Complete Ausangate Circuit & Rainbow Mountain packing list

daypack (15–25L): Arc’teryx Mantis 26 or Mantis 16

Since porters will carry your main duffel, you’ll just need a comfortable daypack for your layers, snacks, camera, and water. Look for something lightweight and breathable since you won’t require much support for 5-8kg.

I’d recommend either the Arc’teryx Mantis 26 or the Mantis 16 (if you have no camera gear and can go ultra-light). These are both awesome, streamlined daypacks with the perfect number of pockets to keep your gear organised without unnecessary bulk.

👉🏼 Need more advice on choosing a backpack? Check out this post: How to choose the best hiking backpack for every outdoor adventure

raincover: REI Co-op Duck’s Back Pack Rain Cover

Even in the dry season, a sudden downpour is always possible in the Andes, so a lightweight rain cover is essential— size small is perfect for your daypack.

hiking boots: adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTX Hiking Boots (women’s) / (men’s)

I wore Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots on Ausangate, and these are supportive, rugged backpacking boots great for multi-day hiking.

Preparing to do this hike again in 2025 (before cancelling due to knee surgery), I was planning to wear the lighter adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTX Hiking Boots (women’s) / (men’s). I haven’t tested them on this exact trail, but there’s not much terrain, so I think they’d be perfect and super comfortable!

👉🏼 Need more advice on choosing the right boot? Read my outdoor footwear guide

trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

A total game-changer on high passes and steep descents— trekking poles will save your knees and help you haul yourself up to a breathless 5,200m.

water bladder: Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir 2L

The best way to stay hydrated on the Ausangate Circuit is with a water bladder that you can easily sip from while moving— drinking a lot of water won’t prevent altitude sickness, but it absolutely helps combat some of the symptoms!

snacks + electrolytes: Liquid IV

Although your trekking company will provide hot meals, you’ll need to carry your own snacks for the trail. Think protein bars, gummies, dried fruit, cookies, or even salty chips!

I also strongly recommend adding electrolytes to your water for an extra hydration boost— I love Liquid IV and drink minimum 2 per day when hiking at elevation.

camera: Canon R6 Mark 2 + 24-105mm lens

If you love photography, bring your best camera to capture the magic of Ausangate and its towering glaciers!

I’ve had a few cameras over the years, but our current travel workhorse is the awesome mirrorless Canon R6 Mark 2 paired with a 24-105mm lens, which will capture phenomenal photos without adding too much weight or bulk to your pack. I always carry my camera on my backpack strap for easy access using the Peak Design capture clip.

👉🏼 For a complete run-down of ALL the camera gear we are currently loving, check out: Camera gear for travel photography: what we use as full-time travellers

GPS: Garmin fenix 7X Pro Watch

Even though your guide will navigate the route for you, having your own GPS track is handy for checking elevation and staying motivated on those long, breathless climbs!

James wears this watch daily and I simply look over his shoulder at the stats (when I don’t have my nose buried in the GPS).

First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Backpacker

Your guide will carry a first aid kit, but it’s still smart to have basics like blister pads, pain meds, and stomach meds in your daypack so you’re never caught out.

Depending on your acclimatisation program, it may also be smart to get a prescription for Diamox (Acetazolamide) before the trip to prevent and treat altitude sickness— read more about it in this post.

sunscreen, chapstick, bathroom bits

Sun exposure builds quickly when you’re spending hours outside at high elevation. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and whatever else you need to stay sun-safe on the trail!

Keep these things in your top pocket or a hipbelt for easy access, along with an emergency bathroom kit (gastro issues are common at elevation!). Carry a ziplock bag with some spare TP and hand sanny, and BE SURE to bag out any used TP instead of leaving it behind.

sunglasses: Julbo Vermont

Glacier glasses like these are overkill for a trail hike, sure, but they’ve been my go-to outdoor sunnies for a long time and I love them, especially at elevation when the sun is more intense.

If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, REI’s Goodr range offers the best polarised glassed $30 can buy.

sun hat: Arc’teryx Gamma 5-Panel Cap

Keep your face shaded on the trail with a simple cap. A wide brim or neck cape can also be helpful (which you’ll see us wearing in photos!).

neck gaiter: Buff Original

A multi-use Buff protects your neck from sunburn, keeps your face warm in the mornings, holds your sweaty hair back, and is great for windy passes. Keep it handy in your pack for daily use on the trail!

lightweight hiking gloves: Outdoor Research Trail Mix Gloves (women’s) / (men’s)

Soft, lightweight gloves are a lifesaver when your hands need a bit of protection from that high-elevation wind. Again, store in your pack for easy access throughout the day.

waterproof shell mittens: Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts

These add crucial wind and rain protection when layered over gloves, especially helpful on exposed passes like Abra Ausangate or Palomani.

expedition duffel: The North Face Base Camp Duffel 50L

Some companies provide a duffel for you to send your camp gear ahead to each camp (carried by porters), but they aren’t always waterproof or terribly durable, so you might consider bringing your own to make sure all your bits stay clean and dry.

sleeping bag: Sea to Summit Spark 0

With night-time temps well below freezing throughout the year, a high-quality sleeping bag is critical. Many companies will provide a sleeping bag (either included or for a nominal extra fee), but I way prefer sleeping in my own!

Sleeping pads are also provided by the trekking company and I wouldn’t worry about bringing your own unless you have a very strong preference.

camp pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium

Again, pretty much every company will provide a pillow, but they aren’t guaranteed to be the most comfortable, so this is a small, lightweight addition that I highly recommend!

toiletries + personal items

Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, medications, contact solution… whatever you need to stay clean and comfortable for 4-6 days on the trail!

headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400-R

A bright, rechargeable headlamp is essential for evenings around camp and the dark-and-early start to Rainbow Mountain for sunrise on the final day!

powerbank: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables, 10000mAh

There’s no electricity on the trail, so a powerbank is a must for recharging your phone, camera, watch, or headlamp. One 10,000mAh battery got me through all 4 days, but if you’re on a longer itinerary, I’d add a second powerbank.

beanie: Arc’teryx Mallow Toque

A warm hat is non-negotiable— it gets bitterly cold as soon as the sun dips behind the mountains, so you’ll be glad to have this at camp!

heavyweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Kyanite Zip Neck Top (women’s) / Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck Top (men’s)

A fleece is perfect for lounging at camp and layering under your down jacket on colder nights. I sent this ahead with my duffel and changed into it as soon as I arrived at camp.

down jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)

A down jacket is pretty essential for cold evenings in the Andes, but it has no business in your daypack— down doesn’t perform well when wet (from rain or sweat) and it’s not the easiest to clean, so this should NOT be a trail layer. Send it ahead in your duffel!

fleece tights: Arc’teryx Kyanite Base Layer Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)

The first thing you’ll want to put on after arriving at camp, these cozy, ultra-comfy fleece tights are the perfect sleep attire for sub-zero nights.

camp shoes: Mountain Hardwear Down Bootie

These are a small and super lightweight addition to your pack, but they make a big difference during cold nights at elevation! Sleep with them for the best results.

sports bras: Vuori AllTheFeels Bra + underwear

Opt for quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials that will be comfortable across multiple days of wear. I’d recommend 1-2 sports bras and 4-6 pairs of underwear so you can change daily.

hiking shirt: Arc’teryx Taema Crew Shirt (women’s) / Cormac Crew Shirt (men’s)

Breathable, lightweight, and great at managing sweat on the climbs. I ended up wearing my long-sleeve for the entire trek, so I’d recommend just bring one t-shirt in case you do the same.

wool base layer: Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Top (women’s) / (men’s)

Merino wool stays warm even if it gets damp, yet also remains fairly cool during sun-drenched climbs! I wore this constantly and never got down to just a t-shirt, even in the afternoon sun.

lightweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Rho LT Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)

Soft, stretchy, and breathable, this is an ideal layer to throw over a t-shirt/long-sleeve or under warmer jackets. The fitted hood and built-in balaclava also help cut wind, but it’s still light enough that you won’t overheat on ascents.

synthetic insulation: Arc’teryx Atom Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)

The Atom Hoody was my go-to insulation layer for hiking over chilly mountain passes and I hardly took it off around Ausangate. Synthetic jackets are an excellent choice for the trail, since they perform well even in wet weather or when sweaty (unlike down), AND this jacket is still breathable enough for hiking in moderate weather.

shell jacket: Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket (women’s) / (men’s)

Even in the dry season, this is essential and should be kept handy in your daypack at all times! It can be excellent for blocking wind on high passes and of course protecting against surprise rain that is always possible in the Andes.

hiking tights: Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings

I wore leggings every day on the Ausangate Circuit because it was just too cold for shorts, so I’d highly recommend tights and/or pants for this trek!

soft shell pants: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants (women’s) / (men’s)

These are my favourite hiking pants, and even though they aren’t fully waterproof, they are a million times more comfortable than rain pants AND they do a pretty good job of repelling rain (they dry super fast, too!).

I didn’t wear these because we were lucky to have good weather, but I’d still absolutely recommend packing proper hiking pants for Ausangate.

2x liner socks: Injinji Liner Crew

Toe socks might look funny, but they seriously reduce friction and help prevent blisters on long trail days. I swear by these! Depending on your itinerary, I’d recommend 2-3 liner socks.

3x boot socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks (women’s) / (men’s)

My go-to socks for multi-day hikes— durable, padded, and still comfy after multiple days of trail grime. I’d recommend 2-3 pairs of socks for the trail and an extra pair for sleep!

hiking boots: adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTX Hiking Boots (women’s) / (men’s)

In case you missed it at the top of this post… boots are pretty important and of course you’ll be wearing these every day!

👉🏼 Need more advice on choosing the right boot? Read my outdoor footwear guide