Kit List

I've got my kit list and I think I'm just about done shopping. I went to Kathmandu today and got the last bits and bobs like the sleeping bag/liner/mat, rucksack, more clothes, spare boot laces, gaiters (lord almighty do they look stupid but might help with the leech situation), microfiber towel, headlamp, more trekking trousers, water purification drops, money belt, etc. Thank goodness they are having a 50% off sale! I've also checked and all of my kit fits in the rucksack with room to spare. I just need a few odd bits like some more quick dry undies, snickers bars, baby wipes, handwash stuff, diamox (helps prevent altitude sickness), emergency medical evacuation insurance. Just odds and sods really.

Anyway, I thought folks might be interested to see the full Everest Base Camp kit list so I'm posting it below...

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Everest Base Camp, Kit List
Really Wild Challenges is a trading name of The Really Wild Travel Company. Head Office address: CBC House, 24 Canning St, Edinburgh. EH3 8EG
Registered in England and Wales. Company No 6709179. ATOL Bonded No. 10210

The items listed below are purely recommendations. The list has been designed by the Really Wild Travel partners on the ground; however please take into account your personal preferences and common sense. If, after taking part in the challenge you have suggestions for this list we’d love to hear from you!
In the list below we’ve indicated which items are essential and which are optional, as well as which items you can hire locally – prices are listed in Nepalese rupees. However, if you would prefer to hire kit before departing the UK, please contact Trek Hire (01306 886333 or visit www.trekhireuk.com). Try to use your equipment before you go – particularly your daypack, hiking boots and sleeping bag/mat – this will show up any manufacturing faults and whether they are comfortable enough.

The Really Wild Travel philosophy regarding packing is simple: Travel light! Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle, so do not bring things you can do without. If you need to wear jewellery, keep it simple and inexpensive. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Bring clothes that wash and dry easily (jeans take forever to dry and should not be worn if possible).

Your main bag should not weigh more than 20kg. Additionally, in line with our responsible tourism policy, it is important not to overload the transfer agents who have to carry and transport it. Your hand luggage should not exceed 5kg and maximum dimensions of 56x45x25cms (correct at time of press – please confirm with your airline). Please make sure you pack your rucksack/kit bag yourself, and do not under any circumstances take any items through customs that are not yours or that you have been asked to deliver for someone else.
Keep extra cash, passports and house keys in your hand luggage. For the most up-to-date air travel hand luggage rules, please refer to the air travel hand baggage rules on the UK government’s website: http://www.direct.gov.uk

Don’t pack valuables, cash, fragile or perishable items in your hold luggage. Airlines and insurance companies will not accept liability for them. When leaving the UK, we recommend that you wear your hiking gear, and take as much as possible in your hand luggage, especially a full day’s underwear and other clothing. This is to ensure that in the unlikely situation that your bags do not arrive at your final destination, you are still able to make a start on the challenge while we relocate any missing baggage.

During the challenge itself we recommend that you keep all valuables with you at all times, especially electronic items such as cameras, iPods and mobile phones.

Everest Base Camp, Kit List
Really Wild Challenges is a trading name of The Really Wild Travel Company. Head Office address: CBC House, 24 Canning St, Edinburgh. EH3 8EG
Registered in England and Wales. Company No 6709179. ATOL Bonded No. 10210

Large holdall or Rucksack (no suitcases please!)
Day rucksack (for sun lotion, camera, iPod, snacks etc.)
Sleeping bag liner
Sleeping mat
3 Season Sleeping Bag (liner recommended)
Windproof waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended)
Long sleeved shirts
Walking boots (sturdy well worn in hiking boots)
T-shirts
Thermal long sleeved top
Thick long-jons or skin tight thick tights
Fleece
Down Jacket
3-4 additional torso layers
Trousers (such as lightweight cargo trousers, avoid jeans)
Waterproof walking trousers
Underwear (should be lightweight, cotton and loose fitting)
Thick hiking socks (ideally one pair per day of trekking)
Socks
Sandals/flip-flops/trainers for wearing around the guesthouses in the evenings
Gloves (thermal lined)
Balaclava - optional
Peaked cap or wide brimmed hat - optional
Additional warm hat - optional
Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Soap (Anti Bacterial and ideally in a bottle), shampoo/Conditioner (Bio-Degradable), Lip Salve With Sun Protection, Antiseptic Wipes
Razor & Cream, Sanitary Products, Shower Gel, Travel Towel,
Deodorant, Toilet Paper/Tissues, Hairbrush/Comb
Insect repellent
Sun lotion (minimum 30 SPF)
Documents (we recommend leaving a copy of all travel docs with your next of Kin)
Passport
2 Passport photos (for your trekking permit)
Visa
Air travel tickets where relevant (issued at the airport)
Cash
Travellers Cheques - optional
Credit Card - optional
Travel Insurance (please bring a copy of your insurance certificate with emergency contact number)
Copies of Vaccination Certificates (may be useful if you require medical attention) - optional
Camera - optional
Sunglasses (keep dust and grit out of your eyes as well as the sun)
Pair of Walking poles
Water bottles
High energy snacks - optional
Novel or guide book - optional
Plastic bags (for laundry) - optional
Head torch
Watch/alarm clock
First Aid Kit
Pain killers (e.g. Paracetamol)
Adhesive dressing (plasters), Compeed blister pads
Diarrhoea tablets
Immodium - optional
Anti-Malarial Course
Water purification tablets - optional
Plasters and bandages for small cuts and sprains - optional