CerroAconcagua,
Argentina
February/March 2002
Cerro
Links:
Aconcagua sites:
�We can take mules from the trailhead to the Plaza de Mulas. If we carry our own gear we will probably do it in 2 days. If we have mules carry it we should make it in one long day (the next day(s) we rest at the camp anyway). This will get us to a useful acclimitizing altitude faster.
�Each of the mules can carry a maximum of 66lb on each side. Each of our duffel bags needs to weigh under that amount before we trek up to the Plaza de Mulas. A locking duffel is recommended. I weighed out a simple nylon canvas duffel w/anti-tamper lock at under 3 lbs. Ideally, each duffel will weigh far less than 66lbs and we will be able to combine gear on the mules.
�We will carry 14 days of food at a maximum of 28 lbs per person (2lbs/person/day). There is a service at Plaza de Mulas where you can order food. Since we will spend 2-4 nights there on the way up and one night on the way down, this might reduce our food weight significantly. (No prices found yet). In addition, we will need to pick our foods carefully to keep our calorie intake as high as possible within those 2lbs/day.
� We can carry our near empty packs on our backs (with water, food for the day, and basic clothing requirements).
�Therefore (back to the mules)... each of our loads without the plastic boots, duffel bag, pack, water, food, and rain shell/pant should be 23lbs or less. Our packs will end up being much less than that to reach the top of the mountain.
� Our loads after leaving Plaza de Mulas for the higher camps might be:
Food: 14 lbs
Fuel: 2-3lbs
Water:6-10lbs
Just these three end up at 22-27 lbs before gear! Packing light will be a necessary practice.
