The problem is the number of climbers that can stay in the huts, and it's an issue at Nevado de Toluca, Ixta and Orizaba. If IMG, AAI and SMI show up at the same time (like they did this year - and there were only two of us independents, plus one more at Orizaba), it will get very uncomfortable. (I like (and know) the people who run SMI and IMG, so I wouldn't want to make their clients put up with huts that are too crowded.)
As soon as these companies publish their schedules (and they may already have), we can talk about adding more people to the list if there isn't a conflict.
I can also look in to alternate accomdations at Paso de Cortes (for Ixta) and Tlachichuca (sp?)(for Orizaba). Rick's thought after we smoked up Orizaba this year was very early transportation up to Orizaba so that you wouldn't have to "sleep" at the Piedra Grande Hut.
difficult when you're tall and men's boots are too wide in the heel box
Hey Tracie, check with Mouse (aka: Ava) on boots. She's had the same problem with the heel and has gone through several different pairs of boots. Not that she's tall like you, but she just got a pair of Koflach's that I think she likes. At least no blisters yet...
Re: boots for the Mexico Volcanoes. I know folks have been encouraged to wear double-boots on Izta and Orizaba. But unless the conditions are brutally cold, I think you can get by with a medium weight boot. For the conditions that Richard and I experienced recently (Nov-2010), I was perfectly comfortable in these Garmont Vette Plus boots for both Izta and Orizaba. I bought and brought a pair of La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo Light GTX boots just in case, but never felt it was cold enough to warrant the heavier La Sport boots ....YMMV
I've carried heavier, new, boots with me the past two years, but my HiTec GoreTex boots with a VBL have been fine both times.
George Dunn climbed Orizaba this year for the first time without a double-boot on and was pleasantly surprised to see how much more comfortable he was with the lighter boot.
I'd have something really warm just-in-case though.
BTW, AAI has a trip scheduled at the same time next year. IMG and SMI don't have their scheduled dates up yet.
but my HiTec GoreTex boots with a VBL have been fine both times.
I'd have something really warm just-in-case though.
I have those same boots (Hi Tek) and they've served me well in some very cold conditions...but not above 14K, so I think I need to be armed with something more serious just in case...
Is the rest of your foot narrow or just the heel? If it's your whole foot, you may want to try the La Sportiva Nepals (they do make a women's specific). If it's just your heel, try the La Sportiva Baturas. They're wider in the toe box than pretty much any other Sportiva boot but maintain the snug heel. I have a pair of Kayland boots also and the combination of the heel cup and the way they lace up really locks the heel in place. Up front they're a medium to medium+ width. Good luck!
if you want plastic double boots, i have found the asolo afs8000 and evoluzione to be very narrow at all sizes in mens. and since they both have double lacing systems they are highly adjustable...you can definitely over tighten them. my street size is 11.5 and i went 13 in the asolo, they fit great length-wise, but i found them way to narrow on my not unusually wide feet. good luck, you'll end up buying and returning a bunch! haha. i settled with lowa cievetta gtx extreme - they fit like a glove. they may be overkill but i think i'll be wearing them november 2011 on orizaba.
5.5 pounds on your feet is a TON. My Nuptse doubles weigh in the neighborhood of 6 pounds, and at the end of the day, I really know that they've been on my feet. I prefer to leave them sitting in the trunk. Yeah, bring the true mountaineering boots in case the weather goes crazy, but also have a lighter boot that you can climb with if the conditions are the same as they've been the last two times I've been up there.
5.5 pounds on your feet is a TON. My Nuptse doubles weigh in the neighborhood of 6 pounds, and at the end of the day, I really know that they've been on my feet. I prefer to leave them sitting in the trunk. Yeah, bring the true mountaineering boots in case the weather goes crazy, but also have a lighter boot that you can climb with if the conditions are the same as they've been the last two times I've been up there.
BTW: when will you be there?
agreed, they are heavy, but they are warm! and my size 13's probably weigh closer to 6lbs. i will definitely bring lighter weight clip crampon compatible boots - and hope to use them - but there is nothing worse than cold feet!
i will be up there with Kurt's crew and Summit For Someone...November 4th through 13th.
Just got back. Only got to climb one volcano, Orizaba, but what beautiful climb. As this was only my second international climb I took more pictures of the trip to ands from then the climb (and my camera froze up for a while).
Thanks to all the posters who helped us sort out the details of this trip. And special thanks to Kurt for the info he provided.
