Clothing and equipment
All mountain treks have a wide range of temperatures so the best clothing is a lot of thin layers. Such clothing is easier to adjust as the temperature fluctuates and is also more effective insulation than a few thick items of clothing. Following is a suggested Nepal trek packing list.
Sleeping and carrying equipment
- Daypack
- Duffle bag or large back pack for porters to carry on the mountain (not suitcases), maximum 15kg (33 lbs)
- Padlock to secure your pack
- Plastic bags of various sizes to protect equipment you want to ensure is dry (e.g. sleeping bag and books) and for your day pack
- Stuff sacks
- Sleeping bag – 4 season
Drinking
- 2 x 1 litre water bottle or equivalent
- Purification equipment. Boiled drinking water is provided but you might want to use iodine or chlorine for further purification. Bring powdered juice to take away the taste if you use chemicals! Filtration pumps are excellent, though costly.
Footwear
- Walking boots that are worn-in and have proven quality (leather strongly recommended)
- Thick socks and maybe also thin socks or sock liners to wear under the thick socks (this often helps to prevent blisters).
- Trainers or trekking sandals to wear in camp.
- Gaiters can be very helpful in wet conditions and to stop scree from getting inside your boots.
Inner clothing
- T-shirts. At least some synthetic as cotton dries poorly and does not provide very good insulation.
- Underwear.
- Trousers (loose and comfortable). One pair should be thick and warm.
- Thermals or base layer for top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic)
Outer clothing
- 4 seasons down jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Fleece jacket and pants
- Long sleeved shirts
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick).
Head and face
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sunhat
- Scarf
- Sunglasses (essential for summit days to avoid snow blindness).
- Sun cream with a high factor.
- Lip balm, preferably with sun protection.
Personal usage
- Towel and toiletries. Toiletry bag to include toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, towel, etc.
- Insect repellant
- Favourite snacks
- Head torch. Practical in camp and very necessary on the summit day. Remember to bring lots of batteries and to allow for evening reading.
- Camera and film or batteries
- Pocket knife (always handy to have!).
- Reading material and games/cards.
Medical equipment
Group medical kits with instructions are provided on all climbs. Senior local guides have had first aid training. We pay special attention to avoiding altitude sickness by maximizing acclimatization and do not carry oxygen cylinders. You should obtain professional advice from a travel clinic prior to travelling to Nepal.
Personal medical kit
We recommend that you bring your own personal medical kit for the most basic needs.
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin – for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/Paracetamol – general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
- Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium – optional)
- Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
- Gel hand cleaner
- Knee support if you have any sort of knee problems; the descents are steep and sustained on all mountain climbs.
