What To Wear When Climbing Everest Base Camp

Are you taking an Everest Base Camp Trek and wondering what to wear when climbing Everest Base Camp? Fret not. We have a complete list of all the equipment and gear for the trek. So make sure you read until the end!

Everest Base Camp is the ultimate destination for many trek enthusiasts worldwide. It takes you close to Mount Everest’s highest mountain, without summiting the peak. The journey is an adventurous and enriching experience that offers a glimpse at the Everest region’s beauty, culture, and lifestyle. You will pass by picturesque Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and many more. 

Lukla is the trekking gateway to the Everest region, like Everest Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, etc. The EBC Trek sits at an altitude of 2800 meters. From here, you will gradually ascend to higher regions and reach the maximum altitude of 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. The Everest Base Camp sits at an elevation of 5364 meters. The temperature varies drastically from lower altitude regions to high ones. Similarly, the weather also changes rapidly and becomes more unpredictable. 

Carrying proper and adequate clothing, equipment, and gear for the Everest Base Camp Trek is essential to tackle the varying weather. It may feel like you will need everything for the trek, and it is a common mistake by trekkers that they overpack. One of the trekking rules is to pack light and only what you need for the journey. Overpacking makes the journey more difficult. So, the key is to pack light but pack smart. 

We have prepared a detailed list to help you decide what to wear when climbing Everest Base Camp. Look at the items and everything you need, from clothing and gear to supplies for the Everest Base Camp!

Highlights Of Everest Base Camp 

• Embark on one of the most popular trekking destinations, the Everest Base Camp. 
• Get on a scenic and thrilling flight to Lukla. 
• Traverse through dense forests of rhododendrons to alpine meadows and Sagarmatha National Park. 
• Hike through picturesque Sherpa villages and paddy fields. 
• Climb to the Everest Base Camp (5364 meters) and Kala Patthar (5545 meters). 
• Witness the magnificent panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and several other peaks. 
• Take a tour of age-old monasteries and gompas. 
• Pass by the beautiful Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier. 
• Get deep insight into the vibrant local culture, traditions, and lifestyle.   

Considerations for Choosing Clothing: What To Wear When Climbing Everest Base Camp?

There are various factors that trekkers must consider when choosing suitable clothing for Everest Base Camp Trek. Those factors include:  

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can vary rapidly from lower to higher altitude regions, so you must choose the proper clothing for the trek. The seasons hugely influence the weather. Spring and autumn are the best time to trek to EBC. It can get from warm to cold in a few hours despite the season. Hence, trekkers must prepare for all weather conditions during the Everest Base Camp Trek. You have to prepare for four types of weather, which include: 

• Cool weather
• Warm weather
• Wet weather
• Cold weather

You will need a base and insulating layer to keep warm in cool weather. For warm weather, you need to bring lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. Similarly, you will need waterproof jackets, pants, and rain cover for wet weather. And for cold weather, wear warm and insulated layers along with thermal and fleece jackets. You will want to wear warm and adequate clothing while trekking in the colder temperatures. 

Layering system

Rather than wearing bulky clothes, a layering system helps to keep you warm when climbing to Everest Base Camp. You can add or remove more layers depending on the temperature and weather. The layering system consists of three layers: 

• Outer layer
• Base layer
• Insulating layer

The outer layer helps to protect you from rain, wind, and snow. It includes windproof and waterproof clothing that is also breathable. Similarly, the base layer of clothing is the first layer and must be moisture-wicking and breathable. It is worn on your skin and helps regulate the body temperature. The insulating layer helps you stay warm by trapping air in the body. Make sure to wear a breathable layer so that sweat can escape. 

Avoid those made of cotton when choosing base layers, as cotton absorbs moisture and sweat. Instead, choose clothing made from fabrics like Capilene or Merino Wool. As for outer layers, avoid nylon jackets and plastic ponchos. 

Pack Light

As we mentioned before, trekkers should pack light but pack smart. Since the trek is more than a week’s journey, you might feel you need to pack everything. However, carrying heavy luggage adds more physical strain during the trek. The higher you climb, the more physically demanding it gets. You must pack what you need for the journey. Ensure that you pack your clothing in a layering system. You will need headwear, bodywear, and footwear. Likewise, you will need trekking equipment such as a duffle bag, trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc. 

Footwear & Accessories

Good quality and comfortable footwear are crucial for the EBC Trek. Sturdy footwear is necessary since you must ascend and descend steep trails with varied terrains. You should carry a pair of hiking boots. Likewise, you will also need a lightweight sandal or slipper to walk around the lodge. Along with shoes, don’t forget high-quality Merino wool socks or synthetic socks for the trek. You can also pack sunglasses, hats, gaiters, scarves,  water bottles, toiletries, and personal hygiene products. 

Essential clothing items 

Now that we know the factors to consider while choosing a suitable clothing list for the Everest Base Camp take a look at the essential clothing items: 

Headwear

The headwear items you will need to pack for the Everest Base Camp are: 

• Cap or wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun.
• A warm woolen hat or beanie to keep warm during cold temperatures. 
• A neck gaiter to cover your neck and keep it warm. 
• Bandana or headscarf to protect you from dry weather. 
• UV protection sunglasses to protect your eyes from glaring sun.   

Footwear

The footwear items necessary for the Everest Base Camp are:

• Comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof hiking/ trekking boots with good ankle support.
• Moisture-wicking thick hiking socks (3 or 4 pairs) and thin/ light socks. 
• Trainers’ sandals or camp shoes are needed when you stay at the lodge. 
• Leg gaiters for winter and rainy seasons to avoid mud/ snow/ water getting in your shoes. 

Upper Bodywear

The upper bodywear for the EBC Trek packing list includes: 

• Lightweight and moisture-wicking long-sleeved and short shirts. 
• Lightweight thermal wear to trap body heat.
• Windproof/ waterproof jacket or pullover. 
• Down jacket and a fleece jacket. 
• Warm gloves and inner gloves to keep your hands warm in cold temperatures.
• Sports bra for women.   

Lower Bodywear

The lower bodywear necessary for the Everest Base Camp Trek are: 

• Lightweight and waterproof hiking pants. 
• A pair of hiking shorts for warm and sunny days. 
• Fleece pants or tracksuit pants. 
• Moisture-wicking and thermal trousers. 
• Woolen base layer pants to wear under your trekking pants. 
• Moisture-wicking underwears.  

Sleepwear and Camp Clothing

Aside from trek clothes, comfortable and warm sleeping wear is also necessary for the trek to EBC. The sleepwear items  you need for the EBC Trek include: 

• Thermal top and bottom base layer. 
• Warm evening socks and sleeping hats. 
• Comfortable fleece pants and pullovers. 

Gear recommendations 

Look at the specific gear and kit for the Everest Base Camp packing list. 

Trekking Equipment

• Daypack of 35 to 40 liters. 
• Rucksack or duffel bag for the trek
• A 4-season sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures up to -16 degrees Celsius. 
• Sleeping bag liner (optional).
• Adjustable trekking poles.  

Accessories

• Waterproof cover for backpacks and raincoats to keep you dry.
• Water bottle/ Water bladder 
• Dry bags or Ziploc bags
• Book/ Diary 

Toiletries

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Biodegradable and multi-purpose soap
• Quick-drying towel
• Toilet paper
• Face and body moisturizer
• Menstrual hygiene products  for females

Medicine

• Altitude sickness medicines like Acetazolamide or Diamox
• First aid kit
• Antibiotics, painkillers, paracetamol, anti-inflammatory tablets
• Water purification tablets 
• Insect repellent
• Prescription medicines
• Sanitizers and wet wipes 

Tips for Packing 

Take a look at some additional tips for the Everest Base Camp Trek packing list:

• The domestic flight to Lukla has a weight restriction of 15 kg, i.e., 10 kg for hand luggage and 5 kg for hand carry. For excess baggage, you must pay around NPR 120 per kg. So, ensure that you pack within the weight limit. 
• If you have excessive weight, share it with your fellow trek partner to reduce the weight. 
• Choose lightweight clothing and multi-functional gear. 
• Do not skip items like down jackets, sturdy hiking boots, duffle bags, and hiking boots. 
• You can roll your clothing instead of folding it to create more space and make organizing your backpack easier. 
• Check your equipment and gear before the journey to ensure they are in good condition and last you throughout the trip. Also, ensure you have the proper gear for all weather and climate conditions. 
• Pack your documents, permits, passport, and cash for the trek in a daypack you will carry as your porter will carry the main backpack. 
• Use dry bags to keep your equipment waterproof. 

Read More For Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List For Female

Conclusion 

We hope this article helped answer your query about what to wear when climbing Everest Base Camp. To avoid overpacking, you use the list to pack your clothing and items accordingly. Follow the tips and pack everything for your Everest Base Camp Trek for a safe and comfortable journey.  

My Everest Trip is here if you have further queries and want to tour or trek in Nepal. We are a registered trek agency based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in the field. You can visit our website or contact us through email ([email protected]), Skype (myeveresttrip), or WhatsApp (+977-9851069558).   

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