Climbing & Mountaineering Gear Lists — Curated by The Mountain Guides
Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Ski Gear Lists for Every Trip
Packing for a guided climb, ski tour, or alpine objective is different from packing for a day at the crag. Layers, boots, and hardware all change based on the route, the season, and the length of the trip — and the wrong gear can turn a good day into a long one. That's why we've put together a gear list for every trip we guide. Each list was built by The Mountain Guides' AMGA-certified guide team in partnership with Black Diamond, our equipment partner of record, and reflects what we actually use in the field on Grand Teton, Red Rock, Moab, Gannett Peak, and every other destination where we operate. If you're booked on a TMG trip, start with your trip's list below. If you're still choosing a trip, the lists are a useful preview of what each style of climbing or skiing actually requires.
Summer Rock Climbing Gear Lists
Most of TMG's climbing programs run from spring through fall on dry sandstone and granite — Wingate splitters in Moab, Aztec sandstone at Red Rock, granite domes at City of Rocks. Summer rock gear centers on sticky-rubber approach shoes or rock shoes, a moderate layering system for warm days with cold mornings, and a climbing harness with personal hardware. Group technical gear (ropes, rack, cams, nuts) is always provided by your guide.
Single Day Summer Climb List — sport and single-pitch trad day trips. Targets: sport climbing gear list.
Multi-Day Summer Climb Equipment Checklist — multi-pitch and backcountry climbing trips. Targets: trad climbing gear list.
Red Rock Climbing Equipment List — guided climbing in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada.
Moab Climbing Equipment List — desert sandstone routes around Moab, Utah.
City of Rocks Equipment List— granite climbing in southern Idaho.
Mountain Rock Class Equipment List — intro classes and skill-building programs.
Whitefish Summer Day Climb Equipment List — day climbing in northwest Montana.
Mountaineering & Alpine Gear Lists
Mountaineering and alpine objectives add a different layer of complexity: mountain boots stiff enough for crampons, a four-season layering system, a helmet and ice axe, and — for multi-day objectives — overnight gear rated for the altitude and season. Our alpine gear lists cover footwear specific to each route and season, technical hardware selection, and what to bring for summit day versus camp.
Grand Teton Equipment List — the Tetons' 13,775-ft centerpiece. The single most-requested list we publish.
Gannett Peak Equipment List — Wyoming's high point, 13,809 ft, deep in the Wind River Range.
Granite Peak Equipment List — Montana's high point, 12,807 ft, Beartooth Wilderness.
Winter & Ski Gear Lists
Winter programs — backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, ice climbing, and avalanche courses — need gear built for sustained cold and variable snow. Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is non-negotiable and often provided as part of course tuition; ski/split setups, skins, and touring boots are student-supplied for most programs. Ice climbing lists cover boots, crampons, tools, and the specific layering system that keeps you warm while belaying in the cold.
Winter Equipment List — day ski tours and single-day winter programs. Targets: backcountry skiing gear list.
Winter Multi-Day Equipment List — multi-day ski tours and hut trips. Targets: alpine climbing gear list.
Ski Mountaineering Equipment List — technical ski mountaineering objectives with roped travel.
Ice Climbing Equipment List — guided ice and mixed climbing. Targets: ice climbing gear list.
Specialty & Canyoneering
Canyoneering gear is its own category — quick-dry layers, canyon-specific footwear, and a dry bag for electronics. Rope systems and anchor hardware are provided by your guide, but the personal kit looks different from any other trip we run.
Moab Canyoneering Equipment List — slot canyon descents around Moab, Utah.
Rentals
Not sure you want to buy a full kit before your first trip? You don't have to. Scarpa approach shoes, rock shoes, and mountain boots are available for rent at our Jackson office, and many of the items marked "Guide Pick" across our lists are Black Diamond products we've tested in the field. If you're booked on a trip and need help choosing between rental and purchase, reach out — we'd rather spend fifteen minutes on the phone than watch you blister through day one in the wrong boots.
Gear List FAQs
Frequently asked questions about TMG gear lists:
Do I need to buy everything on my list before my trip?
No. Group technical gear — ropes, rack, slings, hardware — is always provided by your guide. Personal layering and footwear are yours to supply, with rental options available at our Jackson office for boots and shoes.
What's the difference between a single-day and a multi-day gear list?
Multi-day lists add overnight-specific items: a sleeping bag, a pad, a larger pack, and additional food and water storage. Multi-day technical gear is the same — you're just packing for the bivy or camp in addition to the climb.
Does TMG rent gear?
Yes — Scarpa mountain boots, rock shoes, and approach shoes are available for rent at our Jackson office and are noted on each relevant gear list. Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is typically included with course tuition for our avalanche programs.
Why do your gear lists recommend specific brands?
Because our guides actually use them. Black Diamond is our equipment partner of record, and our Scarpa rental inventory reflects what we've found holds up across seasons of guided use. "Guide Pick" items on each list are the specific models we've tested and stand behind.
