Equipment
Our suggestion is that you buy nearly all your gear in Kathmandu in Thamel. It will cost you a fraction of the price of most western countries, although most of this gear is not the genuine article, it is certainly good enough quality for the average trek. If you are planning to trek on a Peak expedition, then you would not go down this road, but for the majority of us trekkers, Thamel is a great place to shop and you can get everything.
On booking your trip, we will give you a detailed dossier of what is best to purchase from home beforehand ie; your own good quality trekking boots. You will also be given a list of what you will need to buy in Nepal. With an approximate idea of pricing. On arrival in Kathmandu we carry out a full equipment check to ensure that you have everything you need and then you can do any last minute shopping in Thamel for your trek. The secret of comfortable walking is to wear several layers of light clothing, which you can easily take off or put on as you warm up or cool down. Most walkers use three main layers - a wickable base layer next to the skin (polypropylene), an insulating layer and an outer shell layer for protection from wind, rain and snow.
A fully detailed packing checklist will be forwarded on booking.
- Sleeping Bag - You will need a good quality down sleeping bag. A fiberfill bag will be warm enough; however part down-filled bags are exceptionally warm.
- Duffel Bag - (This is provided by us for you to pack all your gear into on arrival for your porter to carry). You can then leave your suitcase in Kathmandu with your non-trekking gear at the hotel until you return from trek.
- Daypack - You will need only a daypack to carry your day items (refer to What you will carry tab)
- Water Bottle & Water bottle holder - A good Nalgene bottle that does not leak and you can take to bed as a hot water bottle. A small camel back bladder can also be good to encourage you to keep drinking as the mouth piece can be clipped within easy reach.
- Headlight or Torch - A small hand-carry flashlight is a good choice, although many people prefer a headlamp - which is easier to use when you are reading in bed.
- Trekking boots
- Gortex boots with ankle support
- Gore Tex Raincoat
- Light weight windproof jacket - It's expensive, but Gore Tex keeps you dry. (Note these can be purchased for a fraction of the price in Kathmandu, although not genuine originals, they are more than sufficient and you can take a Poncho for extra protection.) A poncho is cooler in hot weather.
- Sunglasses Polaroid are the best option.
- Evening camp shoes - Sandals, sneakers or Crocs. Crocs are great for showering as well as evening camp wear with socks.
- Evening clothes - Tracksuit pants and a thermal top with fleece.
- 2 x Walking Poles
CLOTHING
- Comfortable trekking clothes (quick dry)
- T-Shirts or shirts long and short sleeve
- Hat / Gloves / Scarf / Beanie
- Trousers
- Long Shorts
- Wool blend socks , inner liner socks (wearing an inner sock will save you from getting a blister, make sure you carry a blister pack) underwear.
- Thermal underwear top and long johns.
- Fleece jacket try a windproof version
- Down Jacket - if going high over 4000 mtrs a down jacket is a good idea as It's cold up there
TOILETRIES
- Quick dry camp towel or small old thin towel
- Laundry soap
- Toilet paper
- shampoo
- face wipes
- Sunscreen
- Steri Pen (instead of buying water) a lot nicer option than Iodine tablets.
- hand sanitiser gel or wet wipes
- Earplugs
- Stuff Sacks
- Sandwich locked seal bags for storage.
- insect repellent for lower elevations
- spare batteries or chargers
- book & notebook
- boiled sweets
- snacks
- Medical kit (refer to safey/health tab)
OPRONAL
- Camera, memory card, battery charger
- Alitmeter
- Binoculars
- Books
- Backpack water proof cover for your day bag
