The complete gear checklist for Everest Base Camp 2026 — every item you need, what to rent in Kathmandu, how much to pack, and what to leave at home.
Packing for Everest Base Camp is one of those things that sounds complicated until someone lays it out clearly. Then it becomes obvious.
The goal is simple: carry everything you need to be warm, dry, safe, and comfortable for 14 days at altitude — and nothing more. Your porter will thank you. Your knees will thank you. And on the day you're climbing to Kala Patthar at 5 AM in the dark, every unnecessary gram you left behind in Kathmandu will feel like a good decision.
This list is what our guides at Himalayan Social Journey hand to every trekker before they fly to Lukla. It's been refined over hundreds of trips. Nothing on it is optional without good reason. Nothing missing from it was forgotten.
EBC Packing — At a Glance
| Category | Items | Carried by |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing layers | Base, mid, outer, down jacket | Porter (main bag) |
| Footwear | Boots, sandals, 4–5 pairs socks | Porter (main bag) |
| Sleeping | −20°C sleeping bag + liner | Porter (main bag) |
| Daypack essentials | Water, snacks, headlamp, poles | You (daypack) |
| Electronics | Phone, power bank, cables | You (daypack) |
| Health & medical | Diamox, first aid, blister kit | You (daypack) |
| Documents | Passport, insurance, cash | You (daypack) |
| Main bag weight | Max 12kg (porter carries this) | |
| Daypack weight | Max 8kg (you carry this) | |
The Golden Rule: Weight is Everything
Before you look at a single item on this list, understand the weight rule: your main bag should not exceed 12kg, and your daypack should not exceed 8kg.
Your porter carries the main bag. You carry the daypack every single day — for 5–8 hours, over rocky terrain, at altitude where the air is thin and every extra kilogram costs you more energy than it would at sea level. Trekkers who ignore the weight rule arrive at teahouses exhausted. Trekkers who respect it arrive with energy to enjoy where they are.
The biggest weight mistakes we see: too many clothes (you won't wear half of them), full-sized toiletry bottles, books, and camera equipment that could stay in Kathmandu. Pack ruthlessly. If you're unsure whether you need something, you don't.
Clothing — Layers Are Everything
The Khumbu valley temperature swings 25°C between a warm midday valley and a pre-dawn summit. You will be constantly layering up and peeling off throughout the day. The system is simple: base layer keeps you dry, mid layer keeps you warm, outer layer keeps wind and rain off. Your down jacket is the emergency warmth layer for evenings, cold nights, and summit day.
Base Layers
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal top (long sleeve) | 2 | Merino wool preferred over synthetic — doesn't smell after 3 days |
| Thermal bottom | 2 | Merino or synthetic, not cotton |
| Trekking shirts (moisture-wicking) | 3 | One per 2 days minimum; you won't shower much above Namche |
| Underwear | 4–5 | Merino or synthetic; wool dries faster and resists odour |
Mid Layers
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece jacket | 1 | Mid-weight (200g) fleece; your most-worn item between 2,000–4,000m |
| Trekking trousers | 2–3 | Quick-dry; convertible zip-off trousers save pack weight |
| Thermal tights / leggings | 1 | For sleeping and cold mornings above 4,000m |
Outer Layer (Shell)
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof/windproof jacket | 1 | Gore-Tex or equivalent; must be fully seam-sealed — not just water-resistant |
| Waterproof trousers | 1 | Lightweight; pack small; essential above 4,000m when weather turns |
Down Jacket — The Most Important Item You'll Pack
Your down jacket is not a fashion item on the EBC trail — it's survival equipment. Minimum 600-fill-power down, covering your hips. You will wear it at every teahouse stop, every evening, and all morning above 4,500m. If you're buying one specifically for this trek, don't go cheap. If you're renting in Kathmandu, test the fill quality before you pay.
Head, Neck & Hands
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie / hat | 1 | Covers ears; merino or fleece |
| Sun cap / baseball cap | 1 | Essential — UV at altitude is extreme |
| Balaclava | 1 | For Kala Patthar summit push at 5 AM in wind |
| Buff / neck gaiter | 1–2 | Incredibly versatile — hat, neck, face mask, dust filter |
| Liner gloves | 1 pair | Thin gloves for daytime walking above 3,500m |
| Insulated gloves or mittens | 1 pair | For evenings and summit day — must be windproof |
Footwear — Break Them In Before You Arrive
This deserves its own section because it's the most common mistake people make. Do not bring new trekking boots to Nepal. New boots on rocky terrain above 4,000m will give you blisters by Day 3 and potentially end your trek. Your boots must be fully broken in — worn for at least 50–80km of hiking before you land in Kathmandu.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof trekking boots | 1 pair | Ankle support essential; full-grain leather or Gore-Tex; broken in |
| Camp sandals / flip-flops | 1 pair | For teahouse evenings; Crocs are popular and lightweight |
| Trekking socks (wool) | 4–5 pairs | Merino wool only; prevents blisters, regulates temperature |
| Sock liners | 2–3 pairs | Thin liner under trekking sock reduces friction and blister risk |
| Gaiters (low) | Optional | Useful in snow above Lobuche; can rent in Namche if needed |
Sleeping Gear
Teahouse rooms above 4,000m are cold. Walls are thin. Many have no heating. You will sleep in your sleeping bag wearing thermal base layers. Your sleeping bag must be rated to at least −15°C / 5°F — ideally −20°C for the nights at Gorak Shep.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag (−20°C rated) | Down fill preferred for warmth-to-weight; can rent in Kathmandu from ~$2/day |
| Sleeping bag liner | Silk or fleece; adds 5–8°C of warmth and keeps your bag clean over 14 days |
| Pillow case | Optional but teahouse pillows vary wildly in cleanliness |
Daypack Essentials — What You Carry Every Day
Your daypack is with you for every walking hour of every day. Keep it under 8kg. Here's what goes in it:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Daypack (20–30L) | Lightweight; must have hip belt and chest strap; rain cover essential |
| Water bottles (2 × 1L) | Hard-sided Nalgene or insulated — water freezes above 4,500m |
| Water purification | Steripen UV purifier or iodine tablets; teahouse water is not always safe |
| Trekking poles (collapsible) | Critical for descents; saves knees significantly; can rent in Kathmandu/Namche |
| Headlamp + spare batteries | Essential for Kala Patthar pre-dawn start and teahouse power cuts |
| Sunscreen SPF 50+ | UV at altitude is brutal; reapply every 2 hours; bring more than you think |
| Sunglasses (UV400) | Wraparound style; glacier glasses above Lobuche to prevent snow blindness |
| Lip balm with SPF | Lips crack and bleed above 4,000m without it |
| Snacks | Trail mix, energy bars, chocolate; buy in Kathmandu — cheaper than on trail |
| Small towel (microfibre) | Teahouses provide thin towels but a microfibre dries faster and packs small |
Electronics
Keep it simple. The mountains are not the place for heavy camera equipment unless photography is a serious priority — and even then, your phone camera is capable of extraordinary results at altitude.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Smartphone | Camera, navigation (Maps.me offline), communication; download offline maps before you go |
| Power bank (20,000mAh+) | Essential — teahouses charge for power above Namche; a large bank lasts 3–4 days |
| Universal travel adapter | Nepal uses Type C/D/M plugs; adapter is essential |
| Charging cables | Bring backups; cables break in cold |
| Camera (optional) | If you bring one, keep batteries warm in inner pockets — cold kills batteries fast |
| Earphones | For long teahouse evenings and the flight to Lukla |
| E-reader (optional) | Far lighter than books; teahouse afternoons are long |
Pro tip: Charge your power bank in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar, where power is reliable and free. Above Namche, teahouses charge $1–3 per hour for charging. A large power bank eliminates this cost and dependency.
Health & Medical Kit
This is non-negotiable. Your guide carries emergency altitude medications, but you should carry your own personal medical kit. Get Diamox prescribed before you leave home — it is not reliably available in remote Khumbu villages.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Diamox (acetazolamide) | Altitude sickness prevention — prescription required; discuss dose with your doctor |
| Paracetamol / Ibuprofen | Headache and inflammation; carry both |
| Imodium (loperamide) | Stomach issues hit at altitude; essential |
| Oral rehydration sachets | Dehydration at altitude is serious; these restore electrolytes fast |
| Blister kit | Moleskin, Compeed blister plasters, small scissors; treat blisters early |
| Antiseptic wipes + cream | Small cuts at altitude heal slowly and can get infected |
| Bandages + medical tape | Ankles, blisters, general first aid |
| Throat lozenges | Dry Khumbu cough is real — the air above 4,000m is very dry |
| Hand sanitizer | Teahouse bathrooms are inconsistent; sanitize before every meal |
| Wet wipes | Shower days are rare above Namche; wipes keep you sane |
| Altitude sickness card | Laminated card with AMS symptoms and emergency contacts — your guide provides this |
Documents & Money
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Required for permit checks and teahouse TIMS registration |
| Trekking permits | TIMS card + Sagarmatha NP permit — your guide or agency arranges these |
| Travel insurance documents | Must include high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue cover; print + digital copy |
| Emergency contacts card | Laminated; include your embassy number, travel insurance hotline, and agency contact |
| USD cash | ATMs end at Namche Bazaar; bring enough USD for tips ($150–250), extras, and emergencies |
| Small padlock | For teahouse room doors and bag zips — security is generally good but basic |
What NOT to Bring
Half the battle of packing for EBC is knowing what to leave behind. Here's what experienced trekkers consistently tell us they regret packing:
- Cotton clothing of any kind. Cotton absorbs sweat and moisture, takes forever to dry, and loses all insulating properties when wet. It is genuinely dangerous at altitude. Leave every cotton item at home.
- Full-sized toiletries. Decant everything into 50–100ml containers. You won't be washing your hair above Namche anyway.
- More than one physical book. One e-reader weighs less than a paperback and holds your entire library.
- A hair dryer or travel iron. This genuinely happens.
- Expensive jewellery or watches. Leave them in Kathmandu. The trail is no place for them.
- A full-sized camera tripod. A small Joby Gorillapod is fine. A full tripod is not.
- More than 3 pairs of trekking trousers. You will rinse them in teahouses and they dry fast.
What to Rent in Kathmandu (and What to Buy)
Kathmandu's Thamel district is one of the best-stocked trekking gear markets in the world. You can find everything you need within a few blocks of your hotel — at significantly lower prices than in Western countries. The quality ranges from excellent to questionable, so inspect gear carefully before renting.
| Item | Rent or Buy? | Typical Cost (Kathmandu) |
|---|---|---|
| Down jacket | Rent | $1–2/day or ~$30–50 to buy |
| Sleeping bag (−20°C) | Rent | $1–3/day or ~$40–80 to buy |
| Trekking poles | Rent | $1/day per pair or ~$15–30 to buy |
| Gaiters | Rent | $0.50–1/day |
| Trekking boots | Buy (own pair, broken in) | $40–120 in Kathmandu (but must be broken in first) |
| Base layers | Buy | $10–25 per item in Thamel |
| Trekking socks | Buy | $3–8 per pair |
| Headlamp | Buy | $8–20 in Thamel |
| Diamox / medications | Get prescribed at home | Not reliably available on trail |
Our honest advice on gear quality: North Face, Mammut, Arc'teryx, and other premium brands sell replicas in Thamel at a fraction of the price. Some are surprisingly good. Others fall apart in the first rain. For items where quality matters most — your down jacket, sleeping bag, and waterproof shell — either bring your own from home or buy from a reputable shop and inspect the fill quality and seams carefully before paying.
The Full Checklist (Print-Ready)
| Category | Item | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Thermal top × 2 | |
| Thermal bottom × 2 | ||
| Trekking shirts × 3 | ||
| Underwear × 4–5 | ||
| Mid layer | Fleece jacket × 1 | |
| Trekking trousers × 2–3 | ||
| Thermal leggings × 1 | ||
| Outer layer | Waterproof jacket | |
| Waterproof trousers | ||
| Down jacket | Down jacket (600+ fill, hip-length) | |
| Head & hands | Warm beanie | |
| Sun cap | ||
| Balaclava | ||
| Buff × 1–2 | ||
| Liner gloves | ||
| Insulated gloves/mittens | ||
| Footwear | Waterproof trekking boots (broken in) | |
| Camp sandals | ||
| Trekking socks × 4–5 | ||
| Sock liners × 2–3 | ||
| Sleeping | Sleeping bag (−20°C) | |
| Sleeping bag liner | ||
| Daypack | Daypack 20–30L with rain cover | |
| Water bottles × 2 | ||
| Water purification (Steripen/tablets) | ||
| Trekking poles | ||
| Headlamp + spare batteries | ||
| Sunscreen SPF 50+ | ||
| Sunglasses (UV400) | ||
| Lip balm (SPF) | ||
| Snacks | ||
| Electronics | Smartphone + offline maps downloaded | |
| Power bank (20,000mAh+) | ||
| Travel adapter | ||
| Charging cables (+ backup) | ||
| Earphones | ||
| Health | Diamox (prescribed) | |
| Paracetamol + Ibuprofen | ||
| Imodium + rehydration sachets | ||
| Blister kit (Compeed + moleskin) | ||
| Antiseptic wipes + cream | ||
| Hand sanitizer + wet wipes | ||
| Throat lozenges | ||
| Documents | Passport (original) | |
| Trekking permits (agency arranges) | ||
| Travel insurance (print + digital) | ||
| Emergency contacts card | ||
| USD cash |
Ready to Go?
A great packing list is only half the preparation. The other half is the itinerary — choosing a route with proper acclimatisation days, a guide who knows the warning signs of altitude sickness, and a company that has been doing this long enough to know what can go wrong and how to handle it.
Our 14-day EBC trek includes an experienced local guide, all permits, accommodation, and the acclimatisation schedule that gives you the best chance of reaching Base Camp in good health. If you're still budgeting, our complete EBC cost guide breaks down every expense including gear, flights, and tips. And if you're wondering whether you're fit enough, our EBC difficulty guide gives you the honest answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About EBC Packing
What is the weight limit for luggage on the Lukla flight?
The Lukla flight (operated by Tara Air, Summit Air, or similar) typically allows 10kg of checked baggage and 5kg of carry-on. Excess baggage is charged per kilogram and can add up quickly. Pack light — your porter will carry the main bag on the trail, but you need to get it to Lukla first.
Do I really need a down jacket, or will a thick fleece do?
You really need a down jacket. A fleece alone is not sufficient above 4,000m — especially at Gorak Shep (5,140m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m) where temperatures drop well below −10°C at night and early morning. A down jacket compresses small, weighs little, and provides warmth a fleece simply cannot match. Do not skip this item.
Can I buy or rent gear in Namche Bazaar on the trek?
Yes — Namche Bazaar has a surprisingly good selection of trekking gear shops. You can rent or buy trekking poles, gaiters, and basic clothing items there. However, prices are higher than Kathmandu and the selection is limited. Sort your gear before you leave Kathmandu.
What sleeping bag temperature rating do I need for EBC?
Minimum −15°C / 5°F, ideally −20°C for the coldest nights at Gorak Shep. The teahouses provide blankets, but rooms above 4,500m get very cold and the blankets are often inadequate. A sleeping bag liner adds 5–8°C of warmth and is worth carrying for the weight.
Should I bring trekking poles?
Yes, strongly recommended. Trekking poles significantly reduce impact on your knees during descents — and there is a lot of descending on the EBC route. Studies show poles reduce knee load by up to 25%. If you don't own a pair, rent collapsible carbon poles in Kathmandu for about $1/day. Your knees will feel the difference immediately.
How many changes of clothes do I actually need for 14 days?
Less than you think. Teahouses at lower altitudes have basic washing facilities. Quick-dry fabric means trekking trousers can be rinsed and dry overnight. You need 3 trekking shirts, 2 base layers, 2–3 trousers, and 4–5 pairs of socks. Any more than this is unnecessary weight.
Is a waterproof jacket essential, or can I get away with a good fleece?
A waterproof jacket is essential. Rain and snow above 4,000m are common even in the main trekking seasons. A wet fleece loses most of its insulating value. Your waterproof shell keeps you dry on the outside so your insulating layers can do their job. Make sure it is fully seam-sealed — not just "water-resistant."
What should I download on my phone before the trek?
Download Maps.me or Gaia GPS with the Khumbu valley offline map. Download your travel insurance documents. Download an offline altitude sickness guide (the UIAA Mountain Medicine guide is free). Download Spotify or podcast content for long teahouse evenings. Mobile data is unreliable above Namche — have everything you need offline before you leave Kathmandu.
How much USD cash should I bring on the trail?
Budget $150–250 for tips (guide and porter), $50–100 for trail extras (charging, hot showers, snacks above teahouse prices), and an emergency reserve of $200–300. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar only. Above Namche, it's cash only. Bring enough to cover the full trek without relying on ATMs after Namche.
Do I need glacier glasses or will regular sunglasses work?
Regular UV400 sunglasses are sufficient for most of the EBC route. Above Lobuche (4,940m), where there is snow and glacial terrain, glacier glasses (side shields, darker lens) are recommended to prevent snow blindness. If you only have regular sunglasses, they will work — just be careful on sunny days above Lobuche.
What medications do I need for EBC, and do I need a prescription?
Diamox (acetazolamide) is the key medication for altitude acclimatisation — it requires a prescription in most countries. See your GP or travel medicine clinic at least 6 weeks before departure. Also carry paracetamol, ibuprofen, Imodium, and rehydration sachets. Your guide carries emergency altitude medications (dexamethasone) but you should have your own basic kit.
Can I leave extra luggage in Kathmandu while I trek?
Yes — and you should. Leave anything you won't need on the trail at your Kathmandu hotel. Most hotels offer free or very cheap luggage storage. Pack your EBC kit into your main bag and daypack, leave the rest in Kathmandu, and collect it when you return.
Is a sleeping bag liner worth carrying?
Yes. A silk or fleece liner adds meaningful warmth (5–8°C), keeps your sleeping bag clean over 14 days, and packs into a small stuff sack. If you're renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu, a liner is especially important for hygiene. At 200–300g, it's one of the best weight-to-benefit items in your pack.
Do I need crampons for the EBC trek?
Not for a standard EBC trek during the main seasons (March–May and September–November). You may encounter snow and ice above 4,000m, but the trail itself does not require crampons. Microspikes or Yaktrax are occasionally useful on icy sections — your guide will know if conditions require them and can advise in Namche or Lobuche.
What's the single most important item to pack for EBC?
Your down jacket. Nothing else on this list has as much impact on your comfort and safety across the full 14 days. Everything else is important — but the down jacket is the one item that cannot be improvised, substituted, or borrowed if you forget it. Pack it first, and pack a good one.
