“You’re doing WHAT?!” Expect that reaction as you begin preparing for this adventure of a lifetime.
So, once you’re done questioning if this is a good idea or not (which it is … trust me!), you’ll need to begin planning what kind of gear you’re going to need to invest into. Here’s my guide to everything that you’ll need to stay comfortable (and happy) during your trek to Everest Base Camp.
This item list is solely based on my own research and guided by my own personal experience on what I used during our 12-day trek in September / October with Intrepid Tours. Keep in mind that the time of year in which you’re planning your trek will dictate the type of gear you’ll need – there is no bad weather, just bad gear so you want to be adequately prepared!
PACKING LIST
* = HIGHLY recommended
BAGS
- 25 L Osprey Manta day bag
- I have various Osprey backpacks. They are comfortable, adjustable, and most have great ventilation for your back. In my opinion, Osprey also has the comfiest waistbands (with pockets), allowing you to alternate the weight between your hips and shoulders.
- These packs also come with a Camelbak hydration system.
- Bring an extra bite valve, just in case!
- * 75 L Marmot Long Hauler Duffel Bag *
- I also have a 95 L North Face duffel bag – both are equally amazing!
- This bag is versatile, durable, & waterproof!
- Although it’s a bit heavier than some duffels, I would HIGHLY recommend it!
- Since our maximum weight allotment was 10 kg, this bag was the ideal size for me during this trip. It fit all of my gear & sleeping bag perfectly.
HEADWEAR
- * Buff *
- Good for dust and also to prevent sunburns on the back of your neck.
- Light, versatile … and looks cool!
- Tilley Hat
- Wool Toque
- Sunglasses
- I bought mountaineering glasses but just used my regular sunglasses (which were fine).
- Earplugs
- The tea houses can be quite noisy so these are very handy!
UPPER BODY
- T-shirts x 4
- Preferably merino wool – it’s breathable, soft, warm, and (most importantly) odor-resistant!
- Long sleeve shirt
- Icebreaker
- Thermal top
- Luckily, I didn’t need this.
- Fleece top
- Sweater
- Columbia Omni-Heat
- Used almost daily – love this product!
- Rain Jacket
- I used a standard Outdoor Research rain jacket, which was sprayed with silicone for extra rain repellent. It also doubled as a wind-breaker; however, it’s not as breathable as an actual shell.
- Poncho
- * Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Nano Poncho *
- This is a great product which is ultralight & very compressible.
- I stopped bringing a day bag cover and just used my poncho (if needed).
- * Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Nano Poncho *
- Insulated Jacket
- Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket
- A great overall jacket in the wind, rain, or snow. Comfortable, breathable, & warm. High neck for added warmth (didn’t need a scarf).
- Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket
- * Down Jacket *
- I used Mountain Hard Wear but I would highly recommend ANY brand for a down jacket! It’s compressible & warm.
- Worn daily.
HANDS
- Thin gloves
- Used often during the chilly mornings or evenings.
- Insulated mittens
- Never needed.
LOWER BODY
- Thermal bottoms x 2
- Used one pair solely for sleeping.
- Fleece bottoms
- Luckily, didn’t need them.
- Hiking pants x 2
- One is a prAna pair that zip off into shorts (my favorite!).
- Other is a breathable and stretchy Arc’teryx pair.
- Yoga Pants
- Worn around the tea houses.
- Rain pants
- I used this both as wind and rain pants.
- Also sprayed with silicone.
- Gaiters
- Louis Garneau
- These are the only gaiters that I’ve ever used but they are durable, waterproof, and don’t slip.
- Not needed during this trek.
FOOTWEAR
- Hiking Shoes
- The ongoing debate between hiking shoes vs. boots – I was very happy with my choice of shoes but I did see many trekkers favoring hiking boots. It really comes down to personal preference.
- Find a brand that works for you and stick with it! My go-to is Salomon so I went with the Redwood 2 hiking shoe.
- Bring an extra pair of insoles in case your shoes get wet.
- * Crocs *
- I never thought I would say this but, for me, this is a camping must!
- Used around the tea houses; convenient, easy to slip on & lightweight.
- Socks x 6
- I love the Darn Tough or Smartwool brand.
- I also brought a pair of Gortex socks since my shoes are not waterproof.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Cell Phone
- If you are willing to pay, most of the tea houses have wifi and charging stations.
- Charger.
- External battery
- Great for recharging your electronics.
- Downside though – it’s heavy!
- GoPro
- Charger.
- Extra batteries.
- Travel Notebook
- Your days will blur together so this is great of keeping notes, such as your daily saturation levels, how you feel, exchange contact info, etc.
- * Compression Sacks *
- I used mine to divide my clothes (tops, bottoms, socks).
- Hiking poles
- Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles
- These are ultralight & foldable.
- I normally don’t hike with poles so I never used them but there are sections of the trail where they are very useful.
- Gatorade Powder
- Responsible tourism – you can buy water but it does create a lot of waste on the mountain; therefore, it’s recommended to use tap water and just purify your water. We used a steri-pen with additional chlorine tabs.
- I prefer Gatorade to mask the taste of chlorine & replenish electrolytes.
- Hot Paws
- Never needed.
- * Nalgene bottle *
- HIGHLY recommended! At higher altitudes, I would put hot water in it to warm up my sleeping bag. With the screw-on top, you don’t have to worry about leaks.
- This was also handy for sterilizing my water and then dumping it into my Camelbak.
- Lock for duffel bag
- Money
- At the tea houses and along the trail, it’s preferred to use Nepalese Rupees.
- Also for tipping porters & guides during the last night on the mountain – trust me, they deserve a good tip! You can tip in any currency but Rupees is easiest for them.
- Tenacious Tape
- Chlorine Tablets / Water Purification
SLEEPING GEAR
- Therma Rest Oberon -18C Sleeping Bag
- Inflatable pillow
- Not needed. Rooms have a pillow and comforter.
- Sleeping clothes
- I brought an extra set of clothes just for sleeping. It was nice having something clean.
- I also brought a onesie, if you noticed in my picture. Totally useless item but it was funny.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
- Dry shampoo
- Regular shampoo
- If you want to pay, you can have access to a hot shower at some of the tea houses.
- Hairbrush with extra hair elastics
- Bar of soap
- Baby wipes
- Small travel towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face cream
- Baby powder
- An awesome luxury item! I put this stuff everywhere!!!
- Toilet paper ++
- Optional: Kleenex
- It can also be purchased along the way.
- Lip balm
- Eye drops
- Hand sanitizer + +
- Drier sheets
- Stuff these in your bag to keep it smelling fresh.
- Vaseline
- I didn’t bring this but wish I had some for at night. The air is SO dry that your lips become chapped and your nose may also become raw from blowing it so much.
EDIBLES
- Gum
- Lozenges
- Instant Coffee
- You can buy tea or coffee at all of the tea houses.
- I enjoy the Nescafe sachets so I would just order hot water and use these instead.
MEDICATIONS / FIRST AID
- Advil
- You will likely get a headache from the altitude.
- It can also be used for muscle aches and pains. 12 days of trekking can be quite strenuous.
- Diamox
- Use at your discretion. We used it.
- Melatonin
- Helpful for combating jet lag.
- Gravol
- Imodium
- Nasal Spray
- I didn’t bring any but wish I had – a few of us spent a few days quite congested.
- Dexamethason tablets
- Just in case!
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- This was a lifesaver for a few members of our group!
- Sunscreen + +
- Mole Skin (blisters)
- Physio tape
Traveling on a budget? Check out http://www.thelasthunt.com for some great deals!
Still have questions or concerns? I’d love to help! Send me a message!
