Nepal Trekking: What Gear Do I Need to Carry in my Day Pack?

Your day pack will consist of items from your gear list (see below) that you may need to access along the trek. A small to medium sized backpack, with a volume capacity of up to 2000 cu in (30 liters), is appropriate. Typical items inside your daypack: water, camera, sun-screen, extra clothing, snacks, hat, and sunglasses. Consult your guide if you are unsure of what you need.

Everything else should be placed into your duffel bag, which the porters will carry. The weight limit of the duffel bag is 31 lbs (14 kgs). The porters will carry the duffel bag from point to point. Use plastic bags or dry bags to separate and water proof your gear. You will be expected to pack your daypack and duffel bag each morning. Note that it is acceptable to use a backpack instead of a duffel bag. However, since porters bundle the bag with other items, a duffel bag is preferred.

What Gear Do I Need to Bring?

You are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment while communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.) is provided. Below is a gear list of required, recommended and optional items to bring on your trek.

Technical Clothing
1 - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 - Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 - Fleece or Insulated Pants
1 - Shorts (optional)
1 - Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 - Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 - Sport Bra (women)Headwear
1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 - Knit Hat, for warmth
1 - Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
1 - Bandana (optional)Handwear
1 - Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 - Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)Footwear
1 - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 - Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 - Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 - Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)Accessories
1 - Sunglasses or Goggles
1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
1 - Water Bladder, Camelbak type (recommended)
1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separateEquipment
1 - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 - Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 - Trekking Poles (recommended)
1 - Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 - Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment
1 - Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

Paperwork
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at KTM)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Documents

Mountaineering gear (for Island Peak only) - available for rent, payable in Nepal
Helmet, rental: $3 per day
Ice axe, rental: $3 per day
Insulated climbing boots, rental: $5 per day
Crampons, rental: $3 per day
Climbing harness, rental with items below: $7 per day
^ Ascender
^ Belay device
^ 2- Locking carabiners
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download gear list

We recommend shopping online at, backcountry.com, and altrec.com for all of your gear needs.

The most common mistake that trekkers make is that they over pack and bring way too much gear.

Be selective in what you take with you. The total weight of your gear must be under 42 lbs (19 kg). Our porters are limited to carrying 31 lbs (14 kg) of your personal belongings. And if you are flying to Lukla (all Everest Base Camp trips), your daypack should not weigh more than 11 lbs (5 kg). Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into a duffel bag, including your sleeping bag.

Our porters carry your duffel bag between lodges/campsites. It is highly recommended that you use a waterproof duffel bag, or use separate waterproof stuff sacks/dry bags to keep your items dry.

If you have excess weight, you will be required to remove items before flying. You are expected to bring everything you need, though we do rent warm sleeping bags and trekking poles on location.

Checked luggage on airplanes can get lost or delayed on the way to Nepal. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your trip. While most clothing, gear and equipment can be replaced in Nepal prior to your trek, there are some things that you should not replace.

Ultimate Expeditions® recommends that you wear one complete hiking outfit on the plane, including a long sleeve shirt, hiking pants, underwear, socks, and hiking boots. In your carry on baggage, you should bring your backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated jacket, fleece pants, snacks, toiletries, medications, camera and all paperwork. Airline regulations do not allow you to carry trekking poles on the plane. Make sure you do wear/carry your hiking boots; wearing a different pair of boots on your climb will likely cause blistering.

If your baggage is lost or delayed, please notify us immediately upon your arrival so we can assist you in receiving your baggage and/or assembling the necessary gear for your trip. There are many gear shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandul. Although there are a few authorized dealers selling authentic gear from the likes of Mountain Hardwear, The North Face and Marmot, 99.99% of the gear and clothing in local shops consists of knock off items that may not be up to standard. In particular, be weary of anything labeled as Gore-Tex, as these are most certainly not waterproof. However, decent quality down clothing and sleeping bags are plentiful. Thamel has the biggest selection and is the best place to purchase gear. Namche Bazaar (for Everest treks) and Pokhara (for Annapurna treks) also have gear shops.

Ultimate Expeditions® cannot guarantee the fit, quality or functionality of items found in local shops. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to carry on the most important pieces of gear as noted above.