Don’t head out for the rock and ice of the high peaks this summer without these mountaineering essentials.
1. Dahlgren Expedition Socks
There’s nothing worse than suffering through stinking cold, wet feet. Blending extremely warm alpaca with merino in a unique pattern, these socks transfer moisture from the toe to the ankles so it can evaporate and your dogs stay dry, sweet smelling and happy. $25; dahlgrenfootwear.com
2. Gregory Whitney 95
Mountaineering, even in summer, requires that you haul some extra gear in a pack that can fit it all. The Whitney is a simple, well-balanced pack that carries well for hours over rugged terrain thanks to its unique Response TM CFS Suspension that makes it simple to customize the fit on the fly. Bonus details: Waist belt pockets and a beefy water-resistant bottom panel. $389; gregorypacks.com
3. Black Diamond Couloir
This extremely light harness is perfect for alpine-style ascents. It’s low-profile design makes it comfortable enough to wear all day over clothes or under a pack and the quick release leg loops make it easy to slide on and off over crampons. Bonus: it packs down small enough to fit in a jacket pocket when you don’t want to wear it. $55; blackdiamondequipment.com
4. The North Face Inferno
Stuffed with 850+ fill down, this bag employs unique fabric technology to make sure you get your Z’s even when the mercury drops below freezing. Box baffles and anti-compression pads placed at high-pressure areas bolster comfort, warmth and support while the 20D Pertex Endurance shell shields you from moisture. $489–$729 (available in 0, -20 and -40 ratings); thenorthface.com
5. RAB Neutrino Endurance Jacket
Looking for just one warm jacket to bring on your next adventure? Look no further. This tough down puffy, which weighs in at just 22 ounces, will keep you toasty and its unique water resistant outer fabric helps protect you in stormy conditions. Bonus details: water-resistant zippers, adjustable hood, extreme packability. $300; us.rab.uk
6. Salewa MS Raven Combi GTX
These kicks are lightweight and flexible in all the right spots so you won’t feel like Frankenstein, but stiff enough to provide the needed support for more technical terrain. Bonus features: out-of-the-box comfort, a high cuff, roomy toe box, a Y-wire that controls heel movement, crampon-compatible. $289; salewa.com
7. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
The XLite provides big on insulation despite the fact that it’s tiny, weighing only 12 ounces and packing down to smaller than a water bottle. A sweet internal honeycomb design minimizes heat transfer with the ground and a reflective layer recycles your own body heat instead of allowing it to escape, making this the ultimate expedition mattress. $130–$180; cascadedesigns.com/en/therm-a-rest
8. Julbo Explorer
Your eyes take a beating at high altitude thanks to intense UV exposure and reflection from snow and ice. But, have no fear. These top-of-the-line specs deliver superior protection through bomber lens options, removable wrap-around shells and an anti-fog ventilation system that actually works. The adjustable stem ends bend in every direction to fit even odd-shaped skulls. $120-190; julbousa.com
9. Marmot Alpinist 2P
The solid single-wall construction of this four-season featherweight tent will keep you warm and dry no matter what tempest Mother Nature throws your way. Setup is a no-brainer (you can even keep your gloves on!) and adjustable air vents prevent you from feeling like you spent the night in a swamp. $599; marmot.com •
