Packing For El Potrero Chico
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
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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
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Climbing harness
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Climbing helmet - Rock fall is not uncommon especially on the multi-pitch routes that become a little alpine with loose blocks towards the summits.
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Chalk bag
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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.
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Belay device (ATC Guide style, and GriGri style for single pitch)
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Locking Carabiners
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20 Quickdraws. I like to have about 10 shoulder length draws with two carabiners to reduce rope drag while linking pitches.
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4 Locking Carabiners
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Two double length slings for anchors 120 cm
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A PAS if you like for rappelling I prefer to just use my slings
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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.
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Small climbing pack that fits food and water for the day for multi-pitch with a hydration pack
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A larger crag backpack for cragging days
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Approach Shoes
Paper Work
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Pesos can easily be obtained a good exchange rate by withdrawing money from an ATM when you arrive at the airport
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Airline tickets
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Passport
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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
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Sleeping bag rated to 30° F
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Tent
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Sleeping Pad
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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.
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Rain jacket,
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Synthetic insulated jacket with hood
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Winter hat
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Long underwear bottoms
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Soft shell climbing pants
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Warm weather climbing clothing
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Warm Gloves
Accessories
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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
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen and lip balm
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Toiletry kit
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Towel (showering)
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Toilet Paper most camping places do not provide
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Cell phone and charger. Some campgrounds have wifi and you can pick up cellular data on certain carriers
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Your favorite climbing snacks as you will not be able to find these products in El Potrero Chico