It’s important to pack suitable clothing, including layers for cold weather and rain. Other essentials include a good quality backpack, water bladder, hiking boots, and trekking poles.

Sleeping Gear:

• Sleeping Bag rated 0°F, -15°F
• Sleeping mat : we provide one
• Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth or for rented sleeping bag)
• Compression sack for sleeping bag

Packs & Bags:

• Waterproof duffel bag 80-100 litres
• Daypack 25-35 litres
• Waterproof pack cover
• Compression sacks or 6-8 waterproof bags
• (Optional) Packing cubes to organize your duffel bag
• Bag lock for duffel bag

Footwear & Trekking Poles

• Hiking boots – waterproof mid-weight
• Running shoes/light hikers (for wearing around camp)
• Gaiters
• 5-6 pairs liner socks (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
• 4-6 pairs thick socks (no cotton!) – thermal socks for summit night
• Spare laces for hiking boots
• Trekking poles

Gloves

• Thin gloves (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
•  Thick waterproof gloves or mittens

Clothing: Lower Body

• Underwear (no cotton)
• 1 “Convertibles” or shorts
• 1-2 light-medium weight Base layer
• Hiking pants (no cotton)
• Winter hiking pants
• Waterproof shell pants (recommend size zippers)

Clothing: Upper Body

• Comfortable sports bra (ladies only)
• 1-2 light-weight T-shirts (no cotton)
• 1-2 light weight long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
• 2-3 Light to mid-weight Base Layer
• 1-2 Fleece as insulation layer
• Insulated shell jacket
• Down jacket (approx 750-fill)
• Waterproof shell jacket that fits over all your layers

Headwear

• Brim hat or cap with neck protection
• Warm hat with ear flaps
• Neck gaiter or “Buff” (very versatile)
• Sunglasses (rated 100% UV protection)
• Head-torch (don’t forget spare batteries)

Water & Snacks

• 2-3 liter hydration bladder (Platypus or Camelbak or similar)
• 1-2 One-liter wide-mouth water bottle (Nalgene or similar)
• Electrolyte/Sports drink powdered formula for adding to your water
• Snacks: Energy bars of your preference – plan for 2-4 per day
• Water purification tablets or filter pen (we provide boiled/filtered water)

Personal Health & Comfort

• Toiletries: toothbrush & paste, hairbrush/comb, foot powder, hand cream, deodorant,
• “Baby-wipes” and anti-bacterial, hand-sanitizer wipes
• Any regular medication you are taking
• Anti-bacterial hand-sanitizer gel such as Purell
• Fingernail brush
• Nail clippers
• Ear plugs
• Sunscreen SPF 40+
• Small microfiber quick-dry towel
• Pee-bottle for night time calls of nature
• Small torch
• Headtorch
• Pocket knife (Swiss Army Knife or “Leatherman”)
• Spare contact lenses/glasses
• Toilet paper (1-2 Take out the cardboard center for easier packing)
• Camera/phone/iPod/Kindle
• Spare batteries

Personal first-aid Kit

• Blister plasters – different shapes and sizes
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Band-Aid/Elastoplast for minor cuts and scrapes
• Ibuprofen/Paracetamol – over the counter pain relief
• Skin healing ointment such as Aquaphor
• Immodium for diarrhea
• 4 Anti-nausea medication
• Any prescription medications
• Diamox (if using)

Ladies Only:

• During menstrual period, plan to change your tampon or pad 3-4 times daily
• Ziplock bags for used tampons/pads (these must be carried off the mountain)
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer – clean hands regularly
• “Baby wipes” or heavy-duty wipes
• Pee funnel: if you’ve ever wanted to pee standing up, now’s your chance!