Recommended gear and equipment list

The list shown below are in the most case for trekking and mountaineering activities.

For trekking tours

  • 1 Backpack with a carrying capacity of 60 to 70 L/ 15 -17 Gallons (a similar sized duffle bag or travel bag can be used as a substitute)
  • 1 Small backpack for day trips
  • Sleeping bag (down or synthetic, down to 0 degrees, lightweight compression bag)
  • 1 Warm jacket or parka
  • 3 Pairs of outdoor pants (jeans are not recommended as they are difficult to dry out when wet)
  • Warm sweaters
  • 2 - 4 Pairs of woolen socks
  • T-shirts, shirts, hats or caps
  • 1 Set of warm underwear such as long underpants and long undershirts
  • 1 Pair of good hiking boots (make sure they are "broken-in")
  • 1 Pair of light shoes (runners or sneakers)
  • 1 Set of light rain gear such as a pant and jacket combination (poncho style rain gear is not recommended as it hinders movement while canoeing)
  • 1 Water bottle with a 1 litre capacity
  • 1 Pocket-knife or hunting knife
  • 1 Flashlight
  • 1 Pair of sun glasses (VERY IMPORTANT!)
  • A supply of sun blocker or sunscreen lotion and Lip suncream (VERY IMPORTANT!)
  • Personal medications
  • Underwear, personal items, and toiletries
  • 1 pair of fleece pants
  • 1 wool or fleece hat
  • Headlamp and Batteries (bring at least 2 spare sets)
  • 1 pair of Gore-Tex gaiters (heavy-duty, sized large enough to fit over plastic boots)
  • 1 pair of Gore-Tex shell gloves

Optional:

  • Trekking poles (recommended)
  • Thermarest sleeping pad
  • Camera and film
  • Journal and pens
  • Spanish / English dictionary

For climbing and mountaineering tours

Climbing tools

  • Ice Axe w/Leash
  • Adjustable Ski/Trekking Poles
  • Technical clothing
  • Lightweight Underwear
  • Fleece or Synthetic Jacket
  • Fleece or Synthetic Pants
  • Down Parka
  • Down or synthetic Pants
  • Gore-Tex Shell Pants & Shell Jacket with hood
  • Mitts and gloves
  • 2 Pair Synthetic Gloves
  • Outdoor Research Pro Modular Mitts w/ double liners
  • Footwear
  • Light hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Teva Sports sandals
  • Double plastic climbing boots
  • Crampons
  • Gaiters
  • Wool or Pile Socks
  • Liner Socks
  • Headwear
  • Baseball Cap or other Sun Hat
  • 2 Bandanas
  • Wool or pile ski hat
  • Balaclava
  • Neck Gaiter
  • Headlamp
  • Glacier glasses with Side Covers
  • For technical routes
  • Climbing helmet
  • North Wall Hammer w/leash
  • Alpine climbing harness
  • Locking carabiners
  • Standard carabiners
  • Insulated Supergaiters