The winter in the northeast can be extremely cold and windy. It is most important that you are properly clothed and equipped to undertake mountaineering in this environment. Here is a list of clothing items that may help you stay warm and dry for day and overnight climbs during the winter months in New England.

Long Underwear: Silk weight or lightweight capilene are used as base layers as they provide fast and efficient moisture transport. These synthetic products work to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you warm. All of our winter clothing must be synthetic.

Heavy Weight Fleece:This is the layer over your long underwear. Most mid-heavy fleece or capilene layers will be fine here. Only in extremely cold conditions do we wear heavy weight layer on our legs.

Fleece Jacket: This is the third layer and usually is worn over your under layers. The weight will depend on other items in your system.

Storm Parka & Pants: Gortex or other similiar waterproof breathable material and needs to fit over underwear and fleece jacket layers. The jacket should certainly feature a hood and pants or bibs should have full side zips.

Expedition Parka: This jacket will be used around camp or at belay ledges. Whether its down or synthetic it should fit loosely to be worn over your shell clothes.

Hats: Ski hat or other synthetic cap. Balaclava works well on climbs as it offers better protection and keeps the neck area warm.

Gloves & Mittens: You will need a pair of gloves for mountaineering, this could be a two part system consisting of a fleece glove with a shell, bring extra fleece liners to replace when wet. There are many new gloves on the market , make sure they are not to tight and try to handle and ice axe and carabiners with them on in the shops. Often we carry a pair of mitten for extra warmth.

Mountaineering Boots: A plastic double or 4 season leather boot will work the best. Make sure they are not too tight and comfortable for long approaches. Leather boots require a break in period while plastics do not.

Socks: Start with a synthetic liner then add a wool/synthetic blend to go over. Thorlo or Smartwool are good choices.

Gaiters: You will need a set of gaiters to keep snow out of boots and protect bibs from crampon tears. Try them on over your mountaineering boots for a good fit.

Backpack: A pack with 4000 cu. is best for winter climbs. Ice axe and crampon attachments on the outside of the pack are needed.

Personal Items: Goggles with double lens, face mask, sunglasses, small first aid kit, hand warmers, headlamp, camera, sunscreen and a small thermos.

For our overnights please bring an extra set of top and bottom lightweight capilene and two extra sets of socks.

In addition to the clothing please bring the following:

Expedition Pack: 5000 cu is plenty for all the overnight courses and range traverses.

Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic sleeping bag rated to minus 20 will keep you warm in the Whites in winter.

Sleeping Pad: Therma rest or closed cell foam pad will insulate you from the snow.

Personal Items:Large insulated cup, plastic bowl and spoon.

Equipment: Mooney Mountain Guides provides Koflack Mountaineering Boots, Petzl Charlet Crampons, Petzl Charlet Ice Tools, harnesses, helmets, tents, stoves, shovels and snowshoes for all overnights.

If you are missing any of the above items listed please ask as we may be able to provide them for you.