
Packing list materials
- 75/85 liter (4800 cubic inches or larger) backpack
- Sleeping bag allowing for -10º C (10 F) - we recommend at least 800 gram of down shell, or synthetic
Sleeping pad (we recommend closed cell foam or Therm - A - Rest type, for more comfort)- Mountain boots: crampon compatible (either waterproof leather or plastic boots) - we recommend the leather ones (Boreal Latok or Sportiva Nepal Top). Plastic boots are also possible to use, but they make the walking sometimes difficult.
- One pair of trail running shoes that are comfortable for walking
- Crampons (we only need them during the April expedition)
- Two pair of medium polar socks
- Two pair of thin synthetic socks
- A pair of good quality gamaschen (only for the March or April expeditions)
- One set of synthetic thermo underwear (pants and long sleeve shirt)
- One long sleeve synthetic shirt
- Rain Parka with hood (we recommend Gore - Tex shell or similar)
- Polar fiber jacket
- Warm duvet or synthetic jacket, to wear after walking or at night
- Polar fiber pants or trekking pants
- One t-shirt
- Sun hat for sun protection (sun in mountain areas is strong) in order to avoid sunstroke
- Warm hat (for warmth)
- One pair of liner gloves
- Waterproof over mitts (we recommend Gore - Tex or similar)
- Two ski or trekking poles
- Glacier glasses (with UV filter and side shields)
- Lip protection
- Sunscreen (with SPF of at least 16/20)
- Athletic tape for blisters (1 ½ inch wide tape)
- Personal hygiene and Medical Kit (please, reduced to a minimum)
- Pocket knife (optional)
- Water bottle (better if it is wide - mouthed)
- Headlamp and flashlight (e.g. Petzl or Black Diamond) - with set of extra batteries
- Power bars - Note: it is illegal to bring beef jerky, any meats or fresh products
- Camera - with extra batteries
We suggest not using natural fibers such as cotton or wool. They don`t keep you warm anymore once wet and are very difficult to dry.
Grading
Severe. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more, subject to weather conditions and altitude).Suitable for people with an adventurous mindset. Prior mountaineering and trekking experience is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. During the expedition our participants need to help set-up camp, with the supervision and help of our staff.
The itinerary can be modified and should be considered as a rough guide. Weather conditions or external situations could change daily plans. The head guide will always make the final decision when plans need to be changed.
Suggested preparation: For Severe expeditions you will need to be fit and healthy. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi-day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition.
Climate
During the Austral summer (December thru March - April) temperatures on the mountain can range from 25 degrees during the day to below freezing at night. The area is continuously swept by strong westerly winds that drop their moisture on the mountains and continue cold and dry eastbound over the steppe.
Argentina
J.A Cabrera 4423/29 C1414BGE Buenos Aires
T: +54 11 4833 8400 ó F: +54 11 4833 8401
USA
20608 Thurman Bend Road, Spicewood,
TX 78669 United States
Brazil
Alameda Santos 1470, conj. 502, Sao Paulo
T: +55 11 3253 0816 ó F: + 55 11 3253 2806
Peru
San Martin 800 esq. Grimaldo del Solar,
Miraflores, Lima
T:+511-444 1652/444-2220
Costa Rica
Del KFC del Barrio La California,
25 Mts Este. Primer Piso, Oficina 2
San Jose, Costa Rica
T/ 506 8980 2531