Everest Base Camp: The Complete Gear List

Non-negotiable. You'll encounter ice, snow and cold river crossings. Low-cut trail shoes are not appropriate above Namche Bazaar.

Give your feet a break at lodges. Lightweight sandals or Crocs are the standard choice. Worth their 250g weight in blister prevention.

Merino wool regulates temperature and resists odour better than synthetic. Pack enough to rotate — wet socks at altitude are miserable and take 24+ hours to dry at teahouses.

Optional but useful, especially in spring when snowmelt makes lower trails muddy. Lightweight trail gaiters are enough — you don't need alpine gaiters for EBC.

If hiring a porter (recommended), a soft duffle bag is easier to load than a rigid framed pack. If carrying your own gear fully, a 60–70L trekking pack with good hip transfer is essential.

If using a porter for your main bag, you'll still carry a day pack on the trail with water, snacks, layers, camera and first aid. 25L is the sweet spot for most trekkers.

Many packs include one. If yours doesn't, buy separately. Afternoon showers are common on the approach to Namche and the Tengboche area.

Your most important insulation piece. Worn constantly at lodges and during cold morning starts. Above Dingboche (4,410m), you'll likely sleep in it. Minimum 600 fill power — 700–800 is better for high altitude use.

Essential for rain and wind. Should pack small enough to fit in a day pack pocket. You'll also use it as a windshell on summit day approaches. Pit zips are useful for temperature regulation.

Goes between base layer and shell. A 200-weight fleece or lightweight synthetic jacket. Used constantly on cold mornings and evenings.

Merino wool manages temperature and odour better than synthetic at altitude. Essential for sleeping and cold mornings. 3 sets lets you rotate and hand-wash one at a time.

Convertible zip-off trousers are popular and practical. Avoid denim and regular cotton — they absorb water, take days to dry, and provide no insulation when wet.

A thin merino or silk liner glove worn inside a warm insulated outer. The liner lets you use touchscreen devices and do fiddly tasks without fully exposing your hands.

Also bring a sun hat or peaked cap for the lower elevation stages where UV is intense and shade is scarce.

Versatile — worn as neck warmer, face protection in wind and dust, or light hat. Bring two; they dry quickly and are very lightweight.

Teahouse blankets exist but cannot be relied upon for warmth above Namche. Bring your own bag rated to at least -10°C. A -15°C bag gives you security margin at the highest lodges. Down compresses better; synthetic performs better if damp.

Adds 3–8°C of warmth and keeps your bag clean. Silk liners are the gold standard (lightest, most thermally efficient). Fleece liners are warmer but heavier.

For early morning starts to acclimatise and catch sunrises, teahouse bathrooms at night, and any emergency situation. Bring spare batteries — cold kills battery life rapidly above 4,000m.

Not essential on the way up, invaluable on the way down and on tired legs. Telescoping poles save space in luggage. Flick-lock mechanisms are more reliable than twist-lock in cold conditions.

Boiled water and soft drinks are widely available at teahouses but expensive. Water purification lets you fill from streams safely. Iodine or chlorine tablets work; a Steripen UV device is faster and doesn't affect taste.

Charging at teahouses costs money (typically $2–5 per charge). A large power bank covers your phone, camera and GPS for 3–4 days without mains power. Cold reduces capacity — keep it in your sleeping bag overnight at high altitude.

This is not optional. Helicopter evacuation from high altitude costs $3,000–10,000 USD. Altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE) can require emergency evacuation with no warning. Ensure your policy explicitly covers trekking above 4,000m and helicopter evacuation. World Nomads and True Traveller are popular options among EBC trekkers.

The standard pharmaceutical aid for acclimatisation. Requires a prescription in most countries. Discuss with your doctor before the trip. Not everyone needs it, but it's worth having.

UV intensity increases ~10% per 1,000m of altitude. At 5,000m you're exposed to roughly 50% more UV than at sea level. Bring more than you think you need — reapply constantly. Chapped lips are painful and persistent at altitude.

Compeed blister plasters, Leukotape and a needle. Treat hot spots before they become blisters. A small blister becomes a major problem on day 6 of a 12-day trek.