Island Peak (Imja Tse) is technically classified as a “trekking peak”, but it requires much more gear than what you would expect from your typical “trek”. Why? Because you have to climb, not walk, to the summit of the 20,305 ft / 6,189 m peak.
First things first, I paid 90,000 NPR (~$900 US) for my climb of Island Peak. I was told that all the equipment I would need for the climb was included in this price (this included shelter at base camp) and that I would be able to get my gear in Dingboche (where I would meet my guide).
One of my concerns was whether whoever would be renting me the gear would have boots large enough for my especially wide feet. I ended up with a pair of US size 13 plastic boots. They were definitely too big, but they were certainly wide enough and they didn't hurt my feet; they were also incredibly heavy (I carried these until the crampon point at 19,029 ft / 5,800 m).
In addition to my boots, I was provided with the following gear by Everest Resort in Dingboche (where you can find some of the best food in the region):
- Crampons
- A helmet
- A harness
- An ascender
- A figure-8 descender
- A locking carabiner
- A tent at base camp
- A mattress at base camp
Apparently, a sleeping bag and additional clothing would have been made available to me, but both my guide and I were satisfied with the rest of my outfit. What's listed below is all of the gear that I hiked in from Jiri to Island Peak Base Camp.
NOTE: I climbed Island Peak in the spring (March 16).
THE BIG STUFF
- BACKPACK | Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest (Medium, Black)
- SLEEPING BAG | Western Mountaineering Versalite (Review)
CLOTHING
- HEADWEAR | Awesome Trucker Hat
- HEADWEAR | Outdoor Research Crest Hat (L/XL)
- HEADWEAR | Icebreaker Flexi Chute Neck Gaiter
- SUNGLASSES | RayBan RB2140 Wayfarer
(54 mm)
- TOP | Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt (Slim Fit, Large)
- RAIN JACKET | Columbia OutDry EX Featherweight Shell (Medium)
- DOWN JACKET | Columbia OutDry EX Gold Down Hooded Jacket (Medium)
- DOWN JACKET | Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka (Large)
- BASE LAYER (TOP) | Columbia Midweight II Long Sleeve Top (Medium)
- BASE LAYER (TOP) | Icebreaker 260 Midweight Tech Top 1/2-Zip Crew (Medium)
- GLOVES | Marmot Power Stretch (Large)
- GLOVES | Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Mitt (Medium)
- SHORTS | Patagonia Strider Pro (5″ Inseam)
- PANTS | Columbia Titan Ridge II
- RAIN PANTS | Montbell Versalite (Medium)
- BASE LAYER (BOTTOM) | Old, lightweight polyester/spandex leggings
- BASE LAYER (BOTTOM) | Smartwool Midweight Long Underwear (Medium)
- SOCKS | Darn Tough Hiker 1/4 Cushion x 2 (Large) (Review)
- SOCKS | Darn Tough Uncle Buck Boot Cushion (Large)
- SOCKS | Darn Tough Mountaineering Over-The-Calf Extra Cushion (Large)
- SHOES | Merrell Moab 2 Low (US 12, Wide)
- SANDALS | Cheap, lightweight, flip-flops
CARRIED/ON BODY
- FANNY PACK | Thrupack Summit Bum
- FANNY PACK STRAP | Thrupack Galaxy Comfy Strap
- PHONE | Pixel 2 XL (64GB, Black)
- HEADPHONES | Anker SoundBuds Curve
- CASE | Lifeproof Fre
THE OTHER STUFF
- HEADLAMP | Petzl Tikka XP
- WATER TREATMENT | SteriPEN Ultra
- WATER BOTTLE | 1L Smart Water bottle
THE ELECTRONICS
- POWER | Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C
- CABLE | USB-C
- CABLE | Micro USB
- CHARGER | Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger
THE CAMERA GEAR
- CAMERA | Sony Alpha a6500
- LENS | Sony Vario-Tessar T E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS
- CAMERA | GoPro HERO6
- TRIPOD | Joby GorillaPod Action Tripod
- EXTRA BATTERIES | Wasabi Power Battery x 2
- MEMORY | Sandisk MicroSDHC V30 32GB Extreme Pro
- MEMORY | SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC UHS-I Card x 2
- ACCESSORY | Peak Design Capture Clip (Review)
- ACCESSORY | DAISO (aka dollar store) Selfie Stick (aka ACTION CAM POLE!)
- COVER | Peak Design Shell (Review)
THE BATHROOM
- Toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, sunscreen
THE OFFICE
- Credit/debit card, rubber bands, duct tape, notebook, pen, dice (for Yahtzee!)
DETAILED VIEW
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest
THE GOOD: Lightweight, waterproof, durable, comfortable, can accommodate extra gear like snowshoes and an ice axe
THE BAD: Hip belt pockets could be improved, tricky getting things in/out of side pockets with pack on
34.04 oz (965 g) – $360 US
FIND IT AT: Hyperlite Mountain Gear | Backcountry
Western Mountaineering Versalite
THE GOOD: Warm, incredible zipper, lightweight, compressible
THE BAD: It's expensive (but definitely worth it)
32 oz (907 g) – $575 US – Detailed Review
FIND IT AT: Backcountry | Amazon
THE GOOD: The L/XL size fits my fat head, blocks the wind, warm
THE BAD: Have to wear my glasses over the outside, smashes my headphones into my ears (tight fit)
3 oz (85 g) – $25 US
FIND IT AT: Outdoor Research | Backcountry | Amazon
Icebreaker Flexi Chute Neck Gaiter
THE GOOD: Warm, wool, striped, stretchy, lightweight, versatile
THE BAD: I only just now discovered this
3 oz (85 g) – $25 US
FIND IT AT: Backcountry | Amazon
Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt
THE GOOD: Look good on and off the trail, keeps me warm in cooler weather and warm in cooler weather, anti-microbial, wrinkle-free, chest pocket
THE BAD: Starts to stink after three or four days of sweaty and continued use (rinse to solve this)
$125 US
FIND IT AT: Bluffworks
Columbia OutDry EX Featherweight Shell
THE GOOD: Very lightweight minimal shell, two large exterior chest pockets
THE BAD: No pit zips (useless vents instead), stupid name
7 oz (198 g) – $199 US
Columbia OutDry EX Gold Down Hooded Jacket
THE GOOD: Waterproof, warm, two large interior pockets, two handwarmer pockets, surprisingly compressible (stuffed down around everything else in my pack)
THE BAD: Heavy, stupid name
20 oz (567 g) – $250 US
Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka
THE GOOD: Warm (3.4 oz / 96 g of 1000 fill power down), DWR treatment, elastic cuffs, hem and hood adjustments, lightweight
THE BAD: Expensive, long and annoying name
8.4 oz (237 g) – $439 US – Detailed Review
FIND IT AT: Montbell
Columbia Midweight II Long Sleeve Top
THE GOOD: Moisture-wicking, dries quickly, stretchy, doesn't get too warm when active
THE BAD: No thumb holes (I love thumb holes)
$45 US
Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 Midweight Tech Top 1/2-Zip Crew
THE GOOD: Warm, like the half-zip, thumb holes, merino
THE BAD: Heavy (but what can you do?)
$120 US
FIND IT AT: Backcountry
THE GOOD: Lightweight, touchscreen compatible, can be connected to each other with small plastic clip (lose both or lose none)
THE BAD: Haven't found them to dry incredibly quickly (why am I getting them wet?), touchscreens can sometimes be finicky
$30 US
FIND THEM AT: Backcountry | Amazon
Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Mitt
THE GOOD: Two different cinch points, very warm, carabiner loop, waterproof, durable palm (nice on the ropes)
THE BAD: Heavy, bulky (so much larger than I expected them to be), expensive
11 oz / 310 g – $180 US
FIND THEM AT: Backcountry | Amazon
THE GOOD: Four stretchy pockets (big enough for my Pixel 2 XL with a case), one zippered pocket in back, built-in liner
THE BAD: You'll have to use more sunscreen to cover up those sexy legs
$65 US
FIND THEM AT: Patagonia | REI | Backcountry
THE GOOD: Leg zippers, reinforced knees, zippered pockets, stretch
THE BAD: No great at cutting out the wind, pockets small, built-in belt is useless
$140 US
THE GOOD: Incredibly lightweight, elastic waist, pack down small
THE BAD: No leg zippers
3.6 oz (103 g) – $99 US
FIND THEM AT: Montbell
Smartwool Midweight Long Underwear Bottoms
THE GOOD: Merino, relatively light and packable, stay in place
THE BAD: Don't feel quite as warm as my Icebreaker 260-weight top
$95 US
THE GOOD: Comfortable, merino, cushioned underfoot, lifetime guarantee means you can have them replaced
THE BAD: Nothing
2.2 oz (62 g) – $20 US – Detailed Review
FIND THEM AT: Darn Tough | REI | Backcountry | Amazon
Darn Tough Uncle Buck Boot Cushion
THE GOOD: Comfortable, merino, cushioned underfoot, sexy elk print, lifetime guarantee means you can have them replaced
THE BAD: Don't like to stay up to where I pull them
$24 US
FIND THEM AT: Darn Tough | Backcountry | Amazon
Darn Tough Mountaineering Over-The-Calf Extra Cushion
THE GOOD: Comfortable, merino, cushioned underfoot, actually stay up over my calf, lifetime guarantee means you can have them replaced
THE BAD: Nothing
$27 US
FIND THEM AT: Darn Tough | REI | Backcountry | Amazon
THE GOOD: Come in wide sizes, durable, comfortable, insoles actually offer support
THE BAD: I'm still not blister-proof
13 oz (369 g) – $120 US
FIND THEM AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon
THE GOOD: An awesome amount of space for such a lightweight fanny pack, one exterior pocket large enough for a large cell phone, two interior pockets, water-resistant, huge sex appeal
THE BAD: I wish there was a was to affix the waist strap to the pack (I guess I could use a safety pin)
2.5 oz (71 g) – $39 US
FIND IT AT: Thru.
THE GOOD: Bright, great battery life, red light, three brightness levels
THE BAD: Not the smallest option available
4.2 oz (119 g) – $50 US
THE GOOD: Treats for bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, filters 1 liter in 90 seconds (.5 L in 60 seconds)
THE BAD: Electronic, only works with clear water
4.94 oz (140 g) – $99
THE GOOD: Excellent camera, quick charge via USB-C, water-resistant, awesome fingerprint reader
THE BAD: No expandable storage, no headphone jack
6.17 oz (175 g) – $850 US
FIND IT ON: Amazon
THE GOOD: Great sound quality, comfortable, no wires to get in the way of your straps
THE BAD: Have to be recharged, can block out nearly all ambient noise, get tangled with my eyewear retainer (fancy, huh?)
0.6 oz (17 g) – $99 US
FIND THEM ON: Amazon
THE GOOD: Excellent camera, quick charge via USB-C, water-resistant, awesome fingerprint reader
THE BAD: Some people report not being able to hear me well when talking with handset, expensive for a case
1.3 oz (35 g) – $90 US
THE GOOD: Has USB-C, can quick charge itself and other devices, durable, two USB outputs, large capacity
THE BAD: Heavy
16 oz (454 g) – $69 US
FIND IT ON: Amazon
Tronsmart USB Type C Wall Charger
THE GOOD: Two USB inputs (one USB-A and one USB-C), folding plug, quick charge compatible
THE BAD: A little bulky
2.4 oz (68 g) – $15 US
FIND IT ON: Amazon
THE GOOD: Awesome camera, lightweight (for the quality of its images and range of featured), compact (fits in my jacket pocket), in-body stabilization, 4K movie recording
THE BAD: Expensive, limited lens selection
14.25 oz (404 g) – $1400 US
FIND IT ON: Amazon
Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS
THE GOOD: Love the focal length range for travel and hiking, takes beautiful photos, lightweight compared to other options available (but still no pancake lens)
THE BAD: Not full-frame compatible (if I ever have the money and desire to upgrade), sometimes get some vignetting at wider focal lengths,
not the best performer in low light
10.9 oz (308 g) – $999 US
FIND IT ON: Amazon
THE GOOD: Takes fantastic photos, the video stabilization is great, touchscreen works well, USB-C
THE BAD: The battery could always be bigger (buy a spare if you're going to be filming a lot)
4.13 oz (117 g) – $400 US
FIND IT AT: REI | Backcountry | Amazon
THE GOOD: Makes camera accessible, easy to secure and remove camera, can lock camera in place, can be placed on any strap
THE BAD: Can sometimes be fickle when putting camera back in
3 oz (84 g) – $70 US
FIND IT AT: Peak Design
THE GOOD: Keeps camera protected in the rain when using the Capture Clip
THE BAD: I always take it off to shoot photos since it makes adjusting the zoom/focus rings tricky
2.4 oz (68 g) – $40 US
FIND IT AT: Peak Design | REI | Amazon
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Hello Mac, thank you for this helpful info.
Can you please provide me with the agency / guide name with whom you organised your trip? Also what is your opinion on wearing La Sportiva Nepal Evos in March for Khumbu/Cho La circuit plus summiting IP?
Thank you in advance and hello from Frankfurt,
Michael
Hey Michael – I used Glory Himalayan Club to organize this trip, but I can’t recommend my guide as I did not like him very much. La Sportiva Nepal Evos are overkill for anything that’s not beyond the crampon point of the Imja Tse climb. I did Cho La (and the other two passes of the Three Passes Trek) in trail runners.
How high did you camp for the climb, and was the WM Versalite warm enough? I’m considering buying it but I’ve been hesitating because I’m not sure it would be warm enough for Nepal. Care to share experiences?
(And a more extreme version of the question: do you think it would have been warm enough for your January Nepal adventure, while wearing some extra down layers too?)
Island Peak Base Camp is around 16,732 ft / 5,100 m and the Versalite plus a four-season shelter was warm enough for me (I was also wearing a synthetic and merino base layer).
It definitely would be warm enough for everything I did beforehand in Nepal since I was sleeping in tea houses each night (except for when I purposely slept outside because I had a stupidly warm bag). Might be a little cold for Island Peak Base Camp in January, but if I was going back I would probably chance it.