Everest Base Camp Packing List 2026: What to Bring, What to Leave, What to Rent

The Problem with Most EBC Packing Lists

Most packing lists are written by people who have never actually trekked to Everest Base Camp, or who trekked once and immediately wrote a list that includes every item they packed "just in case." The result is a 60-item mega-list that would require a porter just to carry the gear bag itself.

This list is different. It is based on having guided treks to EBC and watched hundreds of trekkers arrive at Gorak Shep with bags full of things they carried for 14 days and never touched. It will also tell you what you will desperately wish you had packed.

The philosophy here: carry less than you think you need. Your body will thank you at 5,000 metres.

Table of Contents

1. The weight target: what you should aim for

2. Footwear: the most important decision you make

3. Clothing system: layering explained

4. Sleeping and shelter

5. Daypack essentials

6. Health and medical kit

7. Electronics

8. Documents and money

9. What to rent in Kathmandu vs what to buy

10. What to leave at home

11. The complete master packing list

1. The Weight Target

Your pack should weigh no more than 10–12kg at the trailhead. That is everything: sleeping bag, down jacket, clothes, medical kit, electronics, the lot.

If your pack is over 12kg, you are carrying things you do not need, or you need a porter (which is perfectly fine and strongly recommended).

If you are hiring a porter, your trekking daypack — the bag you carry yourself each day — should weigh no more than 5–7kg.

2. Footwear: The Most Important Decision

Your boots will make or break this trek. Nothing else comes close.

What you need

Waterproof, ankle-supporting trekking boots that have been worn for at least 50–80km before the trek. Breaking in boots on the Everest trail is a mistake that has ended many treks early due to blisters.

Recommended specifications:

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof membrane

• Stiff midsole with crampon compatibility (not essential for EBC, but useful if conditions are icy near Gorak Shep)

• Ankle support — trail runners are not appropriate for the EBC route

Popular choices among experienced trekkers: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX. If you cannot afford branded boots, Kathmandu teahouse operators have seen people complete EBC in well-fitted local boots — brand matters less than fit and prior break-in.

Do not rent boots. Rented boots are worn, deformed to someone else's foot, and potentially carrying fungal infections. This is one item you must own.

Also pack

• Trekking sandals or lightweight camp shoes (Crocs are genuinely popular on the EBC route — your feet will thank you after a day in boots)

• Camp socks (2–3 pairs): Wool or synthetic, mid-weight. Smartwool and Darn Tough are the gold standard.

• Gaiters: Optional for EBC but useful above Lobuche in snow conditions

3. The Clothing System

EBC requires layering because temperatures swing wildly: it can be +15°C at midday in Namche and -15°C at night at Gorak Shep. The trick is a system of layers you can add or remove rather than individual heavy items.

Base Layer (2 sets)

• Merino wool or synthetic base layer top and bottom

• Merino wool is heavier but better at odour control (critical on a 14-day trek with limited washing opportunities)

• Synthetic dries faster if wet

• Pack 2 sets so one can dry/air while you wear the other

• Recommended: Icebreaker 150 or 200 weight merino

Mid Layer

• Fleece jacket or softshell: A 100–200 weight fleece is your workhorse mid-layer

• You will wear this most days above Namche

• Recommended: Patagonia R1 or any quality fleece you already own

Outer/Insulating Layer

• Down jacket rated to at least -10°C: This is your most important piece of clothing for EBC. You will live in it at high camp and base camp.

• Look for 600+ fill power down, or 400+ fill if synthetic

• It must be large enough to wear over all your other layers

• Can rent in Kathmandu: Yes, and it makes sense to rent if this is your only cold-weather trek

Shell Layer

• Waterproof hardshell jacket: Gore-Tex or equivalent. This goes over everything in rain or snow.

• Not every day will require this, but when you need it, nothing else will do

• Waterproof hardshell trousers: Optional but worth having above Lobuche

Trekking Clothes

• 2–3 quick-dry trekking shirts or T-shirts

• 2 pairs of trekking trousers or leggings: One pair zip-off for versatility

• Thermal/warm hat and sun hat: You need both. The Himalayan sun at altitude is intense; the mornings are cold.

• Neck gaiter or balaclava: Essential at EBC and above

• Warm gloves (liner + outer): At minimum, a fleece liner glove and a waterproof outer mitt. At Gorak Shep and above, temperatures at night drop to -15°C to -25°C.

• Underwear: 3–4 pairs. Merino wool preferred.

The Underwear Note Nobody Writes

Merino wool underwear is not a luxury on the EBC trek. At high altitude, washing clothes is difficult (cold water, slow drying), and cotton underwear that is not properly dried becomes a cold, damp, chafing problem. Spend the money on 2–3 pairs of merino underwear before you leave.

4. Sleeping and Shelter

Sleeping Bag

The single most important gear purchase you will make.

You need a sleeping bag rated to -15°C (comfort rating) or colder. Not the lower limit rating — the comfort rating. The distinction matters:

• Lower limit rating: what a man in a curled position can tolerate without waking hypothermic

• Comfort rating: what a woman in a relaxed position can sleep comfortably through

Teahouse blankets are provided but are often thin and of unknown cleanliness. Your sleeping bag is your insurance.

Rental option in Kathmandu: Yes. Expect to pay $3–5/day for a rental sleeping bag. Inspect it carefully — check the zipper, the hood insulation, and ask about the fill rating. For peace of mind, many trekkers buy their own.

Sleeping bag liner: Lightweight silk or fleece liner adds 5–10°C of warmth to any sleeping bag. Also useful as a modesty layer in teahouse dormitories.

5. Daypack Essentials

The bag you carry yourself each day while your main pack goes on the porter:

Water: 2-litre capacity hydration system or 2 water bottles. You need 3–4 litres of water per day at altitude.

Water purification: Non-negotiable. Options:

• Sawyer Squeeze filter: lightweight, effective, no batteries

• Steripen UV purifier: fast, excellent for clear water, needs batteries

• Iodine tablets: backup option only

Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars, and chocolate. Carry at least 2–3 days of emergency snacks above Namche.

Sun protection:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (UV radiation at altitude is extreme)

• SPF lip balm

• Glacier glasses or wraparound sunglasses (UV400, category 3 or 4)

Medical:

• Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention — discuss with your doctor before the trek

• Ibuprofen and paracetamol

• Rehydration sachets

• Blister plasters (Compeed brand works well)

• Antiseptic wipes

• Bandages and medical tape

• Personal prescription medications

Navigation and light:

• Headlamp with fresh batteries and a spare set. Teahouses often have power cuts; you will use this every night.

• Offline maps downloaded on your phone (Maps.me or AllTrails work well for the EBC route)

Trekking poles: Highly recommended, especially on descent. Collapsible poles pack small and save your knees significantly over 14 days.

6. Electronics

Keep this minimal. Every gramme matters at altitude.

Phone: Your primary camera, map, and communication device. Download offline maps before you leave Kathmandu.

Power bank: 20,000mAh minimum. Charging from sockets costs $1–3 per charge at teahouses and is not always available. A good power bank keeps your phone and headlamp charged for the whole trek.

Camera: A phone camera is sufficient for most trekkers. If you bring a dedicated camera, a mirrorless is significantly lighter than a DSLR. Note that cold temperatures drain batteries quickly — keep batteries in an inner pocket.

Universal adapter and cables: Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets. A universal adapter covers all bases.

E-reader: Optional but the evenings in teahouses are long. Lighter than a book.

What not to bring: Drone (banned in Sagarmatha National Park without specific permits), laptop (unnecessary weight), hair dryer.

7. Documents and Money

Documents to carry (all in waterproof pouch):

• Passport (original, not a copy)

• Travel insurance documents with emergency contact number

• Multiple passport photos (4–6) for permits

• Emergency contact information

Money:

• Nepali rupees for the entire trek. There is one ATM in Namche Bazaar but it is unreliable.

• Estimate: NPR 3,000–5,000 per day ($22–37 USD equivalent)

• Withdraw at least NPR 60,000–80,000 before leaving Kathmandu

• Some teahouses now accept credit cards but do not rely on it

8. What to Rent in Kathmandu vs What to Buy

Rent in Kathmandu (Thamel district)

• Down jacket

• Sleeping bag

• Trekking poles

• Duffel bag (for porter)

Always buy, never rent

• Trekking boots

• Thermal base layers

• Socks

• Underwear

• Headlamp

• Medical kit

Buy on arrival in Kathmandu (cheaper than at home)

• Trekking trousers (good quality local brands available for $15–40)

• Buff/neck gaiter

• Small daypack if yours is borderline

9. What to Leave at Home

This section might be more useful than everything above.

Heavy rain jacket: A lightweight hardshell weighing under 400g is sufficient. Leave the heavy-duty mountaineering jacket.

More than 3 pairs of the same thing: Three pairs of socks is enough. Five is not.

Cotton anything: Cotton holds moisture and does not insulate when wet. Leave cotton T-shirts, cotton socks, and cotton base layers at home.

Jeans: Never, under any circumstances. Denim is heavy, dries slowly, and provides no insulation when wet.

Laptop: There is almost no circumstance where you need a laptop on the EBC trail. Your phone does everything.

Multiple pairs of shoes: One pair of trekking boots and one pair of camp shoes. That is two pairs. Not three or four.

Full-size toiletries: Travel sizes only. Teahouses have minimal bathroom facilities above Namche anyway.

10. The Complete Master Packing List

Footwear

• Trekking boots (waterproof, ankle support, broken in)

• Camp sandals or Crocs

• Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4–5 pairs)

• Liner socks (optional, for blister prevention)

Clothing — Upper body

• Merino wool base layer top (2x)

• Fleece mid-layer jacket

• Waterproof hardshell jacket

• Down jacket (-10°C rated or warmer)

• 2–3 trekking shirts

• Neck gaiter or balaclava

Clothing — Lower body

• Merino wool base layer bottom (1x)

• 2 pairs trekking trousers

• Waterproof hardshell trousers (optional)

• Underwear (3–4 pairs, merino wool)

Head and hands

• Warm winter hat

• Sun hat or cap

• Liner gloves

• Waterproof outer gloves or mittens

• Glacier glasses or UV400 sunglasses

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (-15°C comfort rating)

• Sleeping bag liner (optional)

• Pillow case (teahouses provide pillows; bring a case if particular)

Day hiking essentials

• Daypack (25–35 litre)

• Trekking poles

• 2 x 1-litre water bottles or hydration bladder

• Water filter (Sawyer Squeeze or Steripen)

• Headlamp + 2 spare sets of batteries

• Offline maps downloaded (Maps.me, AllTrails, Strava)

Health and medical

• Diamox (prescription, discussed with doctor)

• Ibuprofen and paracetamol

• Oral rehydration salts

• Blister plasters (Compeed)

• Medical tape and gauze

• Antiseptic wipes

• Personal prescription medications (with extra supply)

• Altitude sickness education (know the symptoms before you go)

Electronics

• Phone (offline maps pre-downloaded)

• Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)

• Camera (optional)

• Charging cables

• Universal adapter

• E-reader (optional)

Sun and skin protection

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (at least 100ml)

• SPF 50 lip balm

• Moisturiser (altitude air is extremely dry)

Toiletries (all travel size)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap or wet wipes

• Microfibre towel (teahouses do not provide towels)

• Hand sanitiser

• Toilet paper (not always available at high altitude teahouses)

Documents

• Passport

• Travel insurance documents

• Passport photos (4–6 copies)

• Emergency contact card

• Cash (Nepali rupees)

Written by The Valley & Peaks — Nepal-based travel and trekking experts. All gear recommendations are based on direct experience on the EBC route, not sponsored placements.

Next read: Everest Base Camp Trek Cost