ellstah

Hi, I will be doing a 2-day Machu Picchu hike, and am trying to figure out what to bring/buy in advance of my trip (I am not an avid hiker, so figure I should get some tips on what outdoor gear I will need). Looking at temp/weather averages, it looks like it will be extremely hot during the day and cool at night, and overall not rainy.

I've heard from people that weather in MP can be somewhat unpredictable (i.e. it can be dry in rainy season and sometimes wet in dry season), so I'm wondering if I will need a fleece and rain jacket, or if this is unnecessary.

So far, I'm thinking I will need the following:
-HIking boots
-Wool socks
-Fleece
-Rain jacket
-Hat

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

crellston

If you have hiking boots already, fine, take them, but I wouldn't buy them just for the trip. Trekking shoes are all that is necessary unless you need the extra support provided by boots.

As you already appreciate the variation in temperatures can be extreme so the fleece is essential. As for the rain jacket, I would take one even though the probability of rain is low, it will be an extra layer for nightime.

I would take a sun hat for the day and a woolly hat for night time ( although I am more than a little follically challenged so do feel the cold there!)

Good sunglasses a re essential as is sunscreen..

Wet/baby wipes are handy for freshening up along the way.

colduphere

I would also bring a rain jacket. Not to complicate things for you but rain jackets range from "will keep you dry for 30 seconds" to "will keep you dry for 3 hours". If you select the former version (which are much cheaper) you may want to pick up a poncho once you arrive in Peru.

You should also consider whether you want to hike with poles.

mlgb

On the two-day hike I don't think you sleep outdoors in a tent. You end your first day in Aguas Calientes and sleep in lodgings.

So it really is two day-hikes. I probably would not bring a full-on rain jacket but rather a small poncho in the extremely unlikely event that there is any rain. You will probably strip off the fleece as soon as you start going uphill.

I think it's most important that your base layer not absorb moisture from perspiration, so no cotton. For winter hiking or sports I like thin merino wool with a zip neck for the top layer. They can be hard to find in stores this time of year (wrong season) but it's a good time to look for online sales.

They also can be worn for days (and days) on end without smelling, so they also make for great travel clothing.

crellston

another vote for merino as a base layer. never travel without mine, even to hot climates

ellstah

@crellston: I've been going back and forth with the hiking boots debate (seems like there are a lot of varying opinions from boards on whether ankle support is truly necessary)--all I have are sneakers, and I don't think they'd suffice for comfort, so I was thinking hiking boots would be a good idea since I am doing Wayna Picchu as well. I did originally buy a pair of Merrell Moab hiking shoes/trekking shoes (no ankle support), but a lot of my friends had mentioned that these are no more than slightly sturdier sneakers, and that hiking boots are a better investment for long-term use. What are your thoughts on this? I still have a month til my trip, so I can always change out shoes if hiking boots are truly unnecessary.


@mlgb: Yes, you're correct, we do not camp overnight, but instead stay in lodgings. I have some base layers I use for running, like Under Armour long sleeves that are made of synthetic materials. Do you think this and a fleece, plus rain jacket in case, will suffice as far as layering goes? I'm attempting to use what I have as opposed to buying new stuff if I can help it. Though I'll definitely keep in mind a merino wool as a good investment in the future!

mlgb

I don't know much about Under Armour, sorry.

I am one of those who does not like hiking boots that are very tight around the ankle, especially when there are a lot of steps. Unfortunately I have weak ankles and arches and need to wear them, but they aren't especially fun when the cuff rubs on your leg.

Also important is how well your toes are protected on those long down hill stretches. I use the old fashioned sheeps fleece but there are newer high tech options. Bring an assortment of Bandaid Blister Block pads just in case, put them on at the first hint of irritation. I'll bet you'll be the most popular hiker in your group!

crellston

hi ellstah,

Hiking shoes versus hiking boots always seems to elicit strong opinions. I have one pair of Keens Gypsum hiking boots which I wore on last years six month trip to South America. They are, without a doubt, the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned! I liked them so much I searched everywhere until I found a pair of Keens Gypsum hiking SHOES which I am taking on a long trip to Asia later this year. They are light which is very important to me, but most importantly, they have a quite rigid sole which I find makes them a lot more comfortable.

I also have a pair of Merrells bit find that the sole is just to flexible for me. Ok for walking around city pavements but not on rough tracks ( not sure what model they are). My wife on the other hand swears by her Merrell hiking shoes and doesn't have any boots.

I would be happy hiking in either pair of Keens in Peru. Like I said originally, if you want to buy a pair of boots fine but if you have something that has good grip and reasonably sturdy most people will be fine with that.

Most people will base their opinions on the decision that they made. It doesn't make it wrong or right, it just makes it their opinion.

We met up with a Belgian professional explorer on our trip last year. He had just walked across Australia north to South, walked across Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia and was about to kayak around Lake Titicaca. I asked him what sort of shoes/ boots were best for long hikes and he replied "whatever is comfortable".

sf7307

I had Merrell Moab (low version) and really liked them. However, by the fourth day of our trek, the sides of my toes were rubbed to the point of hurting (they had never caused any problem before, but then we'd never been on a more-than-one-day hike before). I've since bought a pair of lightweight Ahnu Sugarpine that I like so far.

I do not like and didn't get ankle-high boots. I also found them to be unnecessary (for me). Its personal preference. I definitely would not characterize the Merrell Moab as "slightly sturdier sneakers" - I think they're much sturdier than that. And the waterproofing (Gore-Tex) really worked. I haven't put my new Ahnus through their water-test yet.

By the way, the woman at REI with whom I corresponded about the trip we took also wore Merrell Moab (low) on the same trek and they worked for her.