Everest Base Camp Packing List 2025 – The Adventure Walk Aways Ultimate Gear & Clothing Guide

Expert Advice, Real Trail Experience, and Everything You Need for the Trek of a Lifetime

Welcome to Adventure Walkaways

If your heart races at the thought of standing beneath the shadow of Mount Everest, you’re not alone. The Everest Base Camp Trek — or EBC trek — is one of the most iconic adventures on Earth. It’s where mountain dreams meet reality, where every step takes you closer to the world’s highest peak, and where preparation determines whether your journey is breathtaking or backbreaking.

At Adventure Walkaways, we’ve guided hundreds of trekkers through the trails of the Khumbu Valley. Over time, we’ve learned one golden rule: a great trek starts with a great packing list.

Forget overstuffed bags and “just in case” extras. When you’re hiking up to 5,364 meters (17,598 ft), every gram counts. This isn’t just another generic checklist — this is the Adventure Walkaways field-tested packing guide: everything you truly need, why you need it, and what to leave behind.

Let’s get you packed — and ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Trekking Gear: The Foundation of Your Journey

Packing the right gear means freedom — the freedom to walk comfortably, rest well, and focus on the magic around you instead of worrying about what’s in your bag.

Here’s what our guides (and porters) trust on every trek to Everest Base Camp:

The Essentials

• Main Backpack or Duffel Bag (50–65L)
  This holds your main gear and clothing. If you’re trekking with us, Adventure Walkaways provides a durable duffel bag for porters to carry your belongings. Choose something waterproof with strong zippers and straps.

• Daypack (20–30L)
  This is your bag — the one you’ll carry each day. It should be lightweight, with padded straps, chest and hip support, and side pockets for water bottles. You’ll keep essentials here: camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, and your extra layers.

• Trekking Poles
  Think of them as your extra legs. Poles reduce knee impact by up to 30% — especially useful on steep descents like Namche to Phakding or the climb up to Tengboche. Go for collapsible, lightweight aluminum poles.

• Sleeping Bag (rated -10°C to -20°C)
  Nights above 4,000 meters can dip below freezing. A down sleeping bag is your cocoon of warmth. We recommend one rated for -15°C comfort; you can also rent high-quality ones in Kathmandu if you prefer to travel light.

• Headlamp (with extra batteries)
  A must-have for early starts, late arrivals, or even teahouse power outages. Bonus tip: wrap your batteries in socks to prevent them from draining in the cold.

• Dry Bags or Packing Cubes
  Stay organized. Separate clean from dirty clothes, dry gear from wet, and electronics from liquids. It’s a small detail that saves major frustration at altitude.

Clothing: Layer Like a Pro

The weather on the Everest trail is unpredictable — blazing sun at noon, icy wind at dusk. That’s why layering is your best friend.

We use the 3-layer system: Base → Mid → Outer. It keeps you warm, dry, and adaptable.

Base Layers (Your Second Skin)

These manage sweat and regulate temperature. Avoid cotton — it traps moisture and chills your body.

• 2 moisture-wicking long-sleeve tops (Merino wool or synthetic)

• 2 pairs of thermal bottoms (light for lower altitudes, heavy for above 4,000m)

• 3 pairs of quick-dry underwear

• 2–3 short-sleeve hiking shirts

Adventure Walkaways Tip: Merino wool may be pricier, but it resists odor and dries fast — perfect for multi-day treks.

Mid Layers (Your Insulation Zone)

This is what traps heat and keeps you cozy when the temperature drops.

• 1 warm fleece jacket or pullover

• 1 lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket

• 1 pair of fleece pants for evening wear

We’ve seen trekkers underestimate how cold it can get inside teahouses. Bring a fleece or puffer — you’ll thank yourself at dinner in Dingboche.

Outer Layers (Your Shield Against the Elements)

Weather in the Himalayas changes in minutes — you’ll want reliable protection.

• Waterproof, windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  A breathable hard-shell keeps out snow, rain, and icy gusts.

• Waterproof pants
  Great for unexpected showers and dusty trails.

• Heavy down jacket
  For evenings, rest days, or that unforgettable sunrise hike to Kala Patthar.

Our Guides Say: “If you’re cold, you stop enjoying the view.” Your shell and down jacket are worth every ounce.

Lower Body Essentials

• 2 pairs of trekking pants (convertible styles are perfect for hot-cold transitions)

• 1 pair of fleece-lined or insulated pants

• 1 pair of lightweight shorts for lower altitudes (Lukla to Namche)

Feet: The Unsung Heroes

Your feet carry you every step to Everest Base Camp — treat them kindly.

• 1 pair of waterproof, broken-in trekking boots
  Never bring brand new boots to the trail — we’ve seen more treks ruined by blisters than bad weather.

• 3–4 pairs of trekking socks (wool or synthetic blends)

• 1 pair of thermal socks for sleeping

• 1 pair of camp shoes or sandals (for relaxing in teahouses)

Pro Tip: Bring blister pads or Leukotape — prevention is better than pain!

Head, Hand & Face Protection

At altitude, the elements are extreme — bright UV rays, biting wind, and dry air.

• Warm beanie or wool hat

• Sun hat or cap (wide brim preferred)

• Buff or neck gaiter (multi-use: warmth, dust protection, sun shield)

• Sunglasses (UV400 or glacier-rated lenses)

• Liner gloves (light pair for hiking)

• Insulated waterproof gloves (heavy pair for higher altitudes)

Adventure Walkaways Tip: Gloves are lifesavers at 5,000m. Cold fingers make zipping, untying, and photo-snapping much harder than you think!

Personal Hygiene & Health Kit

There are no luxury bathrooms up here — just basic teahouse setups. But staying clean and healthy is key to a comfortable trek.

 Hygiene Basics

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap

• Wet wipes (for “no-shower” days)

• Hand sanitizer (use before every meal)

• Lip balm with SPF (chapped lips are common)

• Moisturizer & face cream (cold air dries your skin fast)

• Sunscreen SPF 50+

• Quick-dry towel (microfiber)

• Toilet paper (always bring your own!)

Adventure Walkaways Tip: Wet wipes are gold on the trail — one pack per week is a good rule.

 Health & Safety

• Basic first aid kit: bandages, blister pads, antiseptic, medical tape, tweezers

• Diamox (acetazolamide) — for altitude sickness prevention (consult your doctor first)

• Ibuprofen or paracetamol (for headaches)

• Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets

• Antidiarrheal medicine (just in case)

• Any personal prescription medications

At Adventure Walkaways, our guides carry group first aid kits, but it’s smart to bring your personal essentials too.

Electronics & Gadgets

Electricity becomes scarce (and expensive) the higher you go — so plan wisely.

• Smartphone & charger (for photos and Wi-Fi spots in Namche, Dingboche)

• Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)

• Plug adapter (Type C/D) — Nepal runs on 230V

• Camera or GoPro + extra batteries (cold drains them fast)

• Solar charger (optional but useful above Tengboche)

• Headlamp (with backup batteries)

Adventure Walkaways Tip: Keep electronics close to your body at night — the warmth preserves battery life.

Hydration & Snacks

Staying hydrated at altitude is critical for avoiding altitude sickness and fatigue.

• Two reusable 1L bottles or a hydration bladder

• Water purification tablets or a filter bottle (safe, eco-friendly, cheaper than buying bottled water)

• Electrolyte packets or salts

• Snacks: energy bars, trail mix, nuts, chocolates

Adventure Walkaways supports a plastic-free trekking policy, so we encourage refilling purified water at teahouses or using filters. Small steps protect these big mountains.

Documents, Money & Insurance

Before you even hit the trail, make sure your paperwork and funds are sorted.

• Passport & Nepal entry visa

• Two passport-size photos (for trekking permits)

• Trekking permits: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) + Sagarmatha National Park permit (we handle these for you)

• Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation coverage — non-negotiable

• Cash in Nepali Rupees — ATMs are only reliable up to Namche Bazaar

Adventure Walkaways Tip: Expect to spend NPR 500–1,000 per day for snacks, Wi-Fi, showers, and charging above Namche.

What NOT to Pack

We’ve seen it all — trekkers dragging 25kg duffels full of “essentials” they never touch.
Here’s what you can confidently skip:

• Jeans — too heavy, never dry

• Bulky towels — microfiber only

• Extra shoes — one trekking pair + camp sandals is enough

• Cotton T-shirts — retain sweat, make you cold

• Fancy clothes — the Himalayas don’t care what you look like

• Too many “just-in-case” items — if you won’t use it twice, leave it

Adventure Walkaways 10-Item Rule:

“If you don’t plan to use it at least twice on the trail, don’t bring it.”

Travel light. The lighter your bag, the happier your trek.

Packing Tips from the Adventure Walkaways Trail Team

After years of guiding in the Khumbu, here’s what our team swears by:

1. Weight Limit

Flights to Lukla have strict baggage limits — 10kg per checked bag + 5kg carry-on. Stick to it to avoid stress or extra fees.

2. Organize Smart

Use packing cubes or dry sacks for easy access.
We recommend color coding — blue for clothes, red for toiletries, and yellow for electronics.

3. Keep Daypack Essentials Handy

Every morning, make sure your daypack has:

• Water

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Camera

• Rain jacket

• Hat & gloves

• Tissue or wipes

Your duffel won’t be accessible until the evening — so plan ahead.

4. Rent Smart in Kathmandu

Didn’t bring a down jacket or sleeping bag? No worries. Thamel (Kathmandu’s trekking hub) is full of rental shops offering top brands for a fraction of the cost.

5. Respect the Mountains

Leave no trace. Pack out what you bring in, avoid plastic bottles, and support local tea houses — they’re the heartbeat of the Everest region.

The Adventure Walk Away’s Way: Experience Over Excess

Our philosophy is simple: pack light, trek right, and travel with purpose.

We’ve guided trekkers through every season — from spring blooms in Tengboche to frozen lakes in Lobuche. What we’ve learned is that success on this trek comes not from how much you pack, but from how much you prepare.

When your bag is light and your essentials are dialed in, you walk freer.
You have space to breathe, to look up at Ama Dablam glowing pink in the morning light, and to actually enjoy the journey.

That’s what Adventure Walkaways stands for — real adventures, real experiences, and the wisdom that comes from walking the world’s greatest trails.

Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Dream Big

Reaching Everest Base Camp is more than a goal — it’s a transformation.
The moment you see those prayer flags fluttering against the Khumbu Icefall, you realize you’ve earned every step, every breath, and every ounce you carried.

So pack light. Pack smart.
And when you zip up that backpack before your flight to Lukla, know this — you’re ready for one of the most beautiful adventures on Earth.

At Adventure Walkaways, we’ll guide you every step of the way — from what to pack to how to acclimatize.
Because for us, it’s not just about reaching Base Camp.
It’s about helping you walk your own adventure.

Join the Journey

Ready to put this packing list into action?
Join our next Adventure Walk Away Everest Base Camp Expedition — led by expert local guides, supported by a passionate global team, and designed for trekkers who want to experience Everest the right way.

 Plan Your EBC Trek with Adventure Walkaways →