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Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

PostPosted: Wed Mar 15, 2017 6:08 pm
by wrifro
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?

Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

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

Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2017 12:24 am
by Ekeko
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!

Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2017 8:02 pm
by sharperblue
Sure; if it's just the Santa Cruz or huayhuash trek and no mountaineeeribg that will be more than adequate

Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2017 11:50 pm
by Ekeko
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?

Re: Weather and Itinerary in Cordillera Blanca

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