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Vinson Massif Climb Antarctica  •  16,067'  •  4897m
Gear List

IMG Vinson Massif Climb Gear List

This equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear for an Antarctic mountaineering expedition. Most items are required. Please consider each item carefully and be sure you understand the function of each piece of equipment before you substitute or delete items.

Required Gear
[  ]Internal frame mountaineering backpack (minimum 80L)
[  ]2 duffel bags
[  ]Small carry-on/travel bag
[  ]Ice Axe (60-70 cm)
[  ]Crampons
[  ]Adjustable ski poles
[  ]Climbing Harness
[  ]2 locking and 5 non-locking carabiners
[  ]1 Jumar
[  ]30' 7mm Accessory cord
[  ]Sleeping bag rated between -20°F and -40°F
[  ]Inflatable sleeping pad
[  ]Closed cell foam pad
[  ]Double climbing boots
[  ]Insulated overboots
[  ]Gaiters
[  ]Camp booties
[  ]3 sets of wool climbing socks
[  ]Light hiking shirt
[  ]3 Pairs of synthetic underwear
[  ]2 sports bras (ladies)
[  ]Light synthetic base layer for legs
[  ]Expedition weight synthetic base layer for legs
[  ]Soft-shell climbing pants
[  ]Waterproof Gore-Tex pants with full-length leg zippers
[  ]Insulated climbing pants
[  ]2 Synthetic upper body base layers
[  ]1 light weight insulating layer
[  ]1 medium weight insulating layer
[  ]Soft-shell jacket
[  ]Insulated parka
[  ]Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket
[  ]Wool/fleece beanie hat
[  ]Light weight gloves
[  ]Medium weight gloves
[  ]Heavy weight gloves
[  ]Mittens
[  ]3 Buffs
[  ]Sun hat
[  ]Balaclava
[  ]Glacier glasses
[  ]Goggles
[  ]Sunscreen and lip balm (at least 30 spf)
[  ]2 wide-mouth 1L Nalgene water bottles
[  ]2 water bottle insulating covers
[  ]Thermos
[  ]Pee bottle
[  ]Female Urination Device
[  ]Cup, bowl and spoon (lightweight and durable)
[  ]1 Lighter
[  ]Camera (keep it light and bring spare batteries)
[  ]Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, Dr. Bronners soap, wet wipes
[  ]Ear plugs
[  ]Personal first aid kit:
  • High altitude and travel medications:
    • Acetazolamide (10 tablets @ 125mg)
    • Dexamethasone (4 tablets @ 4mg)
    • Nifedipine (2 tablets @ 30mg)
  • Azithromycin ("Z-Pak")
  • Aspirin
  • Antacids
  • Imodium
  • Advil
  • Moleskin or second skin for blisters
  • One roll of athletic tape
  • Band-aids

Consult with your doctor to acquire medications and to complete Form 5 in the application package.

[  ]Pocket knife
[  ]Water treatment tabs
[  ]Small travel towel
[  ]5 Large trash compactor bags
[  ]Alarm wrist watch
[  ]Casual clothes: make sure to bring some comfortable clothes for hanging out and going out to dinner. Leave the black tie/dress at home, but classier attire is appropriate at some of the meals we will be having in Punta Arenas.

Note:  We are given an allowance of 50 lbs. per person for personal gear. This doesn't include the clothing that you'll be wearing when we get on the plane. When in doubt, bring it, and we can do additional sorting in Punta Arenas. Stay in close contact with me regarding all of your equipment choices. Start putting the gear together early and become very familiar with all your equipment. Please do not wait until the last minute, especially with your boots.
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