Equipment to Climb Mount Aconcagua

For high altitude camps, choose one of the following:

• All-in-one | Best choice, great comfort
• Double heigh boots | Most commonly used
• Double plastic boots | Low-cost, heavier and rigid

All-in-one or triple boots

We recommend the following triple boots:

• Scarpa Phantom 8000
• La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo
• The North Face Verto S8K

They are the warmest types available. They have insulated and integrated gaiters and offer more warmth and waterproofness than high altitude double boots.

Double height boots

We recommend the following double-height boots:

• La Sportiva Spantik
• La Sportiva G2
• La Sportiva Baruntse 20 GTX
• Asolo Manaslu GV

They can be worn with a soft synthetic or hard plastic exterior designed for use with a height-designed liner. These boots are warmer than single mountaineering boots. 

They are manufactured with a removable insulating lining in a durable and waterproof outer boot. They are made with fully rigid soles to climb flat to vertical terrain with or without crampons.

It is recommended not to walk with the double boot's interior since this provides shelter, and the rocky terrain of Aconcagua it usually breaks.

Estimated rental price: USD 200

Double plastic boots

Low-cost option, low-performance, the most frequently used are:

• Asolo AFS 8000
• Scarpa Omega
• Scarpa Vega
• Koflach Artic

This plastic double boot option has a flexible plastic upper and a soft, flexible inner boot designed to fit inside the plastic shell.

They are heavier and colder than the previous ones; however, they are good enough for Aconcagua. If you opt for these boots, it is recommended to bring foot warmers or combine them with gaiters

Estimated rental price USD 125

Boots not suitable

Simple boots are not suitable to climb Aconcagua, some of them are:

• La Sportiva G5
• La Sportiva Batura
• La Sportiva Nepal Extreme
• La Sportiva Nepal Cube
• La Sportiva Trango Ice
• Scarpa Phantom Guide
• Scarpa Phantom 6000
• Scarpa Grand Dru
• Scarpa GTX
• Boreal G1 Lite
• Boreal Stetind
• Mammut Eiger Extreme
• TNF Verto S6K

Simple boots are rigid and haven't a removable sock. Climbers cannot use them in Aconcagua because they don't provide adequate protection against low temperatures.

They are designed for mountaineering or climbing below Aconcagua, generally ideal for use with crampons.

The use of these boots in Aconcagua implies the risk of frostbite. 

Are recommend shoes with a lot of space in the toe area and good support when approaching the base camp. Are ideal as it is a dry trail with a lot of sand and dirt. 

Trekking shoes or boots must offer excellent traction with a flexible sole that provides comfort and cushioned support underfoot. They are used to approach the mountain and to take shorter walks at low altitudes. Breathable and waterproof models are preferred.

Estimated rental price: USD 60

Other footwear that can be worn as a complement, although they do not replace light trekking boots, and is useful to wear when there is a lot of snow at base camp. We suggest wearing only one of these optional shoes to avoid weight.

Warm and waterproof boots

These boots must be very comfortable and need not be technical; you will not walk or climb with these boots.

Weight and volume are not a concern for this type of shoe; the important thing is warmth and comfort.

Booties

It is recommended to be used for greater comfort around the base camp, in the high camps, and inside the tent. 

Synthetic models stay warm even when wet but are heavier and less compact than down boots.

Trekking shoes (optional)

Can wear sneakers or tennis shoes to walk comfortably during the rest days at base camp. 

They are also useful as a spare if your Trekking boots are wet and need drying.

Sandals (optional)

They can be water shoes, crocs, or similar footwear that fit the heel to cross rivers. Not flip-flops.

Not usually used by Normal Route (depending on the level of the rivers). The Polish Route requires them.

Crampons attach to boots for traction on slippery surfaces of snow, ice, and stones. Semi-automatic is preferably used, but it can also be automatic or tape.

We recommend 12-point steel crampons with anti-balling plates over 10-point aluminum or rigid crampons because the traction offered is superior. They stand up to the potential time spent walking on rocks, and they fit modern boots well. We recommend trying your crampons on your boot model since some boot sizes require a more extended spreader bar.

Estimated rental price: USD 54

Recommended

• Black Diamond
• Petzl
• Grivel G14

Not Recommended

• Foot Fangs
• Simond Scorpions
• Grivel model Rambo 

Most double boots require the use of gaiters. Gaiters are a fabric tube that you wrap over boots and are used to prevent snow and other debris from entering your footwear, and allow to preserve the temperature in calves and ankles.

They should be tall, durable, waterproof, and fit snugly to eliminate gaps between the gaiter and the boot without squeezing the ankle and calf.

Estimated rental price: USD 26

We recommend 6-8 pairs of socks. The more you have, the more comfortable you will have in clean, dry clothing, but this will also add more weight to your personal gear.

Midweight socks

Midweight socks are designed to offer comfort and warmth at moderate altitudes in moderate to cold weather

They should fit over liner socks without constricting blood flow and be constructed of merino wool or synthetic fiber (2 pairs). 

Thick warm socks

Thick warm socks (Polar Tec) made of synthetic material. 2 pairs recommended for use on cold days + 1 pair for the summit day.

Liner socks

Very lightweight synthetic socks are designed to quickly move moisture away from your skin, reduce blisters' appearance by absorbing friction, and keeping your feet dry.

Liner socks are typically constructed from synthetic materials, nylon or polypropylene, for first skin. 3 pairs + 1 pair is recommended to wear on Summit Day. 

Foot warmers (optional)

Foot warmers may be worn to provide greater comfort. 6 pairs are recommended.

Trekking and mountaineering pants for diverse climates. Wind resistance. 

Light and breathable coat. For use on treks to base camp.

Base pants, also called leggings, are worn against the skin, are snug and comfortable. 

They are made of wool or synthetic materials and designed to fit the comfort of other layers. They should not be cotton.

These pants must be weather resistant, air permeable, elastic, and durable. Combined with a base layer to increase the heat or a hard layer when it rains, it is perfect for mountaineering.

A good option is the Soft-Shell Wind stopper pants, highly versatile due to their fabric's elasticity or the polar type. Reinforced in areas prone to wear. Prima Lof pants are also an option for Aconcagua.

They are Gore-tex pants that are designed to protect from rain, snow, and wind. They are used as the outer Layer. 

They must offer full-length or side zippers in changing conditions without removing any footwear. Regardless of intended use, stiff pants should not be insulated to allow for a modular layer.

Estimated rental price: USD 60

Extra layer (optional) | Prima loft

Waterproof, lightweight, and windproof pants make them an excellent option if you want to reinforce the third layer optionally.

Light and breathable t-shirt for warm conditions made of merino-light wool (more durable) or synthetic fabric. White or lighter models are preferred to absorb less sunlight. Cotton is not recommended because it costs a lot to dry when wet.

Two long-sleeve shirts and two short sleeve shirts are recommended for replacement.

Short or long sleeved cotton shirt, for resting days only, not suitable on activity days. It provides greater comfort and well-being to the skin in permanent contact with synthetic clothing.

We recommend bringing 2 of the following jackets to be prepared for all weather conditions.

• Polar jacket or similar
• Diver or synthetic shirt
• Soft-shell jacket
• Wind shell

Polar jacket or similar

Hooded topcoat (optional but recommended) that adapts to your shape so you can use the rest of the base layers. Hoods are optional but recommended. 

The breathable mid-layer upper, made of a lightweight, breathable fleece-like fabric, is used to keep warm in cold conditions or over the lightweight base jersey in icy conditions. Polar Tec Power Stretch, Polar Tec PowerGrid, or Patagonia's R1 can work very well. A snug contoured fit is always recommended.

Diver or synthetic shirt

A diver in fleece or thick synthetic shirt is not necessary if you have a fleece jacket, but you can bring it, so you don't always wear the same jacket.

Soft-shell jacket

A soft-shell breathable jacket that is wind-and-weather resistant is a key to the mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. It should fit well over your mid-layer top and base layer tops. A breathable soft-shell jacket that is wind-resistant and constructed of woven or knit polyester & nylon.

Softshell allows you to avoid donning a hard-shell waterproof jacket until necessary- ensuring greater freedom of movement and keeping your body drier and more comfortable than inside a moisture-trapping hard shell. Softshell is preferred over fleece since they are less bulky, shed moisture and repel snow better, and have a more dynamic temperature comfort range.

Wind shell

A wind shell without insulation adds extra protection and weighs less than 8oz/230g. It is also useful as a 3rd layer use on approaches.

On the summit day or cold days, it may not be enough as a 3rd layer. Optional.

The Parka is the most important garment of the third layer, it can be combined with any of the other two options, and must fulfill the 3 functions:

• Coat (feather)
• Waterproof
• Windbreaker (Gore-tex)

Coat (Feather Jacket)

A lightweight insulated jacket filled with down or synthetic insulation. An insulated down or synthetic jacket. A synthetic model mimics down's insulative, air-trapping properties but is not susceptible to losing loft in damp conditions like goose down. Insulated synthetic jackets are crucial for summer mountaineering- especially in wet locations, as the synthetic insulation handles body moisture without any problem and dries quickly. Synthetic insulations are usually measured in grams of weight per square meter- this number helps indicate how warm a jacket will be. 

For example, a 180g insulated synthetic jacket would be warm enough for climbing as high as 5000m/16405feet. Down jackets are lighter than expedition parkas but still offer significant insulation for cold conditions or moderate altitudes. They are usually worn during breaks, around camp, and when climbing in cold conditions. Knowing exactly how warm a down jacket can be challenging since factors like down quality, construction method, and fabric choices significantly impact a jacket's warmth. We recommend contacting an expert resource when choosing a down jacket.

Estimated rental price: USD 105

Waterproof Jacket

A non-insulated, waterproof hard-shell jacket with a helmet-compatible hood. We recommend Gore-Tex Pro Shell or a similar eVent fabric since they offer more durability and weather protection. It must fit comfortably over your base layer, mid-layer, soft-shell, and lightweight insulated Layer.  A hard-shell jacket made of Gore-Tex or similar material protects against rain, snow, and wind. 

 The hard-shell fabric must also be helmet-compatible, waterproof, and breathable. 3-layer jackets tend to be more waterproof in extended use in wetter or more adverse conditions. For mountain travel, hard-shell jackets must have a hood and be uninsulated because dual-purpose, insulated hard-shell jackets do not allow for modular layering. A hard-shell jacket should never be worn unless extreme wind or precipitation requires it- it is better to use more breathable layers (like a mid-layer or soft-shell jacket) when possible to avoid trapping sweat. 

Estimated rental price: USD 74

Parka

An 8000m expedition parka is the warmest insulated jacket available, and it is suitable for use anywhere in icy conditions. Expedition parkas are down insulated since synthetic insulation would be too heavy and too bulky.

A more extended cut, an insulated hood, baffle box construction, and 800+ fill-power down are characteristics of the expedition-worthy parka. A down parka should fit over a shell or soft-shell jacket.

The synthetic fine gloves offer a comfortable fit. Lighter colors are preferred since they absorb less sunlight and still provide UV protection. 

Two pairs are recommended.

Gel hand warmers (optional)

6-8 gel hand warmers are recommended to keep the fingers warm if extra heat is needed.  

Not only for comfort but also in case of any frozen issue. 

A pair of polar type or similar warm gloves. The cold in the hands is vital to consider; they must be protected with the highest possible quality.

The cold in the hands is vital to consider; they must be protected with the highest possible quality.

Estimated rental price: USD 16

Two pairs of gloves are required as a 3rd layer.

Waterproof thermal gloves

One pair of insulated warm shell gloves with removable liners. Expedition gloves are extra-warm gloves that allow dexterity in icy conditions and higher altitudes. They should have an insulated, waterproof, and breathable shell and have insulated removable liners.

You should look for gloves with a cinch strap at the wrist, a cinch cord at the gauntlet and wrist keeper leashes to prevent dropping gloves in windy conditions, and curved fingers. They allow maneuverability in the camps, although they are not as warm as mittens.

Estimated rental price: USD 46

Mittens

For the summit day, expedition mitts with an isolated removable lining are required for maximum protection against low temperatures. We recommend buying the warmest model available. Expedition mittens are used to keep hands warm in the most extreme conditions.

They must be made for use on 8000 m peaks. Here the 3 layers of gloves will be worn without restricting the blood flow to the fingers. Models with synthetic or down insulation work well.

Mitt cover: in old models of mittens used to waterproof the gloves. In Gore-Tex models, the mitt cover is unnecessary because they are already waterproof.

Estimated rental price: USD 33

Our expeditions include meals and snacks. However, the climbers may bring the following items of their favorite flavors:

• Servings electrolyte replacement mix (Nuun, Skratch Labs)
• Servings instant coffee (if desired a particular coffee) 
• Energy gels (Gu, Clif Shot Bloks)
• Energy bars (Clif Bar, Luna Bar)
• Candy bars (Snickers, Twix)
• Servings snack crackers (Austin Sandwich Crackers)
• A box of other crackers (Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its)
• A small assortment of hard candy, cough drops, etc.
• Special snacks in case of any food restriction
• Etc.

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 not frequent. However, some mountaineers usually use them when they go through the 360 Polish Glacier Traverse Route. It is not commonly used on the Normal Route.

We recommend its use only to climb 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

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

Sunblock sun protection factor SPF 50+. Sun protector lips.

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 take 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.

The guides’ first aid kits include oxygen, oximeter, band-aids and gauze, disinfectant for wounds, and basic medicines for altitude sickness (for legal reasons, they can be used under doctor's approval only). Aconcagua has an authorized rescue patrol with doctors that 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).