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Island Peak (Imja Tse) Gear List

By Mac 4 Comments

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-Black

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


WM-Versalite-500x500

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

Outdoor-Research-Crest-Hat-500x500

Outdoor Research Crest Hat

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-Nexk-Gaiter-500x500

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-500x500

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-Jacket-500x500

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-500x500

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-Alpine-Plasma-Parka-1000

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-500x500

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-500x500

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


Marmot-Power-Stretch-Glove-500x500

Marmot Power Stretch Gloves

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-500x500

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


Patagonia-Strider-Pro-Shorts-500x500

Patagonia Strider Pro 5″

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


Columbia-Titan-Ridge-II-Pants-500x500

Columbia Titan Ridge II Pants

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


Montbell-Versalite-Pants-500x500

Montbell Versalite Pants

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-NTS-Thermal-Bottom

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

FIND THEM AT: REI | Amazon


Darn-Tough-Socks

Darn Tough 1/4 Hiking Socks

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-Socks-500x500

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-500x500

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


Merrell-Moab-Ventilators

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Low

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

Thru-Pack-Fanny-Orange-500x500

Thrupack Summit Bum

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.


petzl-tikka-xp-500x500

Petzl Tikka XP

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

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon


SteriPEN-Ultra-500x500

SteriPen Ultra

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

FIND IT AT: REI | Amazon

Google-Pixel-2-XL-500x500

Pixel 2 XL

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


Anker-Soundbuds-Curve-500x500

Anker SoundBuds Curve

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


Lifeproof-Fre-Case-500x500

Lifeproof Fre Case

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

FIND IT AT: Lifeproof | Amazon


Anker-PowerCore+-20100

Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C

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

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


Sony-a6300-500x500

Sony Alpha a6500

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


Sony-16-70mm-500x500

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


GoPro-Hero6-Black

GoPro HERO6 Black

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


Peak-Design-Capture-v3-500x500

Peak Design Capture Clip

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


Peak-Design-Shell

Peak Design Shell (Small)

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


Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links. This helps to pay the bills and keep the site up and running.

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