Our equipment recommendations for trekking in Ecuador
Basic Equipment

Waterproof duffle bag:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 80-100L duffle bag.

Daypack:
You will need to carry your own daypack. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.

Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water. Wide-mouthed Nalgene bottles are required as they are less likely to freeze than bladders. A neoprene cover is advisable to help insulate the bottle at higher elevations.

Water filter:
If you don't like the taste of chlorine tablets, a charcoal filter is a great alternative. Brands such as Sawyer make effective, good quality filters with multiple fittings.
Head

Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover if you aren't going to be using a neck gaiter.

Warm beanie style hat:
Go for a version of beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth.

Neck gaiter or balaclava:
The winds can cause spindrift and freezing temperatures higher up on the volcanoes. We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. The most versatile options are made by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear.

Sunglasses:
The sun's rays increase in intensity over 4500m. Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice.

Headlamp:
You will need a headlamp with good light output for summit day early morning wake up calls. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps.

Ski goggles:
The winds can cause spindrift higher up on the volcanoes. We recommend bringing ski goggles to protect your eyes if this occurs.
Hands and Feet

Lightweight gloves:
For daily use we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves.

Heavyweight mittens:
Insulated heavyweight mittens with safety straps that fit over your liner gloves to provide additional warmth and wind protection. They have to be warm and extremely weather-proof.

Socks:
3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing a minimum of 1 x thick thermal socks for cold nights. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks.

Training shoes:
To wear around in the evenings after a day's trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals.

Trekking boots:
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell.

Gaiters:
Help keep your trousers clean and dry in dusty or snowy conditions.
Upper Body

Thermal base layer:
2 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. No cotton. Recommended brand is Icebreaker.

Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.

Fleece or Soft shell jacket:
A mid-weight Polartec fleece jacket is ideal. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces.

Hard shell outer jacket:
A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Berghaus and Mountain Equipment.

Insulated jacket:
A good quality, warm, down or Primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab and Mountain Equipment.

Swimming costume
A swimming costume will be required for a dipping in natural Ecuadorian hot springs!
Legs

'Lightweight' or 'silk weight' base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommended brand is Icebreaker.

Light or medium weight trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia.

To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Rab make good outer trousers.
Odds and Sods

High SPF sunscreen and lip protection balm. SPF 40 or higher.

Ideally travel size.

Staying clean on any long trek can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help.

We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum.

For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad in refuge dormitories.

Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout.

Only required if your main duffle bag or rucksack is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help to keep your kit dry.

Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix.

A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels. See Ecuador Travel Guide for advice on which plug adapter you will need.

Microfibre Towel:
Perfect for washing hands and face each day, especially if you don't want to carry enough wet wipes for the entire trip.
Climbing Equipment

B2/3 climbing Boots:
To climb the peaks of Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Cayambe you will need more than just a trekking boot. B2 or B3 mountaineering boots are much more rigid and have crampon attachments making them ideal for routes traversing glaciers or ascending snow slopes. Scarpa or La Sportiva make good quality mountaineering boots.