• Fire starting kits. Bring two or three, each one different, plus cigarette lighter. Make sure they all work in wet, cold, and windy conditions.
• Pocket knife and wire saw. The saw is for cutting large pieces of wood for an emergency fire.
• Space blanket. The space blanket can be used as a wind breaker, heat reflector, and as a signaling device for air rescue. Wave the red side up when standing on snow; the silver side up when standing on dark grounds.
• 3 large plastic leaf bags. For quick rain and wind protection, put one bag over your head, the second around your legs, and the third over your backpack. Make a gap in the first for breathing.
• Low temperature electrician tape. This is handy for general repairs to space blankets, clothing, tents, boots, etc.
• Ensolite pad. Reduce body heat loss by sitting or sleeping on pad instead of cold ground.
• Head lamp with spare bulbs and batteries. A head lamp enables you to use both hands.
• Map and compass or GPS, plus surveying (flagging) tape. Make sure that you remove the tape on your way out.
• Metal cup to melt snow.
• Whistle and signal mirror and 100 feet of parachute cord.
• Snow shovel on trips where snow is expected.

Additional equipment for overnight trips

For overnight trips, a sleeping bag, shelter, large backpack, stove and utensils, toiletries, extra water and water-purification systems, emergency gear, and enough clothing to keep you warm in the evening and early morning are all essential. Camp is often at high altitude with cold nights. We strongly encourage you to share your shelter and stoves with others on your trip. Please use stoves for all backcountry cooking and heating. For ecological reasons, the CMC strongly discourages wood fires except in emergencies.