Colombia's Sierra Nevada del Cocuy Trek
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
Note: On the evening of Day 6 at Kanwara, you will need to repack the equipment that you need for the 6-day traverse of the Cocuy. Mules and porters will carry the group’s communal gear only. Group members will be required to carry their personal equipment (sleeping bag, camping mat, clothes) during this period. With a little planning, you should be able to keep the weight of your rucksack to under 10kg. If you have big boots for the Pan de Azucar climb that you don't need on trek, arrangements can be made to have these taken to the lodge at Susima pending the group's arrival there.
You must bring the following items:
Hiking boots
Gaiters
Socks
Trekking trousers / trekking pants
Waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
Underwear
Baselayer shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat
Eyewear - Sunglasses
Thermal gloves or mittens
4 – 5 season sleeping bag (comfortable down to minus 10 degrees centigrade)
Thermarest or similar camping mat
Rucksack - 60 litres.
Headtorch / headlamp with spare batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre / 1 quart (x2)
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Travel towel
Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters (band-aids) and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
Required only for the optional ascent of Pan de Azucar
A pair of sturdy boots that are sufficiently rigid to take crampons securely. Minimum - B1 rating
Crampons with anti-balling plates
Warm and waterproof outer gloves or mittens
Trekking poles
Equipment provided locally for the ascent of Pan de Azucar
Ice-axe
Climbing harness
The following items are optional:
Trainers / sneakers or similar for travelling and camp use
Spare laces
Shorts
Long johns (thermal underwear)
Warm jacket (down)
Casual shirts and/or T-shirts
Sleeping bag liner
Travel clothes
Trekking poles
Nailbrush
Insect repellant (DEET)
Pocket-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Camera, film / memory cards, batteries
Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag)
