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Compiled by annual Rainier summiteers
Enumclaw / WA 🇺🇸

“Camping is not a date; it’s an endurance test. If you can survive camping with someone, you should marry them on the way home.”

John Muir
  1. Ground Tarp: Surprisingly a ground tarp is not always included with a tent.  You need to buy it separately (we’ve used this one from Red Camp and it only weighs 9 oz). A ground tarp is an essential item for any mountaineer’s base camp. It serves as a protective barrier between the cold, damp ground and your sleeping area. By creating a barrier, it helps prevent moisture from seeping into your gear and sleeping bag, ensuring a dry and comfortable rest. Additionally, it provides insulation, reducing heat loss and increasing overall comfort during chilly nights.retro_sketch_of_an_attractive_female_mountaineer_rainier
  2. male_mountaineer_scooping_snowPot: In mountainous regions, snow is often the primary source of water. A pot for melting snow is crucial for obtaining drinking and cooking water. By melting snow over a stove or fire, mountaineers can have a readily available supply of safe drinking water. It’s essential to stay hydrated in such high-altitude environments, and having a reliable pot for melting snow ensures access to clean water throughout the expedition. We recommend a titanium pot like this one here on Amazon.
  3. Ear Plugs: Mountaineering can be a noisy affair, especially if you’re sharing a base camp with fellow climbers. Ear plugs are indispensable for providing a peaceful sleep amidst the sounds of howling winds, snoring neighbors, or nearby avalanches. Restful sleep is vital for physical recovery and mental clarity, allowing mountaineers to face the challenges of the following day with renewed energy.
    Also on Mt Rainier, it’s not uncommon to hear boulders booming and pounding all night long, as the ice hardens and shifts, making way for rock slides.  Also the crunch of new Therm-a-rests (with the imbedded space blanket) can be very loud when a bunk mate turns over. It’s surprisingly loud at night.  We had great success with these exact ultra-soft ear plugs.
  4. Down slippers: After a long day of trekking and climbing, giving your feet some relief is crucial. Slippers provide the perfect respite, allowing your feet to breathe and relax while protecting them from the cold ground at base camp. They provide insulation, comfort, and a sense of home amidst the ruggedness of the mountain environment. Slippers also help prevent dirt and debris from being tracked into your sleeping area, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. These down booties are amazing.
  5. Snow shovel: When setting up camp on uneven or snowy terrain, a small snow shovel becomes an invaluable tool. It allows mountaineers to level the ground, creating a flat and stable surface for pitching tents and arranging gear. This not only ensures a more comfortable and secure campsite but also helps prevent accidents, such as tripping or sliding due to uneven footing. A shovel also aids in snow removal, allowing for efficient campsite maintenance during changing weather conditions. Some shovels are heavy, but this ultra-light shovel is designed for ski touring and avalanche rescue.

What are your “luxury items?” Make the entire day of waiting around and acclimating a joyous occasion.