Exploratory treks gear discussion

 Most of you have already been trekking in Nepal previously, and the standard trekking gear list makes a good start for planning, however, there are a few differences.

Who carries what

For standard exploratory trips the setup is basically the same as our normal treks, so you just bring a day pack and porters/animals carry your duffle.

We also run "lightweight expedition-style" treks and these require more careful planning - ask your leader. It may be that once we really get exploring you are carrying your own personal gear, and perhaps even some of the group gear. So it is critical you bring good, light gear, and not too much of it, and a large backpack, at least for these critical sections.

My personal gear list

Everyone has their favourites, here are mine. This is for trekking, I sometimes carry more for climbing.

+ silk-weight or lightweight Patagonia Capilene or similar

+ medium weight thermal, zip-T (ie high neck; it is critical to keep the throat warm in cold conditions)

+ expedition weight thermal, zip-T

+ light down jacket (I have three, some with a hood, others without, deciding is fun)

+ lined Gore-Tex jacket (TNF - old Mountain jacket)

+ light trekking pants (Mountain Hardwear Canyon pants/Pack pants)

+ stretch fleece leggings or medium weight/expedition weight thermals, depending on season

+ sun hat, occasionally a warm hat

+ neck gaiter and windstopper gloves in cold conditions

+ GuideLite 3/4 Thermarest and a very thin mat to go underneath

+ 4 or 5 season (-20F/-28C) sleeping bag, depending on conditions but always at least 1000gms of down

+ mostly cotton sports socks, and a pair or two of wool ones

+ 50-60 litre comfortable pack (Osprey's Aether 60 is my fav)

+ and basically that is it, except for lots of extra-spare stuff for the group

If it is a warmer season trek then I take a lighter Gore-Tex jacket and a collared trekking shirt, and never forget deodorant!

Additional gear

+ big tough kitbag

+ quality snacks like Clif bars, Power bars and gels, which are unavailable in Kathmandu or Delhi

+ good, fairly new but field-tested boots. These must be heavy-duty.

+ big smile and a wacky sense of humour!

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