IMG Machu Picchu Gear List
This equipment list is meant to help you compile your personal gear for a mountaineering expedition. Most items are required. Please consider each item carefully and be sure you understand the function of each piece of equipment before you substitute or delete items. Keep in mind that this list has been carefully compiled by the expedition organizer. Don't cut corners on the quality of your gear.
| ON THE TREK | |
| FEET: | |
| [ ] | Medium to medium heavy weight hiking boots (an all leather boot will work best; beware of all fabric boots-they may not offer enough support; make sure whatever you wear is broken in & very comfortable; treat the leather multiple times with waterproofing) |
| [ ] | Wool or synthetic socks (2-3 complete changes) |
| [ ] | Regular length gaiters (Outdoor Research are the easiest to use, because of the Velcro closure, It does/can get wet, and you'll appreciate these if needed!) |
| LOWER BODY: | |
| [ ] | Long johns (1 pair, lightweight synthetic) |
| [ ] | Fleece pants (200 or 300 weight; preferable with side leg zippers) |
| [ ] | Waterproof/breathable pants (preferable with leg zips) |
| [ ] | Hiking shorts (nylon hiking style is best…avoid very short ones, as it might offend the locals. For camp use, or over long johns) |
| [ ] | Underwear (2-3 pair for trail use) |
| UPPER BODY: | |
| [ ] | Long john top (1 lightweight-zip neck is best) |
| [ ] | Expedition long john top (100 weight) |
| [ ] | Fleece jacket (200-300 weight) |
| [ ] | Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood |
| [ ] | Down or synthetic parka (REQUIRED) |
| [ ] | T-shirt (synthetic is best) |
| HEAD AND HANDWEAR: | |
| [ ] | Fleece or wool hat |
| [ ] | Sun hat or baseball cap |
| [ ] | Wool or fleece gloves |
| [ ] | Wool or fleece mitts |
| [ ] | Waterproof overmitts (shells, for the mist, rain, and cold-Gore -Tex type fabric) |
| [ ] | Bandanna |
| [ ] | Chemical hand warmers (2 sets for cold mornings, only if your hands get cold easily) |
| SLEEPING: | |
| [ ] | Sleeping bag (down or synthetic, down to 25 degrees, compression stuff bag) |
| [ ] | Therm-a-Rest (or) Thick closed cell full-length foam pad (or both, for supreme sleeping comfort!) |
| MISCELLANEOUS: | |
| [ ] | Pack (medium size, internal frame, min 3-5,000+ cu. in.; Note: test prior to use! Extra pockets are not needed. Try and keep the weight of the pack down. Top loading will work best.) |
| [ ] | Pack rain cover, to protect from mist…and mud! (As an alternative, bring 2-3 large garbage bags for the same purpose) |
| [ ] | Adjustable ski poles (baskets are NOT required on the poles, and the poles MUST have tip guards; to help protect the ancient stone steps from wear. OR, better yet, purchase a wooden walking stick upon arrival in Cuzco. This is perhaps the best bet.) |
| [ ] | Extra large stuff sacks (2; for packing clothes and bulk of personal lunch; to keep things organized and dry) |
| [ ] | Medium stuff bag (for daily lunch) |
| [ ] | Sunglasses (1 pair dark pair; plus retainers, i.e. Chums) |
| [ ] | Suncream (1 full bottle; 35-50 SPF protection) |
| [ ] | Lip protection (2 with high SPF) |
| [ ] | Water bottles (3; wide mouth 1 qt. poly bottles; covers NOT needed; A water hydration system can substitute for one bottle-highly suggested; be sure to use before the trek, so you're familiar with how to use and fill it) |
| [ ] | Toilet paper (2 large rolls in zip-lock bag; plus personal hygiene wipes |
| [ ] | Garbage bags (5-6 large, heavy duty; 30+ gal; use these to line your pack and all of your large stuff bags; it's an excellent way to keep your gear dry. At camps, put your boots in one. Extra bags are ALWAYS GOOD!) |
| [ ] | Headlight (Petzel LED is best; fresh batteries, plus 1 spare set). You'll need a headlight, if we decide to walk in the dark to catch the first sun-rays on Machu Picchu.) |
| [ ] | First aid kit (Personal needs only, Bandaids, athletic tape, moleskin, non-prescription pain meds and anti inflammatory drugs such as Advil. Pepto Bismol tablets are helpful for dealing with minor stomach distress. Consult with you doctor about the trip and travel at altitude and bring any recommended prescription drugs in original prescription bottles. |
| [ ] | Potable Agua tablets for water purification (1 bottle of 50 tablets, or, Lightweight personal water purification device-make sure you know how to use it, and what it filters; must filter viruses and use iodine to be 100% effective.) |
| [ ] | Insect repellant (DEET is most effective. The bugs, in general, are not too bad) |
| [ ] | Toothbrush & paste |
| [ ] | Day pack (highly recommended for air travel & general touring-lightweight with few frills, top loading is best) |
| [ ] | Camp chair (i.e., Crazy Creek) or a piece of foam pad (for sitting). No chairs with legs (they will be provided). |
| [ ] | Lunch (for on and off mountain, to supplement provided lunches). Please bring a variety of foods weighing in total no more than 6-7 lbs. You can supplement this some with local foods, candies, and fresh fruits.
Lunch ideas include:
PB&J in small plastic jars or tubes, canned meat spreads or fish, string cheese, salami, beef jerky, candy bars, energy bars, hard candies, nuts, Crystal Light or other drink mix (several quarts repackaged into a Ziplock bag), 2 quarts worth of powdered power drink mix for your harder days. Salty snacks are often appreciated. |
| IN TOWN | |
| While easy wash travel clothing is convenient, use/wear it sparingly, to avoid looking like a new tourist. Jeans and a simple darker style shirt is a great way to go. Avoid bright colors. Cuzco and the Inca trail are "tourist friendly," so being a tourist shouldn't create any problems-but it's a good idea to dress-down, nonetheless. Cotton for trail use, however, is generally DISCOURAGED. | |
| [ ] | Passport/Visa |
| [ ] | International shot record |
| [ ] | Money ($150 for the local staff tips, plus $150-$300 for misc; drinks, some meals, travel, and gifts, and your departure taxes, when flying into/out of Peruvian airports (not included in your airline ticket). Bring some smaller bills, like $5's and $10's, and at least $35 in $1 bills ) |
| [ ] | Credit cards |
| [ ] | Travelers checks (not many; could be hard to exchange) |
| [ ] | Money belt/neck pouch |
| [ ] | Running/tennis shoes (use as camp shoes) |
| [ ] | Socks; cotton or synthetic, for travel (3) |
| [ ] | Small bag of liquid biodegradable soap (for clothes), and a 25 foot string to hang clothes |
| [ ] | Underwear (3-4) |
| [ ] | Toiletries (be sure to keep it light here) |
| [ ] | Toilet paper (1 roll) |
| [ ] | Cotton pants or synthetic travel pants (2) |
| [ ] | Dress shirts (1-2) |
| [ ] | T-shirts or short sleeve travel shirts (2-3) |
| [ ] | Swim suit; for raft trip! |
| [ ] | Tevas or Chacos (!) for raft trip and around camp |
| [ ] | X-large tough duffel bag (to fit pack; for air travel and porter carry; lock. Gregory Long Haul duffels are suggested) |
| [ ] | Second large duffel bag or suitcase (for air travel and to store gear at hotel; lock) |
| [ ] | Ear plugs (2 pr) |
| While easy wash travel clothing is convenient, use/wear it sparingly, to avoid looking like a new tourist. Jeans and a simple darker style shirt is a great way to go. Avoid bright colors. Cuzco and the Inca trail are "tourist friendly," so being a tourist shouldn't create any problems-but it's a good idea to dress-down, nonetheless. Cotton for trail use, however, is generally DISCOURAGED. | |
| OPTIONAL: | |
| [ ] | Diary, pen & pencil |
| [ ] | Walkman or MP3 player |
| [ ] | Camera(s), extra storage media cards and extra batteries |
| [ ] | Binoculars, smaller style |
Gear Donations: We like to encourage our Peru trekkers to bring along some of their used and close-to-worn-out-gear and clothing on this trip. This gear can then be donated to our local guides and staff after the trek-and make your bag lighter for your flight home. Appropriate items include long underwear tops and bottoms, pile clothing, socks, gloves and mittens, outerwear, gaiters, and other clothing items that you've used during your trip but you no longer need-or want. This token is not expected by us or our local staff, but it is a good way to "unload" some of your older gear that you no longer need or want and help out someone who can put it to good use. Extra trek food can also be left for the Peruvian staff after the trek.
We certainly don't want to overwhelm our local staff, and your guides will help coordinate the donation so that all are treated fairly. Our local contacts certainly appreciate anything you can give them, but please don't make any promises along the way.
Lastly mark all personal gear including water bottles clearly in indelible ink with your name. Check the condition of your gear and be sure to test new pieces of equipment thoroughly.
Every time I go on one of George Dunn's expeditions, I come back saying, 'that was the best adventure I've ever been on'!! I had the time of my life on each trip.
