Heading to an extreme environment like Aconcagua for two weeks is no easy task. Having the right gear for your Aconcagua expedition is a serious component to success and a small error could quicky turn you around.
When you’ve been training a long time, and you’ve invested a lot of money, not only is that not the idea, but it’s also not safe! Here’s a thorough list to get you started.
You’ll face diverse and extreme climates while on your expedition to Mount Aconcagua.
The first couple days trekking into base camp will have heavily beating sun during the day (ex:15C/50F), but chilly nights. At base camp, 4300m/16,000ft, it will be cold to moderate temperatures during the day (ex: 0C/30F) and but cold nights / mornings. And, remember, in the mountain conditions can change in a second!! Heading from basecamp to summit, temperatures will drop quickly (ex: -15C/5F), and summit day even in mid january / middle of summer, can be -30C/-25F.
For example, when I checked the weather a couple days before beginning my Aconcagua expedition, it was forecasted to snow 30cm / 11inches for various days towards the summit. During our time on the mountain, our summit was pushed back due to winds of 70kph / 40mph. Others I know have climbed with no snow. That said, you need to smartly pack your layers and be prepared for it all!
Here’s a pretty comprehensive Aconcagua gear list, that serves for basically any mountain of higher altitude. When going to other mountains, the only things that will vary are how many of the base / mid layers you need or if the third layers are necessary.
”Having the right equipment is essential to arriving to the top, and back down, safely and comfortably. Carrying the weight of what isn't needed makes you slower, more tired, and stresses your body. But you can't afford to not have something when it's needed.
Having the proper gear in your backpack is in direct coorelation to how well you planned.
Chelsey Berg
Aconcagua Expedition Clothing
When going to the mountain, smart layering is the key.
- Base Layer Top – light and medium weights
- Insulating Second layer tops – medium wieght
- Fleece Jacket
- Soft Shell Jacket
- Expedition Down Jacket
- Base Layer Bottom – light and medium weights
- Soft Shell Pants
- Shell Pants
- Expedition-Weight Pants
- Underwear and sports bra
- Fleece Gloves/Glove Liners
- Expedition Gloves
- Summit Day Mittens
- Hat
- Lightweight & Heavyweight Balaclava
- Buff / Bandanas
- Gaiters
- Sneakers for river crossing
- High Mountain Boots
- Double Boots
- Crocs for in camp comfort
- Heavy socks / liner socks
- Sun Glasses Level 4 protection
- Snow Goggles Level 4 protection
Aconcagua Expedition Climbing Gear
The Normal Route of Aconcagua is a non technical route, so there’s really no need for a harness or rope. Crampons and piolet are essential because you don’t know what weather you’ll get, or how the snow will be when climbing up through the shoot.
- Trekking Poles
- Carabiners
- Climbing Helmet
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
Aconcagua Expedition Sleeping Equipment
You need to be protected from the elements so your body can rest and recover each night.
- 4 season tent
- 4 season tent kept at base camp – optional
- Sleeping bag for at least -20 degrees C (I use the Marmot Never Summer)
- Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth
- Vivac (sleeping bag cover for extra warmth) – optional
- Sleeping pad
- Mat (isolates sleeping pad from ground)
Aconcagua Expedition Accessories
If using mules to base camp, make sure to identify what you’ll need during those first few days. The rest can get packed directly in a separate duffel bag.
- Duffel Bag
- Nalgene
- Nalgene parka, necessary to keep your water from freezing!!
- Camelback (perfect for lower altitudes but will freeze in colder conditions)
- Thermos
- Mug
- Spoon/Fork/Knife
- Bowl
- Stove
- Stove for high altitudes (MSR)
- Gas / Gasoline for the MSR stove
- One or two cooking pots
- Hand and Toe Warmers
- Solar Charging Panels
- Portable battery chargers with cables
- Front Head Lantern
- Extra batteries
- Camera with extra batteries
- Little ropes
- Face Sunscreen 50
- Other sunscreen
- Tooth paste / tooth brush
- Wet wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
GET MOUNTAIN GUIDE RECOMMENDATIONS
Send me a message and let me know what country you want to climb mountains in. I’ll send you contact information of certified guides I trust.
Aconcagua Expedition First Aid Kit
You always need to be prepared with a good first aid kit. In Aconcagua you are facing high altitude and body fatigue for up to two weeks.
- Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin
- Benadryl
- Immodium
- Acetazolomide (Mountain / Altitude Sickness)
- Anti-nausea
- Amoxicillin (sore throat medicine)
- Adhestive temporary stitches
- Serum
- Iodine
- Ace Bandages
- Adhesive tapes
- Bandaids
- Gauzes
- alcohol pads
- Tweezers
- Blade
- Emergency blanket
Related Articles
I'M TALKIN' TO YOU
Purpose-driven people who feel compelled to make life meaningful for yourself and others.
Outdoor-inspired people whose best self comes alive when experiencing beautiful places and pushing your limits in the open air.
