Because a more enjoyable and fulfilling Everest Base Camp Trek has as much to do with what you bring as what you are made of. Which gear we chose could make the difference between a great time hanging out and a suffering experience. Because the Himalayas’ weather is notoriously fickle, going from sunny and warm at lower elevations to freezing and windblown–even at altitude– layers are your best friend. Your trekking company will cover all your requirements in your Everest Base Camp Trek package and inform you what exactly you should bring, but here’s a more in-depth glance at what essentials you will need along the way for your Mount Everest Base Camp Tour.
Layered Systems: Unlocking Your Enjoyment
The three Layers of garb: What apparel do you need for the Everest Base Camp trek? This allows you to, without difficulty, add or eliminate every layer in keeping with the climate on the day and how much altitude you’re gaining.
LAYERS 2 & 3 – BASE LAYER The base Layer suits subsequent to your pores and skin and is used to wick moisture away from your body. This is specifically essential because not simplest can a moist base layer lead you back into the eardrum-popping bloodless, but the lack of insulation can as well. Select materials like merino wool or great synthetics; they wick moisture and dry speedy. Keep away from cotton when you can, because it will hold moisture and keep you moist and bloodless. You’ll want several sets of long-sleeved tops and bottoms.
The second layer is an insulation layer that keeps body heat. You might also want to wear a fleece jacket here — light enough that water can evaporate, warm and breathable. You may also want to add on a down vest for extra insulation. This is the thing you’re wearing during the day when you’re moving around, out walking, and the sun is out, and it’s the one that’s giving you most of your warmth over your base layer.
The outer layer: It’s your protection from the elements. You’ll definitely want a high-quality fair-weather jacket with a hood. This hard shell will shield you from both the surprise shower on the trail, snow, and the frigid winds that howl at altitude. You will need a warm, insulated down jacket for cold nights and the trek to Everest Base Camp itself. Most of the trekking agencies provide these sleeping gears in their EBC trekking package, and those could also be rented. A good sleeping bag can be a chunk of your total EBC Trek price.
Essential Clothing and Footwear
You won’t need more than three sets, but there are a couple of clothing items that are non-negotiable when you’re doing the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Pants – Two pairs of trekking pants, quick-dry. Convertible pants are good for lower down in the hotter weather. In addition to the body, fleece-covered pants could provide the specified warmth.
Socks: A great pair of socks can save you from blisters and keep your feet warm and dry. A few thin sock liners (which you put on underneath your hiking socks) and some pairs of moisture-wicking wool or artificial trekking socks are also a great idea to carry. Bring a pair of the thickest, warmest socks you have to sleep in at night or to wear during the coldest, highest elevation stretches of the hike.
Headgear and Hand cover: You would certainly need a wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect from the burning sun at lower altitudes and a warm Woolen beanie or insulated balaclava to keep your head and ears warm at higher elevations. Your hands will be gloved in both the form of a pair of lightweight, liner gloves and a pair of insulated, waterproof mittens or gloves (I prefer mittens; keep those fingers together!).
Footwear: Think of it this way: your hiking boots are your biggest piece of equipment. They should be heavy, waterproof, good ankle support – and most importantly, they should be well-broken-in. Don’t buy new boots before your trip: You’ll get blisters. It’s essential to pack a sturdy pair of camp shoes, like sneakers or sandals, to wear at the teahouses at night for your feet to recover.
Bags and Trekking Gear
Your possessions will be divided between a porter -carried large duffel bag and a small daypack that you attach to your body.
Duffel Bag – For all of your main luggage. If you don’t want it to rip off while you’re wearing it, it should be a sturdy 60 to 100 liters. You will find it in the itinerary of almost every trekking agent´s Everest Base Camp Trek. Remember too that the porters have a load limit, around 15-20 kg.
Daypack: This is the pack you carry with you for the day hike you are currently out doing. A daypack of 25-35 litres capacity will usually do. You’ll want to be able to tote essential items every day — a water bottle, a warm layer, sunscreen, a camera, snacks, and personal items.
Sleeping Bag: Though teahouses provide blankets, a toasty sleeping bag is the path to warmth when you hit the sack. You’ll be wanting a good 10 below zero bag for starters. They can be rented from a variety of companies, and they may indeed be the most budget-friendly option.
Walking Poles: They are not only for hardcore hikers. You’ll be surprised how your knees don’t hurt and how stable you can be on uneven terrain, or while you climb, when you start using trekking poles. They are cheap to hire from Kathmandu.
Water Purification:
Bring a reusable water bottle with – or with a water filter — (or purification tablets, or a SteriPen!) – and save money, and plastic!
Toiletries: Bring a small travel-size toiletry kit that fits in one corner of your duffle — these should contain: a toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, a quick dry towel, and a few rolls of toilet paper (toilet paper is sometimes unavailable at the teahouses). Factor 900 sun cream and a good lip balm with an SPF are a must-have; eggy will burn to a crisp on those rays of UV death. It’s also key to buy a power bank, as it can be expensive to charge electronic devices at the teahouses, with prices rising the higher you go.
Final Thoughts: What to Pack for Everest Base Camp Trek
When you decide to go EBC Trekking, you need to meticulously pack to avoid a situation of over- or under-packing and to ensure that you will be comfortable and safe while hiking, without carrying clothes you will not wear and a pack too heavy for both you and your porter. A thoughtful packing list will get you through the physical wear and tear and the unpredictable weather and temperature. With the right gear, you’re doing more than preparing for a trip; you’re getting ready for a life-altering expedition. The manner you pack your gear is an expression of your respect for the mountains and that you are prepared for an amazing and safe adventure to the base of the great Everest Base Camp.