Gear List: Nepal Trek
In spring 2015, I led a trek in the Khumbu Valley of northeastern Nepal. This is the equipment list I compiled to help my team prepare for our high-altitude adventure.
Here’s what I told my team about this list: Most items are required. Please consider each item carefully, and be sure that you understand the function of each piece of equipment. Feel free to email me with any questions.
This selection of gear served us well, and I’m sharing this list in the hopes that it might be helpful to future travelers planning trips to Nepal. Please note that these are just suggestions — what you choose to carry is ultimately your own decision. Be careful. Be thoughtful. Be safe.
Travel Gear
Duffel bags (2). I can’t say this too strongly: these will take some abuse, so it’s worth investing in durable duffel bags. You’ll want two medium-to-large bags — avoid the extra-large models, which get too heavy when they’re full. When trekking in Nepal, bags are often carried by porters and/or yaks, so avoid bags with wheels (which irritate yaks). I highly recommend these or these, both of which have large openings, are very durable and water-resistant, and are compatible with luggage locks.
Luggage locks (2). You’ll want one for each duffel. Make sure they’re TSA-approved and use a code (not keys, which somehow always seem to get lost.) I use these.
Daypack. 35-50 liters. This will be used to carry your snacks, water, parka, waterproof jacket, and camera while we’re on the trail. Ideally, you can use this as a carry-on during international flights, too. You’ll spend a lot of time wearing this backpack, so make sure it’s comfortable for you.
Travel wallet. You’ll want an organizational system for your passport, credit cards, cash, and airline tickets. I swear by this one, which is cheap, durable, and — most importantly — zips closed so that nothing falls out.
Passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of the trip. It also needs at least 4 blank pages for visas, etc. (We’ll get our Nepalese visas on arrival in the Kathmandu airport.)
Passport photos. Bring 5. Just go to a local drugstore and have them made — trust me, it’s easier to do this at home than it is in Kathmandu. We’ll need them for visas, trekking permits, etc.
Trekking Gear
Sleeping bag. Either down or synthetic works — personally, I prefer down. Make sure it’s rated to 10° F (or colder.) Feathered Friends makes the best bags on the market, but they’re priced accordingly. Other great options: this, this, or this. Make sure you have some kind of compression sack.
Sleeping pad. This is a matter of personal preference — you can choose an option that’s light and easily packable or bigger and more comfortable. Personally, I never regret bringing a slightly-more-cushy sleeping pad. I’ve had good luck with these.
Trekking poles. I like the poles made by Black Diamond, but anything works.
Waterproof bags. It could easily rain while we’re trekking, so figure out a way to keep your important supplies waterproof. I use a combination of Ziplock bags and these.
Footwear
Hiking boots. You’ll want burly hiking boots. I’ve heard rave reviews about these, these, and these, but don’t feel obligated to stick to those brands — just pick something sturdy, waterproof, and with good ankle support. Break them in before the trek.
Insoles. Not required, but highly recommended. If you use orthotics, bring them. I don’t go anywhere without SuperFeet.
Lightweight walking shoes. You’ll want good walking shoes for when we’re in Kathmandu, etc. I like these, but bring whatever is most comfortable for you.
3 pairs of good hiking socks. I like wool socks, but pick whatever sock system works for you. I don’t recommend liners — they seem to constantly cause problems. (It’s also nice to wear compression socks on long plane rides, which helps prevent puffy feet/ankles.)
Clothing
Underwear. 3-5 pairs. Make sure they’re made of a quick-dry material.
Synthetic t-shirt. Bring 1-2 for hiking, etc. Make sure that they’re made of a material that dries quickly. (For women: out of respect for the local culture’s conservative traditions, please don’t bring anything too tight or revealing. I avoid tank tops.)
Mid layers. You’ll want a handful of mid-weight layers: synthetic shirts, fleece, softshell jacket, etc. I use woolwhenever possible, because it doesn’t smell and it looks nice in the city. Vests are great. For men, a collared shirt is often very useful. A softshell jacket can be a very versatile layer. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch.
Long underwear. Top and bottom. I prefer wool, but synthetic is also fine.
Climbing/trekking pants. You’ll be living in these, so make sure that you find ones that are comfortable, stretchy, and breathable. They should be made of a fabric that will dry quickly, and they should be big enough to fit over long underwear if necessary. (I bring two pairs — a lighter-weight pair and a warmer pair — but one pair is fine.) I own these and these, and I’m eyeing these. There are lots of good options on the market.
Non-technical clothing. I like to bring one presentable outfit for nice dinners and one set of comfortable clothes for exploring Kathmandu, lounging around tea houses, etc. Keep these minimal, but know that one pair of jeans and one pair of sweatpants can be a wonderful luxury.
Waterproof jacket. Make sure that this jacket is fully waterproof (Gore-Tex is best) and relatively lightweight. Keep in mind that it needs to fit over several other layers, and it should be sturdy enough to stand up to backpack straps, etc. There are options in a variety of price ranges.
Waterproof pants. Gore-Tex or a similar material. Full side zippers are great. I use these.
Warm parka. This is a very important piece of gear. Make sure that your parka has a hood, is big enough to fit over your other layers, and is very warm. If you’re shopping for a parka, ask for “expedition weight down” — something like this, this, or this.
Buff or bandana. You’ll need to something to cover your face when it’s dusty, to use as a headband, etc. A bandana will work, but I highly recommend a buff (or two). I carry a one in a lightweight fabric and one in wool.
Sun hat.
Warm hat.
Gloves. For trekking, bring a light/midweight pair of gloves (depending on how cold your hands get.) Liners are fine.
Bathing suit. Optional. Some hotels have pools, and some tea houses offer showers that aren’t particularly private. Personally, I use a sports bra and shorts, but this is up to you.
Personal Supplies
Water bottles. Two 1-liter bottles. Make sure they don’t leak.
Thermos. A coffee mug or thermos can be really nice for coffee/tea. I use a HydroFlask, but any insulated mug will work.
Sunglasses. Bring good sunglasses, preferably with a hard protective case. If you have questions, email me.
Headlamp. I swear by the Mammut X-Shot, but you could easily get away with something a little simpler (like the Black Diamond Spot.) Bring at least one set of extra batteries.
Wrist watch. Something cheap, lightweight, and durable. Be sure it has an alarm.
Pocket knife. This is optional — if you like carrying a small knife, bring one; otherwise, it’s not worth buying one specifically for the trip. I carry a relatively lightweight multi-tool.
Sunscreen. I use Sun Bum, because it’s the only chemical-free brand that works — and it smells amazing! I usually carry a face stick and a small tube of SPF 70 (though depending on how much you use, you might want to bring more.) Use any brand that works for you — just make sure that it’s waterproof and high SPF. The sun is ferocious at altitude.
Lip balm. Again, I use Sun Bum. Use whatever you like — but again, make sure it has a high SPF. It’s worth bringing a couple of tubes and stashing them in various pockets.
Drink mix/favorite snack food. There’s usually plenty to eat, but it’s nice to have a small stash of your favorite things. Ideas: a favorite herbal tea, some ginger drink mix, a couple of different kinds of electrolyte drink mix (I like Nuun and Skratch Lab), and — of course — your favorite kind of chocolate.
Laundry soap. Optional. I travel with a couple of these, and they can be very handy for washing socks & underwear.
iPod/Kindle/Journal/Book/etc. There will inevitably be some down time, and it’s nice to read or listen to music. Personally, I bring my journal (I use Rite in the Rain) and my iPhone with some music and audiobooks. (I’m a huge fan of Audible.) LifeProof cases are fantastic.
Camera. Bring extra batteries, because charging can be difficult. It’s worth discussing bringing a solar charger to share within the group.
Health & Hygene
These are the items that I recommend my clients bring to Nepal, in addition to the very well-stocked and much more comprehensive first aid kid that I carry. Always check with your doctor before traveling overseas, and discuss all medications before acquiring and/or using them. And remember: there is no substitute for good judgement and proper training.
Small personal first aid kit: Athletic tape, aspirin/ibuprofen/acetaminophen, Imodium, antacid, Band-Aids, moleskin, nail clippers, etc.
Hand sanitizer. I bring two small bottles. (Like these.)
Ear plugs. Trust me on this: these are the best.
Wipes. I use these for my hands and these for bathroom needs, and I carry both in quart-sized Ziplock bags with my hand sanitizer. You’ll figure out what works for you — just be warned that there’s often no toilet paper.
Shower supplies. Travel towel, razor, miniature soap/shampoo/conditioner.
Glasses/contact lenses. Bring extras.
Prescription medications:
Antibiotics for respiratory problems (Z-pack.)
Antibiotics for GI problems (Cipro.)
Diamox (acetazolamide) for acclimatization. (Ask for 125mg tablets, not 250mg.)
Sleeping medication, if you use it. (Most doctors recommend Ambien, which is not a respiratory suppressant. Be sure to tell your doctor that you’re going to be at altitude.)
Asthma medication — optional, but Advair can be very helpful for the bronchial irritation that many people experience in the dry, dusty Khumbu air. bronchitis/irritation which can ruin your expedition and prevent you from climbing.)
Nifedipine (for pulmonary edema; the 30 mg time-release x 2 tablets).
Dexamethasome (for Cerebral Edema; 4 mg x 10 tablets).
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to be in touch directly — I’m always happy to talk about Nepal and/or gear questions.