Island Peak (Imja Tse) is technically classified as a “trekking peak, ” but it requires much more gear than you would expect from a 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
- Helmet
- Harness
- Ascender
- Figure-8 descender
- Locking carabiner
- Tent for base camp
- Mattress for base camp
Apparently, a sleeping bag and additional clothing would have been available to me, but my guide and I were satisfied with the rest of my outfit. Below is all the gear I brought from Jiri to Island Peak Base Camp.
I climbed Island Peak in the spring (March 16).
Note: This gear list has been updated with what I would bring today if I repeated the climb. Most of the gear I originally used is no longer available.
The Big Stuff
- Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest, Medium/Black (Review)
- Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Versalite, 6′ (Review)
- Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, Regular
Clothing
- Hat: Montbell Mesh Logo Cap #2
- Warm Hat: Ridge Merino Layton Merino Wool Beanie
- Sunglasses: goodr BAMFGs Polarized Sunglasses
- Balaclava: Ridge Merino Balaclava
- Neck Gaiter: Buff CoolNet UV+
- Shell: Arc’teryx Beta
- Insulated Jacket: Katabatic Tincup
- Wind Jacket: Patagonia Houdini
- Top: Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie
- Base Layer (Top): Ridge Merino Inversion Heavyweight
- Gloves: Ridge Merino Glove Liner
- Gloves: Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves
- Gloves: Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Mitt
- Shorts: Brooks Sherpa 2-in-1
- Pants: Patagonia Triolet Pants
- Base Layer (Bottom): Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight
- Base Layer (Bottom): Ridge Merino Inversion Heavyweight
- Rain Pants: Montbell Versalite
- Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight x 2
- Socks: Darn Tough Mountaineering Over-the-Calf Heavyweight x 2
- Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat
- Insoles: SOLE Performance Medium
- Gaiters: UltraGam Gaiters (XL)
- Camp Shoes: Cheap, lightweight, flip-flops
Carried/On Body
- Watch: Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
- Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ (125 cm) (if necessary)
- Fanny Pack: Thrupack Summit Bum
- Fanny Pack Strap: Thrupack Comfy Strap (Medium)
Backpacking Gear
- Water Treatment: Katadyn Steripen Ultra
- Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Headlamp: BioLite HeadLamp 325
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Rab Silk Neutrino
- Pillow: NEMO Equipment Fillo Elite
- Utensil: Snow Peak Long Titanium Spork
- Water Bottle: smartwater 1 L x 2
- Water Bottle: smartwater 700 ml
- Food Bag: Cloud Gear Bear Bag
- Stuff Sack (Sleeping Bag): Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-top (Medium)
- Stuff Sack (Clothing): Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring (Large)
- Stuff Sack (Electronics): Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring (Small)
- Pack Liner: Contractor Bag
- Stuff Sack (Poop Kit): Space Bear Bags Poop-moji Pouch
Electronics
- Power Bank: Nitecore Carbo 20000
- Headphones: Pixel Buds Pro
- Phone: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Phone Case: Peak Design Everyday Case
- Wall Plug: Anker Nano II 65W
- Cable: USB-A to USB-C
- Cable: USB-A to Micro USB
- Cable: USB-C to USB-C
Camera Gear
- Camera: Sony A7R IV
- Lens: Sony FE 24-70 f2.8 GM
- Filter: Heliopan 82mm Slim Circular Polarizer SH-PMC
- Camera Attachment: Peak Design Capture
- Camera Cover: Peak Design Shell (Medium)
- Camera Skin: Slinger Silicone
- Screen Protector: Sony PCK-LG1 Glass Sheet
- Memory Card: Sony TOUGH-G SDXC (64 GB) x 2
Bathroom
- Trowel: Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool
- Lip Balm: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30
- Anti-Chafe Balm: Body Glide for Her (0.35 oz)
- Hand Sanitizer: Dr. Bronner’s Organic
- Sunscreen: Coppertone SPORT (3 oz)
- Toothbrush: GUM Folding
- Toothpaste: Dr. Bronner’s Travel (0.85 oz)
- Antibiotic Ointment: Neosporin
- Tape: 3M Medical
- Bandages: Band-Aids
- Toilet Paper: Charmin Ultra Soft
- Wet Wipes: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes
- Ear Plugs: Mack’s Maximum Protection Soft Foam Earplugs
The Rest
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