Essential Gear List for Tackling Aconcagua

Ready to take on Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak? It’s an incredible challenge that draws folks from all over. But before you set foot on the Andes, you’ve got to prep right — and that means packing the right stuff.

At Life Happens Outdoors we know a thing or two about packing for mountains. We’ve put together a no-nonsense list of gear that’ll help you reach the top without the pitfalls that come with missing one of those essentials. We’re talking gear that can handle the cold, wind, and thin air up there, making sure you’re safe, comfy, and ready for whatever Aconcagua throws your way.

FACE, NECK & HEAD

• 1x Balaclava (Warm Face Mask)
• 2x Buff or Scarf (Neck Warmer)
• 1x Sun Hat or Cap (Covering the Neck)
• 1x Warm Beanie
• 1x Sunglasses Side Cover (Factor 3 or 4)
• 1x Ski Mask/High Mountain Goggles
  

UPPER BODY 

• 2x Warm Base Layer
• 4x Quick Dry T-shirts 
• 1x Long-sleeved Sweater 
• 2x Fleece Sweaters/Jackets
• 1x Down Jacket (650 or up)
• 1x Warm Down Parka w/ Hood (800 FP and up)
• 1x Technical Shell Jacket (Wind and Waterproof Gore-Tex)
• 1x Rain Poncho
  

LOWER BODY

• 2x Warm Base Layer
• 1x Fleece Pants
• 1x Trekking Shorts
• 2x Trekking Pants
• 1x Technical Shell Pants w/ Side Zip (Gore-Tex)
  

FEET & HANDS

• 1x Liner Glove
• 1x Wool/Fleece Liner Glove
• 1x Gore-Tex Gloves
• 1x Duvet Mittens
• 3x Warm Trekking Socks (Wool or Synthetic) 
• 2x Light Trekking Socks (Wool or Synthetic)
• 1x Waterproof High Ankle Trekking Boots
• 1x Warm Crampon Graded Climbing Boots (Scarpa Phantom 800 or La Sportiva G2)
• 1x Comfortable Trainers
• 1x Sandals
• 1x Gaiters
  

SLEEPING

• 1x Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional)
• 1x Down Expedition Sleeping Bag   (Comfort -18 to -30)
• 1x Ridge Rest Sleeping Pad/Matt
• 1x Thermarest Pad ¾ Length w/ Repair Kit (Inflatable Mattress)
  

TECHNICAL GEAR

• 1x 45 Liter Backpack
• 1x Waterproof Backpack Cover
• 2x Waterproof Duffle Bag

         Size: 70 – 90 Liters / Weight: 12 KGs

         Size 90 -120 Liters / Weight: 15 KGs

• 1x Titanium or Plastic: Plate, Bowl, Cup
• 1x Spoon, Fork & Knife
• 1x Adjustable Pair of Trekking Poles
• 1x Headlamp (Petzl/Black Diamond)
• 2x Wide Mouth Water Bottles Insulated (1 Liter Each)
• 1x Camelback (2 – 3 Liters)
• 1x Outdoor Multisport Watch (Optional)
• 1x Pee Bottle (Additional Pee Funnel for Women)
• 1x Mountaineering/Climbing Helmet
• 1x Pair of Step-In Crampons
  

A complete packing list and condition-dependent technical equipment answer different questions. Read Is Technical Gear Needed on Aconcagua? to understand when items such as crampons, high-altitude boots or a helmet may be required and how guide decisions respond to conditions.

PERSONAL ITEMS/COMFORT

• 2x Sleepwear
• Electrolytes (Enough for 15 days)
• Hand Warmers (Recommended)
• 1x Toiletries (Preferably Biodegradable)
• Snacks (Protein Bars, Dried Fruit, Etc.)
• 1x Small Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• 2x Lip Balm (SPF 50+)
• 1x Reusable Earplugs (Recommended)
• 1x First Aid Kit (Optional)

DOCUMENTS

• Flight Info
• Insurance Info
• Passport/Required Visa

Our gear lists are designed by our experienced LHO Team Leaders for this specific adventure. It is highly recommended that you purchase, rent, or borrow everything on the list before the trip start date. We understand that some of the names on the gear list may sound like gibberish, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.

For preparation beyond the packing list, return to the Aconcagua planning guide, or view the live expedition for current trip details.

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