Everest Base Camp -  Gear List

Things you need to bring:

Base Layers

• Synthetic, non-cotton, underwear (sports bra, briefs) (2-3 pair)
• Lightweight long underwear (top & bottom) (1-2 pair)
• Heavyweight long underwear (top & bottom) (1 pair)
• Short sleeve synthetic shirt/tank top (1-2 pair)

Mid Layers

• Lightweight soft shell jacket (fleece): to be worn over base layers
• Lightweight nylon/soft shell, water repellent pant for hiking (1-2 pair)

Insulation Layers

• Insulated down or synthetic jacket with hood
• Insulated down or synthetic pant

Windproof/Rain Layers

• Hard shell waterproof jacket with hood
• Hard shell waterproof pant

Headwear

• Winter hat (beanie): synthetic or wool
• Winter (fleece) Buff
• Summer Buff
• Baseball cap/sun hat

Gloves

• Lightweight gloves (liners): for wearing on warm days to protect you from sunburn
• Soft shell/ fleece gloves: for wearing on cold/windy days
• Hard shell gloves: for wearing on rainy days

Footwear

• Wool/synthetic hiking socks (3 pairs)
• Wool sleeping socks (1 pair)
• Waterproof hiking boots (comfortable)
• Camp shoes (down booties or sandals)

Travel Items

• Travel clothes/shoes: for days in Kathmandu
• Luggage locks
• Luggage tags
• U.S. cash: for currency exchange or merchandise in cities and villages
• Pillow case
• Camp towel
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
• Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 50 or better
• Toiletry bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo & conditioner, soap, tampons, etc.
• Small personal first-aid kit: athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, etc.
• Prescribed medicines: personal medications, antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), altitude medicine such as Diamox, glasses/contacts, etc.
• Country-appropriate power plug adapters
• Personal power system (backup charger)
• Phone
• Camera (bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards)
• Charging cables for phone and camera

Optional Equipment

• Adventure Sports Watch with altitude and mileage
• GPS/Personal Satellite Communicator
• Lightweight journal, pen, and book
• Bathing suit (for hotel pools)
• Snack Food: a few days supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good
• Earplugs

Things you need to bring OR can rent from BE: 

• Soft-Sided Duffel Bag (100-liter max)

• 2 if hiring a personal porter (one to stay in Kathmandu; one to go with porter or on yak)
• 1 if not hiring personal porter (one to stay in Kathmandu)

• Hiking Backpack

• 25-35L if hiring a personal porter
• 55-65L if NOT hiring a personal porter

• Backpack Rain Cover
• Trash Compactor Bag: to line backpack
• Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -0°F
• Compression Stuff Sack for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag
• Trekking Poles: adjustable
• Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
• 1-liter Water bottle: Nalgene, Wide-mouth
• 2-liter water bladder
• Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around