Trekking Clothing & Equpment Guideline
The following is a guideline, not a prescription: we hope it will help you find your way through the minefield of items of clothing and equipment which fill the catalogues of outdoor adventure outfitters!Jacket x 1
This should be breathable, wind-proof and waterproof (not showerproof), with attached hood. Suitable fabrics to look for include Gore-Tex, eVent, Pertex Shield and Texapore. Jackets are widely available but we suggest you look at Berghaus, Northface, Rab, Mammut, Jack Wolfskin, Craghoppers and Mountain Equipment.
Waterproof Trousers x 1
With side zips, made from breathable, wind and waterproof fabric (GoreTex, eVent, Pertex Shield and Texapore or similar): highly recommended for high altitude and winter treks.
Long-Sleeved Shirt or Jumper x 2/3
Lightweight, quick-drying, long-sleeved shirts or jumpers– base layer merino blend or fleece garments are recommended - brands include Karrimor, Lowe Alpine, Helly Hansen, Icebreaker and Rab, or similar. Cotton is not recommended as it holds moisture and weighs a lot.
Daywear Tops x 3/4
Lightweight T-shirts or button shirts - SPF travel shirts are light, quick drying and sun-proof – indeed some include insect protection which is a benefit. Sleeveless shirts are inadvisable and CULTURALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
Down Jacket x 1
For cool evenings on high altitude treks (over 3500m) or winter treks. If you do not already have a down jacket, Access-Himalaya has several which you may arrange to hire, very reasonably – this option saves room in your luggage from home.
Lightweight Jacket x 1
Made of medium-weight fleece, light feather/down or Hollofil, this is ideal for mornings and evenings, providing extra warmth in colder situations and on Spring treks. Worn under a waterproof jacket, it can take the place of a heavier down jacket.
Trekking Shorts x 2
Lightweight, quick-drying, walking/hiking shorts, with zip flies, are recommended. Tight, or mini-shorts are not a good idea as these are CULTURALLY UNACCEPTABLE. Good walking shorts are made by Karrimor, NorthFace, Craghopper, Saloman, Regatta, etc.
Trekking Trousers x 2
Lightweight, quick-drying material is best –windproof would be a bonus. Two pairs are needed for average treks, and we recommend zip-off style. In mornings and evenings, long trousers are usually most comfortable, with shorts for the rest of the day. If you are not taking shorts with you, we would recommend at least three pairs of zip-offs. Many outdoor outfitters sell them, and brands include NorthFace, Berghaus, Craghopper, Karrimor and Mammut.
Travel /Trekking Skirts x 2
If you prefer skirts, rather than trousers/shorts, we recommend you choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics. Loose style, such as wrap-around, and below knee length skirts are most practical, particularly when trekking at low altitudes, for unscheduled toilet stops, and in towns.
Headgear x 1
Sunhats: Daytime walking in the Himalayas can be sunny and hot, with lots of glare. A wide-brimmed, lightweight, quick-drying sun hat, or cap, is recommended, preferably UPF and with neck protection. Manufacturers include Tilley, Peter Storm, NorthFace, Craghopper, Jack Wolfskin and Karrimor.
Warm hats: Morning and evenings can be very cold: a warm hat is good ear protection and comforting. Fleece, wool, or wool-mix hats are recommended, of beanie, pull-on or balaclava style – recommended brands are Arc’teryx, Icebreaker, Berghaus, Karrimor, Jack Wolfskin, Helly Hansen, NorthFace and Peter Storm.
Scarf or Neck Gaiter x 1
Not essential, but in high, exposed areas it can be very windy – a neck gaiter, made from moisture-wicking, stretchy fabric gives warmth and may also be pulled up over the mouth, or head. The original Buff manufacturer offers several styles and patterns, but other brands are also available.
Gloves x 1
A pair of gloves is essential – preferably insulated, breathable and windproof. Tight gloves restrict movement and offset the benefits of insulation. Many companies make these gloves, e.g. Lowe Alpine, Mountain Equipment, Berghaus, NorthFace, Sealskin, Black Diamond and Rab.
Thermals x 1 set
A good set - long-sleeved top and long johns – offers cold-weather trekking comfort, and may be used as nightwear at high altitudes. Pure Merino wool, or blend, is highly recommended and brands include Helly Hansen, Ice Breaker, Mammut, Rab, Berghaus and NorthFace. Cotton is not recommended.
Normal Underwear x 4
Although this is not something people are likely to forget, it is included in this list just as a reminder.
Kit/Duffel bag x 1
For treks where gear is carried for you by porters, this is best packed in a strong kit/duffel bag, without wheels or folding handle, and of around 80l capacity. For most of our treks we offer our own complimentary, purpose-designed, cordura fabric kitbag, provided on arrival in Nepal, unless otherwise arranged.
Daypack x 1
This is carried by you on trek, to hold items needed during the day, i.e. jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. Capacity around 30l should be sufficient, and the bag should, ideally, have a waistband that transfers some of the weight to the hips. Popular brands are Lowe Alpine, Osprey, Berghaus, Karrimor, Deuter.
Dry bag x 3
Like any other cordura kitbag, our Access-Himalaya bags are showerproof. Therefore, we suggest bringing some drybags or heavy-duty bin liners to further protect your gear, and separate your laundry. These need not be very expensive and brands include Karrimor, Ortlieb, Sea to Summit, Exped, Lifeventure, etc.
Sleeping Bag x 1
4-season sleeping bags (or 3-season with good liner) are recommended for most of our treks in Spring and Summer, at any altitude, and for all lodge treks. If you do not have your own sleeping bag, a high quality 4-season bag may be hired from us, with prior arrangement via your booking form.
Sleeping Bag Liner x 1
Silk or light synthetic material liners are light, compact and warm; also quick drying. If you hire a bag from us we expect you to use a liner, for reasons of hygiene, which you should bring with you, although we are able to provide fleece liners if necessary. Manufacturers of silk liners are RAB, Lifeventure, Trekmate, Eurohike, etc.
Self-Inflatable Sleeping Pad x 1
Thermarest or similar. We provide thick foam mattresses, cotton-covered and waterproof-based, for camping treks, but if you have your own lightweight sleeping pad, we recommend you bring it with you as an extra layer of comfort, although this is not essential.
FOOTWEAR
Walking Boots x 1 pair
Recommended boots (GoreTex. eVent or similar) are breathable, waterproof and lightweight. They should have good ankle support and sufficient toe room for long descents. Boots must be worn in before trekking, including steep hill walking to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need! Popular boot manufacturers include, Merrell, Saloman, Brasher, Karrimor, Scarpa, Berghaus, Scarpa and Meindl.
Shoes x 1 pair
Lightweight training shoes are useful for post-trek foot relief, and also for town and city.
Lightweight Sandals x 1 pair
Crocs, flip-flops or other lightweight sandals are recommended for showers, white water rafting, jungle safaris and airing your feet.
Socks x 3/4 pairs
Padded merino or wool-mix trekking/walking socks are recommended.: Bridgedale, Icebreaker, Smartwool are commonly used brands.
Liner Socks x 3/4 pairs
Liners inside trekking socks will help to avoid blisters, and give extra warmth, and they are highly recommended. If your feet perspire a lot, these socks will help. CoolMax or Polypropylene are words to look out for, and manufacturers include Bridgedale, Isocool, Icebreaker, Trespass and Trekmates.
Gaiters x 1pair
These help to keep snow and mud at bay, although they are not essential. Particularly recommended for high altitude treks of over 3500m. Brands include Karrimor, Trekmate, Rab, Regatta, Black Diamond.
Ice Grippers x 1 pair
These are useful, and recommended, for high-altitude and winter treks, and high mountain passes. Yaktrak Pro and Glacier Chains are easily available. Lightweight and simpler than conventional crampons, they fit over any walking shoes or boots.
WATER MATTERS
Water Bottle/Hydration system
You are recommended to carry 2 litres of water on trek, preferably in two 1l bottles, which could be metal (Sigg or similar) or plastic (Nalgene or similar).
Hydration backpack systems may be preferred as piped water is constantly available, avoiding the need for stopping each time you want a drink. However, at high altitudes, or in winter, the pipes may freeze, so we advise carrying a bottle also. Containers are usually filled with boiling water and used as comforters at night, so make sure they are leakproof and not susceptible to cracking (if plastic).
Water Purification
Iodine, with neutralizer, or PortableAqua tablets, are recommended additives for water purification, although some people prefer other systems, such as filters. Boiled water may be obtained from lodges or in camp – the purchase of bottled mineral water is discouraged, for environmental reasons, i.e. no recycling facilities outside Kathmandu. In addition, locally-bottled water, on trek, is not quality controlled, so is best avoided. Hotels provide boiled or filtered water, which is perfectly safe to drink.
Sweets and Snacks
On all our treks and expeditions, apart from FIT trips, we provide three substantial and nourishing meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). However, you may feel the need for an energy boost on the trail or crave the comfort of a snack. Chocolate/energy bars, sweets, dried fruit and nuts are recommended for these moments. Chocolate and energy bars are available in Kathmandu, but are not the same in taste/quality as those produced in the West, so we suggest you bring a selection from home, topping up in Nepal if necessary. Dried fruits in Nepal are good quality, but not cleaned before packaging, so you should also consider bringing these with you – nuts are fine.
Head Torch x 1
This is essential – finding your way around in the dark in unfamiliar situations is easiest with both hands free, especially if using an outside squat toilet or latrine. Lightweight, LED headtorches (with spare batteries!) are recommended. Price ranges vary widely – for a normal trek a very expensive brand is unnecessary. Brands include Petzl, Black Diamond, Coleman, HiGear , Silva and LifeSystems.
Sunglasses x 1 pair
Daytime sun in the mountains is very strong, bright, glaring and potentially harmful to eyes. High UV protection sunglasses should be carried on all treks.
Snow sport glasses are specifically designed for high altitude and snow protection with built up arms to prevent stray light entering from the sides – for high altitude treks these are recommended.
Trekking Poles x 1 /2
Not essential, but carrying one, or two, can be helpful when ascending or descending on rough trails. They need not be expensive, but should be lightweight, strong and telescopic, preferably sprung. Many companies manufacture poles, including Leki, Black Diamond, Gelert, Trekmate, HiGear and Karrimor.
TOILETRIES/HYGIENE
Every item adds weight to your gear, so plastic, travel-size packs are recommended. Consider multi-purpose products, such as all-purpose soap (soap/bodywash/shampoo/washing up liquid – also renders fresh fruit and veg safe to eat). Take essentials only, to cut down on weight –a surprising number of showers/buckets of hot water is available on trek. Small tubes of toothpaste, or travel-size shampoo, should suffice. We provide toilet paper on camping treks, but you should also take some of your own (available in Kathmandu of course). Underarm and foot deodorants are recommended as they will spare you grief with your tent partner.
Towel x 1
Recommended to bring large microfibre travel/trek/sport towel – absorbent, quick drying anti-bacterial; terry towels are bulky and slow drying. Many companies produce microfibre towels, such as Lifeventure, Trespass, HiGear, Karrimor.
Antiseptic Wet Wipes x 2 small packs
These are extremely useful on trek, for personal hygiene and skin care, when access to water is difficult or when the weather is very cold.
Anti-bacterial Hand Gel/Dry Wash x 3/4
Small containers (50ml) of this gel should be taken with you, and at least one carried at all times, for cleaning hands before any food or drink. There are many brands on the market including Cuticura, Carex, Milton, Lifeventure, and pharmacies’ own brands.
Lip Balm/Lipstick x 2
Heat and dryness play havoc with lips, particularly at altitude, so we recommend bringing along at least a couple of small tubes. High UV protection would be a bonus – Boots, Nivea, Care Plus for example.
MEDICAL MATTERS
Personal/Prescription Medication
You should consult your general practitioner or pharmacy for any personal medication needs or travel medication advice, including prescribed antibiotics. Ensure that you bring enough of these for the duration of your trek/holiday.
First Aid Kit x 1
Your personal first aid kit is essential; refer to your pharmacist/GP for advice, or purchase a ready-made kit, such as Lifeventure, Boots or other pharmacist brand; make sure the kit includes rehydration salts (flavoured salts are available). We carry a First Aid Kit which contains paracetamol, diarrhea remedies, rehydration salts, plasters, antiseptic cream, etc., but this is primarily for our own trekking crew. We ask clients to bring their own supplies, as we are not qualified to dispense medicines, etc., although our crew is trained in first aid.
Sun Screen/Sun Block with UV 30+ Sun Protection x 2
The sun is very strong in the Himalayas, so these items are important. Instead of a large container, it is recommended that small bottles are carried in case of damage or spillage, and also weight. Ask your pharmacist for advice as there is a wide choice with differing properties.
Contact lenses (sufficient for duration of trek plus spares)
Soft, daily-disposable lens wearers report very few problems, and these are recommended – cleaning hard lenses can be difficult in dusty and windy situations.
Blister Stick/Plasters x 1
Avoiding blisters is highly recommended – they can make walking painful and it is easy for them to become infected. Anti-blister plasters help avoid this problem, as does balm from an Anti-Blister stick – both guard against friction, thereby preventing the dreaded blisters from forming - widely available from Scholls, Boots and other pharmacies.
Survival Blanket x 1
These are very light, and could be life-saving in extreme conditions, so we recommend that you take one along– sometimes they are part of commercial first aid kits, so check this first.
CAMERAS AND BINOCULARS
Cameras
The Himalayas are a particularly photogenic part of the world, and you will probably need a camera with large capacity memory card(s) or many rolls of film. Generally speaking, a standard, compact camera, and spare batteries, are sufficient and easy to carry on trek. At least two smaller memory cards, rather than one large one, is recommended, for digital cameras, in case one gets lost or damaged. If you are keenly interested in photography, wishing to carry specific and advanced equipment, please get in touch for more detailed information. If planning to go white water rafting, mountain biking, paragliding or bungee jumping, a GoPro camera might suit you best.
Binoculars and Telescopes
Nepal teems with birds and butterflies, and if you are interested in seeing these closely you should bring a pair of binoculars or similar.
Battery Charger
Other than in remote areas, batteries may be charged at trekking lodges, usually via micro hydro or solar power. Throughout Nepal 220/240v, 2 or 3 round pin plugs are used – bring along an adaptor with your spare batteries. If you have your own portable solar charger, such as Freeloader, Goal Zero, Powermonkey, etc. this can make life even easier as they are may be carried outside your backpack while you are walking.
EXTRA SUGGESTIONS
Compact Multi-tool x 1
If bits fall off your kit, or need adjusting, a small multi-tool/Swiss Army Knife will be useful, so consider taking one of these with you. Brands include BoyzToyz, Silverline, Leatherman, Gerber, Rolson, Stanley or you might choose a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife.
Padlocks x 2
Please take along a couple–one to secure your trekking kitbag during the day, and another to lock the suitcase/bag you will leave behind at your hotel whilst you are trekking. Basic, inexpensive padlocks will be fine.
Money Pouch/Belt/Inside pocket x 1
Money belts are useful but are an extra inconvenience on trek so usually find their way into kitbags. However, your original documents, including passport, credit cards, etc. are usually left in security boxes in your hotel, so you will only be carrying money required whilst on trek. An ordinary wallet/purse, which you probably already own, will suffice on trek as this can go in a zipped pocket on your person, or in a secure part of your daysack.
Reading Materials
If bringing along lightweight (in both senses) paperbacks, you may swap them along the way – Kathmandu has a plethora of second hand bookshops (there is often a second hand section at the back of most bookshops also). You might also consider bringing a Kindle.
Fun and Games
A few games of Frisbee or football are great icebreakers when meeting up with your trekking crew or local children, apart from being great post-trek relaxation and enjoyment at the end of a long day, and particularly if your group includes Scouts, Schools and Colleges. If part of a group, arrange for small clusters of people to bring playing cards, Pit, Pass the Pig, Travel Scrabble, mini-Monopoly, juggling/catch balls, travel arrow-throw, flying discs, Frisbee, boomerang, volley/football, etc., etc.
iPod /MP3 players
These are not essential, and should never be used as a potentially dangerous distraction whilst trekking, although they may offer enjoyable listening when having an early night or in need of a quiet moment away from your group. Spare batteries and/or charger should not be forgotten.
Basic Repair Kit
Sewing Needles and Thread, Safety pins, Small roll of Duck/Gaffer tape, Spectacles repair kit (if appropriate) – useful in emergencies.
Notes:
- We would like to suggest that, if you are travelling as part of a group, you might try speaking to one of the larger outdoor equipment retailers, such as Cotswold Outdoor, Blacks or Milletts, GoOutdoor, etc., as they may offer you group benefits.
- There will be weight limits on your gear, apart from international travel, which is usually between 25kg and 35kg, depending on airline. However there are more stringent weight limits on domestic/mountain sector flights: 15kg or less – these limits are strictly controlled and high charges are made for excess weight, so please consider this when selecting equipment for your trek. The weight limit for your baggage to be carried by porters or animals is 15kg also.
- In brief, it is best to pack only items you really need, and to have ‘lightweight’ as your watchword!
- Some of the clothes recommended for trekking could also be used for climbing and rafting, so bear this in mind when reading lists of recommended items for these activities.
- There are many items of clothing and equipment (including replica big brands) available in Kathmandu, such as down and light jackets, light trousers, wrap-round skirts, sunhats, poles, water bottles, fleece pull on hats, neck gaiters, snow gaiters, gloves, sandals/flip-flops, led headtorches, power adaptors, padlocks, AA or AAA batteries, etc., etc. However, you need to allow time to go around and find these, so bear that in mind. It can be arranged for groups to pre-order equipment (not clothing) through us, ready for collection on arrival – please get in touch for further details of this service.
- Most people in Nepal and other Himalayan countries are, generally, still very traditional, and conservative, in their dress and their way of life. In order to avoid embarrassment, on all sides, we strongly recommend that clients (male and female) avoid above-the-knee and/or revealing clothing, including sleeveless garments, leggings and short shorts/mini skirts.
