Crevasse Rescue Packing List
October 17, 2013
The always up to date guide to what’s in my pack!
Last Updated: 9/09/2015
This list of crevasse rescue gear is what I bring with me into glacier country. Crevasse rescue kits are highly dependent on your personal skill set. Do not go into a glacier without being roped up with a group of people who ALL have the proper training. You are welcome to use this list as a guide but be sure you customize it appropriately for your skill set. I make no guarantee that you won’t die if you bring along this set of gear.
NOTE: GLACIER TRAVEL IS VERY DANGEROUS EVEN FOR TRAINED PROFESSIONALS. DO NOT VENTURE ONTO A GLACIER WITHOUT THE PROPER TRAINING. Taking a glacier recue class is highly recommended. I would also recommend you read Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue published by Mountaineers Books (Author: Andy Selters ISBN: 9780898866582). It is hands down the best resource (outside of taking a class) to learn crevasse rescue techniques.
- Climbing Harness – Black Diamond Couloir Mountaineering Harness w/ locking carabineer x2
- For comfort get a pure mountaineering harness that is unpadded. A padded climbing harness will soak up water weighing you down and making you cold.
- Ice Screw – Petzl Laser Speed 21cm w/ locking carabineer
- This is used to create a haul anchor in very icy terrain. You want the longest ice screw possible to make sure the anchor is solid.
- Locking Carabiner – Camp Photon x4
- I have 4 that are unattached to anything. Any time I mention a locking carabineer its one of these – if you count the total number of these I bring 6.
- Non-Locking Carabiner– Camp Nano x6
- Picket – Yates Expedition w/120cm runner and locking carabineer
- Pulley – Petzl Oscillante
- Used to make rigging a rescue haul faster and to relieve friction in the system.
- Three 4′ Prussics – 6mm
- Two are placed before and after where you tie onto the rope and the 3rd is saved for rigging a rescue haul.
- Foot Prussic (sized to your height) – 6mm
- Attached to your harness through the main locking carabineers and tucked away in case you fall and need it.
- Two 60cm Runners
- Used for rigging a rescue anchor.
- 120cm Runner
- Used for rigging a rescue anchor.
- 15′ Cordelette – 6mm
- Additional cord for securing anchors or rigging a rescue haul.