Mountaineering is very equipment-dependent activity. We depend on our equipment for comfort, performance and survival since the activity takes places in extreme environments. Having good-quality and proper equipment is vital for increasing your chance of having a successful climb.
We have found that thanks to the equipment requirements our groups have, our expeditions have been able to succeed where other teams have had to turn back.
Clothing
Baselayer bottom. They should fit tightly but comfortably and not be cotton-based.
Baselayer top. We recommend taking one or two long-sleeved baselayer tops. They should be made of merino wool or polyester (non-cotton material). Light-colored and hooded tops are recommended for sun protection.
A fleece mid-layer top with a hood (optional but recommended) that fits your form for using you’re your base layers. Hoods are optional but recommended.
A pair of stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated softshell pants that fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms. Please note that “zip-off” hiking pants are too light.
An optional wind shell without insulation. This adds extra protection and weights less than eight ounces.
A softshell breathable jacket that is wind-and-weather resistant is a key of the mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. It should fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer tops.
A pair of non-insulated, waterproof shell pants that fit comfortably over your baselayer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length zippers are preferred but shorter zippers are allowed if you can remove your pants wearing your footwear.
A non-insulated, waterproof hard-shell jacket with a helmet-compatible hood. We recommend Goretex Pro Shell or a similar eVent fabric since they offer more durability and weather protection. It must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, softshell, and lightweight insulated layer.
A lightweight insulated jacket filled with down or synthetic insulation.
An 8000-meter expedition ready parka fully baffled, in excellent conditions, and recently cleaned to ensure maximum loft.
A pair of insulated synthetic pants with full-length side zips.
Headwear
A lightweight climbing helmet that fits comfortably over your bare head, hat, balaclava, and that has the capacity to strap your headlamp.
Two buffs with UV protection.
A common sun hat with neck protection preferably.
One heavyweight and one lightweight balaclava that fit comfortably together. These items do not replace a Buff.
A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.
High-quality glacier glasses that offer full coverage around eyes and across the nose.
High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude. The lens should offer 30% or less visible light transmission. Photochromic models are ideal.
Glacier glasses with category 4 lenses and VLT of approximately 3%-8% are a key protection element for your Aconcagua Expedition.
Handwear
One pair of cheap light leather gloves to set up your tent in the altitude camps.
Lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a comfortable fit. Lighter colors are preferred since they absorb less sunlight and still offer UV protection.
A pair of midweight, lightly insulated softshell gloves for when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palms are recommended.
One pair of insulated warm shell gloves with removable liners. We recommend models with a leather palm.
Expedition mittens with an insulated removable liner. We recommend buying the warmest model available.
Footwear
Wool or synthetic socks. We recommend taking three pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These socks must fit over your liner socks.
Gaiters. We recommend using full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit tightly over your mountaineering boots over short trekking gaiters.
High altitude double boots. You can use a high-altitude all-in-one boot system or a double boot with a hard plastic or soft synthetic outer designed for use with a high-altitude liner.
Booties. This item is not required but we recommend taking synthetic or down camp booties for comfortable wear around camp and in the altitude camps.
Light hiking boots or shoes. We recommend light weight boots with plenty of room in the toe box and good support for the approach to base camp. Boots are preferred over shoes since it is a dry trail with plenty of gravel.
Sandals, water shoes or similar foot wear that fit your heel for crossing rivers. This item is generally not necessary for the Normal Route.
Food
Our expeditions include all meals and snacks but you can bring the following items of your favorite flavors:
- 20 Servings electrolyte replacement mix (Nuun, Skratch Labs)
- 6-8 Energy gels (Gu, Clif Shot Bloks)
- 20 Servings instant coffee (if desired!)
- 12 Energy bars (Clif Bar, Luna Bar)
- 15 Candy bars (Snickers, Twix)
- 10 Servings snack crackers (Austin Sandwich Crackers)
- 1 Box other crackers (Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its)
- A small assortment of hard candy, cough drops, etc.
Please, note that we provide all food and snacks. We also offer vegetarian, lactose-free, celiac and food restricted menus. An extra fee may apply.
Personal Care
A toiletry bag with hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wet wipes, sunscreen, lipscreen, and your personal prescriptions and medications if any.
Three 1-litre capacity BPA free bottles with a wide mouth.
One insulated mug with a removable lid. It should retain heat well and be spill resistant.
One medium-sized simple and light knife.
One plastic pee-bottle with a wide mouth for using in the altitude camps.
One pee funnel for women for using in the altitude camps.
One 2-cups capacity bowl with a lid.
One fully vacuum-insulated thermos with a wide mouth and one litter capacity.
Climbing gear
Crampons
General mountaineering crampons. We recommend 12-point steel crampons with anti-balling plates over 10-point, aluminum or rigid crampons because the traction offered is superior and they stand up to the potential time spent walking on rocks and they fit modern boots well.
Collapsible trekking poles. We recommend using three section poles. Lighter-weight carbon poles offer greater weight advantage, but a large variety of trail poles can work well. Snow baskets are not necessary.
Equipment
Backpack
We recommend a 75 liter to 100 liter backpack for all Aconcagua expeditions. If you have specialized gear and/or you are planning on hiring personal porters for all the altitude camps, you may opt for a smaller backpack. If you opt for a smaller pack, practice packing to be sure you can fit everything. The backpack we show as an example is a Black Diamond Mission 75.
An optional 35liters pack for base camp approach and day treks.
A weather-resistant LED headlamp with freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries.
A foam pad of 3/4 or full body length.
A full body length inflatable sleeping pad. We recommend bringing a valve and body repair kit.
A -40°F sleeping bag with a compression sack. Down-filling is preferred.
One durable hard plastic spoon with a long stem for comfortable grab using gloves.
Three trash compactor bags to use as waterproof sack liners.
A 150 liters expedition-ready duffel bag.
Bring power adapters and 110V to 220V transformers if necessary.
Please, note that you may find specific brands to represent an item, Aconcagua One does not intend to promote any brand and acknowledges that there are many excellent equipment brands.
We work with the best rental shops of Mendoza and coordinate the rental process in advance or when you arrive to Mendoza.
Notes
- Each item is required unless specified to be optional.
- The images may or may not reflect the model available for rent.
- Aconcagua One does not own, rent or sell personal gear. We work with rental shops in Mendoza.