Gannett Peak Packing List

This packing list covers all the gear you'll need for a guided Gannett Peak climb with The Mountain Guides — Wyoming's highest peak at 13,809' and one of the most remote and committing summits in the Lower 48. Located deep in the Wind River Range on the boundary of Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, Gannett Peak requires a multi-day expedition with significant approach mileage, glacier travel, and technical climbing near the summit.

Our AMGA-certified guides supply all technical climbing hardware (ropes, rack, harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners, belay/rappel devices, crampons, ice axes), so this list focuses on the personal clothing, footwear, camping gear, and food you're responsible for bringing. Climbing season runs mid-July through mid-September, with late July through August offering the most stable conditions on the Gooseneck Glacier and summit pyramid.

What to Expect on a Gannett Peak Expedition

Gannett Peak is unique in the Mountain West for its remoteness. Expect:

Long approach mileage — round-trip distances of 35-50+ miles depending on chosen approach (Pole Creek, Glacier Trail, or Ink Wells)

Multi-day backpacking carrying full expedition gear into and out of basecamp

Glacier travel on the Gooseneck and Dinwoody Glaciers — crampons, ice axe, and rope team protocols required

Technical summit climbing — short steep snow, mixed rock and ice, and exposed scrambling on the summit pyramid

Variable mountain weather — afternoon thunderstorms are routine; alpine starts (3-5 AM summit days) are the norm

A typical guided Gannett expedition runs 6-8 days depending on approach, weather windows, and group pace.

What's Included vs. What You Bring

The Mountain Guides supplies all technical equipment, including:

Rock climbing gear and rack

Climbing harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners

Belay and rappel devices

Crampons and ice axes

Group rope systems

Rentals are available for backpacks, mountain boots, sleeping bags, and rock shoes — coordinate with our office in advance for sizing.

You provide all personal clothing, footwear, layering, sleeping kit, water treatment, and food (detailed below).

Footwear

Trail Runners or Lightweight Hikers – for the approach and exit days Guide Pick: Scarpa Rush (Men's / Women's) Looking for more ankle support: Scarpa Rush Mid GTX (Men's / Women's)

Crampon-Compatible Mountain Boots – required for glacier travel and the summit pyramid Guide Pick: Scarpa Zodiac Tech (Men's / Women's) Mountain boots are also available for rent — coordinate with the office in advance.

Lightweight Wool or Synthetic Socks – sized for your boots; bring multiple pairs for blister prevention Guide Pick: Light Crew Merino Socks

Upper Layers

Long Underwear Top – synthetic or merino wool Guide Pick: Black Diamond Lightwire LS Tech Tee (Men's / Women's)

Sun Hoody – synthetic or wool, long-sleeve Guide Pick: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Synthetic T-Shirt Guide Pick: Black Diamond Distance SS Tech Tee (Men's / Women's)

1–2 Insulating Jackets – lightweight fleece or synthetic Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody and/or Solution 2.0 Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Soft Shell or Wind Shirt Guide Pick: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Waterproof Rain Jacket with Hood Guide Pick: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell (Men's / Women's)

Bottom Layers

Long Underwear Bottoms – synthetic or wool Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants (Men's / Women's)

Hiking Shorts or Pants – for the approach Guide Pick: Black Diamond Pursuit Shorts (Men's / Women's)

Synthetic Climbing Pants Guide Pick: Black Diamond Alpine Pants (Men's / Women's)

Waterproof Rain Pants Guide Pick: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Pants (Men's / Women's)

Head & Hands

Warm Hat – lightweight to mid-weight, sleek enough to fit under a helmet Guide Pick: Black Diamond Active Beanie

Sun Hat – also helmet-compatible Guide Pick: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap or Desert Mullet

Buff or Neck Gaiter

Two Pairs of Gloves – lightweight to mid-weight, synthetic or fleece Guide Pick: Black Diamond Crag Gloves and Midweight Softshell Gloves

Backpack & Sleeping System

Alpine Climbing Pack – internal frame, 50–60 L for a 6-day trip; sized to fit all personal gear plus 10 lbs of food and water Guide Pick: Black Diamond Mission 55 (Available for rent)

Sleeping Bag – synthetic 30°F bag (Available for rent)

Sleeping Pad – closed-cell foam or Therm-a-Rest

Long Camping Spoon – for eating from freeze-dried meals

Hydration, Water Treatment & Food

Water Bottles – 2-3 liters of capacity total, or hydration bladder. A half-liter Nalgene for hot drinks is a useful addition

Water Treatment – Steripen, in-bottle filter, or chemical drops

Lunch & Snacks – Day 1 lunch can be more robust (deli sandwich); subsequent days are graze-style: bars, jerky, cheese, crackers, dried fruit, candy, PB&J. Mix sweet, salty, fat, and protein.

Electrolyte Drink Mix

Summit-Day Treats – save some favorite snacks for summit day; the morale boost matters

Other Essentials

Dark Sunglasses – glacier-rated (Category 4) recommended

Extra Contact Lenses or Prescription Glasses

Sunscreen – 35+ SPF

Lip Balm with SPF

Headlamp with fresh batteries; alpine starts are guaranteed Guide Pick: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

Small First Aid Kit – blister care, ibuprofen, personal medications (guides carry a full kit)

Recommended & Optional Items

Trekking Poles – highly recommended for the long approach and exit days Guide Pick: Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Trekking Poles or Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Stuff Sacks or Zip-Lock Bags – for organization and waterproofing

Custom or Aftermarket Insoles – worth their weight on a multi-day trip

Insect Repellent – Wind River mosquitoes are notorious in early summer

Headnet – game-changer in mosquito season

Lightweight Camp Shoes – relief at basecamp after a long day

Cold Weather & Shoulder-Season Considerations

Early-season (mid-July) and late-season (early September) trips can run cold, especially at altitude on summit day. Consider adding:

Extra Down Vest or Jacket Guide Pick: Black Diamond Access Down Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Expedition-Weight Long Underwear

Extra Gloves – Alpine Softshell Gloves

Related Trips & Resources

Wyoming guided programs — including Gannett Peak expeditions and other Wind River Range objectives

Mountaineering programs — full directory of guided peak ascents

Multi-Day Summer Climb Equipment List — broader gear list for multi-day summer alpine objectives

Granite Peak Equipment List — companion list for Montana's highest peak

Questions About Gear?

We're here to help. Contact our office with any questions about gear requirements, rental availability for boots and packs, or trip-specific considerations for your Gannett Peak expedition — including approach choice, weather windows, and personalized layering guidance.