What Kit Will I Need?


You will basically need the same kit as anyone doing a trek for a DofE expedition. Warm, dry, comfortable and as light as you can live with. But additionally pack for extremes of temperature and two / three weeks away. And stay under 15kgs for your main pack.

A kit list specific to each trek will be sent on confirmed registration. A broad example below. If you want one emailed to you now, please contact us through the enquiries address.

Most of the treks will be staying in clean, insulated eco-lodges (see 'general info' page), but a short inflatable mattress could be handy for resting and extra comfort and a 4 season sleeping bag might be preferable to local bedding. You would benefit from some technical clothing such as wicking base layers and insulated tops. Efficient layering, rather than bulk and weight is the order of the day. Keeping hydrated is essential, so a decent camelbak or similar is pre-requisite.

You will need a large rucksack or expedition holdall for your main bag. This will be carried by Sherpa porters. You will walk carrying a daysack with essentials during the day. Walking poles can be helpful if you need steadying on uneven terrain. A headtorch is essential, as is a camera and spare batteries!

A broad example kit list is in the small print below - but this will vary slightly for each trip and for your own needs.

Baggage and Sleeping

Large Rucksack…

Or Expedition bag                      – 65L+. No more than 15kgs of contents during trek

Day Rucksack                            - (For carrying sun cream, camera, film, water, jacket, etc)

Sleeping bag                              - Good 3-4 season possibly with a liner. Thermarest is optional.

Clothing – think practical and breathable, ahead of fashionable!

Waterproof jacket and trousers  – lightweight, wind and waterproof.

Bodywarmer/down jacket           - optional but highly recommended if it packs small.

Long-sleeved shirt(s)                 - T’s/Rugby/etc

T-Shirts or polos                        - for warmer days and layering in the cold

Fleece(s)

Base layer thermals.                  - Look daft/unflattering but an absolute blessing.

Walking or cargo trousers          - for daily trek wear and travel

˝-3/4 length Shorts

Swim/sunbathing wear               - Optional for hotel pool

Underwear                                 - (Light, comfy and cut to avoid chaffing)

Plenty of socks                          - Both hiking and lightweight

Dress/Skirt/Sarong                    - optional for hotel

Walking Boots                           - (Sturdy Well Worn In Hiking Boots)

Ankle Gaiters                            - optional

Approach/Trekking shoes           - recommended

Wide Brimmed Hat                    - traditionally recommended (but most folk use cap or beanie)

Gloves (Thermal Lined)

Woolly hat or beanie

Hygiene

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Soap (anti bacterial & bio-degradable)

Shampoo/conditioner (bio-degradable)

Anti-bacterial hand gel

Lip salve with sun protection

Antiseptic wipes

Wet wipes

Small vaseline

Razor & small cream/gel

Sanitary products

Deodorant

Toilet paper or tissues

Hairbrush/comb

Chewing gum

 Health

Any medication you normally use

Vitamins                                   - optional

Aftersun / Moisturiser               - definitely recommended

Sun Protection (high SPF)           - Essential

Painkillers / Paracetamol           - (Asprin also aid altitude acclimatisation)

Plasters/blister pads

Antiseptic spray

Diahorrea tablets                       - (eg Immodium Instants Or Pepto Bismol)

Documents

Where relevant, pls leave a faxable copy of all at home with your next of kin.

A photocopy of your passport photo page and flight confirmation will save effort in form-filling on registration at the Kathmandu hotel.

Passport (with 6 months validity to run from the end of the expedition)

Visa

Flight Tickets/E-ticket  

Cash

Travellers Cheques                    - (only safely changeable in Kathmandu ) Optional

Credit/Debit Card                      – optional (there are ATM’s and a bank by the Shanker Hotel)

Travel Insurance details

Vaccination Certificates             - or copy of originals

Emergency contacts lists            - for you on trek and to leave with home contact

Equipment

Platypus or Camelback (2litre)  – Highly recommended

Water Bottle (1 litre Sigg type)  - recommended

Travel towel

Spare camera batteries              - drain at altitude/in cold, much quicker than in UK

Spare film or spare data cards

Sunglasses                                - (Good quality with high 100% UV Protection)

Contact Lenses                          - (Bring spare lenses and glasses in case of dust)

Adjustable walking poles            - (recommended) - optional

Torch (with spare batteries)       - Handsfree head torch recommended

Other/Optional if you have space

Cord or string                            - optional

Sewing kit                                 - optional

Note book and pen(s)                 - optional

Alarm clock, watch                     – optional (forget time, you’re on hols!)

Binoculars                                 - optional

Padlock

Ear plugs                                   - optional

Re-Sealable plastic bags - (For dirty washing & to protect from damp etc)

Whistle                                     - optional

Spare boot laces                        - optional

Small First Aid kit