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Hi,

A couple quick questions -

What sleeping bag temperature range would you recommend for the Illiniza and Cayambe refugios? Would a 20 deg. with puffy be adequate for most? Around New Years. I've read 0-15 deg F on some guiding sites and a buddy mentioned being glad to have a -20, but I think he was in a tent. I'm loaning my -20 to the girl and trying to figure out what I can get away with and make her carry. From pics, it appears both refugios have mattresses and pads aren't needed. Is this correct?

Illiniza Sur and Cayambe themselves - double boots highly recommended or are La Sportiva Trangos okay for both for average body temperature sorts? My lady only has Trangos. I was considering finding rental doubles for her down there, if recommended.

Thanks!

At Nuevos Horizontes there are mattresses and you can warm up food on a gas stove. Weather can be pretty cold up there, we had to wear a down jacket on the first day.
I climbed both peaks with Trango, and I had no problems at all. As for sleeping bag I used a -20'C one and I was really happy to have it. Unfortunately I don't know anything about Cayambe. Good luck.

For the higher glaciated peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo etc. you should definitely have double boots if you value your toes. Illinizas are lower, not as cold. Illiniza Norte is a rock peak, so I wouldn't wear double boots for that. You don't need a -20 bag for any of the refuges.

I have used a 5F or 0F (think those are about -20C, right?) on my trips to Ecuador but I do tend to sleep cold. And it's what I own. I don't think I ever had the 0F bag zipped up on Illiniza or Cayambe. Both those huts are quite a bit lower than the ones on Coto or Chimbo, so I'm thinking a 20degree bag should work. Yes on the pads at both huts. The Illiniza hut is concrete, though, floor, walls, roof so it's just cold.

You might be ok with the Trangos on Illiniza Sur but I would want something warmer for Cayambe. In dry conditions I've used running shoes on Illiniza Norte. It's easy to find rental boots in Quito.

Don't know if there's a difference in temps with season, but my 3 visits have been mid-Dec to early Jan.

JimS