An equipment list for trekking in the Himalaya, mountain climbing, river rafting, and jungle safari are available and will be sent to you after you have signed up for a trip with us. The equipment list and recommendations will help you in selecting the right clothing to make your trip more fun and comfortable. The following description gives you some ideas on how we operate our trips in the Himalaya and what type of gear to prepare for your trip. Sleeping bags, boots and daypack details are given below.
Clothing Equipment for trekking in the Himalaya:
On all organized camping treks, we provide you with a two person tent for two people and a foam mattress for each person. All cooking equipment including cooking pots, stove, utensils, cutleries, kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and folding stools, candles, kerosene lanterns, and a toilet tent are provided. We carry all the food supplies for the trek. Our cooking crew prepares delicious fresh meals three times a day throughout the trek. Meals we serve on the trek are delicious Nepalese, Western and Asian varieties. Therefore, all you need to bring is a good sleeping bag, and a daypack with your personal gear for the trip. A well organized camping trek has the freedom to trek on the main trekking route, as well as off the main trails within scenic wilderness areas. When you are on our organized camping trek or walking trip, your luggage is carried by a porter. All you need to carry is your day pack with the essentials you need during the day. This is how majority of the trekking in the Himalaya is done and is one of the fantastic trips of a lifetime to experience.
You do not need to purchase any expensive equipment if you do not use it again. A good selection of gear is available in Kathmandu for rent at very reasonable prices in trekking / outdoor gear shops that have been acquired from previous expeditions. We can help you if you want to rent such equipment in Kathmandu after your arrival. If you plan to rent equipment in Kathmandu, please inform us in advance.
Very Essential Trekking Equipment:
Lodges in remote Nepal do not provide blankets or sleeping bags. So, you need to bring a sleeping bag. A lodge not providing you with a blanket does not reflect a bad service, because nobody wants to sleep under a blanket where many trekkers have slept. If a blanket is to be provided, please know that lodges in remote area do not have the facility to wash blankets daily because of weather and the availability of modern amenities. You will be much happier in your sleeping bag.
Sleeping bag:
A down-filled sleeping bag, designed to keep you warm at minus ten to twenty degrees Celsius (-10 to -20 Celsius or 15F to -4F), is the best for all lowland and high altitude treks in the Himalayas. Trekking Peak climbers and extreme high pass travelers should consider down filled sleeping bags designed to keep you warm at minus forty degrees Celsius.
Sleeping bag liner:
We highly recommend that you bring a sleeping bag inner liner made of cotton or fleece that can be easily washed and dried while on trek. The liner adds warmth, keeps your sleeping bag clean and saves you from washing.
You know how your feet smell after hours of walking each day. So, bring along an inner sleeping bag liner that you can easily wash and dry during the trek. Be it on lodge to lodge trekking program or organized trekking with overnights in the tents, the sleeping inner liners will keep you comfortable. Please bring this from home so that you do not have to spend time to buy one in Kathmandu.
Sleeping Pad:
On all camping treks, we provide foam mattresses. However, if you care for extra comfort and have a sensitive back, bring a self-inflatable Thermarest.
Boots-The most Important Equipment:
Boots that are well broken-in and comfortable are best for trekking. A good pair of trekking boots should have good ankle support, plenty of toe room, stiff sole to prevent twisting. Hard rubber soles are best for good gripping, as soft soles into which you can easily sink your nail are likely to slip. Additionally, your boots should be light as you will be lifting your feet up with every step you take.
Boots that are new, too loose or tight are very uncomfortable and may compromise your ability to hike. So, make sure you break-in your boots before your trek. Bring a well broken-in pair of boots that can fit your feet with thick pair of cotton socks at low elevations and thick pair of wool socks at high altitudes. When selecting your boots, ask for a pair of boots that have Cambrelle lining or similar material that keeps your feet cool, dry, and comfortable. Waterproof boots are best for high altitude trekking, and pre or post monsoon hikes.
Daypack:
Your day pack should be comfortable with well padded back support and a shoulder strap to waistband that equally transfers weight between your shoulder and hip. Day packs that have a wide bottom which transfers all the weight onto your hips are uncomfortable during hikes. Your day pack should be big enough to pack a fleece, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, camera, a roll of toilet paper and any necessary items for the day. The rest of your gear and clothing should go into your Duffel bag that will be carried by a porter. Porters usually walk ahead of you on the trek as they have to cook their own meals plus they have to reach the campsite before you so that the camp will be set up by the time you arrive. So, you will see your luggage only in the evening.
We hope that the above trekking (walking trip) clothing and equipment list helps you in preparing for a trekking trip in the Himalaya. A more detailed clothing list will be sent to you after you have signed up for a trip with Sherpa Travel. Also, upon request, we will provide you with suggestions on gear for lowland trips in Nepal, India and Southeast Asia. Please feel free to tell us should you have questions.