Hi guys!

I felt it’s time for an update on my Everest Base Camp Trek Prep! I’ve been posting about a lot of other things like this, and this, and this…with not much mention of Everest, so I figured it was time. If you’re brand new to this blog, I suggest checking out my first Everest entry for more information on what I’m doing.

 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

 

Currently, my Everest-prep goal is searching for and acquiring all the gear I will need for my trek. I’ll be trekking for two weeks (ish). And all my gear needs to fit into a 33 pound duffle bag. (Eek!) Our guide has provided a recommended gear list, which I’ve included at the bottom of this post.

As of the writing of this post, I have about 2% of this list. I’ve been scouring the internet for deals, looking for recommendations from friends, asking way too many questions at REI, and basically over-thinking every potential purchase. I have a bad habit of needing to know all my options before making a decision. Due to the baggage limitations, I feel like I need to be a extra selective and ultra-sure of what I bring with me.

My biggest accomplishment so far is the purchase of my prized hiking boots! I’m pretty excited about these babies…

 

I went with the Vasque Breeze III in “Gargoyle/Stone Blue”.

A few weeks ago, I hit up REI with my Everest buddies to explore our gear list in real life. From water filters and daypacks to sock liners and hiking boots, the initial REI trip was only slightly overwhelming. I knew I needed to invest in some hiking boots well before the trip in order to break them in. And, since it’s still boot weather where I live, I figured I might as well begin my Everest gear collection with what I feel is a pretty monumental addition:

THE BOOTS I WILL WEAR WHILE TREKKING IN THE HIMALAYAS!

(All caps and bold for emphasis, in case you didn’t catch the ridiculous amazingness of the sentence.)

On that initial trip to REI, I enthusiastically tried on about 10 pairs of boots. Rookie mistake, apparently. I was overwhelming myself to the max. Only AFTER I was 7 or 8 pairs deep did the sales guy advise starting with one or two boots, ruling out the duds and moving on from there. Interesting strategy, I guess…

I left REI empty handed that day and began scouring the internet for recommendations. Guess what?! Still overwhelming.

Luckily, I have an amazing, super-experienced friend who knows everything about hiking gear. My good friend Kate, who I’ve known since the 7th grade, is basically my idol. She’s travelled the world from India to South America and is currently somewhere in Nicaragua, I think. She’s hiked the Annapurna circuit solo (another populate trek in Nepal) so I consider her an expert on everything outdoorsy.

She recommended the Vasque brand among a few others and explained the in’s and out’s of hiking boots. Structure versus flexibility. Vibram soles. The importance of waterproof material.

Armed with the knowledge of my trusted friend, I researched a few boots online and made another trip to REI, this time successfully.

 

Can you tell I’m excited about these?!

I wanted to ensure my hiking boots were the best I could find for my budget. I wanted to ensure I will be comfortable, safe, and most importantly, blister-free. Crossing my fingers on the last one.

This past weekend I tried out my new boots on an adventure in Duluth, Minnesota. The boyfriend and I spent a few days wandering around the city. I wore the shoes all day Saturday from about 9am to 9pm and my feet felt amazing. We spent quite a bit of time outside in the snow and chilly 20 degree temps, and my feet were warm and cozy all day. They definitely passed the test.

Also, they’re pretty 🙂

Here is a link to the boots on Amazon if you are curious:

 

My next big purchase, also per the recommendation of Kate the Adventuress, was a pair of Darn Tough socks. I was not familiar with this American made brand, but apparently they are a big deal. The socks are Merino wool and guaranteed for life. Seriously. If at any point the socks don’t live up to expectations you can return them. Even if you’ve worn them 100 days in a row. Kate said she wore a pair for four years, through many strenuous hikes all over the world, before she noticed a hole. Pretty neat.

 

The socks are also made in Vermont. Their website touts the slogan “Nobody ever outsourced anything for quality.” I’m definitely not hiking like my friend Kate, but I love quality and you’ve got to love that slogan, right?

I Amazon-ed myself the Boot Sock Full Cushion in the Slate color to try out. I’ve worn them several times so far, yes even with my new boots, and they are super comfy. Here’s the link to Amazon if you feel the urge to Prime yourself some of these, gotta love that 2-day shipping:

I have much, much more shopping do to this year to ensure I’m safe and comfortable on my trek. Below is our recommended packing guide for Everest Base Camp. Keep in mind, everything must fit in a 33lb. duffle to be carried by a sherpa. And, we’ll be eating our meals and sleeping in local teahouses, so there is not much camping gear required.

Pack

• Duffle bag 75-100L (80L bag provided)
• Day pack 25-35L (with hip belt is preferred)

Sleep System

• Sleeping bag rated -20°F (Provided)
• Sleeping bag liner

Clothes *No Cotton*

Base layer (Merino Wool preferred)

• Underwear x 6
• Sports Bra x 2
• Hiking Socks x 4-6
• Thermal Sock x 1
• Liner sock x 1

Upper Layers (Synthetic or Merino Wool Preferred)

• Light weight thermals x 2
• Medium thermals (wool, fleece, etc) x 2
• Down or fleece vest x 1
• Down Jacket (provided)

Lower Layers (Synthetic or Merino Wool Preferred)

• Light weight thermals x1
• Medium weight thermals x1
• Pants for sleeping x1 (fleece, wool, etc)
• Light weight Synthetic Hiking pants x 2
• Hiking shorts if not bringing convertible pants

Outer Layer

• Good Rain/Wind Jacket (Gore tex or similar)
• Good Rain/Wind Pants (Gore tex or Similar)
• Light liner gloves (wool or fleece)
• Sun hat/rain hat
• balaclava or warm wool hat

*Footwear

• Good boots with rigid soles and good ankle support (Gore tex Preferred)
• Slippers/lounging shoes (e.g. Crocs, sandals)

Gear

• Bag Liners for trek bags (e.g. garbage bag)
• Stuff sacs for organizing
• TSA Locks for bags
• UV protecting goggles/glacier goggles
• Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
• Personal Medications/glasses/contacts
• Sun screen SPF 30-50
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Bandana/buff
• Microfiber camp towel (for showers)
• Trekking poles
• Small personal first aid kit
• Money belt
• Passport
• Foot powder

Hygiene

• Baby wipes
• Toilet paper rolls x 2
• Feminine products
• Hand sanitizer
• Tooth Brush/Paste
• Biodegradable soap
• Deodorant

*Water (carry 2-3 liters)

• 32oz Water Bottle (Nalgene style)
• Water bladder 2-3L
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Purifier

Food

• Drink Mix with electrolytes

Optional Items

• Clean outfit for a night out
• Prescription Diamox to help with Altitude
• Stand up urination device (ladies)
• Book/notebook
• Camera
• Travel charger/wall plugs
• Solar charger
• Travel laptop
• Phone
• Ear plugs
• Spare shoelaces
• Face mask (for air pollution in the city)
• Protein drink mix
• Beef Jerky

 Just a few things left to get..hahaha…

I’m looking for recommendations! If you have a brand you love or that has worked well for you while backpacking, please comment below or shoot me a message!