Suggested and Recommended Trekking Equipment Gear List for Nepal Trekking and Hiking Tour
This detailed Trekking Gear information Page helps you to have an information what to bring while you are going in Himalaya of Nepal for Hiking Trekking Tour.
It is essential to carry correct clothing and equipment while trekking in Nepal. Correct clothing and carrying essential equipment are very important for a safe and enjoyable trek.
In Nepal, most of the trekking starts from the lower altitude in moderate temperature to higher altitude in cold temperature. Thus, it is better to do dress in layers so that you can change your clothing with the variation in temperatures.
Normally, you start your day trekking in light sweater or tracksuits. During sunny days, you may feel comfortable in T-shirts and shorts. Then, later on, you may have to put on a tracksuit, down jacket, warm pants, hats, and gloves as the temperature falls.
The following Nepal trekking packing list is a general guideline. You can use this list as a guide. The personal items are of your individual interest and choice.
Suggested Nepal Hiking Packing List
Duffel Bag
It is the best option if your gear is going to be carried by porters. It should be waterproof, durable and lockable. Normally, the size of the duffel bag is the 80L.
If you are trekking with a porter, your main bag will go ahead. Sometimes, your bag will be strapped to the back of a donkey or yak. So, your bag needs to be waterproof.
Rucksack Bag with waterproof cover:
Your bag size will very much depend upon your trekking duration. If you are trekking independently or without porters, then you will need to take a rucksack. You can take a Mountaineers style backpack with a wide opening on the top.
A Daypack
It is an essential item as you can carry your personal items such as sunscreen, camera, hat, wallet, passport, water bottles, snack etc in this. Normally, a 30-litre bag is the ideal size to use as a day bag.
In the Himalayas, you will find wide variations in altitude and temperature. So, it’s good to dress in layers while trekking. Sometimes, depending upon the altitudes and temperature, you may need to add or remove certain layers of clothing.
If you are planning on trekking during winter, you will definitely need to pack warmer clothes.
Upper Body
T-shirts
A mix of the long and short sleeve, light weight are the best options to have during trekking. Synthetic t-shirts are recommended as they quickly wick away moisture from your body. Normally, cotton t-shirts are not recommended particularly 2500m above.
Thermal Vest
Synthetic long johns and long sleeved vests are essential for trekking in the Himalayan region. You should not compromise on the quality of material when you are deciding on a good base layer.
Light weight thermal tops
Lightweight thermal tops will help you to keep your body warm and also wick away your sweat.
Fleece Jacket or Pullover
A fleece jacket is lightweight and made of polyester synthetic wool such as Polar Fleece. Typically, it has a zipper up the middle, rather than buttons. Normally, it is not weatherproof, so you can wear it as a second layer for extra warmth.
Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof breathable shell material with full front zipper is recommended. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is required. This outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow.
This jacket will mainly be used at the higher altitudes of the trek. You can wear it as a third layer when the weather gets very cold or rainy.
Women sports bras, synthetic
For women trekkers, a synthetic sports bra is recommended. It because a good quality sports bra will wick moisture away from your skin.
Note: Jeans and cotton clothing are not recommended during trekking period. They are very uncomfortable to trek in. They also do not absorb moisture, blocks breathability and dries very slowly.
Lower Body
Under Garments
Lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking underwear is recommended. Long underwear will keep you warm as you go higher up.
Hiking shorts
Particularly, when you are hiking in the lower altitudes, it can get hot on a sunny day. And your tracksuits will make you uncomfortable. As hiking short are cooler than pants, you can use hiking shorts instead of trekking pants during day hikes.
Lightweight walking pants
Lightweight nylon pants are recommended while trekking. They are air permeable, dry quickly and provide sun protection.You can have convertible ones as it can get hot in the afternoons.
Fleece or tracksuit pants
You will be experiencing temperature fluctuations throughout the trekking period. Thus, you can wear track pants around the tea house and for sleeping.
Waterproof shell pants
If you are going for a trek in the rainy or winter seasons, you will face some rain or snow. So, you will need waterproof or windproof shell pants to keep yourself dry.
Thin inner socks
You can get moisture wicking socks which will keep your feet dry. Good hiking socks need to be breathable, so don’t choose anything made from cotton.
Thick warm wool hiking socks
For the colder regions of the trek, you will need thick warm wool hiking socks. They are super warm, really comfortable on the feet and will protect you from blisters.
Hiking boots
Hiking boots are recommended as the trail can be quite uneven and rocky. If you get a wrong size hiking boot, it will impact heavily on your trek and make you uncomfortable during your whole journey.
You need to avoid leather boots as they are too heavy. Instead, you need to choose a full ankle support boot. Your boots need to be waterproof as well.
Camp Sandals
You can take camp sandals for evening walks around camp or tea houses. It will also give your feet a rest from your walking boots. Besides, you can use this sandal in camp activities such as taking shower.
Walking poles
Using walking poles can cut the strain on your knees and will help you with balancing too. Lightweight walking poles which are simple to store, versatile and durable are recommended for trekking in Nepal.
Lightweight fleece gloves
Lightweight fleece gloves can be used as inner gloves when the temperature is moderate.
Heavyweight gloves
When the temperature gets colder, you need heavyweight gloves for extra warmth. It must be waterproof and durable which will protect you from wind, rain, and snow.
Waterproof/wind fleece gloves
Your outer gloves need to be waterproof, warm and very durable.
Woolen Hat
Unless trekking at a very high altitude or in winter, you may not need these as it is hot during the day. But as soon as the sun drops and temperatures go down, you may need this for warmth. Warm wool hat made of synthetic material that covers your ears is recommended.
Sun Hat
It is necessary when you are hiking on a sunny day as it will protect you from sunburn and gives you a shade.
Bandana or scarf
Many trekking trails are dusty, especially at the lower altitudes. So to protect yourself from dust and the wind, you can tie a scarf around your nose and mouth.
Sunglasses
A good pair of UV protected sunglasses is recommended due to the thinness of the air. In high altitudes, you will be exposed to high-intensity UV rays which can be harmful to your eyes.
Thus, to prevent yourself from a headache, dizziness and snow blindness, you need to have UV protection sunglasses.
Sleeping bag
As nights in Nepal, especially in the mountains can get extremely cold, the blanket provided by the mountain lodges may not be enough. Thus, we suggest you carry a duck or goose down sleeping bag.
Two-way zipper sleeping bag is good for great insulation. Make sure that your sleeping bag contains an insulated hood and fits the contours of your body.
Pillow Case and Other Night Accessories
For extra comfort at night, you can bring your own inflatable pillow. After a long day hiking, you will want a good sleep. So, if you don’t want to be disturbed by snores or surrounding noises, it’s better to bring ear plugs.
