| "> | | | | clothing that you'll need to bring with you. |
| To summit Pico de Orizaba, you'll need high quality | | | | You should also invest in three different pairs of |
| mountaineering gear. To attempt the climb | | | | gloves - a lightweight pair, a medium weight pair, |
| without the proper gear is foolish. | | | | and a heavy weight, insulated pair. Your body will |
| Scaling the icy crags of Pico de Orizaba in Mexico | | | | need at least three layers of clothing - a base |
| is an exciting adventure to say the least. Before | | | | layer, an insulating layer, an insulated |
| you can begin that once-in-a-lifetime journey, you'll | | | | extreme-weather parka, and a lightweight shell. |
| need an array of professional mountain-climbing | | | | Your lower body will need the same layers of |
| gear. Without that gear, you'll be putting your life | | | | clothing. |
| in unnecessary risk. Are you adequately prepared | | | | Probably the most important piece gear will be |
| to attempt your summit of Orizaba? | | | | your boots. You must make sure they are |
| Before you plunk down a few thousand dollars on | | | | extremely comfortable as well as functional. Most |
| climbing gear, you'll need to assess your physical | | | | mountaineers wear highly durable, plastic |
| fitness level. Obviously, you can't even attempt | | | | mountaineering boots. |
| the mountain if you're a couch potato! Climbing | | | | Outside of your clothing, you'll need a few more |
| any mountain is no simple task. Your body needs | | | | pieces of gear that are absolutely necessary for |
| to be in peak fitness in order to handle the stress, | | | | glacial climbing. You'll need to protect your head in |
| fatigue, and altitude change. Climbing Orizaba isn't | | | | the event of a fall or in the event of a falling rock |
| like talking a stroll through central park - you'll be | | | | from above. The helmet needs to be light enough |
| navigating your way through loose rock and | | | | to be remain comfortable for the entire journey, |
| across vast sheets of ice, as well as potentially | | | | yet strong enough to handle direct impact from |
| dealing with inclement weather including snow | | | | an unforeseen object. You'll also need a climbing |
| storms and high winds that are strong enough to | | | | harness - one that is comfortable, lightweight, and |
| rip you off the glacier and slam you into the | | | | strong. |
| rocks below. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? If you're | | | | Next on the list are your crampons; these will |
| fitness level isn't at its best, you should rethink | | | | strap onto your boots and allow you to travel |
| your desire to summit Orizaba, at least until you | | | | much more safely across the ice. Trekking polts |
| can get yourself into better physical shape. | | | | are an added benefit to assist your footing, your |
| Depending on the manner in which you booked | | | | stamina, as well as keep you balanced during the |
| your climb, you may need very little personal gear | | | | climb. While not always necessary on Orizaba, a |
| or the whole shebang. If you've hired a company | | | | set of carabiners may also be helpful. If you |
| to get you to the mountain and manage all the | | | | haven't hired a professional guide to assist in your |
| essentials that goes with it, then you'll most likely | | | | climb, you should at the very least consult with |
| not need the gear listed below. But if you booked | | | | one before your journey. The professional guide |
| your trip yourself and plan to hire a local guide | | | | can give you a list of necessary climbing gear. |
| once you get there, you'll probably need to | | | | Most likely you will be spending at least one night |
| purchase every piece of gear mentioned in this | | | | on the mountain, so you'll need to bring along |
| article. | | | | basic camping essentials: a sleeping bag, eating |
| Your clothing is your first line of defense when | | | | utensils, toiletries, travel documents, and anything |
| you're attempting glacial mountaineering. In this | | | | else you might want to bring to elevate your level |
| respect, you should not scrimp with your spending | | | | of comfort. |
| - buy the best clothing possible. You'll need a | | | | If your body is in tip-top shape and ready for the |
| warm hat that is light enough to fit into your | | | | climb, and you've invested into the right gear for |
| pocket yet comfortable enough to wear on your | | | | the ascent, chances are you're truly ready to |
| head for many hours straight. You should also | | | | climb Orizaba! Of course, it's always |
| invest in a balaclava (face mask), neck gaiter, | | | | recommended that you hire a professional guide! |
| glacier sunglasses or goggles, and a headlamp for | | | | Good luck! |
| use in after hours. Those are the minimal items of | | | | |