What Gear You Need to Climb Cotopaxi: The Ultimate Ecuador Volcano Packing List

Father and son roped together while ascending the snow-covered slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador — A father and son team make their way up Cotopaxi, building unforgettable memories on one of Ecuador’s most iconic peaks.

✍️ Introduction

Climbing Cotopaxi (5,897 m), one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, is no ordinary trek — it’s a high-altitude glacier climb. Having guided dozens of clients to the summit, we’ve refined the gear checklist to what really works in Ecuador’s unpredictable mountain conditions.

Whether you’re bringing your own equipment or planning to rent locally, here’s the full breakdown of what you’ll need — plus recommended brands and where to get them.

🌻 1. Clothing Layers

Item	Details	Recommended Brands
Base Layer (Top & Bottom)	Breathable, moisture-wicking	Icebreaker, Smartwool, Patagonia Capilene
Mid Layer (Fleece or Light Puffy)	Warmth without bulk	Arc’teryx Atom LT, Patagonia R1
Insulated Jacket (Down or Synthetic)	Very warm layer for summit push	Rab Microlight Alpine, The North Face Summit Series
Shell Jacket (Hardshell, Waterproof)	Wind & waterproof	Arc’teryx Beta AR, Outdoor Research Helium
Softshell Pants	Flexible, breathable	Mammut Courmayeur, Black Diamond Alpine
Insulated Pants	For summit morning	Mountain Hardwear Compressor, Rab Photon
Gaiters	To keep snow out of boots	Outdoor Research Crocodile
Gloves (2 pairs)	Lightweight liner + insulated shell	Black Diamond Guide Gloves, OR Alti Gloves
Wool Hat / Buff / Balaclava	Full head and neck protection	Buff, Smartwool

🧲 2. Footwear

Item	Details	Brands
Mountaineering Boots	Insulated, crampon-compatible	La Sportiva Nepal Evo, Scarpa Mont Blanc
Wool Socks (x2 pairs)	Warm & breathable	Darn Tough, Smartwool
Camp Shoes (optional)	Lightweight for refuge	Crocs, Teva

🚷 3. Climbing Equipment

(Often provided by your guide — but some bring their own)

Item	Recommended	Provided?
Crampons	Grivel G12, Petzl Vasak	✓ Provided
Ice Axe	Petzl Summit, Black Diamond Raven	✓ Provided
Climbing Harness	Black Diamond Momentum, Petzl Corax	✓ Provided
Helmet	Petzl Boreo, BD Half Dome	✓ Provided
Carabiners / Rope / Belay	Guide-managed	✓ Provided
Headlamp (with extra batteries)	Petzl Actik Core	✗ Bring your own

🎒 4. Backpack & Accessories

Item	Notes
35–45L Backpack	For summit day (adjustable hip belt)
Sunglasses (Category 4)	Extreme UV protection
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)	Glacier glare burns fast
Lip Balm (SPF)	Essential
Hydration System (2L+)	Insulated bottle + bladder
Snacks / Energy Gels	GU, Clif Bar, local panela candies

🛏️ 5. Sleeping & Extras (for refuge stay)

Item	Notes
Sleeping Bag (-10°C or lower)	Marmot Trestles Elite, Sea to Summit
Earplugs	Refuges can be noisy
Power Bank	No plugs at the refuge

📦 Optional Gear Rentals (in Ecuador)

Quality rental gear is available in Quito or through Barefoot Expeditions.
Recommended to bring your own boots if possible for proper fit.

📌 Booking Tips & Local Insight

Plan for acclimatization: Spend at least 2–3 days hiking above 3,000m before Cotopaxi.
Combine with Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, or Ilinizas Norte as warm-up peaks.
Barefoot Expeditions provides: Certified guides, climbing permits, refuge reservation, transportation, and all technical equipment.
Best season: June to September or December to February (clearer weather).

🔗 Useful Links

✨ Conclusion

Climbing Cotopaxi is not just a physical feat — it’s a spiritual journey through one of the most majestic volcanoes on Earth. With the right gear, the right guide, and the right mindset, you’ll be ready for one of the greatest experiences of your life.