Recommended equipment for
Our expeditions include meals and snacks. However, the climbers may bring the following items of their favorite flavors:
Telescopic poles
We recommend using three-section collapsible trekking poles.
Lighter-weight carbon poles offer a significant weight advantage, but many trail poles can work well. Snow baskets are not necessary.
Estimated rental price: USD 33
Ice axe (optional)
Its use in Aconcagua is subject to the snow & ice conditions. Not very often used by the Normal Route, and frequently used by the 360 Polish Glacier Traverse Route.
It’s a must when climbing the glacier through the Polish Glacier Direct Route.
In the case of mountaineers who have no experience in its use, it can pose a danger, so a good pair of boots with suitable crampons and poles are usually preferred for correct fixation.
Estimated rental price: USD 54
Insulating | Mattress
A foam insulated pad of 3/4 or full body length.
It can also be used beneath an inflatable sleeping pad to provide extra insulation when sleeping on snow, glaciers, or frozen ground. It should be a light piece of closed-cell foam.
Inflatable sleeping pad (optional)
A full-body-length inflatable sleeping pad is an optional item to provide extra comfort. It doesn’t replace the insulating (mattress). The inflatable sleeping pad provides cushioning and insulation when sleeping on the ground.
We recommend bringing a repair kit in case of a leak.
The Therm-a-Rest Pro Plus is the best choice for Aconcagua.
Estimated rental price: USD 26
We recommend a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of -20°F/-30°C with a compression bag. Must have down insulation (synthetic material is too bulky and heavy), full side zipper, hood, pull collar, zipper pull tube, and head lanyard.
Some brands have 3 temperature levels. This is an example of NOT suitable sleeping bag for Aconcagua: Comfort temperature: -13°C. Limit temperature: -22°C. Extreme temperature: -48°C.
Although some Aconcagua rentals and climbers take the limited or extreme temperature range as valid, we advise always consider a minimum of -20°F/-30°C comfort temperature to be prepared for different weather conditions. Although this is suitable for Aconcagua, if you are sensitive to the cold, a -40°F/-40°C bag will be better.
Estimated rental price: USD 180
75-100 liters expedition backpack
Many backpacks are suitable, depending on the personal gear of each climber. Black Diamond Mission 75 is a good choice. Estimated rental price: USD 60
35-liter daypack
It is not mandatory but highly recommended. For approaches to base camp while the mules carry the personal gear, also for daytime walks.
A 150-liter waterproof duffel bag with backpack straps and a roll-top closure for easy portability in any environment, with a security padlock.
It is optional but strongly recommended to keep the backpack and boots safe, avoiding damages and loss when transported by the mules, crossing rivers, etc. Also, to leave part of the gear in the base camp when going to the summit.
Estimated rental price: USD 40
Bottles / Thermos
3+ Liters in high camps
1-liter BPA-free bottles with a wide mouth. Nalgene 1-liter Wide Mouth Bottles are durable and healthy. Narrow mouth bottles are not recommended because they are difficult to fill and are more likely to freeze cold. We advise including a slice of a citric inside to have better flavor and drink 5-6 liters of water per day if necessary.
Thoroughly vacuum insulated thermos with a wide mouth and a capacity of 1 liter or 1.5 liters, stainless steel with a large, leak-proof mouth cap is the key to critical heat and hydration at higher altitudes in colder conditions.
Estimated rental price: USD 20
A camelbak is not usually used in high altitude camps because the water in the hose freezes when low temperatures.
Personal Crockery
Long handle, hard plastic scoop for comfortable glove grip, and easy access to deep bowls while wearing gloves. Plastic models are preferable as titanium or other metal models become cold.
Plastic knife and fork.
Plate with capacity for 2 cups with lid. There are a variety of styles ranging from fully rigid to folding plates. It would help if you chose a lightweight plastic container with a lid to eat comfortably, and that is firm enough to use with gloves.
Insulating cup with a removable lid. It must retain heat well and be spill-resistant as it allows safe consumption of hot drinks or small portions of soup. There are lightweight, double-walled cups with ergonomic shapes and textured grips that take up almost no space and keep liquids warm for long.
Estimated rental price: USD 26
Sunblock sun protection factor SPF 50+. Sun protector lips.
Hygiene kit
Hygiene kit
Wet wipes
Towel and shampoo for showers
Plastic bottle with a wide mouth for use in altitude camps
Funnel for women to use in altitude camps
First aid kit
Climbers should bring a small waterproof first-aid kit, including common drugs they usually may take, at least for a headache or stomach upset, and their prescription medications, besides band-aids to treat small scratches, cuts, or blisters, disinfectant, and triple antibiotic cream, etc.
The guides’ first aid kits include an oximeter, band-aids and gauze, wound disinfectant, and basic medicines for altitude sickness. For legal reasons, our guides are not allowed to provide medicines unless under two conditions: a life risk and a doctor’s approval; both conditions have to be accomplished simultaneously. We have oxygen in all camps for emergency purposes. Aconcagua Park has an authorized rescue patrol with doctors who take control if any medical situation occurs.
Electricity power
We recommend bringing 110V to 220V power adapters, plugs, transformers and chargers if you want to recharge your batteries (electricity available only at base camp 220V). Click here for world plugs info.
Solar panels can also charge the batteries even in high altitude camps when good weather conditions, where there is no electricity supply (they can be requested in advance before starting the expedition as an optional service with extra charge, subject to availability).