What to bring to Rainier

As I am winding my way up to Seattle via Colorado and Wyoming, the Rockies have been warm. August will be nice at Rainier, too. But don't relax...bring mountain clothes!


For those NOT climbing, I recommend:
Jacket and waterproof or water resistant shell; rainjacket
Layers of clothing for upper body and pants (possible water resistant pant shell as well)-from material that wicks the sweat away from the body
Warm hat and a cap
Sunglasses, sunblock or the like
Gloves
Sturdy pants for outings, hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes
Daypack, water container
Warm socks
Thermal underwear
CAMERA
Writing implements
Personal medical kit: blister kit, ibuprofen/Tylenol, tape, personal meds; acetazolamide (if tolerated) if going up high and you have a history of acute mountain sickness)
Hint: for activewear, I avoid cotton, opting for Coolmax or similar clothing. Nothing worse than wearing your sweat when a blast of cold air blows in from Alaska!

Since we are hoping to take a hike to a snowfield (time permitting), in addition to the above, you may ALSO want to bring these as options (but don't knock yourself out in buying these if you don't have):
Crampons, snow climbing boots on which the crampons fit
Long ice axe
Trekking poles
Gaiters
Climbing harness, locking carabiner (large)
Climbing helmet
Duct tape
A Release waiver (see website)-this outing is not required as part of the course!

For climbers, consult the IMG website (http://www.mountainguides.com/rainier-gear.shtml). I am leaving the cannister of oxygen at home, but bringing, in addition to all the above:
Down jacket
Insulated winter gloves (waterproof) and and EXTRA PAIR!
Plastic bags (for trash, and for vapor barrier liners)
Glacier glasses
Rope (for 2)
Prusiks or jumars
extra cord/cordelettes and extra carabiners
Sleeping bag, bivy sac, insulated foam pad/Thermarest equivalent
Tent (four season), groundcloth/tarp
Implements and small stove for cooking, food
Survival kit (map, compass or GPS, knife, fire starter, chocolate bars or glucose gels, cell phone, signal mirror (on my compass), HEADLAMP with extra batteries
Shovel, avy beacon, probe

Happy packing

Darryl