Mt. Shasta Checklist

Preparation and training

My suggestions for pre-trip training:

• Lots of aerobic exercise
• Some hiking/climbing using the boots you're going to wear
• Some hiking/climbing carrying your backpack with 20-40 pounds of weight in it.

The Avalanche Gulch route on Shasta is fairly non-technical but you should know the following (I can teach as needed):

• How to move up/down a steep slope with crampons and ice-axe
• Self-arrest from 4 positions
• How to glissade on a steep slope
• rest-step and pressure breathing

Trip schedule

• Day 1 Drive from Bay Area to Mt. Shasta (about 5 hours). Stay in motel or camp.
• Day 2 10 AM: done with breakfast. Get permits, waste kits from ranger station. Drive to Bunny Lake trailhead. noon: on the trail. Hike to Helen Lake. This is roughly 4 miles with 4,000' vertical gain. It takes about 4-5 hours, mostly dirt/rock path, some snow. Pitch tents, melt snow, eat dinner, sleep.
• Day 3 4 AM: breakfast. Start climbing as soon as possible. The summit is 2-3 miles with 4,000' vertical gain, most of which is in one long snow slope. It's moderately steep, and there's a short (40') section of steeper snow (45 degrees) at one point. Summit (est. 9 AM). Return to Helen Lake, est. 11 AM. Melt snow if needed. Break camp. Return to car (est. 4 PM). Drive back to Bay area.

What to bring

Each person is responsible for ALL items not marked as 'optional'; these items are needed for basic safety. Starred items (*) may be shared.

• Clothing: You must be prepared for sub-freezing cold, high wind, rain, and 80-degree heat.
  • polypropylene upper-body undergarment (avoid cotton, except maybe underpants).
  • Fleece or wool layer for upper body.
  • Down parka and wind-resistant shell with hood
  • Balaclava. A warm knit hat is OK but doesn't protect your face.
  • (optional) wide-brim hat for sun
  • warm gloves (e.g. ski gloves). Optional: thinner gloves for camp.
  • fleece layer for legs
  • wind/water-resistant nylon pants
  • Lightweight nylon shorts (in case it's hot)
  • wool hiking socks, 2 pairs
  • Recommended: gaiters. Without them, you'll get snow in your boots especially on glissade.
• Food
  • * 1 dinner (freeze dried, or whatever you want)
  • 1 breakfast (I eat 3 packets of instant oatmeal)
  • trail snacks (I like Goo packets and Clif bars)
  • 2 lunches (I just bring an extra clif bar)
  • * gas stove
  • * matches
  • Water bottles (at least 2 qts). Note: we'll melt snow for water at Helen Lake.
  • * pans (for cooking and melting water)
  • * dishes and utensils as needed
• Shelter
  • * Tent: 3-season. Plastic tent pegs are preferable.
  • sleeping pad (thermarest or similar)
  • sleeping bag (20 deg or better).
  • * (optional) trowel or shovel for leveling tent site and burying tent pegs.
• Climbing gear
  
  • Fairly stiff hiking boots or mountaineering boots
  • Crampons. ADJUST AND TEST YOUR CRAMPONS BEFORE LEAVING HOME.
  • Ice ax with optional wrist strap.
  • NOTE: you can rent the above at Marmot Mountains works or Any Mountain.
  • * allen wrench for crampon adjustment
  • (optional) trekking poles: these are useful for reducing wear and tear on joints, and also for maintaining balance in deep/mushy snow.
  • (optional) Plastic climbing helmet. Sometimes there is rockfall in Avalanche Gulch. If we climb early enough we should miss it.
• Miscellaneous
  • Sunglasses, preferably with side-flaps (lots of UV at 14K')
  • * sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • headlamp w/fresh batteries
  • Human waste disposal kits (from Ranger station)
  • toothbrush, contact lens stuff, sleeping pills, any other personal items
  • (optional) extra toilet paper
  • (optional) GPS: I have one
  • (optional) Map: I have one
  • (optional) Duct tape, moleskin or other materials for blisters.
  • (optional) First-aid kit: I have a marginal one
• Packing materials
  • backpack big enough for everything. LOAD YOUR PACK IN ADVANCE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING FITS.
  • (optional) zip-loc plastic bags for delicate/small stuff. Bring an extra for isolating garbage.
  • (optional) plastic garbage bag for clothes (handy if pack gets wet).
  • (optional) I use a lightweight pack on summit day, and it doubles as a sleeping-back stuff sack.