Everest Base Camp Kit List

These will be a key piece of your wardrobe. They should be comfortable, and easy to wash and dry. Wicking base layers are important as it will draw excess moisture away from your body allowing you to feel more comfortable. It helps you regulate your temperature more effectively, especially once it gets cooler. Quick drying fabric is great as you can wash it before you go to bed and it will be clean and dry to wear the following day. A short sleeve and long sleeve base layer top allows for versatility depending on where you are on the trek.

The temperature will vary on your trip. It’s important to have a good layering system consisting of many thin layers. A fleece jacket will offer warmth in the evenings but also be breathable enough that you can trek in it during the day as you gain altitude. Synthetic fleece has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than a cotton hoodie. It will also offer better moisture management. Both things are important when you have limited luggage.

An insulated jacket will come in useful for early mornings and evenings. It will also double as an extra layer for sleeping should you feel the cold as the rooms in tea houses aren't usually heated.

A breathable waterproof jacket is a must for added protection from the elements. It should be a good fit: big enough to have a fleece layer or two underneath but not completely oversized. A suitably sized hood can be cinched in around your face to protect you against wind and rain. Pit zips are a bonus that provides extra ventilation while hiking.

A breathable waterproof jacket is a must for added protection from the elements. It should be a good fit: big enough to have a fleece layer or two underneath but not completely oversized. A suitably sized hood can be cinched in around your face to protect you against wind and rain. Pit zips are a bonus that provides extra ventilation while hiking.

Some warm base layer leggings are perfect for relaxing in the evenings. The fabric should offer warmth but still be able to wick moisture away in case you need them for trekking. As with tops, merino wool fabric is excellent and is naturally odour free. This means they won't smell as much, even after a few days of wear.

Another piece of clothing that you’ll get a lot of wear out of. They should be lightweight and able to wick sweat away to keep you feeling comfortable in the heat. Convertible trousers allow you to switch between shorts and trousers conveniently.

Shorts are ideal for exploring Kathmandu before you head into the mountains. They're also ideal for trekking in the lower regions where it will be considerably warmer.

Waterproof trousers are a must-have when trekking in the mountains. They'll keep you dry in a downpour but also add a little extra warmth in the cold, windy conditions you'll likely face as you gain altitude.

Walking boots are the most difficult but also the most important to get right. They should be supportive at the ankle and through the midsole. They must also be comfortable enough to wear for long days trekking over difficult terrain. Learning how to lace-up walking boots can make a huge difference to their performance. A little care and maintenance after use will make them last for many more adventures.

Taking some sandals, sliders or lightweight trainers will give you an alternative for use in the evenings around the tea houses and on rest days. Ideally, it'll be something you can wear both with and without socks. You'll need the insulation when at higher altitudes. You'll also benefit from the comfort of wearing something without socks.

Walking socks will wick away excess moisture from your feet. They provide cushioning in key areas to help reduce premature fatigue. It's worth taking lighter socks for the warmer conditions before using a warmer pair as you ascend. But, feet can be very personal and you may prefer to walk in lightweight pairs. Your footwear must fit comfortably with whatever you choose.

A warm hat will keep you cosy when it's cold and won't add too much weight when it's warmer. For extra versatility, you could opt for a neck warmer.

As with any mountain adventures, a pair of warm gloves is a must.

The type of sleeping bag you need will depend on what time of year you are going. Down insulated sleeping bags have a better warmth-to-weight ratio but can be more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags. You can rent sleeping bags locally if you know you won't get much use out of it after but many prefer to have their own for hygiene reasons.

A sleeping bag liner is a handy piece of kit that will help you keep your sleeping bag clean. It can also offer peace of mind if you are renting a sleeping bag and concerned about hygiene. It’s also a great way to maintain a modicum of modesty when in shared rooms. You can have your sleeping bag zipped open if it’s warm but the sleeping bag liner will keep you covered.

Your type of luggage will depend on whether you are carrying your own kit or not. If you are carrying all your own kit you’ll need a large multiday pack that fits your frame and is comfortable to carry. It’s important to get this right as carrying heavy loads can lead to injury if not done correctly. If you have a luggage porter or a yak service, you’ll likely be asked to use a duffel bag, this is because they are exceptionally durable and easy to strap down. You’ll also need a small rucksack for carrying your personal kit during the day. This will need to be a good, comfortable fit and have plenty of space to fit everything you’ll need on the trail.

Sun protection is important when trekking at altitude and on glaciers. Even when it’s cloudy harmful rays can still be present and you will burn without effective protection. While it’s worth considering a higher SPF than you might normally use, the most important thing is that it works and you feel comfortable using it. If you don’t like it because it leaves you a greasy mess, you are less likely to reapply appropriately.

There will be insects at lower altitudes of your trek. Some are more irritating than others and some with the ability to cause harm. Using insect repellent will help to mask your presence but at their most active times, dawn and dusk, it's worth covering up with clothing. Securing cuffs, hems, and collars will mean they can’t get inside your clothing to bite or sting.

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