There are also a few items that you cannot miss out on the packing list. Meanwhile, many of them must go on your backpack during Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak. They are as follows.
You might want to check our another blog: best time for EBC trek with Island Peak climbing
Packing List
Base Layers
If there’s anything to look out for when picking items for Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak, it’s base layers. As the second clothing to the skin, base layers are instrumental in protecting your skin and wicking the moisture away. It adds a layer of protection to your skin and keeps it warm and dry. Base Layers provide extra insulation to your skin while regulating the temperature.
Insulation Layer
The insulation layer, also called mid-layer, resists the heat flow by screening wind and keeping the body warm. The insulation traps the air inside and prevents the body from losing heat even after the daylong walk.
They protect your body from dangerous exposure while maintaining breathability and warmth. Fleeces, pullovers, sweatshirts, softshells, and bodywarmers are some of the most common mid-layers. A versatile high-end insulated mid-layers provides better performance in all weather.
Outer Layer
Outer Layers are a must-to-go in the packing list of Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak. They provide you with protection against rain, wind, and snow. Outer layers are perfect for any type of trek, if not all. They allow you to maneuver more comfortably without disquiet. Go for more breathable raincoats and rain pants, as they’ll prevent you from getting wet.
Hand & Feet Wear
Gloves
Your hands are the most exposed part of your body when trekking. You use it constantly to climb rocks, grip ropes, and even pick an axe into the snow. These activities are physically challenging and can damage your skin or make it sore.
Thus, to protect your hand from frost and rocks, you must bring a nice pair of warm gloves. It will keep your hand warm and safe in extreme climates. A lightweight pair of fleece or water-resistant softshell gloves work fine during mountaineering.
They provide good agility and freedom of movement while climbing. However, it’s to be ensured that the gloves you pick are of the right size. The well-fitting gloves will give you more flexibility and grip.
Gaiters
Gaiters are another incredible gear that any mountaineer would want on their packing list, especially if you’re trekking in winter or monsoon. They act as armor on the off-trail and protect your feet against grit, rock, and debris. Gaiters also work on snow and rain as they restrain the airflow.
It’s to be noted that gaiters are available in different sizes. You have plenty of options, like mid-calf, knee, or over-the-ankle, which are lightweight and compact. Most of them are waterproof, so you can easily wear them in any weather.
Socks
Hiking the trails of Everest Base Camp takes several hours, which can crunch your feet. Hence, it’s good to have tightly woven woolen socks with cushions that provide great comfort and warmth. They will keep your feet from getting sweaty and stinky, providing faster drying.
Hiking Shoes
The trails of Island Peak are scrambled and full of rocks and boulders. Climbing them on your feet is demanding and tedious. Hence, bring a waterproof and breathable pair of hiking shoes to make the most of your trip and avoid getting injured. They’ll improve your maneuverability and help you enjoy the trek.
Head Gear
Sun protection hat
It’s nice to have a sun protection hat when trekking at higher altitudes. It protects your skin, eyes, and hair from UVA and UVB rays. They’ll keep the solar rays away from your skin by adding a layer of protection.
Those with the larger brim will even cover your ears and neck. Lightweight sun hats are generally popular as they don’t need large space and can easily fit anywhere and everywhere.
Sun Glasses
Adding a UV protection sunglass to the packing list wouldn’t hurt you. It’ll instead screen your eyes from the sunlight, UV rays, and debris. They’ll withstand other elements like snow and wind, which may cause corneal abrasions.
Woolen Hat or beanie
The weather in Island Peak is often cold and wet. You may experience high winds and storms along the way to acme. Therefore, get a nice beanie, knit cap, or woolen hat just in case.
Bags and Sleeping Gear
Duffel Bag
Duffel Bag or kit bag is a large bag designed to load as many items as a traveler want. It provides ample room to carry all your travel gear without any reluctance. They have got extra pockets so that you can fit in both small and large items while on the journey.
Duffel bags can come in any size, but if you choose anyone between 70L and 90L, you’ll have enough space to carry all the equipment required for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Daypack
It’s natural for trekkers to bring their everyday essentials and supplement when trekking. They’ll need several items like clothes, books, extra snacks, and other gear. It’ll be hard to carry them all in your hand or pocket throughout the journey.
But, if you have a daypack, things will be much easier and more comfortable to pack the items. You can carry it on any of your travel as its close frame improves the maneuverability and provide better security. Daypacks are also available in different sizes, so you better get the large one to carry all your belongings.
Rain Cover
Pack a rain cover and bring it on the trek. It’ll protect your backpack and the elements inside while hiking in the rain. The rain cover will also ensure the safety of your backpack when walking through bushes and dense vegetation.
Trekking equipment
Trekking Pole
It’s impossible to think of trekking without a trekking pole, especially if you’re climbing both Island Peak and base camp. It’ll provide you with the needed stability and reduce the pressure on your back and knee. They will improve your balance when walking uphill and increase your speed.
Water Bottle
Dehydration is one of the major reasons why most trekkers retreat from Island Peak climb. It makes you weak, dizzy, and anxious. Therefore, you must drink as much water as possible on the hike. Thus, bringing a reusable water bottle will be great as you can fill in the water as often as you wish. Not to mention, they’re eco-friendly and don’t release carbon dioxide like other bottles.
Travel Documents
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must when climbing Island Peak. It prepares you for unexpected events and emergencies when traveling. They’ll cover all your medical expenses, flight delays, and cancellation as per the policies.
But, be aware when buying travel insurance as not all trekking agencies can provide you with a great option. So, you better get it in your home country, where you’ll be offered better deals.
Visa
You can get it at the Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival.
Permits
Since Sagarmatha National Park is a restricted area, you’ll need a permit to enter the sanctuary. The entry fee costs around US$30 and another US$25 for Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit.
Entertainment & Travel Photography
Extra Batteries & Camera
Although it’s optional, bringing a camera on the trek would be fun. You can capture wonderful moments and take beautiful shots during the unforgettable adventure. You may not always have access to electricity all the time, so bring extra batteries and a power bank.
Notebook
Bring a notebook to recollect all your memories. You may note down all the travel information and written description of places in your diary. It’ll help you make the most of your trip and save time.
Camera
Take a camera on the trek to capture epic moments and spectacular views. A high-quality camera will give you a nice picture with realistic textures and finer details. Make sure the camera has a long-lasting rechargeable battery with a smoother lens and video stabilization.
Medications
First aid kit
Trekkers often hurt themselves while climbing Island Peak. Some even end up critically injured, while others get scratches and bruises. So, bringing a first-aid kit with all the necessary supplies will be wise. Stock it up with paracetamols, ibuprofen, iodine tablets, bandages, and medical tape. However, keep it light and compact, as it’ll be easy to carry the medical kit.
Water purification tablets
Remember to purify all the water after you refill the bottle. Contaminated water can make you seriously ill and even compel you to withdraw from the expedition. You can purchase these tablets in Kathmandu or bring them from your home country.
Personal toiletries
You must take care of your hygiene while on the trek. For this, bring your own sanitary products like moisturizer, cleanser, toothbrush, toothpaste, and more.
Hand Sanitizers
Hand Sanitizers are great for quick cleaning and disinfection. They are effective against germs and other infectious diseases.
Towel
Compact, lightweight, and quick-drying towels must make into the packing list of Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak.
Insect repellent
Buy some time to pick the best insect repellent that is efficient and easy to apply. It’ll keep away bugs, bees, and other insects while trekking.
