Nepal // 6000 m Trekking Peaks

35L - 45L is the ideal size. Opt for a Climbing / Mountaineering oriented pack, rather than one specific to backpacking. Look for features like ice axe holders, a crampon holder, and a minimalist hip belt.

This can also be used as a carry-on during both international and domestic air travel.

Consider these models:
—Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism
—Blue Ice Firecrest 38L
—TNF Phantom 38L
—MHW Scrambler 35L

This should be a large, super durable duffel bag with burly zippers. First, it will be used to transport all of your gear during international travel. Then, it will be loaded up with necessary kit and taken into the field and shuffled from camp to camp by porters throughout your expedition.

Consider these models:
—Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 135L
—The North Face Base Camp XL 132L

A medium sized duffel (70-100L) can also be used as a checked bag during international travel, and will also be used to store personal items in Kathmandu while on expedition.

Consider these models:
—TNF Base Camp 71L
—MHW Camp 4 95L

A sleeping bag will be used at huts, and base camp (and potentially a high camp) for your climb. Opt for high-loft down (800-fill +) for its great warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility.

-20°F - 0°F is an ideal temperature range. Opt for closer to -20°F if you tend to run cold. Also, a roomier bag that has space for wearing additional layers (like a down parka) should be a consideration.

Make sure to pack a compression stuff sack.

Consider these models:
—Big Agnes Star Fire UL 0°F or -20°F
—Marmot Lithium 0°F
—Rab Expedition 1000 -22°F

Use whatever footwear you typically / are comfortable hiking or backpacking in.

95% of the hiking portion of the trip will take place on well-groomed trails while carrying light packs—so big, heavy hiking boots aren’t really needed.

It can be quite warm at lower elevations and quite cold at higher ones, so Chris opts for densely-woven trail running or approach shoes, potentially with GTX (on this rare occasion,) simply to keep the Khumbu dust out.

Consider these models:
—Salewa Dropline Mid
—Hoka Tennine GTX Hiking Boot
—Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX

It is possible to use 4-season leather mountaineering boots or “tech” boots with a super gaiter, both of which are lighter and more comfortable than double (6000m) boots—but if you decide to go that route, expect cold (very cold) feet.

Bring chemical toe warmers if choosing one of those lighter options.

Consider these models:
—La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX
—Scarpa Phantom Tech

These “double” boots have a removable, insulated liner and a built-in “supergaiter” that provides additional insulation and waterproofing.

The removable liners are extremely warm and can be dried each night inside of a sleeping bag, making them ideal for multi-day, cold-weather, and high-altitude mountaineering expeditions.

Consider these models:
—Scarpa Phantom 6000
—La Sportiva G2

A pair of lightweight slides are great to have on these particular expeditions. You can wear them with socks (for extra insulation) inside the huts; you’ll definitely want a pair when the occasional opportunity to shower presents itself.

Consider these models:
—Under Armor Ansa Fix Slide
—Crocs

*Optional, but damn nice to have.

Use ‘em for walking around huts at night and morning, and at base camp during your climb. A bootie with a bit of a sole will provide durability for late-night pee breaks.

Consider these models:
—Outdoor Research Tundra
—Western Mountaineering Down Bootie

The easiest way to keep the sun off of your face is with a wide-brimmed hat. Look for one that has a drawstring for the neck in case it gets windy. If you don’t wanna look like Indiana Jones (or a dork, depending on the model) a trucker works too.

Consider these models:
—Tilley LTM6 Airflo
—Your favorite mesh trucker

A Buff is a super versatile neck gaiter that can keep your face warm, and help regulate the temperature of the air that you breathe by allowing it a chance to warm before going into your lungs. These are lightweight, durable, and an absolute necessity.

Consider these models:
—Buff Original

A windbreaker is incredibly versatile and lightweight; often provides just enough weather protection to take the bite off.

This will probably be the most-used piece of outerwear on the entire trip.

Consider these models:
—Cotopaxi Teca Half-zip
—Patagonia Houdini

This can be either a sun shirt or a base layer top. Sun shirts are typically synthetic, lighter weight, more breathable, and offer better UV protection.

On the other hand, it’s easy to find 100% merino base layers; they can be worn for 20 days on end and still not stink.

Consider these models:
—Rab Force Hoody
—Icebreaker Oasis 200 Half-zip

These hiking pants can be lighter duty, more comfortable soft shells compared to the climbing pants.

Look for a pair with good stretch, wind resistance, and comfortable everyday features like hand and thigh pockets.

Consider these models:
—Outdoor Research Ferrosi
—Mountain Hardwear Chockstone
—Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

A pair of lightweight running shorts are great to have for trekking at lower elevations where it can be quite a bit warmer; and for wearing around the huts, swimming in streams and hot springs, or while washing laundry.

Consider these models:
—Patagonia Endless Run
—The North Face Sunriser

Bring two to four (2-3) pairs, depending on how frequently you want to hand wash.

No cotton! Merino or synthetic are fine. Pairs with antimicrobial treatments are great.

Consider these models:
—Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
—ExOfficio Give-N-Go

Bring four or more (4+) pairs.

No cotton! Merino, synthetic, or blended is fine. Bring whatever combination that you’ve been training in and using with the footwear for this trip.

Consider these options:
—Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
—FITS Light Hiker Crew

40% of our bodies’ heat loss occurs through the head. Keep it in with a beanie. Helmet compatibility is the main consideration here, so ensure that it has a slim profile and no folds.

Consider these models:
—Icebreaker Pocket 200
—Patagonia R1 Daily Beanie

If you run particularly cold, consider replacing your beanie with a balaclava for summit day.

Consider these models:
—MHW Power Stretch
—Outdoor Research Ninjaclava

Extremely warm, light, hooded down parka for use around camp, while taking breaks during the climb, and on the summit.

Make sure that it fits over all of your other layers and goes past the waist. This should be a high-loft piece that feels like wearing a sleeping bag.

Consider these models:
—Marmot West Rib
—The North Face L6 Cloud Down
—Mountain Hardwear Phantom or Nilas

This is a lightweight insulated layer, perhaps breathable, that can be worn for extra warmth while doing aerobic activity during very cold alpine starts on summit day.

Consider these models:
—The North Face 50/50
—Patagonia Nano-Air
—Arc’teryx Atom SL

This is a weatherproof layer, with an alpine fit. Priorities should be low weight, breathability, and a helmet compatible hood.

It’s unlikely that heavy, wet precipitation will occur while climbing and trekking during Nepal’s high season, so this layer can be rather minimal. GoreTex Pro is likely overkill (and very heavy. ) A lightweight, waterproof-breathable softshell is the perfect option.

Consider these models:
—RAB Kinetic Alpine
—The North Face L5 FUTURELIGHT
—Mountain Hardware Quasar Lite

Lightweight, extremely breathable active insulated mid-layer for all-day wear, in-between your base layer and shell jacket.

The more breathable, the better. Like a fleece or a minimalist synthetic vest.

Consider these models:
—The North Face FutureFleece
—Rab Alpha Flash
—Patagonia Nano-Air Insulated Vest

Lightweight, breathable base layers. The purpose of these is to wick moisture away from the body, and begin to move it through the apparel system in order to effectively regulate temperature.

Synthetics breathe better than Merino wool, but need to be washed more frequently.

Consider these models:
—TNF DotKnit Crew
—Patagonia Capilene Air

Lightweight, breathable base layers. The purpose of these is to wick moisture away from the body, and begin to move it through the apparel system in order to effectively regulate temperature.

Synthetics breathe better than Merino wool, but need to be washed more frequently.

Consider these models:—TNF DotKnit Crew—Patagonia Capilene Air

These are the main “action layer” for the lower body. They should be weatherproof with an alpine fit and features (thigh pockets, belt loops or built-in belt.) Soft shells provide plenty of protection, but have greater durability and breathability compared to hard shells.

Consider these models:
—Rab Kinetic Alpine (Waterproof!)
—TNF Summit Softshell

Here’s the deal: a lot of companies will try to sell you on super expensive, extremely waterproof GoreTex “technical shell” pants for mountaineering, alpinism, and ice climbing. Unless you’re climbing in a notoriously wet range like the North Cascades, you probably don’t need them.

Soft shell pants are way more durable, breathable, comfortable, and less expensive.

But, it can be good to have a pair of rain pants, just in case. Buy the cheapest, lightest pair that you can find. Just make sure that they have full-zip sides, so they’re easy to put on and take off.

Consider these models:
—Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip

These are thin, lightweight, dexterous glove liners to be worn under mittens or lobster claws; designed to wick moisture away from the hands, and protect the hands for tasks when greater dexterity may be required.

Make sure that they are touchscreen compatible.

Consider these models:
—Outdoor Research Merino 150 Sensor
—Icebreaker 200 Oasis Liner

These will be the main glove used on summit day and should balance warmth, dexterity, and durability.

They should be dexterous enough to allow for rope handling and transfers along the fixed lines, but also durable enough to handle rappelling.

Leather palms and fingers are a must.

Consider these models:
—Give’r 4-Season
—Black Diamond Punisher

Extra-warm gloves or mitts to keep your hands and fingers toasty before the sun rises during an alpine start on summit day.

Lobster claws (3 fingers) provide greater dexterity, but mittens provide greater warmth.

Consider these models:
—BD Soloist Finger Glove
—MHW Absolute Zero GORE-TEX Down Mitten

Protect your head from ice and rockfall. A climbing specific helmet is a must. The lighter, the better for alpine climbing. Modern hybrid helmets have a combination of high-density foam that can take multiple impacts without breaking, with hard plastic overlays for durability.

Consider these models:
—Petzl Sirocco
—Mammut Wallrider

This is what secures your body to the rope, and to your team and the mountain. Get the lightest harness possible—you won’t be doing any hanging belays. Ideally, you want one with leg loops that can be easily donned with crampons (or skis.)

Consider these models:
—Petzl Fly
—Petzl Altitude
—Blue Ice Choucas Pro

An ice axe provides a climber with the ability to self-belay while ascending snow slopes.

Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and acclaimed alpinist and equipment designer, once said, “If 55 cm doesn’t reach the snow, then the slope doesn’t warrant using an axe.” Keep that in mind when making a purchase.

Consider these models:
—Blue Ice Bluebird
—Petzl Summit
—CAMP Corsa Nanotech

Those spikey metal things that strap onto boots to provide traction in snow and ice.

Universal (strap-on) crampons are the least secure and most complicated to attach. Get a pair of semi-automatic, or fully-automatic steel general mountaineering crampons with anti-balling plates instead. Petzl makes the best.

Consider these models:
—Petzl IRVIS
—Petzl VASAK

Most commercial climbs in Nepal involve ascending fixed ropes. An ascender (often referred to as a “jumar” allows for efficient movement and transitions along the fixed lines.

Choose an ascender for your weak side to free your strong side for simultaneous ice axe usage.

Consider these models:
—Petzl Ascension
—CAMP Turbohand
—Black Diamond Index

Triple action: twist, slide, pull—provides additional security. Bring one (1) for attaching to the rope during the climb.

Consider these models:
—CAMP Atom 3
—Petzl William

Locking carabiners provide redundancy when securing oneself to a climbing system.

Bring two (2.) Opt for lightweight, aluminum models; at least one being HMS/pear-shaped. CAMP makes the best.

Consider these models:
—CAMP Nitro
—CAMP Photon Locking

Non-locking (or wire-gate) carabiners are useful for securing non-critical items, or when used as part of a system that has additional redundancies.

For the purposes of climbing commercial routes on trekking peaks, we use them to secure accessories to our harness or pack. Bring two (2.) CAMP makes the best.

Consider these models:
—CAMP Photon Wire
—CAMP Nano 22

A tubular belay device is used for both belaying and rappelling; for commercial trekking peak routes, it will mostly be used for the latter.

Consider these models:
—Petzl Reverso
—Mammut Nordwand Alpine

This will be utilized as a personal anchor and rappel extension. Ensure that it is 120 cm long (double-length.) Dyneema models are lighter weight and more compact than traditional nylon slings.

Consider these models:
—Mammut Magic Sling (120 cm)
—Mammut Contact Sling (120 cm)
—Blue Ice Mission (or Light, 120 cm)

Trekking poles provide stability and traction on rough or slippery surfaces.

Aluminum models are less expensive than carbon fiber, but carbon is stronger and lighter. Bring at least one.

Consider these models:
—Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
—Leki Khumbu Lite

A watch isn’t totally necessary for a guided program, but they are incredibly useful, particularly if using one with GPS and altimeter features.

Follow along with altitude gain during the acclimatization program, keep track of daily distances, sunrise/sunset, and more.

Consider these models:
—Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
—Garmin Instinct

A bright (600+ lumens) USB rechargeable headlamp is ideal. IPX weatherproofing is a bonus.

Consider these models:
—BioLite 750
—LEDLENSER MH10

Modern mobile phones take pretty damn great pictures these days… But it is the trip of a lifetime?

Action cameras are great for going hands-free while climbing. Mirrorless cameras capture incredible images from a pretty compact package. Film cameras never go out of style. 360 cameras are out of this world. You get the picture.

Consider these options:
—GoPro Hero 10
—GoPro Hero MAX (360)

There will inevitably be a lot of down time during the trek, particularly in the evenings. If you like to read, it’s worth bringing an eReader loaded up with books that you’ve been wanting to dive into.

eReader batteries last a lot longer than phone batteries; and their screens are much easier on the eyes.

Some of the huts have paperback collections that you can trade titles from, but those could be a hit or miss.

Consider these models:
—Kindle Paperwhite

Bring a power bank or two for charging electronics. Huts in popular tourist trekking areas of Nepal have solar infrastructure and charge a fixed rate to charge a single device, regardless of its capacity.

It’s a lot cheaper and more efficient to charge a powerbank once every few days than it is to charge a phone every day.

Don’t forget to pack:
—Cables
—Charging Block
—Power Converter (to European 2-prong)

This could, perhaps be the most critical item on this list. Adequate eye protection is an absolute must while mountaineering, particularly at high altitudes.

Glacier glasses with removable side shields are ideal, however, full-wrap sport performance sunglasses could work, too. Whatever you wear, ensure that the lenses are dark enough to contend with the high glare experienced on snow.

Consider these models:
—Revo Traverse
—Julbo Cham

There’s no potable water available while trekking; many huts and shops sell plastic bottled water. Don’t buy those. They end up on the side of the trail and in landfills and oceans—and they’re expensive.

Carry a personal water filter instead and use it to filter at huts and from streams.

Consider these models:
—Katadyn Be Free Tactical
—LifeStraw Peak Squeeze

A 1.5L “soft” bottle is ideal for cold weather expeditions. The soft bottles conform better to the body when used as a “hot water bottle” inside a sleeping bag for extra warmth; the larger 1.5L size maintains its heat more efficiently than a 1L.

Consider these models:
—Nalgene HDPE 1.5L
—40 Below Cold Weather Water Bottle 1500

Bring two (2.)

These smaller sized water bottles are easier to keep close to the body while hiking and climbing; and a pair of them filled with hot water can help to warm cold boots.

Consider these models:
—Nalgene 16 oz (0.5L)
—40 Below Cold Weather Water Bottle 0.5L

A small pocketknife is useful for cutting moleskin, tape, and packaging.

Consider these models:
—Opinel No.8 Outdoor
—Victorinox Swis Army Hiker

Also very important. A mineral sunscreen that uses zinc oxide will provide a physical block, which is more predictable than chemical blocks used in many lotions. A stick will keep the mess off your hands, too.

Consider these models:
—Badger Balm Zinc Oxide Sport Stick
—Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick

Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours light and compact. Here are some things to consider packing:

—Band-Aids
—Antibiotic ointment
—Moleskin and blister care
—Medical tape and/or duct tape
—Cough drops
—Basic painkillers
—Antacid
—Anti-diarrheal
—Personal medications