Aconcagua Kit List

Cooler evenings at camp, early starts, and altitudes of over 6,000m call for serious insulation. Down jackets have the benefit of an excellent warmth to weight ratio, keeping you warm while remaining relatively light and packable. While narrow baffle down jackets may keep you warm further down the valley, a heavier weight jacket is a must on this trip.

Packing multiple base layers will make your trip more comfortable. We recommend bringing a mix of thermal long sleeve base layers and cooler base layers as the temperatures on Aconcagua can vary massively. All base layers, whether synthetic or merino wool, should be comfortable and quick to dry. Avoid cotton T-shirts as these won’t wick and hold on to moisture. Wicking is important as it will draw excess moisture away from your body as you sweat, helping you regulate your temperature. Taking a long sleeve option can provide additional protection from the sun on hot days.

To keep comfortable on the trip, it’s important to have a good layering system. A fleece jacket will offer warmth in the evenings and a breathable mid layer breathable enough to trek in it during the day as you gain altitude. Synthetic fleece is breathable, quick to dry, and has a better warmth to weight ratio than a cotton hoodie. Taking at two fleece mid layers, a warmer option and a lighter one, will offer more versatility and give you options on the trip.

We recommend bringing a pair of lightweight, quick drying,walking trousersfor theapproach,and a pair of insulated winter walking trousers with fleece lining for higher altitudes.

While some wear full-length trousers for the entire trip to protect against sunburn, insects or scratches, you may pack a pair of shorts for lower down the valley. We recommend walking shorts made of quick-drying synthetic materials to allow wicking.

A breathable waterproof jacket is a must for added protection from the elements. It should be a good fit: big enough to have a fleece layer or two underneath but not completely oversized. A helmet-compatible hood that can be cinched in around your face to protect you against wind and rain is essential.

Waterproof trousers are a must-have when trekking in the mountains. They'll keep you dry in a downpour but also add a little extra warmth in the cold, windy conditions you'll likely face as you gain altitude.

A set of thermals to wear while sleeping will help keep you comfortable during your trip.

Our partners at EverTrek recommend a minimum of 6 pairs of underwear for their Aconcagua itinerary. As with base layers, avoiding cotton undergarments will help with moisture wicking and comfort. Walking socks will also wick away excess moisture from your feet. Heavier weight socks provide cushioning in key areas to help reduce premature fatigue. It's worth taking lighter socks for the warmer conditions before using a warmer pair as you ascend. Your footwear must fit comfortably with whatever you choose. Synthetic or merino underwear and socks will also dry quicker after washing, allowing a quick rotation of garments.

A good glove system is key. For Aconcagua, one pair of gloves won’t do it all. Lighter weight gloves and liner gloves allow for dexterity when setting up camp or packing rucksacks, while a warmer pair of mittens provide much needed protection from the cold on summit day.

These are great to keep your hands warm on summit night or on cold nights in the tent, and can also be put into your boots overnight to aid drying.

Polarized or Cat 4 sunglasses are recommended to protect from the harmful effects of UV at altitude.

A headtorch that takes batteries that can be easily replaced throughout the trip is a must for multi-day expeditions.

A sun hat is essential to protect from sunburn and heat exhaustion, especially at higher altitudes when the effects of UV are heightened.

A warm hat will protect you from the cold on summit day, and at night around camp.

Neck warmers are highly versatile and can be worn in many ways, from beanie to balaclava, to headband to scarf.

Your choice of boots will greatly depend on what fits you. Your walking boots need to be comfortable enough to wear for multiple days at a time, with adequate support at the ankle and through the midsole for support while carrying heaving packs. Be sure to test out your boots on a few long walks before the trip. Your feet can swell after long days of walking, so a little extra room is often better than a tight fit.

Insulated, and with a stiff sole for use with crampons, these are essential as you push above the snow line.

Well suited to all-round mountain use, gaiters can be paired with your walking boots to keep out rain, snow and mud.

Many hikers opt to use porters for Aconcagua, so a light day pack is all that's needed.

A generous duffel bag is a must for a long trip. Porter's will carry up to 20kg so keep this in mind when packing your duffel.

Dry bags help keep your kit dry and organised.

For Aconcagua, we recommend a high-quality down sleeping bag with a comfort rating * of -22°C or lower. Down bags have a better warmth-to-weight ratio and are more packable than similar synthetic bags, so are ideal for multi-day expeditions. *please note that not all sleeping bag manufacturers report temperature ratings in the same way. Always check that the advertised temperature rating for the bag is the comfort rating, and not the extreme limit of the bag.

A sleeping bag will only provide you with a comfortable night’s sleep when paired with a good camping mat. This plays a vital role in keeping you insulated from the cold temperatures on the ground.

A sleeping bag liner protects your sleeping bag from becoming dirty over time increasing the life of your sleeping bag. Silk blend liners are lighter and more packable than cotton equivalents.

C3 crampons compatible with your mountaineering boots.

A lightweight climbing-specific helmet.

A walking or alpine style ice axe is recommended for traversing the snowy slopes on the way to the summit.

Poles are essential for keeping you stable on the rough, uneven sections and for reducing the stress on your joints especially on long descents.

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