Gear List

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.

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.

Lightweight Insulated Jacket

We recommend a lightweight insulated jacket to serve either as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. This may be filled with down or synthetic insulation.

Insulated Waterproof Gloves

Midweight, lightly insulated, fully waterproof gloves designed for wet-weather use.

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.

Day Pack

A lightweight day pack for travel, acclimatization hikes, and cultural days. Approximately 15-20 liters. Emphasize simple lightweight designs.

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.

(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.

Waterproof Pack Cover

A waterproof cover, sized appropriately to fit your pack, is recommended for staving off rain showers.

Inflatable Sleeping Pad

A full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad is recommended. Older-style three-quarter length pads have been superseded by ultralight full-length pads. We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.

20 Degree Fahrenheit Sleeping Bag

Whether filled with down or synthetic insulation, this bag must be rated to 20-degrees Fahrenheit and feature a collared hood for warmth. Be sure to include a compression stuff sack.

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.

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 pre- and-post trip travel.

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.

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.

Travel Luggage

For traveling to your start location we recommend a standard expedition size duffel with a travel lock 80-100 Liters size. This bag will travel with you every day, except on our overnight treks. For the overnight treks we will provide a medium sized soft-sided duffel for transporting your belongings via porter or donkey.

Covid-19 Vaccination Card & Negative PCR Test results

All climbers must bring a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card and a negative PCR test to participate in the program. An electronic copy OR original paper copy are both acceptable. For more details, please reference the COVID Protocols listed above in the Logistics tab.

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.