HCT Equipment Checklist

It is essential to have proper gear to ensure your safety and comfort during the trek. Use this list as a reference and customize it based on your personal needs and preferences. Clothing: Upper Body: Sun hat to protect your face from the sun Wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears to keep them […]

It is essential to have proper gear to ensure your safety and comfort during the trek. Use this list as a reference and customize it based on your personal needs and preferences.

Clothing:

Upper Body:

  • Sun hat to protect your face from the sun
  • Wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears to keep them warm
  • Sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays
  • Headlamp for navigating in the dark
  • Neck warmer to protect your neck from the cold
  • T-shirts, lightweight expedition thermal tops, and fleece jacket or pullover for layering
  • Water/windproof shell jacket made of breathable fabric to protect against rain and wind
  • Synthetic sports bras (For women)

Hand:

  • Liner gloves for mild weather
  • Heavier shell gloves for colder weather

Lower Body:

  • Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms for layering
  • Nylon hiking shorts
  • Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
  • Water/windproof trousers made of breathable fabric to protect against rain and wind
  • Casual pants for lounging

Feet:

  • Liner socks to wick away moisture
  • Heavyweight socks to keep your feet warm
  • Waterproof hiking/trekking boots to protect against moisture and provide ankle support
  • Light shoes/sneakers/sandals for lounging around camp
  • Gaiters for monsoon and winter
  • Crampons for icy condition

 Sleeping Gear:

  • Down jacket to keep you warm in the mornings, evenings, and at higher altitudes above 4,000m
  • Sleeping bag (which can be rented if needed but has to be returned after the trek)

 First Aid and Medicines:

  • Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
  • Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
  • Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
  • Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness
  • Anti-infection ointments
  • Band-aids
  • Lip balm (with at least SPF 20)
  • Sunscreen (with at least SPF 40)

Miscellaneous, but Important:

  • Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money, and passport
  • Water bottle/bladder for staying hydrated
  • Water purification iodine tablets
  • Toiletry kit (including toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
  • Adjustable trekking poles for added support and balance on uneven terrain
  • Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
  • Paperback books, cards, mp3 player, binoculars for entertainment and relaxation
  • Camera, memory cards, chargers, and batteries to capture memories
  • Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women

Note:

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.