Recommended equipment for the
HEAD
Glasses
SunGlasses
Category 3 or 4 glasses with side protection are critical elements of security for your expedition to Aconcagua. These protect the eyes from highly bright and harmful ultraviolet rays amplified by snow reflection, making them essential for your expedition.
They should wrap around your face and provide 100% coverage from above, below, and on each side of the lenses.
It is recommended to bring 2 pairs of glasses for any break.
Estimated rental price: USD 33
Goggles
High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude. The lens should offer a 30% or less visible light transmission. Photochromic models are ideal. The goggles should fit snugly around your face and fit comfortably with your helmet. There are prescription goggles and models with enough room for using eyeglasses. Googles are useful when glacier glasses cannot block wind or snow.
It would help if you chose an acknowledged brand to ensure adequate protection and a longer lifespan. Visible Light Transmission (VLT) googles of approximately 8-35% are preferred because they adjust automatically to the changing conditions. Still, you can opt for a model that allows interchangeable lenses for covering the same range of VLT for a reduced cost.
Estimated rental price: USD 33
Hats & buffs
We recommend bringing the following:
- Cap
- Warm Hat
- Balaclava
- 2 Buffs
Cap
Any cap will protect your head, face, and neck from UV radiation on sunny days.
You can choose a model without neck protection, use a sombrero, or any other type of hat for the same purposes, but a model with neck protection is preferred.
Warm Hat
Non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.
The non-cotton wool or synthetic hat should cover your ears, feel comfortable using it for several hours with or without a helmet and allow moisture to evaporate.
Balaclava
One heavyweight and one lightweight balaclava that fit comfortably together. A heavy balaclava made of thick synthetic or fleece fabric covering the entire head and mouth is necessary to block the wind, provide full-face coverage without obstructing vision, and avoid frostbite to your face.
The mouth area should be able to vent moisture through but still offer warmth; if the area does not have perforations, you can puncture or cut it. A heavyweight balaclava is critical for avoiding frostbite to your face at high altitudes or in polar regions. It should fit over a lightweight balaclava. A light balaclava is also necessary for the same purposes at a lower height, and it should be breathable and constructed with stretchy material. 2 buffs can replace it.
Buffs
Two buffs with UV protection. A stretchy tubular piece of UV-resistant fabric, offers protection from sun, light wind, dust, and cold temperatures for your neck and mouth.
Is a must-have for all outdoor multi-day activities. A bandana or a balaclava cannot replace it.
Helmet & head lamp
Helmet
A lightweight climbing helmet that fits comfortably over your bare head, hat, balaclava and that can strap your headlamp. The helmet should be designed to protect and keep you warm in changing weather, and it should be comfortable for use in multi-days outdoor activities
Remember that while the entire layering system is essential, headwear is also a key that may make you succeed or stop your expedition.
Estimated rental price: USD 43
Head Lamp
Weather-resistant LED headlamp with freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. A LED headlamp should have 100-250 lumens of output to see at night in your tent, and for a pre-sunrise start.
It should be weather-resistant, fit comfortably on your helmet and head, and have replaceable batteries.