Pack and Gear

Complete the MTR1 gear checklist but with the following modifications:

1. A GPS is highly recommended.  If you are interested a buying a unit, the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx provides excellent performance for its price -- just pay close attention to the final three letters in the model designation, as they make a big difference from other similarly named units.  (You can also download a free detailed map for Garmin GPS units.)  If you are willing to spent more money for some additional functionality, the Garmin 62st is the latest top-of-the-line model for serious navigation.  Alternatively, become familiar with a fellow student's GPS unit.  Or at very least read the user's manual for the instuctor's Garmin GPS 60Cx.
2. Print out all four of the free maps from the maps list.
3. The previously optional winter travel and rescue gear is now required, with a few exceptions as noted below.
4. If you do not have your own avalanche beacon and dedicated sectional probe, then extras will be available to borrow, but be sure to note on your completed checklist if you have such a need.  An avalanche rescue shovel though is required, since it is relatively inexpensive and provides many other uses.
5. Bring ski crampons, ice axe, self-arrest ski pole grip, and crampons if you have them.  If not, at least one extra set will be available to borrow and share among students.  We will not be using ice and crampons for any "real" travel but instead will merely be practicing on a short slope.
6. Bring a snow saw and stability assessment kit only if you really want to practice your skills in this, as it will not be a focus of the course.
7. Additional avalanche survival gear (e.g., Avalung, ABS backpack) is necessary only if you want to practice traveling with such gear, as we will not be in any potential avalanche terrain.
8. If you are interested in practicing glacier travel and crevasse rescue, then bring your own climbing harness and rack, or at least review this detailed list of such gear.