Aconcagua Prep Update – Boots & Parka
After a lot of mental anguish over which boots to get, I finally decided on the Spantik from La Sportiva. From the reviews and information, they are one of the warmest boots available, and should fit a moderately wide foot comfortably.  I ordered two pair (33.5, 44.5) and bought some vb socks at REI to go with them.
Upon trying on the boots with a triple sock layer (liner, vapor barrier, mountaineering) I found the 33.5’s to be WAY too small… the 44.5’s were also snug across the forefoot. I got some input from some folks on summitpost, and reduced my sock combo to liner + mountaineering… I figure if it is rediculously cold I could swap the vb socks for the standard liner, since the vapor barrier socks have a soft fabric interior so my feet wouldn’t be completely swimming.Â
I returned the 33.5’s and ordered a pair of 45’s which were just delivered the day before yesterday. with the 2-layer sock combo, they felt great… I think these are a keeper. I plan to try them on again tonight and compare to the 44.5’s to make sure they fit better than the 44.5’s.
On the Parka front – I received (with some much appreciated help!) a size medium Marmot 8000M parka… First impression – holy smokes this thing is warm! Granted – I tried it on 
inside the house and it was over 80 degrees inside, but it was sweltering almost instantly…Â I could feel the body heat radiating back on me.
Have you over owned a jacket that comes with a sleeping bag storage bag and a stuff-sack? Me neither, until now! 
The medium size seems to fit very well – it feels long enough, and has a handy 2-button – cinchable draft collar at the waistline to keep cold air out. The hood is super-puffy and seems that it will provide considerable warmth. it too can be cinched down around the face, though with the incredible loft, I don’t think it will be necessary unless it is quite windy. I did not try it on with a helmet, but think the Petzl Ecrin Roc might fit a bit snugly underneath it. it is roomy, but not overly spacious. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I looked like a Tang colored Michelin man…
The zippers are well protected from the wind, and the front pockets seem perfectly protected from breezes. There is also an interior pocket I have yet to really examine. The big question for me will be putting keeping the nalgene bottles inside the jacket conveniently stored but accessible…Â
I’ll post more once I’ve examined the jacket in more detail, and have a final decision on the boots.
