Updated Fall 2020.
Keep in mind that the point of this list is not necessarily to bring everything on the list - but to consider if everything on the list needs to be brought. If in doubt, bring the item with you - you can always leave kit in the car.
I’ve listed examples when possible, most often my ideal or preferred choice.
Gear
30L Pack. Blue Ice Warthog 30L for year around, or the Dragonfly 25L for mid-summer.
Sunglasses.
Water and food
Headlamp. Black Diamond Spotlite 200.
Cloth Mask. A Neck Gaiter may suffice. Paper masks will not survive a day.
Sanitizer.
Blister and Aid Kit. Nothing more than you preferred blister repair and a few bandaids.
Technical Gear
Climbing Helmet. Must be less than 10 years old. Petzl Boreo for men, Borea for women.
Climbing Harness. Must be less than 10 years old. Blue Ice Choucas Pro or Addax.
Belay Device with a Double-Action, Locking Carabiner. My favorite is the Black Diamond ATC Guide with a Grivel Clepsydra, but a simple Black Diamond ATC with a Rocklock Twistlock works too.
120cm / 48in Dyneema or Nylon Runner with a Locking Carabiner. Blue Ice Mission Sling 120cm. with a Black Diamond HotForge Screwgate.
A third Locking Carabiner. Black Diamond HotForge Screwgate.
Climbing shoes. These should fit like a pair of running shoes - snug enough to not slip, but not so tight that they’re too uncomfortable to wear all day. Unparallel Up Lace or Engage VCS.
Lightweight Leather Gloves. For safe belays and effective rappels. Outdoor Research Direct Route Gloves.
Clothing
Sun Hat. SMW Company Trucker Hat.
Sunglasses
Base layer shirt.
Lightweight insulating jacket. Fleece jackets, ultralight insulation, or even a flannel shirt.
Shorts or Pants.
Running, hiking or approach shoes. Scarpa Gecko Men’s and Women’s.
Optional Gear
Check with me about current conditions.
Sometimes cotton doesn’t kill. T-shirts, cotton shorts, and even jeans can be acceptable if the forecast is favorable.
Softshell Pants. Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants.
Softshell Jacket with Hood. Outdoor Research Ferosi.
Insulated “Puffy” Jacket that layers on top of everything.
Hardshell Jacket
Lightweight Hardshell Pants
Consider This About Your Gear
Weather in the mountains changes quickly and severely. With a reliable forecast, some of these items may be left behind. Gear tends to favor two of three characteristics: Cost, Weight or Durability. Items that are Lightweight and Durable tend to be Expensive. But items that are Durable and Inexpensive tend to be Heavy (and don’t pack small). In most instances, the examples I listed above were my favorite - not necessarily the cheapest or the lightest. Please feel free to consult with me if you’d like a curated gear list that meets your custom needs.