Can I rent gear in Kathmandu instead of bringing it?

Yes, but quality varies wildly. Sleeping bags and boots are risky rentals - sizing and warmth ratings are often unreliable. Rent tents and poles, buy or bring your own sleep system and footwear.

How do I pack for temperature swings from 20°C to -20°C?

Layer system is everything. Start with merino base, add fleece mid-layer, top with down jacket. Pack both shorts and insulated pants. Your sleep system handles the coldest temps, layers handle the daily range.

What's the maximum pack weight I should carry?

Keep base weight under 15kg. With food and water, you'll hit 20-25kg. Above 25kg becomes dangerous on technical terrain. Use porters if available rather than overloading yourself.

Do I need crampon-compatible boots for non-technical treks?

Yes for any trek above 4000m. Even non-technical routes can have snow, ice, and require microspikes or crampons. Your boots must have rigid soles and welts for crampon attachment.

How to Pack Gear for Himalayan Treks

Pack in layers with a focus on warmth, waterproofing, and weight distribution. Your base weight should be 12-15kg before food and water. Prioritize a -15°C sleeping bag, 4-season tent, and quality trekking boots rated for high altitude.

Choose your base layer system. Pack 2 merino wool base layer sets. One for wearing, one backup. Avoid cotton completely - it kills when wet. Add one midweight fleece and one down jacket rated to -10°C minimum.
Select shelter and sleep system. Bring a 4-season mountaineering tent (not 3-season). Pack a sleeping bag rated 10°C below expected temperatures - if expecting -5°C, bring a -15°C bag. Include a closed-cell foam pad plus inflatable sleeping pad.
Pack technical gear. Essential: headlamp with backup batteries, glacier glasses (Category 4), SPF 50+ sunscreen, water purification tablets. Add trekking poles, crampon-compatible boots, and gaiters for snow protection.
Organize by altitude zones. Pack gear by when you'll need it. Keep warm layers accessible in top of pack. Store summit gear (extra gloves, balaclava, emergency shelter) in easily reached compartments.
Test everything before departure. Set up your tent in rain. Wear full gear system on a cold day hike. Check that crampon-boot combinations work together. Replace any questionable zippers or buckles.

Can I rent gear in Kathmandu instead of bringing it?: Yes, but quality varies wildly. Sleeping bags and boots are risky rentals - sizing and warmth ratings are often unreliable. Rent tents and poles, buy or bring your own sleep system and footwear.
How do I pack for temperature swings from 20°C to -20°C?: Layer system is everything. Start with merino base, add fleece mid-layer, top with down jacket. Pack both shorts and insulated pants. Your sleep system handles the coldest temps, layers handle the daily range.
What's the maximum pack weight I should carry?: Keep base weight under 15kg. With food and water, you'll hit 20-25kg. Above 25kg becomes dangerous on technical terrain. Use porters if available rather than overloading yourself.
Do I need crampon-compatible boots for non-technical treks?: Yes for any trek above 4000m. Even non-technical routes can have snow, ice, and require microspikes or crampons. Your boots must have rigid soles and welts for crampon attachment.