"I have traveled throughout the world for decades but our MountainVision trek was far and beyond all expectations. The grandeur of the mountains, the joy of community service, the excellent food, and wonderful service were all world class. Most of all, Jeff is remarkably gifted at building superb teams of adventurous people who truly enjoy each other. In sum, it was an experience of a lifetime."
Our suggestions in parenthesis.
Use as a guide for alternative brands.
Alpine Climbing Harness
(Trango Cosmic) Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing.
1 Locking Carabiner
Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best, screw gate type recommended.
Ice axe w/leash
(Grivel Air tech or Black Diamond Raven)
Under 5’7” use 60cm
5’7”- 6’2” use 65cm
over 6’2” use 70cm
Crampons
(Grivel G12, Black Diamond Contact, or Charlet Moser Super 12)
Must be fit to plastic boots prior to trip, new-matic type recommended, include a simple repair kit.
Backpack
(Mountain Hardwear Solitude) 5,000 c.i.
This is the beast you will use to carry heavy loads. Fitting is essential here. Spend time and effort getting the best fit.
Daypack
(Mountain Hardwear Scrambler) 1,600 c.i.
For the 3 day approach.
Sleeping Bag
(Down- Mountain Hardwear Wraith)
(Synthetic- Mountain Hardwear Lamina)
You will have to choose between Down or Synthetic. There are pros and cons with both. We do recommend down for Aconcagua. Rated at least 20 below Fahrenheit.
Duffel Bag
(Mountain Hardwear Large Expedition Duffel)
Large expedition size duffel. Made from either sturdy vinyl or canvass. This is the bag that will be carried on the mules with all of your gear that is not on your back. It must be sturdy. *Also have 1 other less sturdy duffel to leave street clothes at hotel while on trek.
Plastic mountaineering boots or Insulated Leather boots
(Boreal Latok or La Sportiva Lhotse)
Hiking Boots
lightweight hikers or cross trainers (La Sportiva Zodiak)
sturdy hiking boots (La Sportiva Thunder GTX)
Warm Hat
Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon)
Sunglasses
(Costa Del Mar Frigate) A second spare pair strongly recommended.
Trekking Poles
Optional, but recommended.
Glove and Mitten Combo
1 pair of liners (Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch)
1 pair of windstoppers (Mountain Hardwear Gravity)
1 pair of heavy gloves/mittens (Mountain Hardwear Elevation)
Capelin/Polypro top/bottom
3 sets each light and medium
Shorts 1 pair
Socks
(2)Light, (3)Medium and (3)Heavy sets. (Smartwool)
Hydrating system
(Camelback) for approach and lower mountain only)
2-3 quart capacity.
Should fit within a sleeve in your pack. Consider bringing an extra bladder as they do get holes and break.
Water bottle
(Nalgene) You will need at least 2 wide mouth bottles to take the place of water bladders for higher up on the mountain.
Water bottle parka
(OR bottle parka) keep your water from freezing inside bottle.
Water treatment (Iodine)
Hygiene/toiletry kit
Only the basics
Pee bottle or female spout If you haven't ever used one...practice. You will use it on this trip.
First Aid Items
Only the basics. Tylenol, Motrin, Cipro, Moleskin...etc. We provide the main medical kit with critical meds.
Headlamp
Gaiters
Ski goggles
Booties, down or polarguard
Neoprene booties with sole, for river crossings. Sandals or old pair of tennis shoes are also ok.
Stuff sacks 2-3, assorted sizes (one extra large to store contents of pack on summit day)
Insect repellant with Deet
Hat/Visor
Plastic Bags (garbage bags)
1 to 2...many uses. Big enough to hold critical items in your mountain duffel to add rain protection. Also several small sandwich bags.
Hand sanitizer (pocket size is best)
Sunscreen 30 – 45 SPF
Baby wipes for mountain bath
Bandana
Knife or multitool (if you think you might use it)
Duct tape (put a few wraps around trekking pole for access)
Disposable handwarmers (for summit day)
Spare batteries
Ear plugs
Toilet paper - 1 or 2 rolls
Camera and film
Journal, pen/pencil, book, games, walkman
Swimsuit
2 lbs. of your favorite lunch treat or energy bar (we provide full lunches)
1-2 oz. of your favorite spice
$100 US dollars in small bills ($1 s, $5 s, & $10 s) for meals, drinks, etc. in Penitentes
Click here or on the icon to download application. Print and fill out all appropriate sections. Contact us with any questions regarding the application process.
Send applications and deposits to:
MountainVision Expeditions
1024 55th St.
Boulder, CO 80303
