fill jacket • high quality glove and mittens • heavy duty windproof and waterproof outer layers • warm hat, facemask and balaclava • gaiters • goggles Double plastic mountaineering boots are essential. Felt “Pac-boots” are warm, but not stiff enough to safely use with crampons. Single leather boots may not keep your feet warm in arctic temperatures. Crampons and an ice axe, as well as the skills to use them to safely climb steep snow and ice, and to self arrest if you fall. Avalanche awareness, as well as an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, if you are travelling in avalanche terrain A bivouac sack and/or sleeping bag for emergency use are also recommended.
