Mountaineering Equipment

PERSONAL GEAR
3-67. Personal gear includes an emergency survival kit with signaling material, fire starting material, food
procurement material, and water procurement material. Pocket items should include a knife, whistle,
pressure bandage, notebook with pen or pencil, sunglasses, sunblock and lip protection, map, compass and
or altimeter.

STANDARD GEAR
3-68. Standard gear that can be individually worn or carried includes cushion soled socks; combat or
mountain boots, if available; BDU and cap; LCE with canteens, magazine pouches, and first aid kit;
individual weapon; a large rucksack containing waterproof coat and trousers, polypropylene top, sweater,
or fleece top; helmet; poncho; and sleeping bag.

CAUTION
Cotton clothing, due to its poor insulating and moisture-wicking
characteristics, is nearly useless in most mountain climates, except
hot, desert, or jungle mountain environments. Cotton clothing should
be replaced with synthetic fabric clothing.

MOUNTAINEERING EQUIPMENT AND SPECIALIZED GEAR
3-69. This gear includes—

Sling rope or climbing harness.

Utility cord(s).

Nonlocking carabiners.

Locking carabiner(s).

Rappelling gloves.

Rappel or belay device.

Ice ax.

Crampons.

Climbing rope, one per climbing team.

Climbing rack, one per climbing team.

DAY PACK
3-70. When the Soldier plans to be away from the bivouac site for the day on a patrol or mountaineering
mission, he carries a light day pack. This pack should contain:

Extra insulating layer such as a polypropylene or pile top, or a sweater.

Protective layer such as a waterproof jacket and pants, rain suit, or poncho.

First aid kit.

Flashlight or headlamp.

Canteen.

Cold weather hat or scarf.

Rations for the time period away from the base camp.

Survival kit.

Sling rope or climbing harness.

Carabiners.

Gloves.

26 July 2012

TC 3-97.61

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