BY Rami Rasamny | December 29 2025
How to pack for Everest Base Camp
Rami Rasamny
Packing for the Everest Base Camp trek is all about one thing: staying warm, dry, and comfortable while keeping your load simple. This short guide answers the big question, what to pack for Everest Base Camp, and pairs perfectly with the video below from Talking Outdoors, hosted by Rami Rasamny.
Watch the episode first, then use this checklist as your quick reference before you fly.
The core rule: pack for a teahouse trek, not a polar expedition
Everest Base Camp is a high altitude trek with big temperature swings. You can have warm sun in the day, cold evenings in the lodge, and genuinely freezing mornings. The winning strategy is a clean layering system, plus smart accessories that protect hands, feet, and face.
Think in three layers
Base layer to manage sweat
Mid layer for warmth
Outer layer for wind and snow protection
If you get this right, the rest becomes easy.
What to pack in your daypack vs your main bag
Your daypack is for anything you must have during the day, even if your main bag is delayed, wet, or out of reach.
Daypack essentials
Water bottles or bladder plus purification method
Warm layer you can put on instantly
Waterproof shell jacket
Hat and gloves
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Snacks
Phone plus power bank
Small first aid and blister care
Tissues and hand sanitiser
Main bag essentials
Most clothing and spare layers
Sleeping setup
Spare shoes or camp footwear
Full toiletry kit
Larger medical kit and spares
Clothing checklist for Everest Base Camp
This is the simplest way to build your kit without overpacking.
Upper body
2 to 3 moisture wicking base tops
1 to 2 warm mid layers
1 insulated jacket for evenings and cold starts
1 waterproof shell jacket
Lower body
2 trekking trousers
1 warm layer for cold days and evenings
1 waterproof shell trousers
Accessories that matter more than you think
Warm beanie
Sun hat
Neck gaiter or buff
Liner gloves plus warmer outer gloves
4 to 6 pairs of trekking socks
Warm lodge socks for evenings
Footwear: comfort beats everything
Your feet decide how much you enjoy Everest Base Camp.
What works best
Broken in trekking boots with solid ankle support
Trainers or light shoes for the lodge
Optional gaiters if you expect snow or dusty trails
Pro tip
If your boots are new, they are not ready. Train in them, hike in them, and dial in your sock system long before Nepal.
Sleep and comfort for teahouses
Teahouses provide a bed and blankets, but warmth varies widely.
Sleep essentials
A high quality sleeping bag suited for cold nights
Optional sleeping bag liner for extra warmth and cleanliness
Earplugs and an eye mask
Small headtorch for nights and early mornings
Health, hygiene, and altitude essentials
High altitude trekking is about prevention and good habits.
Do not skip these
Water purification tablets, drops, or a filter
Sunscreen and lip balm
Basic blister kit including tape and blister pads
Personal medications and a small travel pharmacy
Hand sanitiser and tissues
Altitude note
You cannot pack your way out of altitude. What helps most is a steady pace, good hydration, warm layers, and a smart layering system so you do not sweat and then chill.
Documents, money, and tech
These small items save big headaches.
Carry with you
Passport and copies
Travel insurance details
Cash in small notes
Charging cables plus a power bank
Phone storage space for photos and videos
Packing tips that make the trek feel easier
Use packing cubes or dry bags to separate clean and worn items
Keep a warm layer and shell at the top of your daypack every day
Pack a small night kit so you are not searching in the dark
Bring fewer items, but better quality ones
Watch the video: how to pack for Everest Base Camp
This Talking Outdoors excerpt walks you through the packing logic in a practical, no fuss way, with real context from our Everest Base Camp experience. Hit play, then come back to this list to finalise what you are bringing.
Quick FAQ
What is the most common packing mistake for Everest Base Camp?
Overpacking. Too many duplicates create weight and chaos. A clean layering system beats a huge kit.
Do I need heavy expedition gear?
No. Everest Base Camp is a teahouse trek. You need smart layers, strong accessories, and a warm sleep system.
What should I always keep in my daypack?
Warm layer, shell jacket, water, sun protection, snacks, power bank, and blister care.
Should I rent gear in Kathmandu?
You can rent some items, but do not rent anything that must fit perfectly like boots.
Ready to put this packing list to work in the Himalayas? Join the Life Happens Outdoors Everest Base Camp trek and let our Team Leader and local mountain crew take care of the logistics, pacing, and on trail support while you focus on the experience, the people, and the journey. If Everest Base Camp has been on your mind for a while, this is your sign to make it real and Come Back Different.
About The Author
Rami Rasamny is the founder of Life Happens Outdoors, a premium adventure travel community dedicated to transforming lives through curated outdoor experiences. A mountaineer and entrepreneur, Rami has led teams on some of the world’s most challenging peaks, from the Alps to the Himalayas. His mission is to make adventure accessible, transformative, and safe for all who seek to push their limits and Come Back Different.
About Life Happens Outdoors
At Life Happens Outdoors, we believe in the power of nature to transform lives. As proud members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), our team of certified guides and outdoor professionals is committed to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and excellence.
Discover more about our story and mission on our Meet LHO page, or explore our curated adventures such as the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek, the Climb of Kilimanjaro, and Chasing the Northern Lights.
