Climbing Equipment & Climbing Clothing List for Aconcagua

The following is a recommended personal equipment and clothing list for individuals doing an Aconcagua climbing expedition. The equipment on this list is good for the Normal Route, the Polish Falso Traverse, the Guanacos Route (Upper Vacas) and for the Polish Glacier Rout. In days to come I will post a group equipment/gear list for an Aconcagua Expedition.

Feet:
Sock Liners - 2 pairs (polypropylene)
Mid-weight trekking socks - 2 pairs
Expedition weight socks – 1 or 2 pairs
Lightweight hiking boots or shoes for the approach trek.
Camp booties, down or synthetic
Gaiters
Mountain Boots (plastic preferred)
Overboots if using leather boots.
Footwear to cross river in (old shoes or neoprene booties.)

Lower Body:
Mid-weight synthetic long underwear (2 pairs)(capilene or polypropylene)
Waterproof/windproof breathable pants (Gore-tex style), full zip recommended
Lightweight hiking pants (can use zip-off leg style pants)
Shorts

Upper Body:
Lightweight synthetic long underwear shirt (polypropylene or capilene) – 2
Mid or heavy weight synthetic long underwear shirt (polypropylene or capilene) 1 or 2
Fleece jacket (windstopper recommended)
Waterproof/Windproof Breathable jacket (ie. Gore-tex)
Down or polarguard expedition parka with hood

Hands:
Polypropylene or capilene liner gloves – 1 pair
Mid-weight fleece or pile gloves – 1 pair
Heavy weight ski style glove – 1 pair
Expedition weight mitts – 1 pair

Head:
Ski hat, wool or fleece
Sunhat/ball cap
Balaclava

Sleeping Gear:
Down or synthetic sleeping bag comfortable to –20˚c
1 or 2 sleeping pads. (I use a lightweight thermarest and a blue foam pad)

Packs:
One large duffel back (100 to 150 litres)
Daypack 35 – 45 litres
70 to 85litre backpack

Technical Gear:
Ski Poles (adjustable)
Mountaineering ice axe
General mountaineering crampons
For Polish Glacier Only
Technical climbing axe
Alpine Climbing harness
Assortment of caribiners
Snow stakes
Small assortment of ice screwsPrussik cord, webbing & runners

Personal Items: *Denotes optional items.
Headlamp with extra batteries
Ski goggles
2 extra sleeping bag sized stuff sacks
Sunglasses and spares
Sunscreen and lip protection SPF 30
Mole-skin (personal blister kit), tape, throat lozenges
Pocket-knife
Hand and foot warmers (heat packs)
2 Water bottles 1 litre capacity
Toiletries
Iodine pills
General Antibiotic
Ear Plugs
Some cash (US dollars)
Hydration system only for trek to basecamp (i.e., camelback)*
Camera and Film
Journal and pencil/pen*
Small towel and soap*Pee bottle (1 litre wide mouth)*