Gear

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NOTES:

The recommended list that is presented on the following tabs, is just that - our recommendations (based on experience).  Please feel free to adjust what you bring according to your experience and desires.  You may find this helpful as a checklist while preparing for the trip.

Generally, a large duffle of between 4500 and 6500 cubic inches plus a modest carry-on type bag should be ample for each to pack comfortably for the wide range of conditions and activities we may encounter.

The quantities and many optional items listed above are to provide a starting point from which each individual should customize for their personal taste. If the maximum numbers of all items are taken from the list, it will be too much!

While Coyhaique is exceptionally far away in the middle of Chilean Patagonia at the southern end of the South American continent, still, the city is a veritable thriving center of commerce. Almost anything a traveler from the
U.S. could want is available there, albeit in slightly different forms or product brands than we’re used to. So don’t worry! If something essential has been forgotten, we’ll go out and find a replacement.

CLOTHING CHOICES:

Trips are scheduled during the summer months in the southern hemisphere. Think of it as the middle of May through the end of August in northern latitudes. However, we’ll be quite far south and in the midst of some
stupendous weather-generating geography. Lago Plomo is roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) into the rain shadow of a glacier ice sheet that receives over 2 meters of precipitation annually! We should expect the possibility of
rain and wind with low temperatures in the 40’s°F to lower 50’s°F. We should also expect the possibility of powerful, high-latitude southern sun and blue skies. Even a short hour unprotected in that sun can lead to a surprisingly substantial sunburn.

While we’re at Lago Plomo, a very remote and private frontier ranch (or campo), clothing choices should emphasize the casual and comfortable. It’s pretty easy to get a bit dusty, sweaty and dirty during the day’s activities, so having options to change into comfortable, clean clothes for the evening is great.

While we’re in transit and then later back in the “front-country” setting around Coyhaique, it’s good to be aware of the social conventions of Chilean culture. There’s a high value placed on personal appearance within the culture. While we’re forgiven a certain degree of eccentricity for being “gringo” travelers, it’s a nice gesture of respect to be able to dress up a bit. Generally, men wear long pants and button shirts. Women usually wear skirts or nice slacks. The classic East Coast “preppy” look usually works pretty well.

Equipment for wilderness/mountain travel should follow two simple concepts: lightweight and functional.  Items that you pack should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of harsh conditions.  Cotton clothing should be avoided because it dries slowly and is a poor insulator when it gets wet.  Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that “wick” moisture and sweat away from your skin to keep you much warmer.

If you tend to get cold easily, bring one extra medium layer such as a vest, which would be great for additional warmth around camp.  Please remember that figuring out what to pack is a balance between taking just enough clothes to keep you warm and comfortable, yet not overburdening yourself or others with items you probably won’t use.

BUYING GEAR:

The brand of gear you choose is entirely up to you, and there are many options available.  A good place to start here in Atlanta is REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) www.rei.com and sale prices are often found at www.rei.com/outlet/.  Patagonia (www.patagonia.com) has very high quality gear, and a strong environmental commitment.  Other companies include North Face (www.thenorthface.com) and Mountain Hardwear (www.mountainhardwear.com). If this trip is pursuing a passion that will extend for years into the future, making an investment in gear by Arch'teryx (http://www.arcteryx.com/) may be something to consider. This is often some of the best gear available. Outdoor Research (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/index.html)also makes some excellent gear. NLA's founder is especially fond of their hand gear and gaiters. For certain items it is probably best to find an outdoor store in your area, so you can ensure a good fit before you purchase. A few reliable online gear companies are Backcountry.com (http://www.backcountry.com/) and Moosejaw.com (http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/)

Upper Body

Head / Ears / Eyes

• Shade hat or baseball cap - some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it is place.  This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck
• Sunglasses, good quality with UV protection .
• Flashlight or Headlamp - Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good headlamps.  Make sure to bring extra batteries.
• Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional, a good hat, hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (Optional)

Hands

• 1 pair liner gloves thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days
• 1 pair shell gloves or mitts Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry

Core Body

• polypro long underwear
• fleece sweater
• 1-3 short sleeve shirt(s)
• 1-2 fishing / riding / hiking shirt(s)
• 1-2 casual button-down shirt(s)
• wool sweater (Optional)
• soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers.  Full front zipper is preferable for ventilation
• wind / rain jacket
• 1 hard shell with hood, waterproof, pay particular attention to venting options under / on the arms and inner chest pockets provide convenient access without taking off your pack, truly a great design option
• 2 women sports bras Synthetic, no cotton!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Lower Body

Legs

• polypro long underwear
• 1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best.  Should zip from the top and bottom - this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day (Optional)
• 1-2 jeans
• 1-2 khaki pants
• 1-2 shorts
• 2 skirts or slacks (Optional)
• swim suit
• 4-6 cotton underwear
• polypro briefs / boxers
• All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.  These are also usual for seperating clean from dirty cloths as you trip progresses

Feet

• 2-4 pair wool/ synthetic socks
• 2-4 pair cotton socks
• neoprene socks (Optional)
• Tevas / sandals
• 1 pair light trekking shoes, tennies, sneakers, or slip-on camp shoes.  Good for around the camp/ranch
• 1 pair light to medium weight hiking boots.  Ensure a good fit with layered socks
• running shoes (Optional)
• rubber boots (Wellies) (Optional)
• riding shoes (Optional)
• 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes / boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary (Optional)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

General

Sleeping gear

• 1 down sleeping bag rated to 20-30 degrees F (warmer if you get cold while sleeping)
• 1 full length Thermarest pad (bring repair kit)
• 1 closed cell foam pad

Pack / Gear Bag

• 1 day pack (approximately 2,400 - 3,000 cubic inches)  Although we will be using pack horses, you will want to have everything needed during the day in your pack
• 1 large (4,500-6,500+cu.in.) duffle bag for your gear.  Must be durable for use on pack animals
• 1 smaller duffle bag can also be useful
• Small padlocks for duffel bag

Medicines and First Aid Kits

• Extra Strength Excedrin for headaches
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band aides, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.  Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use

Miscellaneous, But Important

• Passport
• Airline ticket(s)
• Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Distance glasses or contact lenses
• Reading glasses
• Water bottle 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene
• Lip balm. At least SPF 20. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached.  Handy as it avoid you having to stop and look for it
• Sunscreen 4 oz of at least SPF 30.  Should be relatively new since it loses its' effectiveness over time
• Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals
• Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc
• Large ziplocs are also useful for separating things and keeping them dry

Optional

• Bandanas (Optional)
• Ear plugs if you're a light sleeper (Optional)
• 1 pair adjustable trekking poles.  Although these are listed as optional these can be of great assistance to people who may think of themselves and generally clumsy or with bad knees, ankles, etc., especially when going downhill (Optional)
• Favorite snack foods (Optional)
• Paperback books, cards, mp3 player, remember, keep these items light weight (Optional)
• Compact binoculars (Optional)
• 1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR (Optional)
• Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional)
• 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
• Spanish phrase book or dictionary (Optional)
• Photos of home / USA life (Optional)

Climbing

• 1 Pair plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners
• 1 Pair of crampons (steel, no aluminum)
• 1 Alpine climbing harness
• 1 Climbing helmet
• 1 Mountaineering axe with leash (sized properly for your height)
• 1 Ascender (right or left handed as appropriate)
• 1 Belay device (Black Diamond ATC or ATC Guide are good options)
• 2 D-Shaped locking carabiners
• 2 Non-locking carabiners
• 1 Pair expedition style gaiters (ensure fit over your boots)
• 1 Neck gaiter
• Ski goggles (optional)