Mountaineering and Winter Trips

Winter Trips - El Pico de Orizaba - Gear List

  • Large base camp style duffel bag: You'll need one large bag to carry everything in. This makes airport, bus, cab, etc. travel efficient and easy. Need to be able to lock the zippers shut on it for security. We recommend the North Face Base Camp Duffel.
  • Internal frame pack (~ 4,500-6,500 cu. in.): For carrying full loads to establish higher base camps.
  • Boots: Must be crampon compatible! All leather with stiff soles or plastic double orizaba boots. Plastics can be rented at a good orizaba shop.
  • Socks: 3 pairs of thick wool blend orizaba socks and three pairs of polypro type liners. (Make sure you fit your boots with the sock combo that you will be using). We recommend Thorlo or Smartwool socks.
  • Long underwear: One set (top and bottom) mid weight Polypro/Capilene and one set heavyweight. We recommend Patagonia, Marmot or REI.
  • Down Jacket: This will be your main warmth layer
  • Fleece: One mid to heavy weight fleece top. 100-300 series fleece. Patagonia, etc.
  • Gloves or Mittens: Bring a very warm pair of either. You will also need a light weight pair of wool or fleece gloves for hanging out in the evening.
  • Shells: You will need a Gore-Tex type shell jacket and pants.
  • Gaiters
  • Balaclava and wool ski type hat
  • Baseball or brimmed hat: A must for high altitude sun.
  • Sunglasses: Must be glacier glasses with side coverings around the eyes.
  • Headlamp: We recommend PETZL. Bring extra batteries.
  • Nalgene water bottles or Cameback w/neoprene sleeves: You will need two 1-liters.
  • Camera and Film: Any type will do. You'll probably want these memories on film.
  • Book, Journal and Pen: We recommend a paperback.
  • Utensils: An insulated mug, large bowl, fork and spoon is all you'll need.
  • Casual clothes for travel and city wear: One pair of cotton pants, one collared polo type shirt, underwear, a pair of socks, a few T-shirts, one pair of shorts, and a swimsuit. Go light, our bags will be heavy as it is.
  • Footwear: Bring a light weight pair of low or high top hikers to travel in as well as day hike if you want. Sandals (Teva or Birks) are a luxury but nice. Lightweight pair of slippers with good bottoms are recommended. Fleece, down, or synthetic.
  • Toiletries: In addition to your personals, make sure you bring strong sunscreen, chapstick or zinc oxide, and extra moleskin.
  • First Aid: you should bring smaller self sufficient kit. Guide also has larger one.
  • Equipment
  • Ice axe (55-80 cm) w/ Leash: Glacier travel axe.
  • Crampons: 12 point with point guards. Flexible or rigid will both work.
  • Sleeping Bag: ( 0 degrees minimum). Down or synthetic.
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • ATC w/ Locking carabine
  • 3 extra carabiner
  • Fixed Rope Ascender
  • Protection. Ropes and hardware, etc. will be supplied by guides as needed
  • Group gear: Stoves, fuel, pots, pans, food, water filter, and first aid brought by guides.

The above is by no means a complete or exhaustive list. If you have questions, call SYMG and ask. Remember, SYMG brings all group cooking gear, stoves, water filters, maps, matches, compasses, emergency/first aid gear, and toilet paper.

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