Should I buy or rent gear in Kathmandu?

Rent sleeping bags, down jackets, and sleeping pads in Kathmandu's Thamel district. Buy items you'll use again like base layers, hiking boots, and daypacks. Rental gear is good quality and saves significant weight and money.

How much should my packed bag weigh?

Your main pack should weigh 12-15kg maximum since porters carry it. Your daypack should be 5-7kg with daily essentials, water, and layers. Anything heavier will slow you down at altitude.

Do I need special altitude gear?

Pack diamox (altitude sickness medication) prescribed by your doctor, pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels, and extra warm layers for sleeping. The combination of altitude and cold makes temperature regulation crucial.

What about electronics and charging?

Bring power bank (20,000mAh minimum), charging cables, and universal adapter. Tea houses have electricity but charge $2-5 per device. Solar chargers work but are heavy and weather-dependent.

How to pack gear for Everest Base Camp trek

Pack in layers with a 65-75L backpack, focusing on insulation, waterproofing, and altitude protection. Essential items include a -20°C sleeping bag, down jacket, waterproof shell, and proper trekking boots. Rent heavy items like sleeping bags in Kathmandu to save weight and money.

Choose your backpack system. Get a 65-75L backpack with good hip belt support. Pack a 20-25L daypack for daily hikes while your main bag goes with porters. Test both packs fully loaded before you go.
Build your clothing layers. Pack 3 base layers, 2 insulating layers (fleece and down jacket), and waterproof outer shell. Include 4-5 pairs of hiking socks, 2 pairs of thermal underwear, and lightweight camp clothes for evenings.
Sort your footwear. Bring broken-in waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes (down booties or sandals), and gaiters. Pack boot warmers for summit day if going in winter months.
Gather technical gear. Pack headlamp with extra batteries, sleeping bag rated to -20°C, sleeping pad with R-value 4+, trekking poles, and water purification tablets. Include altitude sickness medication.
Add comfort and safety items. Include first aid kit, sunglasses and glacier glasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, toiletries for 14 days, and entertainment (book, cards) for tea house evenings.

Should I buy or rent gear in Kathmandu?: Rent sleeping bags, down jackets, and sleeping pads in Kathmandu's Thamel district. Buy items you'll use again like base layers, hiking boots, and daypacks. Rental gear is good quality and saves significant weight and money.
How much should my packed bag weigh?: Your main pack should weigh 12-15kg maximum since porters carry it. Your daypack should be 5-7kg with daily essentials, water, and layers. Anything heavier will slow you down at altitude.
Do I need special altitude gear?: Pack diamox (altitude sickness medication) prescribed by your doctor, pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels, and extra warm layers for sleeping. The combination of altitude and cold makes temperature regulation crucial.
What about electronics and charging?: Bring power bank (20,000mAh minimum), charging cables, and universal adapter. Tea houses have electricity but charge $2-5 per device. Solar chargers work but are heavy and weather-dependent.