Ecuador Mountaineering Packing List
Notes
- Airlines that fly domestically in Ecuador (i.e, to the Galapagos or Coca) allow only one checked suitcase no more than 20 kg (44 lbs.) and one carry-on bag per passenger.
Clothing
It is recommended that you pack clothing suitable for the high mountain trekking and climbing: Gore-tex and Polypropylene outside layers and dry cotton or synthetic under layers (underwear and t-shirts).
- 2 t-shirts (dry cotton or synthetic)
- 1 cotton or flannel shirt, or a sweater (various light woolen sweaters offer more
protection than one thick piece of clothing); synthetic clothing is also possible - 1 warm polar jacket
- 1 rain-wind jacket with a hood, Gore-tex recommended
- 2 pairs of synthetic material pants (easy to dry)
- 1 pair rain-wind pants
- Synthetic material underwear and long underwear
- 1 pair of silk gloves/ light gloves
- At least 2 pairs of wool or polar gloves and/or mittens
- Nylon or Gore-tex over gloves
- Wool or polar material Balaclava
- A pair of silk socks, synthetic socks or normal socks and SEVERAL PAIRS of wool socks
Trekking/ Climbing/ Camping equipment
- Mountain helmet (not essential, renting is possible)
- 1 pair of gaiters
- 1 sleeping bag (-10 C / 10 F)
- Mountain sunglasses (“glacier” glasses)
- Frontal lamp/head lamp for the night departures (One that takes AA batteries if preferable – make sure to bring extra batteries)
- Water bottles and Camelbak (useful on bumpy roads)
- Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
- Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets
- Plastic bags for protection of your equipment in case of rain during the ascents to the mountain huts
- Optional: trekking poles
Footwear
- Trekking boots: good lightweight waterproof mid-cut or high-cut hiking shoes for the acclimatization hikes (Pasochoa, Imbabura, Illinizas, etc…)
- Mountaineering boots for the higher peaks (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, etc). Koflach or Asolo (plastic boots) are recommended. Leather mountaineering boots are fine, but make sure they are waterproof and that they can be covered by gaitors since you will spend 8-9 hours on snow. Regardless, the boots need to have rigid soles and be semi-automatic crampon compatible. Boots can be rented in Quito.
Baggage/ Backpacks
- Duffel bag – for gear and belongings left at the hotels.
- One large backpack – large enough to carry all of your gear and sleeping bag to the mountain huts or base camp for the ascent of the mountaineering peaks.
- One small backpack for acclimatization hikes and mountaineering. 30 to 40 liters. You can climb with the large backpack if your prefer.
Provided Equipment
The following equipment is provided by the ground operator, so you DO NOT need to bring these items.
- Crampons
- Ice axes
- Harness
- Rope
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Moist towelettes (hand-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Malaria pills (if necessary)
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Band-aids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar)
- Ace bandage
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- It is advisable to bring some medicine for high altitude, such as Aspirin at high doses (Aspegic 1,000 mg) or Diamox 250 mg (talk to doctor)
*** NOTE: A collective first aid kit is provided and carried by your guide. Regardless you still need a personal first aid kit.