Everest Base Camp gear can be simple. Pack smart, not heavy. This guide shows exactly what to bring for a spring or autumn teahouse trek—so you stay warm, dry, and comfortable without hauling a mountain on your back.

Quick Gear Checklist (At a Glance)

Layers: base (2 tops, 1–2 bottoms) → mid (fleece/light puffy) → shell (waterproof jacket & over-trousers)
Insulation: warm down/synthetic jacket with hood
Sleep: sleeping bag around –10 °C comfort (+ liner) for spring/autumn teahouse trekking
Footwear: broken-in trekking boots; 3–4 trekking socks + 1 sleep pair; blister kit
Daypack: 30–35 L + rain cover; 2 L hydration; snacks; first-aid mini-kit
Power: headlamp; 10–20k mAh power bank; cables/adapter; keep batteries warm at night
Optional: trekking poles (great for descents); camp shoes
Rent in Kathmandu: sleeping bag, down jacket, poles, headlamp, duffel
Weight reality: Lukla flights often allow ~15 kg total (10 kg checked duffel + 5 kg carry-on)

Seasons, Temps & What That Means for Packing

Best windows: March–May and October–November. Expect warm sun lower down and cold mornings/nights above 4,000 m, with wind exposure on ridgelines. A –10 °C comfort sleeping bag (or a brand’s 0°F/–18 °C spec) plus a liner covers most spring/autumn nights. If you sleep cold, go warmer.

Why “less but better”: you’ll manage temperature, moisture, and fatigue with fewer, smarter layers—then move pieces on/off as the weather shifts.

Bags & Weight Limits

Daypack: 30–35 L with rain cover. Target 5–7 kg carried by you (water, layers, snacks, power, camera).
Duffel (porter-carried): aim for 10–12 kg. Use packing cubes or dry bags.
Lukla flights: plan around ~15 kg combined (10 kg checked + 5 kg cabin). Overages may incur fees and aren’t guaranteed—pack smart.

Split smart: dense items in the duffel; only daily essentials in your daypack.

Clothing Layers (Simple & Reliable)

Base (2 tops, 1–2 bottoms)

Synthetic or merino; long-sleeve is versatile
One warmer bottom if you run cold

Mid (one of each is fine)

Fleece (grid or classic) for daily warmth
Light synthetic puffy as a flexible boost

Shell (rain + wind)

Waterproof, breathable jacket with a solid hood
Over-trousers for wet/windy days

Insulation (your evening warmth)

Down or synthetic jacket with hood
Choose something that layers easily over fleece

Accessories

Buff/neck gaiter, beanie, sun cap
Glove liners + insulated gloves
Sunglasses (UV), sunscreen, SPF lip balm

Footwear & Footcare

Broken-in trekking boots (don’t arrive with brand-new boots)
Camp shoes for teahouse evenings
Socks: 3–4 trekking pairs + 1 warm sleep pair
Blister kit: leukotape or similar, alcohol wipes, tiny scissors
Pro move: tape hot spots as soon as you feel friction

Boots vs trail runners? Boots are the safe default for mixed terrain and cold. Trail runners can work for experienced hikers who know their feet and pack light—be cautious in shoulder season and snow.

Sleep System for Teahouses

Sleeping bag: around –10 °C comfort for spring/autumn (go warmer if you sleep cold)
Liner (silk/fleece) adds warmth and keeps the bag fresher
Earplugs, eye mask, small pillowcase if you like your own linen

Daypack Essentials (Carry Every Day)

Water: 2 L total capacity (bottles or bladder) + electrolytes
Layers: shell and mid-layer ready to grab
Snacks: 200–300 kcal/day (nuts, bars, dried fruit)
Headlamp (+ spare batteries)
First-aid mini-kit: pain relief, blister care, rehydration salts
Power: 10–20k mAh power bank, short cables, universal adapter
Hygiene: sanitizer, tissues, lip balm, sunscreen
Dry bags/ziplocks for electronics and documents
Trekking poles (folded) if you like them for descents

Electronics & Power Strategy

Keep power bank and spare batteries warm at night (inner pocket).
Charge early at the teahouse (outlets get busy; small fees are normal).
Use airplane mode; lower screen brightness; download offline maps/music before you trek.

Hydration, Water & Hot Drinks

Aim for 3–4 L/day.
Boiled water from teahouses is safest (budget for it).
If you treat your own: filter + disinfect (e.g., chlorine dioxide or UV).
Add electrolytes daily—altitude and cold can hide dehydration.

Health & First-Aid Basics

Personal meds + altitude prescription if your doctor advises
Pain relief, rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, blister supplies
Band-aids, small tape roll, a couple of gauze pads, tweezers
Hand sanitizer; small lotion (air is dry at altitude)

Altitude reminder: if symptoms persist or worsen, descend. No trek is worth your health.

Toiletries & Extras

Toothbrush/paste, small biodegradable soap, quick-dry towel
Tissues and a tiny “toilet kit” (hand gel, spare paper)
Pocket laundry soap for rest-day sink washes
Earplugs and eye mask for better sleep

Optional Gear

Trekking poles (highly recommended for knees on descents)
Camera with spare batteries/SD cards
Microspikes: not standard in main seasons; consider only with winter conditions or if adding Cho La Pass and the forecast suggests ice
Lightweight sit pad for cold breaks

What to Rent in Kathmandu (Thamel)

If you don’t want to buy everything, renting in Thamel is a smart budget move:

Sleeping bag (~–10 °C), down jacket, trekking poles, headlamp, duffel
Rentals are usually heavier, but warm enough
Try for fit, check zippers, ask about cleaning
Last-minute small items (gloves, buffs, socks, dry bags) are easy to buy

We can pre-arrange rentals and do a virtual gear pre-check before you fly. Ask us when you enquire.

How to Pack It All

Duffel (porter-carried, 10–12 kg target)

Insulation jacket (if not in daypack), spare layers, spare socks
Sleeping bag + liner, toiletries, backup power, extra snacks
Dry-bag for electronics or document copies

Daypack (5–7 kg target)

Shell, mid-layer, hat/gloves, sunglasses
2 L water + electrolytes
Snacks, headlamp, first-aid mini-kit
Power bank + cables, phone/camera
Tissues, sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen

What Not to Bring

Heavy cotton hoodies, jeans, or anything that stays wet
Multiple “just-in-case” outfits—teahouse life is simple
Bulky towels (use a small quick-dry)
Expensive jewelry or valuables you don’t need
Too many battery banks (one good 10–20k is enough for most)

Environmental Tips (Leave the Khumbu Better)

Bring a reusable bottle and buy boiled water at teahouses
Pack out small trash (wrappers, tape backings)
Choose biodegradable soap and go light on laundry
Be mindful at stupas and prayer flags; pass mani walls on the left

Printable EBC Packing Checklist

Daypack (carry daily)

☐ 30–35 L pack + rain cover
☐ Shell jacket + mid-layer
☐ 2 L water capacity + electrolytes
☐ Sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF lip balm
☐ Snacks (200–300 kcal/day)
☐ Headlamp + spare batteries
☐ First-aid mini-kit + blister care
☐ Power bank + cables + adapter
☐ Tissues + sanitizer
☐ Trekking poles (optional)

Duffel (porter-carried)

☐ Base layers (2 tops, 1–2 bottoms)
☐ Fleece + light synthetic puffy
☐ Insulated jacket (hooded)
☐ Waterproof over-trousers
☐ Socks (3–4 trek + 1 sleep)
☐ Camp shoes (light)
☐ Sleeping bag (≈ –10 °C comfort) + liner
☐ Toiletries + quick-dry towel
☐ Ziplocks/dry bags
☐ Spare camera batteries/SD cards

FAQs: Everest Base Camp Gear

Do I need trekking poles for EBC?

Not mandatory, but very helpful on long descents and when you’re tired. If knees ever bug you, bring them.

Trail runners or boots?

Boots are the safe default for mixed terrain and cold. Experienced hikers who travel very light sometimes use trail runners—be conservative in shoulder season and snow.

What sleeping bag rating is best?

For spring/autumn teahouse trekking, aim for –10 °C comfort (or a 0°F/–18 °C label in some brands), plus a liner. If you sleep cold, go warmer.

Do I need microspikes?

Usually no on the standard EBC route in peak seasons. Consider them only with winter conditions or if you add Cho La Pass and forecasts suggest ice.

Can I rent gear in Kathmandu?

Yes—sleeping bags, down jackets, poles, headlamps, duffels are easy to rent in Thamel. They’re heavier, but fine for warmth. Try before you commit.

How much should my pack weigh?

Target 5–7 kg in your daypack. Keep your duffel around 10–12 kg so you stay under common Lukla limits (~15 kg total) and your porter load remains fair.

What about water treatment?

Boiled water from teahouses is safest. If you treat your own, filter + disinfect (chlorine dioxide or UV). Drink 3–4 L/day including tea/soup.

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