CORDILLERA BLANCA - CLIMBINGS

CLIMBING EQUIPMENTS:

* Ice Axe w/Leash. General mountaineering tool. Sizing is important: under 5’7” use a 60cm tool; 5’7”- 6’1” use a 65cm tool; over 6’1” use a 70cm tool. (Too short is preferable to too long). No rubberized grips-they are heavy and do not plunge well into the snow. Make sure that you have a leash that is designed for use on a glacier axe. Please no technical leashes designed for ice climbing-they are too short, heavy, and not versatile.
* Crampons. With flat rather than “cookie cutter” frame rails. Avoid anti-balling plates which are heavy and are useful only in very specific snow conditions. A combination heel bail/toe strap is a better system than a heel and toe bail system.
* Cordillera Blanca Climbing Harness. Harness should fit over all clothing, have gear loops, adjustable leg loops and be reasonably comfortable to hang suspended in. Make sure you can get into the harness without having to step through any part of it.
* Carabiners. 2 Pear shaped locking. 2 standard oval or lightweight D.
* Ascender. 1 right or left.
* 40 ft 6mm perlon or completed prussiks. If you have attended a course, please bring your glacier rig.
* Rappel/Belay Device.
* Climbing helmet. Must be adjustable to fit, with or without hat or balaclava on.
* Adjustable 3 Section Ski or trekking poles. With snow baskets. 3 Section poles are helpful when travelling.

HANDWEAR:

* Synthetic gloves. 2 pair. Bunting or fleece gloves which will fit comfortably inside mitts. A heavier fleece will do a better job of keeping hands warmer when wet than lighter polypropylene or Capilene.
* Shell Mitts w/ single liner. Seam Taped, GoreTex. Make sure that you can fit one of your gloves inside the mitten with the shell over the top, three layers total.

>> PERSONAL EQUIPMENT <<

- Expedition Backpack. Internal frame pack expandable to a minimum of 5,500-6,000 cu.in. Keep it simple and light, avoid unnecessary zippers, etc which add weight.
- Trekking Pack. (Optional but recommended). Small backpack approx. 2,500cu. in for acclimatization hikes and trek.
- Sleeping Bag. High quality with hood rated to at least -10. If you sleep cold bring a warmer bag. Goose down preferred over synthetic for bulk & weight. If well-cared-for, a down bag will last much longer than a synthetic bag. It should be roomy enough for comfortable sleeping but snug enough for efficient heat retention.
- Compression stuff sack. Necessary to reduce volume of sleeping bag.
- Self Inflating pad. One 3/4 or full length pad. If you are over 6’ a long is recommended. Make sure to include a valve stem and patch repair kit.
- Closed-Cell foam pad. One full length closed cell is recommended.
- Cooking gear: Cup: 12-16oz. plastic insulated mug with snap-on lid (retains heat well and is spill-resistant in the tent).Spoon: Good quality tough plastic (lexan). You do not need a plastic knife and fork. Bowl: Deep plastic with 2-3 cup capacity.
- Headlamp. Bring spare bulb & batteries. No Halogen bulbs. They take more power and have a shorter life.
- Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin (Extra Strength Excedrin is best), Antibiotic ointment, Moleskin, molefoam, waterproof first-aid tape, athletic tape, Band-Aids, personal prescriptions, etc. The guides will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your guide know about any medical issues before the climb.
- Sunscreen. SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes. Make sure that the sun screen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
- Lipscreen. SPF 30, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months.
- Water Bottles: 2 liters minimum capacity. Wide mouth bottles required. No water bag or bladder systems, they freeze or are hard to fill.
- Water Purification tablets. 1 bottle. Water filters are too heavy and clog quickly with silt.
- Pee Bottle (1 Liter). Large mouth. Make sure the bottle is clearly marked, “Pee Bottle.”
- Pee Funnel (for women). It is a good idea to practice, practice, practice.
- Toiletry bag. Include toliet paper, Purell or other alcohol hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste.
- Knife. Medium sized. Keep the knife simple.
- Trash Compactor bags (4). To line stuff sacks to keep gear dry. Trash Compactor bags are made from a heavier plastic.
- Camera gear. Optional. We recommend a small instant or point and shoot cameras. Please do not bring large SLR cameras with extra lenses. For the best pictures bring slow speed film, 50, 100, or 200. Simple and light. Digital and disposable cameras also work well.

TRAVELING:

> Large duffle bag with lock. Used for transporting your gear.
> Travel clothes. A couple sets of clean clothes is nice to have to change intoduring the trip. Include trekking pants for acclimatization hikes. Shorts are not common in Peruvian culture.

FIRST AID KIT:

. Small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin (Extra Strength Excedrin is best), Antibiotic ointment, Moleskin, molefoam, waterproof first-aid tape, athletic tape, Band-Aids, personal prescriptions, etc. The guides will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your guide know about any medical issues before the climb.
. Drugs/Medications/Prescriptions. Climbers should bring Pepto Bismol. Ciprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for traveler’s diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Azithromycin (Z-pak) 250mg tablets for non-gastrointestinal infections. Levaquin for respiratory infections. Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches, sprains, aches, etc. Excedrin for headaches. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for stomach sensitivity.