The Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek had been a long-standing item on our bucket list. We decided to book the trek ten months in advance, perhaps prematurely, given our lack of experience with multi-day hikes. Nonetheless, this early commitment afforded us ample time for necessary preparation and research.
Below is a comprehensive list of items you may require for the trek, along with links to where they can be obtained, where possible. Most of our gear and clothing were similar, so while the links may only lead to one version, you'll likely find both men's and women's options available.
Upper Body
Beanie x2 :1 for trek and 1 to sleep in. At high altitude and cold days its important to keep your head warm
Buff x2 : We carried two buffs each for our Everest Base Camp trek. Initially, we used a thin merino buff for trekking at lower altitudes. However, as we ascended past Dingboche and encountered colder winds, we switched to a thicker merino buff Additionally, we found it necessary to wear the buff while sleeping due to the freezing temperatures at night. Although having a fresh buff for sleeping would have been preferable, we managed well with just the two buffs.
Cap: Both of us used North Face Horizon Cap . While hiking in hot sunny days this helps you keep off harsh sun. This was pretty much we wore on our entire trek. Lightweight, quick dry, classic fit and a hook to hang on your trekking bag.
SPF 50 Sunscreen: Very important on all days and get a good one if you want to avoid any sunburns. We took couple of packs of SPF50+ Invisible Zinc face sunscreen which leaves no cast, quick and easy apply while on the trek as well
SPF Lip balm: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm was our go to lip balm and is the only one with SPF which feels good on your lips and kind of taste good as well.
Sunglasses: Opting for glasses with the darkest tint and polarization is advisable for this trek. Reflections can be distracting at times, and polarized lenses effectively mitigate them, enhancing visibility and comfort
Gloves: Hands and head are the first areas to feel cold or warm, making it essential to have the right gear. We relied on Icebreaker liner gloves as our all-day choice, complemented by another pair from Rab Storm
Thermals 3x: We found that Merino thermals are perfect for a two-week hiking trip. We brought along two sets for daytime wear and kept one set exclusively for nighttime use. During regular hiking, we trusted the Icebreaker 200, while for higher altitudes, we upgraded to the Icebreaker 260. For sleeping comfort, we preferred the softer feel of Uniqlo Heattech thermals against the skin.
Merino T-shirt: We took one for lower altitude hiking during our trek but in summer 2 t-shirts and 2 thermals should do the job well. At higher altitude one would wear everything possible anyway. Merino Tshirt
Mid Layer: Any technical fleece should suffice for the task. Key considerations include a slim fit and lightweight design that allows for effective layering, as this layer was predominantly utilized during our hikes. The Macpac Men's Pisa Hooded Fleece Jacket proved to be an excellent discovery for us due to its reasonable price, Polartec fleece interior, and water, wind, and abrasion-resistant outer layer
Outer Layer: This layer is primarily worn during stays in tea houses or on higher altitude days when it's extremely windy and cold. Typically, a down jacket would suffice, but we were fortunate to discover innovative products utilizing the latest 3M technology, which kept us warm throughout the entire trek. Seadon Jacket Gale ACT Puffer Hoodie
Rain Jacket: Patagonia Torrential 3L, a highly sought - after rain jacket at a reasonable price point. It proved to be a solid choice, delivering good performance for its cost.
Lower Body
Thermal Base Layer: While you may not require multiple lower body thermals in warmer months, it's wise to have at least one for hiking at higher altitudes. We used icebreaker while trekking. Additionally, consider a softer option like Uniqlo Heattech for nighttime comfort at tea house.
Hiking Pants: We used Marmot convertible pants and they were very light weight and flexible and this is what we used for 80% of the hike.
Thermal Hiking Pants: For our winter trek, we got a thermal fleece liner hiking pants. Despite having them, we found little use for them. Alternatively, they can be optionally worn for added warmth during sleep instead of down pants or omitted altogether. We used Rab Vapour-Rise Incline Pants
Down Pants: At higher altitudes, tea houses get really cold in the night. Also, during off-season when there are less no. of people in the tea house it gets cold quickly. You may use these ones which we got from Thamel for Rs. 2000.
Rain and Wind Pants: Again, winter months can be very cold and you could also have few snow trekking days. hence it is important to have a layer which can protect from both rain and wind. We used these pants on few of the days, since it was snowing and windy. PATAGONIA Men's M's Torrentshell 3l Pants. We were looking for women Asian size and we could get this one which was a perfect size and with Goretex as well, Montbell Dancer Rain Pants Women
Merino Socks: Icebreaker is the one which we used and was perfect for the trek. We had heavy and medium cushion for trekking. For teahouse we used Mountaineering cushion icebreaker socks. We also got ourselves a pair of Injinji liner socks which worked perfectly under these Merino socks.
Hiking Shoes: Most important above everything. Highly recommended to break into your shoes before the hike. Get used to it, you might have to try few of them before you find your perfect pair. During long continuous days of hiking your feet will be swollen a bit which means you will need bit of room in the shoes. Both of us used La Sportiva Ultra Raptor which was mid - GTX
Tea house footwear: After a long day of hike you would want to get your feet to relax. We used very versatile Crocs classic clogs which was very useful through out the trek.
Accessories
Hiking Bagpack: We took Gregory Zulu 45 and Gregory Jade 33 bags. To be honest, the large backpacks we brought were somewhat excessive for our needs. A smaller backpack capable of carrying a 2L bladder, a 1L Nalgene bottle, a few energy bars, and a wind/waterproof jacket for changing weather conditions would have sufficed. These ones we used for our day trek and packed about 6-7kgs.
Water Bladder: A 2L bladder is ideal, as it allows for easy refilling at tea houses along the hike. This size is convenient for drinking water on the go, eliminating the need to stop each time you want to hydrate. We used Gregory 3D 2L and Source 2L bladder but source was much better and easier to work with.
Nalgene bottles: Game changer and non negotiable. While it of course is used during the day for water, it’s real use is in the night when you fill it with hot water just before the bed time and sleep with it in your sleeping bags. Absolute must during hiking anytime of the year. Since Nalgene 1L bottle, is well known, you will get fake ones in KTM as well but get the original one only.
Packing cubes: Packing and unpacking is a big part of this trek.. every evening, we need to unpack and change and every morning we need to pack everything again.. so being organised is important and that’s where packing cubes are a life saver.. we split it into used/unused, trekking / sleeping etc.
Sleeping bag liners: if you do not have your own sleeping bag then a liner is highly recommended. We rented sleeping bags and used liners every day. This also does provide extra bit of heat to keep you warm. Sea to Summit +15C
Sleeping Bag: Rented -30C bags from Thamel which was in good condition and clean as well.
Essential sanitization kit: Paper soaps, Sanitiser, toilet paper, sanitary essentials, all must be handy in your trekking bag
Trekking poles: were highly beneficial for both uphill and downhill segments of our trek. Despite limited prior experience, we found that using one pole each suited us well. One is better than none. Our choice was the collapsible Black Diamond poles.
Nuts and Bars, Chips and Chocolates: Spoil yourself on the trek and it will all be worth it.
Merino Blister Wool: this is the best if you want to avoid any blister at all on the trek. Additionally you can also keep blister bandages.
Wipe tablets: you may not be able to take bath for multiple days so wet wipe is handy to clean and wipe every morning and evening. We used wipe tablet which was handy, could be reused, use it with warm water for easy warm wipes.
Playing cards: We used this multiple days in evening when you have nothing else to do and waiting meals or before bed time
Medicines: Fever, Diarrhoea, Electrolytes (very important), antibiotics for bacterial infections, strepsils, Diamox to avoid altitude sickness and any personal medications. We did use Strepsils on the trek to keep throat hydrated and Electrolytes, very essential to carry, when you feel you have lost all your energy by the time you reach base camp.
Hothands Warmers: Couple of days when you are at higher altitude and extreme cold temperatures these can be handy. However, you need not carry in bulk, few of these is good for the entire trek.
Charging: Charging solution could be something of your own what you already might have. We did have phones, watch, headlamps, power bank. We got this multiport power bank, with minimal cables, worked well for us. Snapwireless Powerpack Universal
Headlamp: We used headlamps for the EBC hike, starting early in the dark. They were essential in Namche Bazaar when there was no electricity. Our chosen headlamps had three modes, comfortable grip, and were compact. Does the job pretty well Knog LED Headlamp
We have tried to provide you with the comprehensive list to what all we carried. Be mindful this was of middle of February month which was a peak winter season with very cold temperatures. However, you can adjust this list according to the month of your trek.
For any questions please reach out to us, we would be happy to help.
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