Gear List

  • Here is the list of the essential gear mountaineers require in their expeditions.

    Mountaineering requires a lot of gear. Choosing the right one depends on what kind and how long the trip will be. If you plan to hike a small mountain with no-technical climbing, you need only a few primary gears, such as boots, a backpack, and a rain jacket. However, the gear list can be extended if you are on a multi-day winter mountaineering.

    If you forget something—don’t worry! You can buy anything on this list in Kathmandu. Just make sure you save some time before your trek to go shopping. Kathmandu has brand-name and knock-off shops that cater to the thousands of travellers coming to Nepal each year who lack all the necessary equipment.

  • The Essentials

    • Shoes – Lightweight hiking boots are great. Make sure they are comfortable and you have worn them before arriving in Nepal. Trail running shoes will work, too, which are lighter but not ideal if it rains or snow (unless they are made with Goretex)
    • Shorts
    • Trekking pants
    • T-shirts – Lightweight, quick-drying
    • Long-sleeved shirt
    • Fleece
    • Rain jacket  
    • Down jacket
    • Socks
    • Backpack – With a good waist and chest belt; a light one should be enough (e.g. 35 litres capacity)
    • Sleeping bag
    • Cash – Bring enough rupees to cover your trek. Once you begin trekking, there are no more ATMs (except in Namche)
    • Water – 1L bottle should be enough. You can refill or buy new bottles in tea houses along the way
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat

  • Optional

    • Trekking pole(s)
    • Small first-aid kit – Band-Aids, Diamox (for altitude sickness), antiseptic cream
    • Hand sanitiser
    • Toilet Paper – Which you can buy along the way
    • Quick-dry towel
    • Soap / Shampoo
    • Flashlight / Headlight – A headlight is handy at night, especially since electricity comes and goes pretty often
    • Dust mask – For dusty sections of the trail
    • Camera
    • Sleeping bag liner