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.
Climbing Gear
Paper Work
Camping Gear -This can be avoided by booking a house or room rental through us here: http://www.elpotrerochicoguides.com/accommodations
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.
Accessories
- 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
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
