South America Adventure Travel

Aconcagua Polish Glacier Expedition
Equipment List

Climbing Gear

Ice tools. A technical pair of ice climbing tools, with simple leashes. Straight shaft works the best.
Crampons. With straps or combination heel bail-straps. Avoid aluminum crampons and vertical frontal points.
Trekking poles. Adjustable.
Harness. A leg and waist adjustable mountaineering harness. Recommended: BD Alpine Bod.

Feet

Hiking boots or shoes. Used for approach and sometimes during carries to high camps. Good fit, cushion and support is required.
Sandals. For river crossings and base camp hot days.
Double boots. First quality high altitude boots. Could be plastic, composite, or a combination of both. Just be sure they're specially made for the colder temperatures.
Gaiters. Expedition style. Insulated ones are optional, just don't get gaiters with neoprene soles.
Liner socks. 3 pairs. Capilene or lightweight wool. They should fit well with your thicker socks.
Expedition weight socks. 3 pairs. Wool or synthetic, with padded shins they feel great.
Down booties (optional). Good option to wear inside the tent.

Lower body

Upper body

Lightweight synthetic turtleneck. 2 pair. Synthetic or wool.
Expedition weight shirt.
Fleece jacket. Midweight 100 to 200 fleece. Full front zip recommended.
Down parka with hood. Could also be Polarguard. Better if it goes below the waist.
Hard shell jacket. Windproof-breathable. Go light.
Cotton t-shirts. A couple for base camp.

Head

Eyegear

Sunglasses 2 pair. Go with glacier style ones, 100% UV, IR protection. Prescription glacier glasses are recommended if you use glasses.
Ski Goggles. With maximum protection and low light transmition. They work great for windy days.

Hands

Light synthetic gloves. Capilene or similar, as a first layer.
Fleece finger gloves. 100 to 200 fleece, better with windbloc.
Insulated mittens. Wool, synthetic or down, big enough to use with other gloves.
Mittens shells. For wind protection. Be sure that all the layers together have a comfortable fit, not compromising blood circulation.

Personal equipment

Down or synthetic sleeping bag. Should be at least -15° F. Good fit is really important for heating retention.
Foam Sleeping pad. Closed cell, full length, adds warmth and protects Thermarest.
Thermarest pad. ž size should work. Light series are great combined with a foam pad. Include repair kit.
Large backpack. Up to 6000 cu inches. Simple design, good fit.
Daypack. For summit day and approach. As light as possible.
Headlamp and spare batteries. LED small headlamps work well.
2 water bottles. Wide mouth 1 liter Nalgene style.
1 thermos. Half liter is plenty enough and still light.
Sunscreen and lip protection. At least 30 SPF for both.
Small first aid kit. Iclude ear plugs, tape, blisters kit, several paracetamol or aspirin tablets, personal medications.
Pocket knife. Light and simple, Swiss style.
Insulated cup, plastic bowl and spoon. Cup insulated and with lid. Lexan Spoon and bowl are light and durable.

Optional items

Book, notebook, pencil. Waterproof Rite'n the rain notebooks suggested. Avoid pen.
Walkman. Bring battery chargers. Ipods only work bellow 5000 meters.
Camera and film/usb cable. Extra care with dust. Small disposable works good. If digital, bring usb conection if you want to send pictures from basecamp.
Shower items. Light towel, soap and shampoo for base camp.
Handwarmers
Hydratyng system. For approach. This doesn't substitute the bottles listed above.
Hand sanitizer.
Pee bottle /Pee funnel (for women) Extra secure lid!
Personal food treats. Favorite candy, jerky or other snacks.
Personal energy supplies. Energy bars, Gatorade, Citomax, Gu, etc.
Toiletry bag. Toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, etc.

Travel gear

Large duffel bag. With lock. 7500+ cu in.
Small duffel bag. For leaving stuff at Hotel/office.
Travel clothes. Mendoza's temperature could reach 90 degrees, so bring cool summer clothes.