Since trekking gear is the key to a safe, successful, enjoyable, and hassle-free trip in the Himalayas, it is important not to miss the essential gear. Whether you carry your gear or you hire a porter, it would be wise not to overload. The packing lists depend on what seasons you are planning to trek, the number of trekking days, trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, etc., and the maximum height you reach.
If you have booked your trip at the last minute or you do not have time to prepare for the essential gear, then you can buy most of the brands (like The North Face, Sherpa, Black Yak, Marmot, Outdoor Stretchers, etc.) or locally copied gear in Kathmandu too. The branded products cost more or less similar amounts, like in Europe or America, and the copied ones would be quite cheaper. In a worse scenario, certain gears are rentable on a per-day basis too. We will assist you upon arrival if needed.
However, please review the below packing lists, which we prepared based on our experience and clients' feedback. If you have any confusion, then please do not hesitate to contact our expert.
Trekking Gear Packing List
Clothing
- A raincoat (poncho) or combination jacket and trousers
- Down jacket or Gore-Tex jacket
- Windproof trousers
- Two pairs of light pants (depending on the duration of the trek)
- One short
- Three to four T-shirts (depending on the duration of the trek)
- One or two long-sleeved T-shirts
- One fleece jacket
- Base layers (thermals)
- Two to three pairs of light socks and a couple of pairs of thicker socks
- Two pairs of gloves: one pair of light fleece, the other water- and wind-proof.
- A woolen hat, a sun hat, and a scarf
- Gaiters (optional)
- Crampons (depending on the trek and season)
- Undergarments
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Flip-flops for leisure time, round camp, or camp shoes
Accessories
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, first aid kit, Swiss army knife, luggage cover, flashlight, trekking poles, water purification tablets or Steripen, extra batteries for your headlamp and camera, compass (optional), sewing needle for repair (optional), two water bottles/camel bags/thermos, trekking map, guidebook, mosquito spray for lowland areas
- Depending on the trekking route and season, a sleeping bag rated to minus 15-20 degrees Celsius comfort.
- Backpack (60 liters)
- Daypack (25–35 liters)
- Storage bag or suitcase (to store the stuff you do not need in the Himalayas)
Toiletries
- One medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Toothbrush or paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable), shampoo, and washing powder
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Female hygiene products
- Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue/toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
Extras/Luxuries
- Reading books (optional)
- Journal and pen (optional)
- IPod (optional)
- Travel games, i.e., chess, scrabble, and playing cards, can help you pass the time at teahouses or camps. (optional)
Medical Items to Consider
- small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, antiseptic, cuff, scissor, Neosporin, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- One skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills, electrolytes
- Cough and/or cold medicine, strepsils
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
- stomach antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills, as they are respiratory depressants.
- One set of earplugs
- Extra pairs of prescription glasses and contact lens supplies
