Everest Base Camp Packing List

The principle

Everything above Namche arrives by porter, yak or helicopter, which is why food is expensive and why nobody up there is impressed by your kit. Pack for temperature range, not for conditions — you will be too warm at 2,800 metres and genuinely cold at 5,164.

Clothing

Base layers — 2 merino tops (150–200 g/m²), 1 pair merino leggings. Mid layers — 1 fleece or grid fleece, 1 lightweight synthetic insulated jacket. Insulation — 1 down jacket, 700-fill or better. Hire in Kathmandu. Shell — waterproof hardshell jacket and overtrousers. Legs — 2 pairs trekking trousers, one convertible. Extremities — liner gloves, insulated gloves, warm hat, sun hat, buff. Socks — 4 pairs merino trekking socks. This is not the place to save weight.

Footwear

Mid or high-cut boots with a stiff-ish sole, worn in over at least 60 kilometres before you fly. Trail runners work for strong walkers below Dingboche and are cold above it. Bring camp shoes for the lodges.

Sleeping

A bag with a comfort rating of −10 °C, plus a silk or merino liner. Lodge blankets exist above Dingboche but are not reliable.

Electronics

Power bank of at least 20,000 mAh — charging is metered above Namche and costs $2–4 per device per hour. Headtorch with spare batteries. Universal adapter. Batteries drain far faster in the cold; sleep with them in your bag.

Medical

Diamox if your doctor agrees, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, broad-spectrum antibiotic, blister kit, high-factor sun cream and lip balm, water purification (filter bottle or tablets), and a thermometer if you are trekking independently.

What to leave at home

Jeans, cotton anything, a second pair of boots, a drone (permits are required and rarely granted), and more than two books.