Trekking Gear Checklist for Nepal

It is always better to prepare the Trekking Gear checklist for Nepal and to carry enough Trekking Gear for any kind of Trekking in Nepal. In our article  ‘Trekking Gear checklist for Nepal’, we tried to provide all the information regarding essential trekking gear for trekking in Nepal. We don’t recommend our readers buy professional trekking/climbing gear in the local market of Nepal but if you missed any of the essentials in your home country you might get one-time use gear in the local market in Kathmandu.

Trekking Gear Checklist for Nepal: Gear up and Cheer up

1. Sleeping Bag – Trekking Gear Checklist for Nepal

A good sleeping bag is always recommended for any kind of trekking in the Himalayas, Even in Tea Houses they provide blankets, but for hygienic reasons, you better have your own sleeping bag.

2. Sleeping Mattress/Pad (Optional)

Sleeping Mattress is mandatory if you are doing any camping trek in the Himalayas, but if you are doing tea house trekking then you don’t need it.

3. Microspikes/Anti-slip grip & Gaiters

Trekking boot is really good to walk on snow but if you have to cross the passes like Chola, Thorung, or Larkepass on Ice, we highly recommend you have a good pair of microspikes for your boot to keep your balance and protect you from slipping and a pair of gaiters always protect your boots from rain and snow so you might not have a problem of drying your boot when you arrived in a camp.

4. Rucksack/Backpack

Always prepare a rucksack or backpack where you can carry around 15 kilos of your stuff and if you are trekking in a group with the help of trekking agencies then pack only 12.5 kilos in a backpack. Because Porter will carry two backpacks and not more than 25 kilos at all.

5. Small Backpack/Daypack

You don’t need a backpack of more than 40 L unless planning an extended trip on your own. You might not see your porter during the day, so you will carry the essentials which you need during the day, for example, a camera, water bottle, sunblock cream, wind/waterproof, gloves, cap, personal medical kit, etc.

6. Rucksack/ cover (Waterproof)

Highly Recommended to take a waterproof cover for your rucksack and backpack for protection from rain/dust/stains etc. The weather in the mountain area can be changed at any time.

7. Trekking Boots/shoes

Bring a high-quality rubber sole boot (must not be expensive only) with midsole cushioning and ankle support (Medium or high ankle). Wear for at least 2 weeks to get used to the shoe. Otherwise, you may get sores or blisters when you are on the mountain. Personally, I don’t recommend sports shoes for high-altitude Himalayan treks. Please look at this page for the best hiking boots of all time for more info regarding hiking boots.

8. T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking)

Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoided especially when you walk.

9. Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth)

A warm Fleece/Synthetic Jacket or Down feather Jacket is recommended during your stay at the campsite. While trekking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions.

10. Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater

Outer layer clothing for protection from wind, rain, and snowfall. A hooded one made of water-resistant/repellent material is highly advised. Use this along with Baselayer (t-shirt). Wear this especially if the weather is windy while hiking or at the campsite.

11. Thermal wear (Base Layer once you reach a campsite)

Thermal wear is the most important for trekking in the Himalayas. Take the one that you can sleep with it.

12. Trekking pant

Quick-dry trek pant is highly advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus. For altitudes around or above 5000 m/16400 ft, you should use windproof and waterproof trek pants.

13. Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof

Waterproofing is a must during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter. Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant if these are waterproof/water-repellent. Or you can bring one raincoat or poncho to stay on the safe side.

14. Warm Cap –Trekking gear checklist for Nepal

Must item for protection against cold conditions. Normally these are made of woolen/mixed synthetic warm material.

15. Hat or Cap – Trekking gear checklist for Nepal

For protection against the sun while you hike.

16. Under Wear – Hiking Gear Checklist

Comfortable underwear is really necessary to have comfort while walking a long distance. The underwear you used at home might not be the one for trekking. Be sure to have some pairs of them before the trip.

17. Hiking Socks – Hiking Gear checklist for Nepal

Use full-length socks (Don’t use tennis socks). 100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woolen socks for winter treks (mostly for use at a campsite but not while you walk).

18. Woolen gloves

Warm gloves are necessary when you have a temperature below 10° Celcius and you will mostly have a temperature in negative degrees.

19. Waterproof gloves

Waterproof gloves are highly recommended for any of the high-altitude treks because you might get rain or snow anytime.

20. Camp sandal/shoe

Comfortable shoes or camp sandal, while you are at the campsite is necessary.

21. Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles/Ski Poles

One of the most important hiking gear, Nice to have one, it will reduce the pressure on your knees and give you balance especially while descending.

22. Water bottle/Hydration pack

I personally highly recommend you take a water bottle. You might not get to buy mineral water because of environmental issues.

23. Knee cap

Makes a difference especially if you had knee injuries/problems. If you don’t have any problem as well it’s comfortable while you use it for descending.

24. Sunglasses

This is the most necessary trekking gear for all high-altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in the snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection. Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses. I have seen some people snowblind due to not using sunglasses.

25. Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries

You might have to start the trek very early some days, mostly the day crossing the passes so you have to walk with the light from your headlamp or torch and It’s always not possible to have lamps on the corridor or on the way to the bathroom/toilet, so the headlamp is recommended to any of the trekking on Himalaya.

26. Sunscreen lotion

Depends on your skin, If you think it necessary, bring one with 50 SPF or more.

27. Trekking Towel

A quick-drying lightweight travel towel is recommended.

28. Camera with extra cells (Optional)

There is no charging point in every place on the trekking route of the Himalayas. Carry some spare batteries/pack or power bank (mobile phone, camera user)

29. Dry food items

Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars Glucon C/D, etc.

30. Medical Kit

a) General medicines for headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
b) Anti Diarrhoearal
c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad-spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol, etc but DON’T take Codeine-based painkillers).
e) Strong analgesics (Co- Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care, Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium).
f) Diamox – This helps in acclimatization (a proper dosage is a must if taken. Drink a lot of water as this is a diuretic drug). Consult with a doctor while planning.

Note: When you prepare the Trekking Gear Checklist for Nepal, It can be used in any of the other treks as well.