On this page, you will find our suggested general equipment lists for winter, spring and overnight mountaineering. Please see the individual course page for your course’s specific gear requirements, as some specialty courses may require additional equipment. If you own mountaineering equipment, feel free to bring it so you can practice with your gear. Please see below for UMA-provided gear and equipment available for rent.
Winter, Spring & Overnight Mountaineering Gear Lists
- Non-cotton top and bottom base layers
- Puffy, hooded overcoat and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Wool (and liner) socks
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
- Lightweight climbing and/or fleece gloves
- Warm hat or balaclava for under your helmet
- Baseball cap (optional)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Sunscreen
- 2 liters of water (water bag/bladder not recommended)
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with rigid sole
- Mountaineering crampons (non-rigid, 10-point lightweight designs are ideal)
- Gaiters
- Mountaineering axe
- Backpack (25-45 liters)
- Harness
- Belay device
- Helmet
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Snowshoes and poles (check with your guide if necessary)
- Non-cotton top and bottom base layers
- Puffy, hooded overcoat and/or other insulation layer (synthetic or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Wool socks (3 pairs)
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
- Lightweight climbing and/or fleece gloves
- Warm hat or balaclava for under your helmet
- Baseball cap (optional)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Sunscreen
- 2 liters of water
- Lunches, quick energy snacks and drink mixes
- Insulated and waterproof mountaineering boots
- Gaiters (optional)
- Mountaineering crampons (non-rigid, 10-point lightweight designs are ideal)
- Mountaineering axe
- Backpack (70+ liters)
- Sleeping bag (rated to 0°F or colder)
- Inflatable backpacking sleeping pad
- Lightweight foam sleeping pad
- Down booties (optional)
- Mug, bowl and spoon
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Toiletries
- Harness
- Belay device
- Helmet
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Snowshoes and poles (depending on conditions)
Books
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue by Andy Sellers
Utah Mountaineering Guide by Michael R. Kelsey
Maps
Hiking The Wasatch: The Official Wasatch Mountain Club Trail Map for Tri-County Area by the Wasatch Mountain Club & University of Utah Press
Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map by Steve Achelis
Local Gear Rentals & Retailers
Salt Lake City is a mecca for the latest and greatest, with access to top-notch gearheads. While we prefer UMA’s rental gear for certain circumstances that benefit traveling guests, we encourage guests to demo or rent from local retailers because there are so many great options to try out, and everybody’s gear preferences vary. We recommend connecting with local gearheads at Backcountry.com, Black Diamond Retail, Wasatch Touring, IME Utah, REI and many others (see below) to learn about your rental or buying options.
UMA-Provided Gear & Rentals
NOTE: UMA DOES NOT rent boots. We highly recommend renting or purchasing boots elsewhere (see local rental locations).
If you need to borrow or rent gear from UMA, please reserve it through your account in the UMA portal.
To borrow or rent from UMA, log in to your account and navigate to “Trips”, then select the specific trip and choose the items you need. Please indicate the size, if suggested, and be sure to save your entries.
Your guide will deliver and adjust your UMA rental gear for you on the morning of the trip. All guides conduct a gear check at the trailhead or meeting place to ensure everyone has what they need. Please arrive prepared with everything on the gear list. Guests are expected to provide their own lunches, water and snacks.
BEACON, SHOVEL, PROBE, PACK (BSPP)
First things first: safety equipment. UMA can provide a beacon, shovel, probe and pack at no charge.
Beacon: BCA Tracker S
Shovel: Voile Telepack Shovel
NO CHARGE
Mountaineering Crampons
Mountaineering Crampons: Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons with ABS Plates
Sizes: One size
UMA doesn’t rent mountaineering boots.
$15/ per day
SAFETY & BELAY DEVICES
First things first: safety equipment. UMA can provide a harness, helmet, belay device and large carabiner at no charge.
Harness: Black Diamond Vario Speed or Singing Rock Harness
Helmet: Black Diamond Half Dome
Belay Device & Large Carabiner: Black Diamond ATC
NO CHARGE
snowshoes & poles
Snowshoes: MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes
3-Section Adjustable Poles: Traverse 3 Ski Poles
$15/ Per Day
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