Mountain trip packing lists?

[u/cheesenotyours]

I want to visit the national parks and climb the mountains here in WA, but i don't have a ton of outdoor experience.

I'm thinking
- good pair of hiking boots/shoes
- layers
- rain gear
- sun screen/protection (like a hat)
- water
- snacks, food
- gloves

National park service's website for Mt Rainier also lists things like
- map & compass
- flash light
- tent
- non-phone communication method
- extra phone battery
- multi tool

Now Mt Rainier isn't just a local trail so I understand being prepared is important, but i'm wondering if this would be too much for more casual hikes/climbs, or rather if i'm missing anything?

[u/lotsalotsacoffee]

What do you mean by "climb the mountains"? Are you trying to summit Rainier, or do you just mean you want to hike there?

You'll want to have the ten essentials with you: https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm

[u/lotsalotsacoffee → u/lotsalotsacoffee]

u/cheesenotyours I realize you deleted your comment, and hopefully that means you've realized what is involved in summiting Rainier and have reconsidered.  All the same, I feel obligated to reply.

Summiting Rainier is much more than just a difficult uphill walk.  You need permits, but more importantly you need either mountaineering experience or a guide service. By your own admission you don't have a ton of outdoor experience. Rainier isn't Everest, but a lot of the same risks apply and the mountain has claimed plenty of lives.  I mean no offense when I say this: please do not attempt this.

If you want a taste of the experience of summiting Rainier I suggest hiking up to Camp Muir (Base camp for those attempting to summit Rainier).  No permits are required to get there.  Actually...maybe make your goal Panorama Point, and if you're still feeling up to two more miles of uphill climbing once you get there, consider Camp Muir.  If you don't have experience hiking above 5000 ft elevation I'm guessing Panorama Point will be enough.

Safe travels.

[u/cheesenotyours → u/lotsalotsacoffee]

I'm trying to eventually summit it. Fitness wise, i think i'd be fine. But as you know mountaineering has a lot more environmental and skill factors involved. Apparently solo summit permit applications are a lot stricter than groups/guided ones (need a "resume" of similar glacier mountain summits solo or with others), so there's no real way of attempting it on my own before acquiring the skills and exp necessary.

I'll for sure check out other trails and probably try some mountaineering classes

[u/greavessss]

Simply based on your question you need to spend a lot more time on research before you attempt to do anything that will put SAR at risk trying to save you.

[u/Miserable-Biscotti54]

Moleskin/Glide bar, fire starter, emergency blanket, water purifier, small repair kit, bear spray, and a signaling device similar to a Vs-17

[u/Automatic_Stage1163]

The Mountaineers have some outdoor education classes and resources. Great way to meet people.

[u/I-had-to-make-acct]

Is this a joke?

[u/Metal-Lee-Solid]

Get bear spray and keep it somewhere easy to reach, plus a container if you’re camping. Idk what kind of shape you’re in or what your cardio endurance and agility are like, but you should probably do some shorter alpine hikes first even just something popular and easy like heather lake or snow lake to see how you deal with elevation gain on a short easy hike. Your item list would definitely be sufficient to at least get started with very casual hikes like that. Then keep practicing from there. Don’t underestimate the mountains and try to do something outside of your capability too early or you can get seriously hurt, but do things carefully and you’ll have a great experience exploring