Mountain Rock Class Equipment List

This gear list covers what to bring for a Mountain Rock Class day with The Mountain Guides — including instructional rock climbing days, Grand Teton Prep classes, and skills-based climbing courses. Our AMGA-certified guides supply all technical hardware (ropes, rack, helmets, harnesses, belay devices, locking carabiners), so this list focuses on the personal clothing, footwear, and accessories you're responsible for bringing. Climbing season for these classes runs roughly mid-June through September.

For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. Cotton is NOT recommended and down must be kept dry. Clothing should be able to layer without encumbering your movement.

Dive into our go-to gear picks below — handpicked by our guides in collaboration with our partners at Black Diamond.

Footwear

Objective Dependent – Scarpa footwear is available at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for rent. JHMG also carries a selection of rock shoes for rent.

Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes: required for all mid-summer climbs (mid-July through Sept) Guide Pick: Scarpa Crux, Scarpa Crux Women's (Available for rent)

Rock Shoes for technical rock climbing (Available for rent)
*Rock shoes are not required for Grand Teton Prep Day class

Socks – Lightweight wool or synthetic socks, sized for your boots and blister prevention: Light Crew Merino Socks

Upper Layers

Synthetic/Wool Sun Hoody: Men's Alpenglow Hoody, Women's Alpenglow Hoody

Synthetic T-shirt: Men's Distance SS Tech Tee, Women's Distance SS Tech Tee

Soft Shell – fleece or pile: Men's Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody, Women's Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody

Rain Jacket – waterproof with hood: Men's Fineline Stretch Shell, Women's Fineline Stretch Shell

Bottom Layers

Hiking Short or Pants (for approach): Men's Pursuit Shorts, Women's Pursuit Shorts

Synthetic Climbing Pant: Men's Alpine Pants, Women's Alpine Pants

Rain Pant: Men's Fineline Stretch Pants, Women's Fineline Stretch Pants

Accessories

Hat: lightweight to medium-weight warm hat and a sun hat — both should be sleek enough to be worn under a helmet.

Sun Hat: 5-Panel Synthetic Cap, Desert Mullet

Warm Hat: Active Beanie

Gloves – non-insulated with leather palm: Crag Gloves, Midweight Softshell Gloves

On the Trail

Backpack – Internal frame. 30 L Capacity (2000 cu in): Speed 30 or Speed 40 (Available for rent)

Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) or H2O Hydration system

Dark Sunglasses

Extra Pair Contact Lens/Prescription Glasses

Sunscreen: 35+SPF

Lip Balm: with SPF

Insect Repellent (until early August)

Headlamp – with fresh batteries: Spot 400 Headlamp

First Aid (minimal): blister care, personal medicine. Guides will carry a large first-aid kit.

Lunch, Snacks & Drink Mix:

Trail lunch consists of snacks throughout the day. Aim for a variety of items including sweet, salty, fat, and proteins

Examples: beef jerky, cheese and crackers, dried fruit, bars, candy, PB&J, etc.

Find a balance between high-calorie foods and space/weight in your pack

Drink mixes with electrolytes

Recommended & Optional Items

Trekking Poles – highly recommended to help with uneven terrain: Pursuit Carbon Z Trekking Poles, Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Camera

Insoles: custom or aftermarket

Cold Weather Considerations

Early and late-season temperatures require warmer clothing. You may consider additional clothing if you get cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy.

Extra down vest or jacket: Men's Access Down Hoody, Women's Access Down Hoody

Medium-Weight Long Underwear

Extra gloves – Alpine Softshell Gloves

The Mountain Guides supplies all rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners & belay/rappel devices, crampons, and ice axes. However, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Please coordinate with our office for gear checks. Backpacks, rock shoes, and boots can all be rented & purchased in our Jackson office.