Grand Teton Packing List & Climbing Gear

This packing list covers all the gear you'll need for a guided Grand Teton climb with The Mountain Guides — including the classic Owen-Spalding route on the Grand, multi-day Exum Ridge ascents, and other technical objectives in Grand Teton National Park. At 13,775', the Grand is one of the most iconic peaks in North American mountaineering — and one of the most rewarding multi-day climbs in the Lower 48.

Our AMGA-certified guides supply all technical climbing hardware (ropes, rack, helmets, harnesses, belay 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-June through September, with mid-July through August offering the most stable conditions on the Grand.

What to Expect on a Grand Teton Climb

A typical guided Grand Teton climb is a 2- to 4-day expedition. Expect:

A multi-hour approach from Lupine Meadows trailhead up Garnet Canyon — typically 7 miles and 5,000+ feet of elevation gain to a high camp at the Lower or Upper Saddle

Establishing a high camp at the Caves, Moraine, or Lower Saddle depending on conditions and itinerary

Alpine starts on summit day — typically 3-4 AM departures from high camp

Variable terrain — rock scrambling, snow travel (early season), and 5.4–5.7 technical climbing on the upper mountain depending on chosen route

Significant exposure on the summit ridge and near the headwall pitches

Afternoon thunderstorm risk — common in the Tetons; your guide will time the summit day to manage storm risk

A long summit day — 10-14 hours from high camp to summit and back is typical

A typical guided Grand Teton climb runs 2-4 days depending on chosen route, weather windows, and group acclimatization needs.

What's Included vs. What You Bring

The Mountain Guides supplies all technical equipment, including:

Rock climbing rack and rope systems

Climbing harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners

Belay and rappel devices

Crampons and ice axes

Group rope systems

Rentals are available through our Jackson office at $10 per day for backpacks, mountain boots, approach shoes, and rock shoes — coordinate sizing in advance.

You provide all personal clothing, footwear, layering, sleeping kit, water treatment, and food (detailed below). You're welcome to bring your own technical equipment if you prefer — please coordinate with our Jackson office for a pre-trip gear check.

Footwear

Footwear choice depends on your trip dates. Your guide will confirm what's required during pre-trip planning. Scarpa footwear is available for rent through our Jackson office.

Sticky-Rubber Approach Shoes – required for mid-summer climbs (mid-July through September) Guide Pick: Scarpa Crux (Men's / Women's) — available for rent

Crampon-Compatible Mountain Boots – required for trips before July 15 when significant snow remains on the upper mountain Guide Pick: Scarpa Zodiac Tech (Men's / Women's) — available for rent

Rock Shoes – for technical rock routes — available for rent

Lightweight Wool or Synthetic Socks – 2-4 pairs, sized for your boots; blister prevention is critical on the Garnet Canyon approach 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 (alternate to long underwear top depending on conditions) 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)

Lightweight Insulating Jacket – fleece or synthetic Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Insulated Jacket – down or synthetic; for high camp and summit-day belays Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution 2.0 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 – 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 Guide Pick: Black Diamond Neck Gaiter

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

Backpack & Sleeping System

Alpine Climbing Pack – internal frame only, 45–50 L for a 3- to 4-day trip. Sized to fit all personal gear plus 10 lbs of food and water Guide Pick: Black Diamond Speed 40 or Mission 55 (both available for rent)

Sleeping Bag Liner – (available for purchase through our Jackson office)

Sleeping Bag – temperature rating dependent on trip dates and chosen camp; confirm with the office (available for rent)

Hydration, Water Treatment & Food

Water Bottles – 2-3 liters of capacity, or hydration bladder

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

Lunch & Snacks:

Day-1 lunch can be more robust (deli sandwich) — keep trash minimal since you'll be carrying it

Subsequent days are graze-style: bars, jerky, cheese, crackers, dried fruit, candy, PB&J. Mix sweet, salty, fat, and protein

Find a balance between calorie density and weight in your pack

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 for early-season climbs with snow travel

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)

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

Misc Personal Items – minimal: light knife, bandana, camp suds, washcloth

Recommended & Optional Items

Trekking Poles – highly recommended for the Garnet Canyon approach Guide Pick: Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Trekking Poles or Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Camera with batteries and a spare memory card

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

Closed-Toed Camp Shoes – optional; lightweight relief at high camp after a long day

Cold Weather & Shoulder-Season Considerations

Early-season (June) and late-season (September) trips can run cold, especially at altitude on summit day. For these months, 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

Grand Teton National Park guided programs — bookable Grand Teton climbs and other GTNP objectives

Wyoming guided programs — full Wyoming trip directory

Mountaineering programs — full directory of guided peak ascents

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

Mountain Rock Class Equipment List — for Grand Teton Prep classes and instructional days

Questions About Gear?

We're here to help. Contact our Jackson office with any questions about gear requirements, rental availability ($10 per day), or trip-specific kit recommendations for your Grand Teton climb — including chosen route, weather windows, and personalized layering guidance.