Thinking about planning a trip to El Potrero Chico?  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.

 

Climbing Gear

• Climbing shoes:  Comfortable multi-pitch shoes and a tighter shoe for the harder single pitch routes. I like a comfortable La Sportiva Muira that does well in pockets but isn't too aggressive

• 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 double length slings for anchors 120 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

Paper Work
 

• Pesos can easily be obtained 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/

 

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

 

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

 

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

• Cell phone and charger.  Some campgrounds have wifi and you can pick up cellular data on certain carriers

• Your favorite climbing snacks as you will not be able to find these products in El Potrero Chico