Using all I learned last year on my first journey to the Himalaya and up to Everest Base Camp, I have carefully crafted the following gear list detailing everything to go with me on my attempt at completing Nepal's Three Passes Trek.
Much of what's coming with me this time around is the gear that came last year, but I have made some additions, subtractions, and substitutions from my previous gear list.
The one thing that has taken some deliberation this time around is the question whether I want to bring micro-spikes with me to assist on the potentially icy passes. Honestly, I still haven't made up my mind, but I will be sure to update this when I return to let you know what ended up being necessary.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions (I'm always looking to try new things), then leave a comment and let me know!
THE BIG STUFF
- BACKPACK | Osprey Exos 58 (REVIEW)
- SHELTER | Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2 (REVIEW)
- SLEEPING BAG | Mountain Hardwear Wraith (REVIEW)
- SLEEPING PAD | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
- LINER | Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite
- TREKKING POLES | Black Diamond Alpine Ergo Cork
THE KITCHEN
- UTENSIL | Snow Peak Titanium Spork
I have converted to stoveless backpacking for reasons that can be found here.
THE CLOTHING
THE SMALLER STUFF
- HEADLAMP | Princeton Tec Remix
- MULTITOOL | Leatherman Skeletool CX
- RAINCOVER | Osprey UL
- WATER TREATMENT | SteriPEN Ultra
- WATER BOTTLE | 2L plastic bottle (x2)
- STUFF SACKS | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks (2.5L, 9L)
- SLEEPING BAG STUFF SACK | Mountain Hardwear Wraith Stuff Sack
THE ELECTRONICS
- PHONE | LG Nexus 5
- BATTERY | Anker 2nd Gen Astro3 12800mAh
- CAMERA | GoPro HERO3: Black Edition
- CAMERA | Canon 60D
- LENS | Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
- TRIPOD | Joby Gorillapod
- ACCESSORY | Peak Design Capture Camera Clip (x 2)
- STRAP | Peak Design Camera Hand Clutch Strap
- MISCELLANEOUS | Spare 60D battery, micro USB cord, mini USB cord
THE MISCELLANEOUS
Toothpaste, toothbrush, cards/cash, Mini Bic, rubber bands, notebook, pens, Ziplocs
DETAILED VIEW
OSPREY EXOS 58 (M)
PROS
Comfortable, lightweight, detachable hood, stretchy mesh pockets, wide enough for my winter sleeping bag, lifetime warranty
CONS
Not an ultralight pack, poorly designed sleeping pad attachment strap
42 oz / 1.19 kg / $220 US
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SUPERMEGAUL 2
PROS
Freestanding, incredibly spacious, two mesh pockets, holds up in rain a lot better than the UL1, light for a two person tent
CONS
The footprint turns out to be a lot bigger than I imagined, expensive
34 oz / 980 g / $450 US
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR WRAITH (-20 °F / -29 °C)
PROS
Incredibly warm, resistant to water and wind, comfortable, not constricting, glorious neck baffle and pocket
CONS
Bulky – but that's to be expected with a winter bag – down can only compress so much, I thought it was going to be yellow – it's orange
4 lb 6 oz / 1.99 kg / $900 US
THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XLITE
PROS
Surprisingly compact, 3.2 R-value, lighter than the Z Lite Sol
CONS
Inflating and deflating takes some getting used to, cannot be deployed quickly during breaks (like a foam pad), risk of puncture wounds
12 oz / 350 g / $130 US
SEA TO SUMMIT REACTOR THERMOLITE LINER
PROS
Adds warmth, can be used in lieu of sleeping bag on hot nights, makes bag more comfortable, keeps bag cleaner
CONS
Adds unnecessary weight
8.1 oz / 229 g / $58 US
BLACK DIAMOND ALPINE ERGO CORK TREKKING POLES
PROS
Cork grip prevented hands from becoming filthy (as happens with rubber grips), easily adjustable, locks never failed under stress
CONS
Never used for going downhill, I think I prefer poles with shocks (more fun to lean into whilst stopped)
19.9 oz / 564 g / $140 US
COLUMBIA DECOMPRESSION DOWN JACKET
PROS Warm, lightweight, hooded, stretchy cuffs that don't lose spring, drawstring at hem, zipper never snags, packs into itself
CONS Expensive
9.6 oz / 273 g / $400 US
COLUMBIA HEATZONE 1000 TURBODOWN HOODED JACKET
PROS Water resistant, pockets are below down so hands stay warm, drawcord at hem, treated and water-resistant down
CONS I have an unfortunately ugly color, it's expensive, it's long (not necessarily a bad thing, but it fits almost like a parka), heavy
1 lb 8 oz / 674 g / $450 US
COLUMBIA OMNI-FREEZE SHIRT
PROS
Comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying, convertible sleeves
CONS
Columbia's “omni-freeze” gimmick does not keep you cooler with this shirt, expensive for what it is
9.6 oz / 272 g / $95 US
SMARTWOOL NTS MID 250 ZIP THERMAL TOP
PROS
Comfortable, love the zip, warm, excellent wicking, merino wool, odor resistant, did I mention it's comfortable?
CONS
Heavy
$100 US
COLUMBIA MIDWEIGHT STRETCH BASELAYER LONG SLEEVE SHIRT
PROS
Plenty of stretch and flexibility, warm/cool enough to leave on all day (and night), comfortable
CONS
Still not convinced that Columbia's “omni-heat” is really doing anything
$55 US
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR JALAPENO OUTDRY MITT
PROS
Waterproof, windproof, nose wipe patch (yum), durable, leather palm
CONS
Heavy for something I will only use a few times (but that I will need), sizing is off (I need to wear mine with a pair of gloves underneath
8.3 oz / 236 g / $130 US
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR CHOCKSTONE MIDWEIGHT ACTIVE SHORT
PROS
Very comfortable, awesome stretchy material (no more crotch ripping), quite water-resistant, two zipper pockets, built-in belt that appears to work
CONS
No rear pockets, only two large zipper pockets in front (this can be good or bad depending on your needs)
9.9 oz / 280 g / $75 US
SMARTWOOL NTS MID 250 BOTTOM
PROS
Comfortable, warm, excellent wicking, merino wool, odor resistant
CONS
Heavy
$95 US
UNDER ARMOR 9″ COMPRESSION SHORTS
PROS
Comfortable, effective at preventing chafe, rarely begin to smell, dry quickly, can be passed off as shorts
CONS
An inside seam on one pair tore (still usable, will replace)
4 oz / 113 g / $30 US
DARN TOUGH 1/4 HIKING SOCKS
PROS
Comfortable, wool, lifetime guarantee, great cushion
CONS
You will never want to buy another brand of socks
7.2 oz / 204 g / $20 US
DARN TOUGH COOLMAX BOOT FULL CUSHION HIKING SOCKS
PROS
Comfortable, wool, lifetime guarantee, great cushion
CONS
Nothing. I love these socks.
$23 US
NEW BALANCE MO989 TRAIL RUNNERS
PROS
Comfortable, water-resistant Gore-Tex, wide (come in 4E), great grip
CONS
Hard to find in stores or online
13 oz / 369 g / $100 US
SUPERFEET WIDE GREEN PREMIUM INSOLES
PROS
Offer more support than generic inserts (and arch support), don't easily come up out of the shoe, comfortable
CONS
They don't last forever, out of the box they need to be cut to fit your shoes
0.42 oz / 12 g / $45 US
MOUNTAIN HEARDWEAR DOME PERIGNON BEANIE
PROS
Warm, good at blocking the wind, comfortable for sleeping, can be worn multiple ways
CONS
Not the lightest beanie out there
2.8 oz / 80 g / $36 US
PEAK DESIGN CAPTURE CLIP
PROS
Makes carrying a DSLR incredibly comfortable and easy, it's durable, lifetime warranty
CONS
Nothing, this thing is awesome.
3.5 oz / 100 g / $60 US
SteriPEN ULTRA
PROS
Kills protozoa, bacteria, and viruses, quick and easy to use, rechargeable (no heavy batteries)
CONS
Does not remove sediment, doesn't work with murky/cloudy water, need container to fit, reliance on technology
4.94 oz / 140 g / $100 US
PRINCETON TEC REMIX HEADLAMP
PROS
Bright, doesn't eat through batteries, multiple settings, adjustable beam direction
CONS
No red light, no strobe
2.9 oz / 83 g / $30 US
LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL CX
PROS
Sharp, locking blade, clip, changeable bit, externally accessible tools
CONS
Heavy, but I carry in a pocket, pliers have yet to be useful – I'd prefer scissors
5 oz / 142 g / $90 US
OSPREY UL RAINCOVER
PROS
Packs into itself, drawstring and button to cinch, can protect bag in vestibule from puddles
CONS
Could be replaced by a trash compactor bag, a bit large for my pack
2.8 oz / 80 g / $30 US
SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL STUFF SACKS (2.5, 9L)
PROS
Lightweight, drawstring closure, have never had one tear or break on me
CONS
Not completely necessary, expensive for what they are
.4 oz, 11g / .7 oz, 20g / $9, $14 US
Am I doing anything wrong? Did I miss anything? Do you have any suggestions?
Comment below and let me know what you think!
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