Hi, I have been bitten by the mountain bug and am planning to go to Mexico to Climb Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba and hopefully La Malinche and if time permits Nevado de Toluca. I am rather new to this forum community but find it an awesome resource already!
I am an avid mountain biker (and occasional road biker) I have participated in a few XC Racing seasons and also in several 12h and 24h events. Right now im in not so good a shape due to injury (deep bruised thigh) but I am recovering nicely and getting on the bike (stationary) again. I want to be ready and in shape to climb by december. I have very little climbing experience and have only hiked onced around the Mt Washington area when I was much younger and the local rainforest (3-4 times a month 5-8 mile day hikes with 1800-2200 ft elev. gains). I have been to the Colorado Rockies several times to go skiing and have not been adversely affected by altitude (highest I have been is Breckenridge Peak 8/9, 13,000 ft +-).
I dont have a ton of spare cash but have some gear. I want to know what I might take, leave behind and what I need to or should buy in regards to clothing (technical climbing gear and helmet will be rented in the country):
My current gear:
1 pair Vasque Zephyr II Hiking boots (Gore-tex), leather/fabric waterproof boots. Not too flexy
1 waterproof/insulated ski jacket with hood
1 pair waterproof/insulated aki pants (nice with integrated "gaiters" underneath)
1 Outdoor Research Credo Softshell Jacket
1 North Face Fleece jacket (pretty thick with underarm zips for vent.)
1 waterproof 3 layer shell (taped/sealed, nice waterproof zips, its a tad too stiff but roomy for layers underneath)
1 pair waterproof (gore-tex) insulated pants with full side zippers
2 pair of PolarMax long underwear
I am thinking of taking the Shell, the Fleece and the Credo Softshell and the long underwear. I am purchasing a set of softshell pants + taking my warm weather hiking pants and in case of cold conditions am planning to take my gore-tex insulated full zip pants.
I have never used a 4 layer system (baselayer>fleece>softshell>shell) and dont know if its necessary for Mexico since from what I have read it is only cold on the dark hours of summit day. I mean while skiing in Breckenridge I wore My ski jacket over baselayer and long sleeve t shirt and I was fine on sunny days even on the summit (25-30deg and windy)
I was thinking of reducing the nuber of pieces and just take just the Credo Softshell, my base layers and the ski jacket (for summit days) and the full zip pants I mentioned (ski pants have no full zip so they stay at home) + softshell and hiking pants.
what do you think?
Also, I am only taking my Vasque boots and a pair of low/mid light hi-tec hikers. I am planning to strap on crampons to the Vasque's since from what I have read, only on the Orizaba summit attempt (the last 1500-2000ft) do some people feel the need to lug plastic boots.
Regarding other gear:
I am shopping for a 20 or 30 deg. bag also. I dont want to have to buy another backpack, my current backpack is 38L . I plan on staying in hotels and in the huts at all times. (taking ready to eat food, no cooking in the field)
Most Gear lists from US and International Guide Companies are huge for the Mexican Volcanoes trip. Plastic boots, gaiters, gore tex shells etc etc.