| finally decided to mark of number thirty seven on | | | | sun visor or light baseball cap, glacier rated |
| your list of things to do: climb Pico de Orizaba, the | | | | sunglasses and/or goggles and a headlamp. |
| tallest peak in Mexico. Before you book that plane | | | | For your hands you need not one, but three |
| ticket and strap on your hiking boots do you think | | | | different pairs of gloves. Each complements the |
| you've thought of everything? Do you have | | | | other in turn - a lightweight glove, a medium and |
| everything in your bag of tricks and your carry | | | | insulated glove and a heavy duty insulated glove. |
| on to attempt a serious climb? | | | | The trick is to withstand the weather and the |
| Prerequisites - Before even thinking of boarding a | | | | brutal cold yet still be able to move. For your |
| plane to Mexico, the very first thing you need to | | | | upper you will again need layers, a light base, an |
| do is to address your physical fitness. Climbing | | | | insulation layer, a waterproof shell and a good |
| any mountain is a difficult and strenuous task, and | | | | quality insulated parka with a hood. Continue the |
| regardless of how well equipped you are, if your | | | | layering for your lower body and remember to |
| body can't keep up with your designer hiking | | | | include a waterproof Gore-tex type material for |
| boots, there is no way you will be able to make | | | | this layer as well. |
| the summit. It's important to keep in mind the | | | | Double plastic mountaineering boots will make for |
| vast variety of terrain that you will have to | | | | happy feet and a safe climb. You can also stow |
| maneuver through, from loose rock to steep | | | | high quality hiking boots for tramping over rugged |
| glacial ice, harsh and icy winds and foul weather. | | | | terrain, and gaiters and socks to reduce the |
| Even though you don't need climbing experience if | | | | friction. |
| you have an experienced guide, survival training, | | | | Technical Equipment - Clothing is very important, |
| wilderness, backpacking and camping skills and | | | | but just as important are the tools of the trade, |
| experience will all add to your skill set. | | | | each designed to make your journey as safe as |
| Equipment - Your trekking guide will provide a | | | | possible. Safety first, so you will need a good |
| certain part of your equipment for the trip, which | | | | climbing helmet and climbing harness. When |
| will be lined out in the package that you purchase. | | | | choosing a harness, do yourself a favor and make |
| Your personal clothing and some basic but primary | | | | certain that it is comfortable, lightweight and |
| climbing equipment will be up to you to purchase | | | | adjustable before you start up the mountain. |
| and pack. You always have the option of bringing | | | | Choose an ice axe that suits your strength and |
| all of your own gear and tools with you. If you | | | | height. Critical are the 12-point adjustable |
| are the hands on type, you'll want to know | | | | crampons designed for general mountaineering |
| exactly what you need to bring up the mountain, | | | | that will keep your feet where they need to be |
| so here's a list. (Don't forget the food and water) | | | | on the mountain. Trekking poles for balance, 2 |
| Clothing - Obviously, the type of clothing you bring | | | | carabiners (a locking and a non-locking) for safety, |
| is pretty central to your successful climb. It could | | | | and then you are set. You're professional climbing |
| even mean the difference between life and death | | | | guide will undoubtedly supply you with a complete |
| in case of an emergency. When climbing Pico de | | | | list of equipment that you will need for your trip. |
| Orizaba you will experience very cold | | | | Miscellaneous - Remember that you will not be |
| temperatures, up to -20 degrees Celsius, so you | | | | climbing at every moment, and so be prepared to |
| must pack with that in mind. You will need a very | | | | spend some time at your campsite. Bring a goose |
| thin, but warm hat for your head that needs to | | | | down sleeping back, eating utensils, basic toiletries |
| be just light enough to fit under your climbing | | | | and don't forget your travel documents. |
| helmet. A neck gaiter, balaclava for your face, a | | | | |