Equipment to Bring
Being properly equipped in one of the keys to a successful
trek. Most of the things on the list below are available for
hiring or purchasing (for a fraction of the price of most
Western countries) in Kathmandu (Only for treks starting and
finishing there).
For information to help you select the best type of clothing
and equipment for your trip. Please see our Clothing
& Equipment Guide. In addition see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will be able
to offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing
or equipment.
Clothing and equipment is very much a matter of personal choice
and preference. The list below is general and is intended for
guidance only. If you have any queries, please contact
us.
Clothing & Footwear
The most important point to remember when packing your clothing
is that, with the exception of your set of smarter clothes for
the town, all the clothes for your trek should fit in your kit
bag. If you can't get it all in, you have too much! Pay particular
attention to airline baggage weight limits, both on international
and domestic flights, and to your trek weight allowance.
Walking boots - Probably the trickiest
part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots.
Trainers, tennis shoes etc. do not give the ankle support
afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek
in the lighter weight Gore-Tex or leather boots sold under
the brand names ‘Karrimor KSB', Scarpa ‘ Trek
lites' or similar and these are usually satisfactory.
When combined with ‘Yeti' gaiters, which actually
clip into the soles, they are excellent even in bad weather.
They have the advantage that they take little breaking
in. The slightly heavier traditional leather boots are
also good. Ideally, visit a specialist ‘outdoor
pursuits' shop that will offer advise, and resist the
temptation to buy ‘fashion' footwear, which give
little support. Above all your boots must be well
broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend
borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry
your boots in your hand luggage on international flights
or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your
well broken in boots are the one thing, which will be
irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow out of
your boots.
Lightweight shoes or trainers, and sandals or
flip-flops - Useful around camp, in towns and
when traveling.
Long Trousers - For everyday walking,
light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length
shorts are acceptable in the remote areas, but to avoid
giving offence in the villages, you should cover up with
trousers. Although comfortable, leggings are also unsuitable
as they cause offence to local people. Jeans are no recommended,
as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances
and become cumbersome when wet.
Down Jacket - After sunset, temperatures
can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest
and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature
drops.
Waterproofs - Breathable waterproofs
not only protect against rain but also stop you from overheating.
They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation, which you
will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the
trekking season is rare but can be heavy when it does
happen.
Gloves - Especially useful in the mornings
and the evenings at higher altitudes.
Socks - It is best to wear a pair
of liner socks under a pair of thick loop stitch socks.
This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid
nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breath well and
cause blisters. 3 pairs thick socks, 3 pairs thin socks
Thick jumper/Fleece jacket - A thick
jumper or fleece jacket is necessary, as it can be very
cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket
is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.
Track suit - Comfortable around camp
and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than
pajamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.
Thin Shirt/T-shirt
Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest
Long sleeved shirts - prevents sunburn
on your arms and keeps airborne biting insects at bay.
Fibre pile/Fleece jacket - useful with
zip pockets, or warm jumper.
Underwear - thermal underwear
Warm headgear - beanie
Swim suit
Shorts - Please note that short shorts
can be offensive to locals.
Handkerchiefs
Smart/casual clothes - for air travel
and in cities.
Please note that tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such
as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially
on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer
then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Equipment
Small Day-sack 20-30ltrs - Small lockable
suitcase / bag for leaving clothes in the hotel while
on trek.
Water bottle - Water along the trail
must never be considered as drinkable. You can ask for
boiled and filtered or bottled water at the lodges we
stop. However we strongly recommend boiled water, as empty
bottles are not taken care of properly in the mountains
of Nepal. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable.
Penknife - Swiss army type with tweezers
and bottle opener is useful. Do not pack in hand baggage.
Sunglasses and retainers - Sunglasses
are easy to lose or break, so bring a cheap spare pair.
Contact lenses can cause problems due to dust. If you
wear glasses, bring a spare pair.
Personal first aid kit - see suggested
list below. Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb.
Useful for reading and keeping your hands free.
Plastic bags - If you pack bits and
pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay
dry in case of rain and can be easier for you to sort
through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack
in the evening, the less you have to repack in the morning!
A bin liner to pack inside your day sack is also a good
idea.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb - A small torch
is essential for finding things in your room, going to
the loo in the night etc. Petzl head torches are particularly
useful. Remember that in most developing countries only
a limited selection of batteries is available so bring
spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells
(or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size)
Sleeping Bag - As you do not carry
it yourself this may be synthetic or down, but it must
be 4 season. As most treks pass through a variety of climatic
conditions, a long zip is a good idea. A cotton/fleece
liner helps keep your sleeping bag clean. Good sleeping
bags are expensive but can be rented easily and cheaply
in Kathmandu (Only for treks starting and finishing there),
so if you don't have one you could consider this option.
Details can be dealt with at the briefing.
Toiletries - Try to keep heavy cosmetics
etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biodegradable
soap, small towel, small nailbrush and toilet rolls! ‘Wet
Wipes' are great for a quick clean up in your room, so
bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).
Sun Hat, SunCream/Block & Lip Salve -
Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 20 or stronger)
to protect your skin against the sun at high altitude.
A combination sunblock/lip salve is ideal for facial protection.
Personal First Aid Kit - You should
have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhea tablets
and also a comprehensive blister kit. (Please do not give
medicines to local people without consulting the trek
leader.)
Telescopic ski poles - greatly reduce
fatigue in legs and aid balance on rough terrain.
Iodine water Sterilization Tablets
Accessories
Money belt - or neck purse, alternatively
zip-pockets. NB. Even bum-bags are becoming a temptation
for thieves in some cities. Calculator - useful for currency
conversion.
Passport
Travellers' cheques and cash, Credit card, US
Dollars
Travel Insurance Certificate.
Wash bag - biodegradable shampoo and
soap, flannel, toothbrush and paste, comb, small towel.
Travel plug - once out of main cities,
few basins or baths have plugs.
Cards - or chess, dice, travel scrabble,
travel monopoly, etc. Address book - for writing those
all important postcards.
Umbrella - not essential but useful
for sun and rain! Buy in country before start of trek.
Therm-A-Rest/Karrimat - Gives comfort
and insulation ensuring a good night's sleep. Thicker
3/4 length type is the best. (you will be provided with
a mattress but the quality varies from country to country).
Blow-up pillow - useful for long flights,
road journeys and in your tent.
Clothes pegs - safety pins and nylon
cord for clothes line.
Toilet paper - flat or compact pack.
Lighter - for candles on trek and burning
toilet paper.
Travel wash - for clothes (please use
the 100% biodegradable type). Glucose tablets, sweets,
personal 'goodies' - snacks will be provided by the trek
leader.
Binoculars - A lightweight pair will
add greatly to your enjoyment. Personal Stereo
Spare batteries - For all your electronic equipment
Earplugs - Very useful for ensuring
a good night's sleep when near villages with noisy dogs.
Photographs/postcards - of your town
or village, your house and family to show guides and locals.
Equipment Rental
In order to minimise your expense outlay for trekking and climbing
equipment, we are usually able to offer a range of equipment
for hire/rent. Equipment availability and prices are provided
to clients upon booking or are available on request. Contact
Us Please note we are not usually to arrange the hire/rent
of mountain bikes.
