Gear List for Mexican Volcano Expedition
In the list below are required items, not optional. These items are important to the success and safety of our expedition. Weather conditions can change rapidly and you'll need to be prepared.
Technical Gear
Crampons
General mountaineering 10-12 point glacier crampons with straps. Rigid ice climbing crampons are NOT recommended for the mountaineering section of these routes.
Ice Axe
The length depends roughly on your height and intended use. For general mountaineering, the axe should hang a few inches above the ground when held comfortably in your hand. i.e., a 5'10" person would have a 70 cm axe.
Helmet
A climbing specific helmet is required, a bike helmet will not do.
Adjustable Ski or Trekking poles
Z-poles or a tri-fold pole that packs down to a shorter length is recommended. Snow baskets not needed.
Other Gear
Mountaineering Boots
You don't need a super technical mountaineering boot but regular hiking boots won't do either. You need a highly insulated Gore-Tex cold weather boot that is stiff.
Lightweight Hiking Boots or Approach Shoes
Mid top or high tops are preferable but low tops are fine if you prefer them.
Backpack
An internal frame backpack 28-45 litres in size. Ice axe loops on the outside are a good feature.
Sleeping Bag
Anywhere from 0 degree to 5 or 10 degrees is recommended. Down or synthetic down with an 850 fill is recommended.
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping pads will be provided but if you prefer to bring your own, please do.
Headlamp
Bring extra batteries
Nalgenes
Bring 2 or 3 one litre wide mouth water bottles. Make sure they are wide mouth.
Duffel Bags
Full Wrap Sunglasses or Glacier Glasses
They must be dark lens full wrap or glacier glasses with side shields. Visible light transmission should be around 6%. By comparison, driving sunglasses have around 20% visible light transmission which is not appropriate.
Clothing for Climbing
For clothing, we emphasize a layering system in which we put on and take off layers of clothing depending on the outside temperature and the level of activity.
Outer Waterproof Shell Jacket (hard shell) with Hood
A waterproof & breathable shell jacket with no additional insulation sewn in. Lightweight is better. Pit zips and hood that fits over a helmet recommended.
Outer Waterproof Shell Pant
Must be waterproof & breathable with side zippers on the legs.
Climbing Pant (soft shell)
A lighter weight non-waterproof pant that breathes much better than waterproof pants. This is what you will probably be wearing most of the time.
Long Underwear Base Layers
Synthetic or wool. Light-weight to mid-weight is best for these peaks.
2 Synthetic Short Sleeve T-shirts
Synthetic or wool
1-2 Mid-weight Long Underwear Base Layer Tops
Synthetic or wool
Insulating Layer - Light-weight
Fleece or wool
Insulated Parka or "Puffy"
Down or synthetic fill puffy with a hood.
Warm Hat
Stocking style. Wool or synthetic
Sun Hat or Ball Cap
2 pairs Socks
Mid-weight to heavy-weight wool or synthetic socks. If you normally use liners, bring those as well.
Insulated Gloves or mittens - Heavy-Weight
Water resistant & wind proof highly insulated.
Light-weight Glove
These do not have to be water resistant. Fleece or soft shell is fine. They need to fit beneath your heavier insulated gloves or mittens.
Clothing for Travel Days
A collection of regular clothing. Comfortable clothing for vehicle travel and sightseeing along with some appropriate attire for dining in city restaurants.
Other Important Items
Sunscreen
30 SPF or higher
Lip Balm
15 SPF or higher
Toilet Paper
A small amount, not a whole roll.
Baby Wipes
Small Personal Kit for Base Camps
Personal medications, toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste, blister kit, etc. (your guides will have a full first aid kit. Carrying your own is optional).
Foam Ear Plugs
For wind, Mexico noise and the random snorer in the bunk beneath you.
Stuff Sacks
For organization