Essential Equipment to Pack for Peak Climbing in Nepal. Every mountaineering adventure, whether technical or not, requires a range of climbing equipment that serves as a life support system to ensure a smooth ascent. Check out the list of essential equipment to pack for peak climbing in Nepal. We have carefully prepared a packing list to eliminate any doubt about what to pack for climbing in Nepal. This list is meant to serve as a general guide for all trekkers, including climbers. Your personal preferences and sense of judgment will also factor into your ultimate packing list for climbing in Nepal.
Your personal belongings can only weigh a maximum of 15 kilograms per porter, which also happens to be the limit for all domestic flights in Nepal. The weight limit can be exceeded to some extent because you will have gear and equipment. If your luggage is significantly heavier than the allowed weight, be prepared to pay the additional fee. It would cost $ 1 to $ 2 per kg.
You need to arrange your trekking gear carefully so that you are comfortable at higher altitudes while trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. Keep in mind that carrying extra baggage will probably be difficult for you and your support crew. Our mantra is “Pack light, but pack smart.” This will help you to travel comfortably while focusing all of your efforts and enthusiasm on exploring the beauty of the Himalayas. Please look over the list of clothing and equipment below.
HEAD AND HAND GEAR
SUN HAT
Any lightweight hat with a good brim or visor.
WOOL OR FLEECE HAT
Should cover your ears. Any brand should be fine.
BALACLAVA
This should fit underneath your wool or fleece hat or be thick enough to be worn alone. (It is best when you are above 5000m, as the winds can be really icy)
NECKBAND
Multi-use—can be worn as a scarf, facemask, and headband to keep your hair out of your face. However, this is Optional
LINER GLOVES
They should be lightweight and synthetic.
WIND STOPPER FLEECE GLOVES
Any brand of Wind stopper fleece
MITTENS W/ PILE LINERS
Esp. for climbing
FOOTWEAR
RUNNING SHOES
These are great for travel and easy walking.
HIKING BOOTS
Boots should be warm and fit well over light and heavy sock combinations. Fit is much more important than brand. (Asolo, Merrill, Scarpa, La Sportiva)
GAITERS
Short, simple gaiters are best, such as Outdoor Research’s Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters, and Gore-Tex gaiters- Recommended for winter trekking & climbing
SPORT SANDALS
For camp in lodges during the evenings.
LIGHTWEIGHT SOCKS
Pairs of synthetic/wool blend (Bridgedale, Patagonia, Wigwam, and Fox River)
HEAVY SOCKS
Pairs synthetic/wool blend (Smartwool, Bridgedale, Wigwam, Fox River)
Clothing:
LIGHTWEIGHT LONG UNDERWEAR TOP/ BOTTOM
(Patagonia-Capilene, REI, and Mountain Equipment Co-op)
MID-WEIGHT LONG UNDERWEAR TOP/ BOTTOM
The Zip T-neck design is good. Light colors are better for tops because they are cooler when hiking in direct sunlight and just as warm as dark colors when worn underneath other layers. (Patagonia, North Face, Mountain Hardware)
BRIEFS
4 pairs of synthetic or cotton. Running shorts also work well for underwear.
CLOTHING
SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS
Two synthetics; most nylon running shirts or athletic shirts work well. The shirt material should have vapor-wicking capabilities. (North Face, Patagonia-Capilene)
PAIR OF LONG-SLEEVE SHIRTS
LIGHTWEIGHT WINDPROOF FLEECE
For daytime trekking
JACKET SYNTHETIC OR FLEECE
Synthetic jackets or pullovers are a great alternative to fleece because they are lighter and more compressible. Primaloft type fill or Polartec 100 or 200 fleeces is recommended. (Wild Things Primaloft, Patagonia Puff Jacket)
SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANTS
Primaloft or Polarguard 3D. Full-side zips are recommended. Mountain Hardwear Chugach 3D pants are an example. An acceptable alternative is fleece pants like Polartec 100 or 200, but they are bulkier, heavier, and less versatile.
DOWN INSULATED JACKET
A medium-weight down-fill jacket with a hood. The hood is optional but highly recommended. (Marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia)
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE JACKET & PANTS
The jacket must have a hood, and the pants must have full-length side zips. (Arc’Teryx, Marmot, Mountain Equipment Co-op)
Accessories
EXTRAS
SUNGLASSES
For high altitudes. 1 pair of high-quality 100% UV and 100% IR sunglasses with a minimum of 80% light reduction, side shields such as those found on “glacier glasses” are not recommended, but the size and shape of the lens should offer maximum protection from bright light on snow.
One pair of high-quality 100% UV and 100% IR sunglasses, for lower elevations, also as a backup. It is important to have a spare pair of sunglasses.
HEADLAMP W/ SPARE BULB
AA or AAA battery-powered (Petzl or Black Diamond)
SPARE BATTERIES
Bring plenty for reading in tents at night.
BACKPACK
40L or more, internal frame. Top-opening mountaineer’s rucksack style is best.
PACK COVER
Recommended. To protect your gear on rainy days or snowy days etc
SLEEPING BAG
Minimum 10F to the maximum -10F (-12C to -24C) Down 700 fill minimum (Marmot, Mountain Hardwear) – We Provide if you do not have this!
WATER BOTTLES
Two 1-liter, leak-proof wide-mouth (Nalgene or Lexan type bottle)
TREKKING POLES
Recommended. Useful for going up and down trails, Adjustable poles are better for packing. (Leki, Black Diamond)
SWISS ARMY KNIFE
Remember not to leave in carry-on bags for any international or domestic flight.
SUNSCREEN
SPF 30 or higher, non-oily (Dermatone or Terrapin)
LIPSCREEN
SPF 30 or higher (any brand)
TOILETRY KIT
Toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, soap, comb/brush, shave kit, (bring travel-size bottles to keep your kit small).
FIRST-AID KIT
Ibuprofen/Aspirin, assorted Band-Aids, moleskin, Neosporin-type suave, a small gauze pad, a roll of adhesive tape, tweezers, and safety pins. Include any prescription travel medications that your doctor may have prescribed (antibiotics, Diamox, sleep aids).
LARGE TRASH COMPACTOR BAGS
For waterproofing some items inside your duffel.
BABY WIPES
EARPLUGS
Very useful for sleeping in tents and lodges.
WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS
Such as Potable Aqua brand iodine tablets are available. You will be given plenty of purified water during your trek, but packing one bottle of backup purification tablets is always a good idea for your travels. They are especially useful in hotels on your way to Nepal. You should not drink untreated tap water anywhere in Asia, and bottled water in some rare cases might not be available.
TRAVEL ITEMS
TREK/ EXPEDITION DUFFEL BAG
Large size with strong zippers. (Wild Things, The North Face, etc.) We provide this.
SMALL TRAVEL BAG
You can also use a second duffel bag. For storing travel clothes and personal items at the hotel in Kathmandu- We could provide you with this
NYLON STUFF SACKS
Two or three, for organizing your gear and clothes. Lighter colors are preferable for easy labeling.
CLOTHES FOR KATHMANDU AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Two or three changes of comfortable simple travel clothes. Evenings in Kathmandu can be slightly cool in autumn and spring
SMALL PADLOCKS
For locking duffel bag(s)
BOOK(S) / JOURNAL
CAMERA
Digital and/or film camera. Bring plenty of extra batteries, and memory cards for your digital camera. If you recharge your batteries, power will be available in most of the lodges during the trek. Adaptors to fit the outlets in Nepal can be purchased easily in Kathmandu. Digital video camcorders are very useful. They allow you to record sounds and still images as well as video.
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT:
Ice axe
Crampons
Harness
Tape Slings (2)
Screw gate Karabiners (3 locks, 3 unlock)
Descender/Abseil Device
Plastic Mountaineering Boots
Ascender / Jumar
Helmet (optional)
These things are only suggestions; you should pack your clothes and equipment according to your travel history. It’s necessary to keep in mind that effective packing is essential for lowering your load on both domestic and international flights!