Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

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wrifro

 
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Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

by wrifro » Wed Mar 15, 2017 6:08 pm

I'm in the process of planning a trip to the Cordillera Blanca, and I was wondering what the weather on the mountains would be like. I'm planning on climbing Urus, Ishinca and Tocllaraju. How cold will it get?

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sharperblue

 
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Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

by sharperblue » Thu Mar 16, 2017 6:29 pm

Not particularly cold. On Toc, if you run hot, a 20 degree F down bag will work at night if you wear your puffy in your bag. A zero degree F bag is what you really want though. Top of the line boots for sure Spantik/Baruntse/Other and a variety of gloves and a good puffy jacket. Night time with a cold front will be in the teens or lower. When the sun comes up you can climb comfortably in a softshell with 1-2 layers beneath

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Ekeko

 
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Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

by Ekeko » Sat May 13, 2017 12:24 am

Hi sharperblue, I have a Mountain Hardwear Ratio 15, rated to -4 C / 24F degrees (comfort). Would that be enough for trekking/camping in the CB in July or should I get a warmer bag?

This time I won't be mountaineering, would use the bag for the Santa Cruz trail and similar.

Thanks!

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Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

by sharperblue » Sun May 14, 2017 8:02 pm

Sure; if it's just the Santa Cruz or huayhuash trek and no mountaineeeribg that will be more than adequate

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Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

by Ekeko » Sun May 14, 2017 11:50 pm

Great, many thanks!

With regard to clothing/insulation, a light jacket like the thermoball, nano puff or similar (plus fleece, etc.) would be sufficient? Or is a more "bulky" down jacket recommended?

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sharperblue

 
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Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

by sharperblue » Tue May 16, 2017 8:19 pm

I would definitely recommend a heavier puffy, or a heavy inner as a supplement at least - the valley floors will get 2-4" of snow here and there and the mornings can be very cold. a decent marmot/MH jacket with 600 fill down (and lots of it) compresses down very small

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