El Potrero Chico Packing List
Thinking about planning a trip to El Potrero Chico?
Planning a guided trip?
You do not need to bring ropes, quickdraws, or anchors. We can provide helmets, harnesses, and climbing shoes if needed—just let us know.
What do you need to bring to this winter sport climbing paradise to have fun and stay safe? Below is a list of the essentials you want to bring to maximize your enjoyment of the Mexican Limestone Paradise. If you are hiring a guide you can leave out the rope and quickdraws unless you plan to climb on your own some days.
01 — Climbing Gear
- Climbing shoes: Comfortable multi-pitch shoes and a tighter shoe for the harder single pitch routes.Â
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet: Rock fall is not uncommon especially on the multi-pitch routes that become a little alpine with loose blocks towards the summits.
- Chalk bag
- Rope: Many routes require a 70 meter to get down. I would highly recommend a bi pattern rope to help with all the single rope rappels you will be doing. Always tie knots and consider if the few minutes saved simul-rappelling is really worth the added risk. Almost all routes can be descended with one rope, Sendero Liminoso being one exception.
- Belay device: ATC Guide style, and GriGri style for single pitch
- Locking Carabiners
- 20 Quickdraws. I like to have about 10 shoulder length draws with two carabiners to reduce rope drag while linking pitches.
- 4 Locking Carabiners
- Two triple length slings for anchors 180 cm
- A PAS if you like for rappelling. I prefer to just use my slings.
- You might consider a few trad pieces. Popular routes like Agujas del Rey are a lot less runout if you have a few trad pieces.
- Small climbing pack that fits food and water for the day for multi-pitch with a hydration pack
- A larger crag backpack for cragging days
- Approach Shoes
02 — Paper Work
- Pesos can easily be obtained at a good exchange rate by withdrawing money from an ATM when you arrive at the airport
- Airline tickets
- Passport
- Guidebook: The new online guidebook is available here to rent or buy: http://rakkup.com/guidebooks/el-potrero-chico-rock-climbing/Â It is also available to purchase in EPC
03 — Camping Gear
This can be avoided by booking a house or room rental through us here: http://www.elpotrerochicoguides.com/accommodations
- Sleeping bag rated to 30° F
- Tent
- Sleeping Pad
- Duffel bag
04 — Clothing
The weather can vary a lot week to week. You might be down there for a perfect 70 degrees and sunny week or you might get one of the few weeks of cold rainy weather, so be prepared for both.
- Rain jacket
- Synthetic insulated jacket with hood
- Winter hat
- Long underwear bottoms
- Soft shell climbing pants
- Warm weather climbing clothing
- Warm Gloves
05 — Accessories
- Headlamp and extra batteries. A good new high-power one for working your way down in the dark, as many people seem to end up doing in Potrero
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Towel (showering)
- Toilet Paper — most camping places do not provide it
- Cell phone and charger. Some campgrounds have Wi-Fi and you can pick up cellular data on most US carriers
- Your favorite climbing snacks as you will not be able to find these products in El Potrero Chico