Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine packing checklist

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Trip-specific: permits and hazards

1. Summer-only listUSFS: from late fall to early summer this is a mountaineering ascent that needs an ice axe, crampons and avalanche gear. This list doesn’t cover that.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: USFS White Mountain NF: Tuckerman Ravine Trail

2. Check the spring closureUSFS closes the section between Lunch Rocks and the Alpine Garden each spring.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: USFS White Mountain NF: Tuckerman Ravine Trail

3. No services on top after Oct 16NH State Parks: the summit building closes for the 2026 season on October 16. After that there’s no shelter, food or water on top.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: NH State Parks: Mt. Washington State Park

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterNo water on the summit after Oct 16. Carry 3–4 L each for a full day: about 1 L per 2 hours.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   No water on the summit after Oct 16. Carry 3–4 L each for a full day: about 1 L per 2 hours.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Yosemite: hiking safety (1 quart every 2 hours)

2. Food and extra foodPack lunch plus extra food. Nothing is for sale on top.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

3. Navigation: offline map, map and compassCloud can drop visibility to a few feet above treeline. Carry map and compass.Need itHave it
   

   Suunto A-10 Compass

   $24.00 on Amazon

   Cloud can drop visibility to a few feet above treeline. Carry map and compass.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
4. HeadlampIn case you finish after dark. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.Need itHave it
   

   Petzl Tikka Headlamp

   $34.95 on Amazon

   In case you finish after dark. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
5. Sun protectionAbove treeline there’s no shade.Need itHave it
   

   Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)

   $11.49 on Amazon

   Above treeline there’s no shade.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Warm layer, hat and glovesThe summit is far colder and windier than Pinkham Notch, even in summer.Need itHave it
   

   Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece

   $45.50 on Amazon

   The summit is far colder and windier than Pinkham Notch, even in summer.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
7. Rain layerFast-moving storms are common above treeline.Need itHave it
   

   FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)

   $22.74 on Amazon

   Fast-moving storms are common above treeline.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
8. First aid kitFor blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it
   

   Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5

   $31.95 on Amazon

   For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
9. Fire starter and emergency shelterIf you get stuck out after dark, a bivvy and a lighter keep you warm until help comes.Need itHave it
   

   SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy

   $25.49 on Amazon

   If you get stuck out after dark, a bivvy and a lighter keep you warm until help comes.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
10. Knife or repair kitFor quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it
    

    Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife

    $16.62 on Amazon

    For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 18, 2026, and may have changed.