Gear For Adventure: Aconcagua

While Aconcagua, at 22,968ft (6,960m) is the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, the difficulty of climbing it is often underestimated  due to its non-technical normal route. Many climbers come to Aconcagua after climbing Kilimanjaro expecting a similar experience. However, they are quickly surprised to find that they have embarked on a serious mountain adventure, complete with unstable weather conditions, tent shredding winds and an exhausting summit day. 

With the proper logistical, physical and mental preparation, Aconcagua is a perfect first big-mountain challenge. The following are some words of advice and a comprehensive gear list so that you arrive in Mendoza, Argentina ready for an exhilarating expedition. 

The climb has three distinct stages: the approach, high camps and summit day. For the approach you must be ready for hot days with searing sun; for the high camps expect a mix of wind, sun, snow and cold nights; and expect extreme cold on the summit push during the first frigid hours of early morning. 

A versatile layering system is critical for the climb, so that you can mix and match according to meet the demands of the ever-changing forecast. For summit day a hooded down jacket, insulated pants, down mittens and double boots are essential. As expensive and specific as these items are, don’t skimp here. It is important to remember that above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) our bodies are oxygen-deprived, and therefore incapable of keeping us as warm as they do at lower altitudes. So dressing for a -10 degree Fahrenheit (-23C) summit day on Aconcagua is not the same as it would be for a winter outing in Norway or New England. 

Every season we here at Grajales Expeditions have clients that arrive with La Sportiva G5 type boots that have a boot shell and an incorporated gaiter. These are insufficient and should not be confused for double boots. Climbing boots for Aconcagua must have a removable insulated inner boot and a separate outer shell. If they include gaiters, too, all the better, but the insulation of an inner boot is absolutely necessary.

High altitude expeditions require rest days and down time for acclimatization and often include weather days when you are hunkered down in your tent. Entertainment of one form or another is helpful for calming nerves and anxieties. E-readers, podcasts, movies on your cellphone, and card games are all helpful ways to relax on the off days. Base camps now all offer WiFi and at Plaza de Mulas you even have 4G. But don’t forget to enjoy the scenery and take advantage of the international mix of climbers to strike interesting conversations. 

One last word of advice: bring cash in US dollars or Euros. Renting gear, paying for the climbing permits and any other extra services on the mountain (such as porters, helicopters and internet) are best paid for in dollars. 

The following is a suggested gear list for climbers who will be climbing as part of a guided expedition. At the bottom is suggested additional gear for independent, unguided parties.

For more information, check out Grajales Expeditions (@grajales.expeditions).

We have opted to use affiliate links in our gear reviews. Every time you buy something after clicking on links in our gear articles you’re helping support our magazine.