On most of our climbs we take care of your breakfast and dinners so all you’re in charge of is providing your lunch snacks throughout the day. Keep in mind that there is typically no actual sit-down lunch hour, unless you’re on one of our treks where lunch is incorporated into the daily schedule.

On our climbs we’re typically eating throughout the day… We always say that lunch takes place when breakfast ends and ends when dinner is served. With this in mind you should bring foods that are easy to snack on and don’t require a lot of assembly.

Ok so here’s the deal – don’t spend a ton of time counting the calories but +/- 1500 calories of personal food per day is about average for snack intake. Bringing foods that you are familiar with and enjoy is where your focus should be. Remember just because you’re in the mountains doesn’t mean you have to eat pounds of trail mix and bag after bag of almonds. Mix it up and bring foods you know you’ll eat, even if the altitude has temporarily stolen your appetite. Oh yeah – spoil yourself – adults like candy too! Keep “summit day” in mind… you’ll need some food that is easy to access and doesn’t freeze to the point that it’s not edible.

Check out what some of our guides like to eat when climbing.

Pictured above: IMG guides Aaron Mainer (left) and Eben Reckord (right) cooking dinner in the Weatherport at Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier.

Tye Chapman
Operations Manager

We get this question a lot; and for good reason – your feet are pretty dang important to your survival on Mt. Rainier!

Below is our ‘boot policy’ for Mt. Rainier:

For a first time climb of Mt. Rainier, you want to be as well prepared as possible. That means warm, waterproof boots. Double plastic boots provide the best possible warmth for your feet, they are completely waterproof, and they don’t constrict your toes or ankles when worn with crampons attached. First time climbers will do well to choose double plastic boots, and IMG makes this simple by offering them for rent. We also strongly recommend double plastic boots in early summer (May and June) for all participants and we REQUIRE them on winter programs.

We’re happy to work with Asolo and rent the Evoluzione.

There are some very warm, insulated, waterproof synthetic or leather single climbing boots on the market these days. If you own a pair of single climbing boots (generally less than ten years old) and have used them successfully in cold weather environments previously, then single boots will probably work for you on Mt. Rainier.

Here are some of the requirements your boots must possess:

* Must be fully rigid or ¾ rigid shank soled.
* Must be factory treated waterproof leather or synthetic waterproof
* Must have synthetic insulation
* Must be crampon compatible

If you are thinking about purchasing any type of boot, remember, the BEST boot to buy is the one that fits your foot the best. Go to a good outfitter that has multiple models to try on. If you do not have a good climbing store near by, shop online through a knowledgeable climbing store with a good exchange policy. Ask for the store expert. If they do not have a boot fitting specialist, then go to another store. You will want to describe your foot, perhaps send in a tracing of it, describe the climbs you intend to use the boot on and be ready to order and return a couple of pair of boots in order to confirm the best possible fit. If you end up buying a boot that gives you blisters, get rid of it! Sell it on eBay and try again.

Summary:
When to use plastic boots:

* Early season (May and June) and winter
* If you are a First time climber, you should rent them.
* If you are a person with compromised circulation or a history of cold feet.

When to use single boots:

* If you own your own boots and have used them successfully in similar conditions to Mt. Rainier.
* During the peak summer season (July through September).
* If you have fit issues (very small, large, narrow or wide feet).

Late season suggestion:

If you are climbing in later season (after early August) it is often worth bringing a light pair of hiking or running shoes to wear on the first 2½ miles of the approach up to Pebble Creek. These are especially valuable on the way down if your feet are sore (or hot) in the double plastic boots.

Soft-shell pants are made of high-performance synthetic fabrics that are resistant to abrasions & tears. They hold up extremely well to mountain abuse. They are typically water-resistant (not water proof) which means they are breathable and shed light rain and snow and dry quickly when they get wet.

The question:  Are they required or will my ski pants, fleece pants or other synthetic pants work? Should they be insulated?

The answer: No they are not required, but strongly encouraged. Fleece pants or a combination of other synthetic pants or ski pants will definitely work. The big differences being efficiency, comfort, breathability and weight. Soft-shell pants should not be insulated. The flexibility of wearing or not wearing long-underwear makes insulation unnecessary.

The bottom line is you will spend every minute of your climb in these pants so comfort is key. Soft-shell pants are a must have for any serious climber!

Our guides wear the Outdoor Research Exos Pants and love em!
Stay tuned for more gear questions answered…

-Tye