Equipment for the ascent of Ojos del Salado (6,893 m)

The Ultimate Packing List

Anyone wishing to conquer the world's highest volcano must be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Although our experts rate Ojos del Salado as technically moderately difficult, the physical demands are considered high. Deep, exhausting volcanic ash makes progress in the summit zone incredibly difficult, and a short scrambling section using fixed ropes awaits you at the crater rim. Adequate personal gear is essential to ensure maximum safety and comfort amidst icy winds and temperatures well below freezing.

What SPONDYLUS provides for you on-site

To lighten the load of your expedition luggage during the journey, we provide fully equipped facilities at the campsites:

• Tents & Comfort: We use only high-quality, spacious three-person expedition tents for double occupancy (or two-person tents for single occupancy). Custom-made foam mattresses ensure a high level of sleeping comfort.
• Camp Infrastructure: A fully equipped kitchen and dining tent with tables and chairs is available at the camps.
• Safety: Two-way radios, a satellite phone, oxygen, and emergency medical supplies are always on hand and ready for use.

Your personal packing list: Official equipment recommendation

To ensure a successful summit attempt, please bring the following personal equipment:

Clothing (Layering System)

• Expedition down jacket: Heavy-duty model for extreme sub-zero temperatures on summit day.
• Hardshell/wind jacket: Breathable and completely windproof (e.g., Gore-Tex or Windstopper).
• Fleece layers: A warm fleece jacket/pullover and a mid-weight fleece pullover.
• Thermal underwear: Must be breathable (technical fabrics or merino wool; no cotton).
• Mountaineering trousers: Breathable and windproof (e.g., Gore-Tex), plus lightweight trekking trousers for lower camps.
• Socks: Very warm, thick expedition socks.
  
  

Head & Hands

• Sun protection: Sun hat or peaked cap for intense desert UV radiation.
• Cold protection: Warm headwear with ear protection, plus a balaclava or face mask.
• Glove system: Thin liner gloves, warm windproof trekking gloves, and thick down or synthetic expedition mittens for summit day.
  
  

Footwear & Sleeping System

• Expedition boots: High-altitude, crampon-compatible expedition boots with removable liners (rated for 7,000m peaks).
• Trekking boots & camp shoes: Broken-in hiking boots for acclimatization days, plus lightweight trainers or sandals for base camps.
• Gaiters: Essential for keeping out volcanic ash and snow.
• Sleeping bag: Down or synthetic expedition sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least -20°C, including a compression sack.
• Sleeping pad: An additional sleeping pad with a high insulation value (R-value) to place under our mattressesand. You need it also for the last high camp.
  
  

Technical & Additional Equipment

• Climbing gear: Crampons, a suitable climbing harness, 2 carabiners, accessory cord, and a climbing helmet.
• Poles: Telescopic trekking poles to relieve joint strain on scree slopes.
• Eyewear: Sunglasses with 100% UV protection and specialized, wrap-around glacier glasses.
• Hydration: Wide-mouth water bottle (to prevent freezing) and a high-quality thermos.
• Electronics & Miscellaneous: Headlamp with ample spare batteries, wristwatch with alarm function, pocket knife.
• Backpacks: A large expedition backpack (70 liters+) for transporting gear to high camps, plus a daypack (30 liters+).
• Hygiene & Comfort: Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+ for both), personal first-aid kit, towel, and swimwear (for the thermal springs at Laguna Verde).
• Transport: A rugged expedition bag (duffel bag) for transport in 4WD vehicles.

Carefully assembling your personal gear—combined with excellent physical fitness—is the absolute prerequisite for a safe and unforgettable mountain experience on Ojos del Salado.

We fully understand that reaching this mighty summit is the ultimate dream for any high-altitude mountaineer. Drawing on our years of experience in the region, we do our utmost to help you achieve this goal. However, please bear in mind that we never take incalculable risks on the mountain; therefore, we cannot offer an absolute guarantee of reaching the summit. The safety of our guests, our professional mountain guides, and the entire expedition team is our top priority at all times.