The Complete Denali Equipment List
Different environments and mountains require different equipment. Whether you are trekking in hot and rocky terrain, climbing on icy cliffs, or ascending to high altitudes, you need to have the right gear for each situation.
This is the first article in our 'Equipment List Series', where we give you detailed and specific recommendations for all the gear required on various expeditions. We start with Denali, the highest peak in North America and one of the most challenging climbs in The Seven Summits. It was also one of this author's favourite expeditions.
To climb Denali, you need to be well prepared and equipped. Here is a list of the personal gear that you will need for a safe and successful ascent. We have selected some of the best products on the market that will help you face the harsh conditions of Denai.
Some of these products have links to the best deals we've found in the US as we understand how expensive expeditions can be. So any savings on the web should be taken advantage of!
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Clothing and Apparel
Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable in the ever-changing Denali climate.
| Required Item | Description | Top three products (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Layers |
Moisture-wicking, quick-drying base layers are essential for comfort and temperature regulation |
|
| Light Down Jacket |
For colder weather, ideal for colder days or even a mid-layer |
The North Face Summit L3 |
| Hardshell Jacket |
For severe weather, a waterproof and windproof hardshell is a must |
|
| Extreme Down Jacket |
Vital for extreme cold, these jackets provide excellent warmth-to-weight ratio |
Patagonia Grade VII Montane Alpine 850 |
| Softshell Pants |
Lightweight and breathable pants for the trekking portion of the climb |
|
| Hardshell Pants |
These pants are waterproof and windproof for severe weather |
Footwear
Keeping your feet dry and supported is essential to maintaining your mobility and comfort during the climb.
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Mountaineering Boots | These are essential for high-altitude and extreme cold conditions. There can be two lines of thought here. One is big 8000m boots with everything included or the second is lighter boots for 6000m peaks or even plastic boots with an insulated overboot. There are pros and cons to each. For simplicity we have selected single higher altitude boots here. | |
| Gaiters | Gaiters keep snow and debris out of your boots |
Headgear and Eyewear
Protecting your head and eyes from harsh weather conditions is crucial on Denali.
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing Helmet |
Protective headgear designed to shield a climber from falling debris, impact forces, and sharp objects. |
|
| Balaclava | Provides full-face coverage in extreme conditions | |
| Goggles | Specialized eyewear designed to protect a climber's eyes from intense UV rays, glare, wind, and snow at high altitudes. Most ski or snowboarding googles with Medium-dark double lens to prevent fogging will suffice | |
| Glacier Glasses | Sunglasses specifically designed to protect the eyes from intense UV radiation, glare, and wind in high-altitude and glaciated environments |
Climbing Essentials
The right tools and gear are crucial for safe and efficient climbing.
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Axe | Essential for certain sections of the climb, especially the steeper gradients. | |
| Crampons | For better traction on ice and hard-packed snow |
Grivel G12 |
| Harness | A lightweight alpine harness is necessary for roped sections |
Arc'teryx AR-395a |
| Carabiners | Locking carabiners are essential for roped sections and securing gear |
Black Diamond Positron DMM Alpha Light |
| Climbing Rope | Usually provided by the guiding service, but good to know for knowledge's sake. |
Mammut Genesis |
Sleeping Gear
Rest and recovery are essential for a successful summit push
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping Bag | Should be a high-quality, down-insulated bag rated for extreme cold temperatures, as low as -40°F (-40°C), to provide maximum warmth and comfort in the harsh, sub-zero conditions of North America's highest peak | |
| Sleeping Pad | An insulating cushion between you and the ground, designed to offer comfort and thermal insulation during overnight outdoor activities |
Exped DownMat XP 9 |
| Compression Sack | Specialized stuff sack designed to reduce the volume of compressible items like sleeping bags or down jackets, making it easier to pack them in a backpack. |
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack |
Technical Gear
Essential tools for navigating crevasses, ice, and rocky terrain
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Prusik Cord | A loop of strong, flexible rope used for creating friction hitches that can slide or lock in place, commonly employed in climbing and rescue situations for tasks like ascending or securing loads | |
| Ascenders | Ascenders are mechanical devices used for ascending a rope, featuring a locking mechanism that grips the rope when weight is applied, and allows easy upward movement while preventing downward sliding |
Personal Items
Items that provide comfort and convenience during the expedition.
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp | A headlamp is a light source affixed to a strap or harness, worn on the head, to provide hands-free illumination during various activities like hiking, climbing, or camping. You probably wont use this much on Denali as it is so close to the Artic cirlce and climbing season is usually in spring which means it never really gets dark. But here just in case. | |
| Multitool | Compact, handheld device that combines various functional tools, such as knives, pliers, and screwdrivers, into a single unit for performing a wide range of tasks | |
| Water Bottles | A durable, often insulated container designed to safely store and provide easy access to drinking water in rugged, high-altitude environments. Wide mouth always recommended, especially in freezing envrionments as it reduces the change for the neck of the bottle and opening to freeze solid. Here we list three bottles for different purposes. 1) Drinking water 2) Hot beverages 3) Pee bottle (necessary) | |
| Insulated Mug | A thermally insulated container designed to keep hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold for extended periods of time, often featuring a lid for spill prevention |
Communication and Safety
Staying connected and prepared for emergencies is vital.
| Required Item | Description | Top three product recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Communicator | GPS messengers are portable devices that use satellite technology to enable two-way text messaging, location tracking, and SOS emergency functions, even in remote or high-altitude environments where traditional cell service is unavailable |
Garmin inReach Explorer+ |
| Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) | A small, battery-operated emergency device that uses satellite technology to transmit a distress signal and your location to search and rescue services in case of a life-threatening situation. Usually not required on guided expeditions to Denali but here for your information | |
| First Aid Kit | A compact, portable set of medical supplies designed to address common injuries and emergencies encountered during high-altitude and remote expeditions, often including items like bandages, antiseptics, and medications for altitude sickness |
Adventure Medical Kit Mountain Series Hiker 2 Day 2 Person Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Custom Medical Kit Bag |
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with the right gear is a fundamental aspect of a successful guided expedition to Mount Denali. The items mentioned above form the backbone of your gear list, ensuring your safety, comfort, and ability to navigate the challenging terrain. Remember that while some items can be shared among the group, having your own set of personal equipment is crucial for personal hygiene and efficiency.
Prioritize high-quality products that are well-suited to Denali's extreme conditions. Your gear can significantly impact your overall experience and the success of your climb, so invest in reliable equipment that will support you every step of the way.
These are general recommendations, and they may not necessarily represent the latest or most suitable options for every climber. Please consult with your guide company before embarking on your expedition.
We will expand on this list as we learn about the latest and greatest equipment for the outdoors so keep your eyes peeled for updates.
