Your Ultimate Guide to Trekking Gear for Everest Base Camp: Renting, Buying, and Packing Smart in Kathmandu
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is the adventure of a lifetime, but success in the high Himalayas depends heavily on one crucial element: your gear. From surviving sub-zero nights to navigating the bustling markets of Kathmandu, being prepared means knowing exactly what to pack and where to find it.
Here is a comprehensive guide to your EBC equipment list and where to rent or buy everything you need in Nepal.
The Essential Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek Gear Checklist
Temperatures on the EBC route fluctuate wildly—from warm, sunny afternoons at lower altitudes to intensely cold nights well below freezing (-10°C to -12°C). Proper layering is key. The recommended porter weight limit is typically 12–15 kg (25–33 lbs) per trekker, so pack light but smart.
1. Layering and Clothing
The three-layer system is mandatory for staying warm and dry.
| Layer Type | Recommended Items | Key Considerations |
| Base Layer (Moisture Wicking) | Thermal tops and bottoms (2 sets) | Merino wool or synthetic fabrics are best for regulating temperature and wicking sweat. |
| Mid Layer (Insulation) | Warm fleece sweater/jacket, Micro to heavyweight fleece, Fleece pants | These layers trap body heat. A sleeveless fleece can be useful for moderate days. |
| Outer Layer (Shell) | Waterproof and windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) and trousers | Crucial for protection against high-altitude winds, rain, or snow. Must be breathable. |
| High-Altitude/Evening | Medium weight or high-quality Down Jacket | Often provided by trekking agencies, but essential for cold mornings and evenings. |
| Trekking Wear | Trekking trousers (quick-drying), Long sleeve shirts/jerseys, Shorts (for lower regions), T-Shirts, Underwear | Pack durable, quick-drying materials. |
2. Footwear & Handwear
| Category | Recommended Items | Key Considerations |
| Footwear | Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with solid profiled soles | Break them in before your trip! The right fit is non-negotiable to prevent blisters. |
| Lightweight shoes, running shoes, or sandals | Comfortable camp shoes for evenings at the tea houses. | |
| Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4-6 pairs), Thin liner socks | Liner socks help reduce friction and prevent blisters. | |
| Handwear | Thin finger gloves (liner pair) | For general use and an extra layer. |
| Thick warm mittens or ski gloves | Essential for high altitudes where cold can be intense. |
3. Sleeping & Personal Equipment
| Category | Recommended Items | Key Considerations |
| Sleeping Gear | Warm sleeping bag (comfort rating of -10°C to -12°C or lower) | Bedrooms in teahouses are not heated; this is one of your most important items. |
| Fleece inner bag/Sleeping bag liner | Adds warmth and improves hygiene. | |
| Trekking Essentials | Headlamp with extra batteries | Essential for early starts, late arrivals, and moving around the lodge at night. |
| Trekking poles (telescopic is practical) | Reduces strain on your knees, especially on descents. | |
| Two water bottles (e.g., Nalgene wide mouth) or a hydration bladder | Capacity of at least 3 liters total is recommended. | |
| Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua, etc.) or a water filter | Highly recommended for safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly hydration. |
4. Health, Hygiene, and Documents
| Category | Recommended Items | Key Considerations |
| Protection | Good sunglasses (UV protection) | Crucial protection against sun glare/snow blindness at altitude. |
| Sunscreen (high factor), Lip balm (high factor) | The sun is extremely intense at high altitude. | |
| Health | Personal first-aid kit (painkillers, blister repair, antiseptic, etc.) | |
| Diamox (Acetazolamide) | Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor before use). | |
| Hygiene | Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.), Small quick-dry towel, Toilet paper, Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer | |
| Bags | Duffel bag (for porter), Day backpack (30-40 ltr. for personal items) | A small combination padlock is useful for securing the duffel bag. |
| Documents | Passport, Trekking permits (TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park entry), Travel Insurance certificate (must cover high-altitude rescue), Cash (Nepali Rupees) | ATMs are unreliable on the trail. |
Trekking Gear In Kathmandu: Renting and Buying Equipments
Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas, and the bustling city is a trekkers’ haven, offering flexible options to acquire gear.
Where to Buy and Rent Gear in Kathmandu
The vast majority of trekking gear shopping takes place in the Thamel tourist district.
1. Thamel: The Ultimate Gear Hub
Thamel is packed with shops for both buying and renting.
-
Buying: You can find everything from high-quality, internationally recognized brand stores (like Shona’s Alpine) to more budget-friendly local alternatives. Prices for locally-made gear are often lower than those in Western countries.
-
Renting: Thamel is the go-to spot for rental equipment, offering down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, backpacks, and even crampons at affordable rates. During peak seasons, it is wise to inquire or book in advance.
2. Other Areas
-
New Road and Indra Chowk: These areas offer a blend of traditional marketplaces and modern stores. They provide competitive prices and are good alternatives for both buying and renting, though the selection may be less extensive than in Thamel.
-
Local Markets (e.g., Asan Bazaar): Excellent for budget-friendly finds like socks and gloves, but quality inspection is essential.
-
Supermarkets (e.g., Bhat-Bhateni): Convenient for picking up last-minute essentials like toiletries, socks, and water bottles.
Renting vs. Buying: Which is Right for You?
| Option | Pros | Cons & Considerations |
| Renting | Cost-effective, ideal for short trips, light travel, and trying out expensive items (e.g., sleeping bag, down jacket). | Quality and condition must be thoroughly checked. Ensure you clarify the deposit, rental duration, and damage fees. |
| Buying | Smart investment for frequent trekkers, guaranteed fit (especially for boots), wider selection of quality gear. | Risk of counterfeits is high; prioritize reputable shops and inspect zippers, seams, and fabric closely. |
Ultimately, many trekkers opt for a hybrid approach: buying critical, fitted items like boots, liner socks, and personal first-aid, while renting bulkier, expensive equipment like down jackets and high-rated sleeping bags in Kathmandu.
