The Best Backpack for the Everest Base Camp Trek

The Best Backpack for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Have you ever thought of mounting the highest peak in the world? Well, when you think of climbing the Everest, only thinking is not enough. Climbing to the roof of the world definitely takes up to a lot of courage and practice. Building up courage is also not enough rather it requires proper gears to safely summit the Everest.

Here is the list of few essentials you must carry on your way to Everest Base Camp Trek:

 1.     Clothing

The main concept of clothing to ease the cold during an expedition is layering. Since the temperature changes dramatically, you will be needing multi-layer clothing. The concept of Layering works as it allows moisture to pass from one layer to next.

Each of the layers that you use must consequently be made from fabric and support the moisture passing process also known as the wicking process. Cotton, for example, is a hydrophilic material, which means it traps moisture and should, therefore, be dodged.

The variation in the season should be your top consideration for a clothes layering system. The peak season i.e. during Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May) normally provides decent weather but it is possible to encounter a little rain. Since the Khumbu region is known to have time to time snowfall, you will feel a nip in the air as you ascend towards the tallest peak in the world.

Here are the main layers of clothing you will be needing on the expedition to the Mount Everest

  • Breathable innerwear

Since you will be trekking for 6-7 hours daily, it is necessary that your inners are comfortable and breathable.

  • Base Layer

The base layer should sit tight to the skin and should be made of high wicking material.

  • Trekking shirts

Since trekking shirts are the part of your clothing you will wear on most of the trekking days, we recommend you to bring 4-6 trekking shirts. Make sure the material is not cotton as it absorbs moisture and gets very smelly rather opt for high wicking materials like merino wools. In this way, you could reuse your trekking shirts for multiple days.

  • Trekking trousers

Get yourself a few pairs of warm trekking trousers to accompany you on this beautiful journey.

  • Jacket (fleece and Insulated)

The second layer sits over the base layer and it is best to have a fleece material for that particular layer. Fleece jackets are great for trekking as they are lightweight providing good warmth.

Insulated jackets would stand the best for the outer core layer. These warm and waterproof jackets would be ideal as you trek to the upper reaches of EBC trek.

  • Head Gear

A trekking hat to protect your face and neck is a must. Make sure to get a light weighted hat that could be easily fitted in your backpack. Since it gets really chilly in the morning and evening, a fleece headband is also recommended.

  • Gloves

We recommend wearing an inner and an outer glove. Like the base layer, get yourself an inner glove of fleece material. On the other hand, the outer glove is supposed to be warm and waterproof.

  • Footwear

Footwear is an incredibly important part of clothing as your feet are what takes you to the top. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear to make your trip more enjoyable. The best way to find the ideal footwear for the greatest trek is to break into them beforehand i.e maybe taking a short hike on those shoes before actually bringing them to the greatest summit of your life. 

Apart from shoes, socks are equally important as they tend to keep your feet warmer. Carry a few pairs of hiking and thermal socks and try getting a merino wool sock rather than cotton ones. The merino material will allow your feet to breathe whereas the cotton socks tend to absorb water and may lead to horrible blisters.

 2.     Medications and comfort:

One should always be on the safe side and enjoy the journey without facing many distresses.  It is always better to carry medicines like Metronidazole, Diamox, Z-paks, Cipro, Paracetamol, Antacid, etc during the trek as small problems can prove to incumber your journey. These medications you carry should take care of your gastrointestinal problems, deal with altitude sickness and should be able to cure some headaches.

Also, high up in the mountains, you might feel lethargic so the electrolytes should keep you hydrated. In addition to these, you can bring Glucose to supply your energy during the trek.  Some other foods can also be brought and if you are on a guided journey, it will be better for you to ask the tour guide about food-related queries before bringing them straight away.  

 

Besides, you can bring additional items which are soothing for you. This might include playing cards, music players, board games, reading tablets, etc. there are some home-made solutions to the altitude problems. It is better to bring them with you.

 

3.     Bags

The type of bag you will need differs liable to whether you will have a porter or will be carrying your own gear. In the case of a portered trek, we recommend you to get an 80L duffle bag otherwise, if you are unsupported and carrying the gears on your own, you will need a 50-65L backpack.

  •   Duffle Bag

If you plan on getting a porter to carry your gears, duffle bags would be the best option. However opt for a water-resistance, durable and lockable duffle bag.

  • BackPack

If you wish on carrying your good or do not possess the luxury of porters on the trek, you can opt for a good backpack with an opening on the top.

  • Day Pack

A daypack is essential if you have a porter to carry your duffle bag as you will be needing a light weighted backpack to carry your essentials such as snacks, medicines or a camera. An ideal daypack is composed of a compression strap that will reduce your weight stress and there would be few side pockets for easy access to water bottles.

  •  Sleeping bag

A warm sleeping bag is a must in such high altitude as it can get extremely cold during the night. We recommend a down feather sleeping bag but if you are tight on budget a synthetic bag will just do fine. Whatever the kind, make sure that your sleeping bag is equipped with an insulated hood and two-way zipper.

4.     Face protection:

Along with the climbing and safety tools, you will need to protect your skin as well. For this, you will require sun-block cream for your skin. Apart from face cream, you will be needing some good moisturizer and a lip balm. 

As the climate gets adverse further up, you will need high-quality goggles for protection from the sun and wind. The nose is where most of the heat is lost from, so a nose guard is recommended even though they are optional. 

A small first-aid kit should be with you which should include first-aid tape, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, electrolytes, etc.

5.     Trekking accessories

  • Trekking poles

A good trekking pole is recommended as it reduces the impact on your knees and leg joints. A trekking pole is particularly important while descending as the load on the joints increases as we move downhill.

  • Sunglasses

Due to the altitude and snow glare, the UV intensity in the Himalayas is relatively high. Therefore you will be needing a good pair of UV protection glasses. Glacier glasses are a must and these glasses must offer full coverage around both eyes and across the nose.

  • Water bottles

Since you could get dehydrated easily, a water bottle during the trek is a complete necessity. You should plan on drinking at least 3 liters of water a day, therefore, you should be carrying a standard water bottle.    

  • Head Lamps

Even though you won’t be trekking during the night but you will need a headlamp for few early morning hikes. In addition to it, many of the tea houses and lodges on the way are poorly lit and a headlamp will come handy in such situations

Besides this essential equipments, there are a few personal kinds of stuff that could relieve this stressful journey to some extent.

  • Towels: 

Try getting a few small-sized towels that could be useful for drying yourself.

  • Camera:

 Everybody would want to document the greatest adventure of their lives don’t they?  Take a good quality camera with you on this wonderful journey to the Himalayas.

  • Portable charger:

A portable charger would come handy for charging your electronics like a phone or camera.

  • Passport, money and other documents,

Make sure to take all your legal documents with you. Also, don’t forget to withdraw plenty of cash as the last cashpoint is Namche Bazar.    

  • Personal hygiene products:

Carry a first aid kit along with some sunscreens, baby wipes, and hand sanitizers. Basic toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste and few rolls of toilet papers are not something you would want to forget.

 

Since the Everest climbing has been established as a benchmark of climbing achievement, it is definitely the most difficult among other treks. However, with proper practice and quality gears, the climb can be made a little easier. With the hope that this article answers your queries, we would like to welcome you to try this adventure on the lap of Himalayas. Namaste!

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