Everest Base Camp Trek Gear List

Microspikes

If you already own Microspikes, Yaktrax, or another traction system for icy conditions please bring them with you, but note that these are typically most useful in the spring trekking season. Alpine Ascents will provide a pair of traction devices at no additional charge if you do not already own these.

Trekking Poles

Collapsible skiing/trekking poles. Three section, adjustable-height models are preferred.

Wool or Synthetic Socks

Three pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These must fit over your liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots designed for hiking in cool to cold conditions. Modern, lightly insulated boots with room in the toe box and good support should be stressed. Models like the Scarpa Terra GTX are ideal.

Short Underwear

Two to three pairs including the pair you are wearing on Day 1. Synthetic or wool fabrics only - no cotton! Bring comfortable athletic styles based on your needs and preferences (e.g., boxers, briefs, sports bras).

Baselayer Bottom

Non-cotton baselayer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction. We recommend lighter weight baselayers rather than heavier fleece-type layers. Wool, wool blend, polyester, or other synthetic fabrics all work well. Be sure your baselayer pants are not constructed from cotton.

Synthetic T-shirt

One or two short-sleeved outdoor t-shirts for hiking on warm days. "Tech tees" work well for this, as they are synthetic and quick-drying.

Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

One long-sleeved base layer top. This item must be constructed of a non-cotton material such as merino wool or polyester. Note that light-colored, hooded sun shirts are strongly recommended for sun protection, and are worn by guides throughout most climbs.

Second Baselayer Top

A second non-cotton baselayer top. Wool or synthetic fabrics are required. Short or long sleeve acceptable, though we recommend long sleeve.

Softshell Pants

Stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated softshell pants that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms. Please note that "zip-off"-style trekking pants are too light to be considered softshell pants.

Hiking Pants

One pair of lightweight synthetic hiking pants. Some prefer to bring zip-off styles, though that is not required.

Hardshell Pants

Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your baselayer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length separating size zippers are generally required; occasionally, 7/8th zippers (extending from the cuff of the pant to the upper hip) can suffice but are strongly advised against. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Softshell Jacket

This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Midlayer Top

A midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Grid fleeces generally provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Note that very light puffy jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.

Hardshell Jacket

A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. Must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, and softshell.

Insulated Synthetic Puffy Jacket (Optional)

A light to midweight puffy jacket. Synthetic insulation is preferred for dealing with wet weather, but down fill can work with careful management. Models with a hood are useful but not required. Down sweaters or synthetic equivalents work well.

Insulated Down Parka

This jacket or parka should be heavily insulated with high-quality down fill. We recommend an overall parka weight between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds. For warmth, a hood is required. Down sweaters or light puffy jackets will not be sufficient. Check out our write-ups here and here to learn more about down fill and down weight.

Insulated Synthetic Pants

A synthetic insulated pant with full-length separating side zips. Ski pants are typically not appropriate for this layer.

Softshell Gloves

Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Insulated Shell Gloves

One pair of warm shell gloves with insulated removable liners. Excellent for use when conditions are too cold for softshell gloves, but too warm for expedition mittens. We recommend models with a durable leather palm.

Buffs

Two buffs are a must-have. The UV Buff is a versatile replacement for the bandana and serves a multitude of purposes. Note that you may consider waiting until you are in-country to buy a local version of this product for your second Buff. Check out our write-up to learn more.

Sun Hat

Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well. Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

Wool/Synthetic Ski Hat

A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

Sunglasses

High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection are recommended. A good fit is critical for comfort- try on glasses to check for a comfy fit and good light blockage. Keep in mind that high-quality lenses are an absolute must due to mountain sun.

Headlamp

A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output. Freshly installed batteries plus spare batteries. Rental headlamps do not include spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred. Check out our write-ups here to learn more.

Pillowcase

A pillowcase is strongly recommended for use in the tea houses. While not required, it is a small, light item that affords extra comfort. Travel or regular versions can both suffice.

Small Pack

An internal frame climbing/trekking pack of approximately 32-40 liters in carrying capacity. Emphasize simple, lightweight designs.

(OPTIONAL) Towel & Soap

A small packable towel and a small bottle of soap/shampoo can be nice to have, as showers may be purchased at times during the trip.

0° Fahrenheit Sleeping Bag

Whether filled with down or synthetic insulation, your sleeping bag should be rated to approximately 0° Fahrenheit and feature a collared hood for warmth. Be sure to include a compression stuff sack. Weather conditions and your body temperature needs may effect what rating of sleeping bag you require. Please call with questions.

Water Bottles

Bring two one-liter capacity water bottles. Wide-mouth, hard-sided, plastic bottles are ideal. Nalgene brand bottles are recommended. Do not bring metal bottles, and do not bring soft-sided water bottles.

Pee Bottle

Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models can work well. If opting for a collapsible model, please pick a 1.5-2 liter model as it allows for more space while using in your sleeping bag. For longer expeditions and colder mountains (Everest, Vinson, Denali, etc..) we strongly recommend a hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene as the collapsible models tend to crack in extreme temperatures. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee bottles and funnels.

Pee Funnel (for Women)

Optional. Practice is critical for the use of this item. Check out our write-up to learn more about pee funnels and bottles.

Trash Compactor/Contractor Bags

Three heavy plastic garbage bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. Trash compactor or contractor bags are made from a heavier plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use. Alternatively, a reusable waterproof pack liner can be used provided it completely fills the inside of your pack.

Camera

Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR's) are ideal & work well at altitude. Alternatively, many opt to use a smartphone camera. Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large dSLR cameras are discouraged.

Small personal power bank (Optional)

Small portable battery bank for charging personal items like a cell phone. We recommend models that weight less than 7oz and have enough charge for the length of the trip. Good options Goal Zero Flip 36 which can charge a smartphone three times. We strongly recommend keeping phones in airplane mode to increase battery life in the field. If concerned about pack weight, we recommend forgoing this item.

Toiletry Bag

Include toilet paper (stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and wet wipes. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip. Female climbers should bring an appropriate amount of feminine hygiene products for the duration of the trip (for international trips, these can be difficult to find last minute in-country).

Water Treatment Tools

You need to be able to treat four to six liters of water for personal consumption each day. Steri-Pen purification tools have become very popular - they quickly and easily treat water without the addition of chemical tastes. However, some find them temperamental from a battery perspective, even when extra batteries are available. Please bring one set of Aquamira chemical treatment drops as well, in case your Steri-Pen fails.

Sunscreen

Two to four ounces of SPF 30+ sunscreen. Varieties with zinc-oxide are more protective! Two to four ounces per week is typically sufficient, but several small tubes can offer insurance against lost or exploded tubes. Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

Lipscreen

Several tubes of SPF 30+ lipscreen. As with sunscreen, be sure your lipscreen is new.

Running Shoes

Lightweight, comfortable running or walking shoes are recommended for off-mountain use and pre-and-post trip travel. In some situations, these may also serve as approach shoes.

Altimeter/Smart Watch (Optional)

Altimeter and Smart Watches are increasingly popular and a great way to track your trip in the field. Models with GPS tracking, altimeter, and activity mode options are most common in addition to having traditional watch features like an alarm clock. Smart watches can be a very helpful tool in training for your climb. For a long trip, we recommend bringing a power bank and charging cable into the field as GPS tracking requires a significant amount of a battery power. For more information on altimeters and smart watches please read our blog post.

Small Personal First-Aid Kit

Basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

Medications & Prescriptions

Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, Z-Paks (250mg tablets), Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 35 total), and a variety of standard painkillers including Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc. We also recommend a selection of hard candies and cough drops to handle the cold, dry air.

Hand Sanitizer

Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well. Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

Face Mask

While on the mountain, all climbers are required to have a face mask easily accessible in a waterproof bag (Ziploc, etc.). When social distancing measure are not feasible, such as at a belay, you will be requested to wear your mask. Cloth or surgical masks are both acceptable.

Hand and Toe Warmers

Bring three sets of each. Please note that toe warmers are different than hand warmers. They are formulated to work in a lower oxygen environment, like the inside of a boot, they also burn out more quickly.

International Trek Food

All the food for this trip is provided, but bring any snacks or other food and drink items you wouldn’t want to trek without!

We recommend bringing a personal selection of energy bars and Gu for the trek.

Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.

Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit

All climbers must bring two (2) Covid-19 Antigen Testing Kits. Tests are to be used at guides discretion such as the gear check and/or when symptoms arise. We recommend kits like the Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen Self-Test that deliver quick results and are easy to use.

Covid-19 Vaccination Card

All climbers must bring a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card . Please reference the logistics page for PCR testing and other requirements specific to your trip.

Traveling Extras

Please pack several quart-sized Ziploc bags, extra batteries for any electronic device (such as a headlamp or Steri-Pen!), and consider packing outlet adapters depending on your itinerary. An assortment of items to make your travel comfortable and secure will ensure a smooth trip.

Travel Lock

We recommend two (2) TSA-approved travel locks for your luggage. When traveling or when storing items in hotels or lodges these are useful, offering extra peace-of-mind.

Travel Clothes

Clean 'town' clothing is recommend for use traveling as well as pre-and-post trip. We recommend bringing a comfortable variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts.

Small Duffel

This item can double as carry-on luggage for your flight, and is used to store any items you do not plan to take into the mountains. Think light and simple, with 40-50 liters of total capacity. Bring a travel lock for peace of mind.

Travel Luggage

For traveling to your start location, we recommend standard luggage with a travel lock. Medium-sized soft-sided duffels will be provided for transporting your belongings during your journey, so this travel luggage may be left behind at your hotel.