- Details
- Category: Knowledge Centre
Conquering 6000m Peaks: The Ultimate Gear Guide for Trekking Success
Are you ready to take your trekking to new heights? If you're planning a 6000m+ peak trip like Island Peak or Mera Peak with EverTrek, it's essential to have the right gear and clothing to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Without proper gear and clothing, you could be left out in the cold - literally! So, pack your bags, put on your trekking boots, and get ready to peak your adventure.
While you can rent certain items in country, the quality and availability of items CANNOT be guaranteed, we therefore say you MUST bring the following items yourself to avoid any issues in country...
- High quality 4 season down sleeping bag, we recommend a rating for -20°.
- Expedition down jacket for summit days (approx 800 fill specification)
- Bring your own B1/B2 trekking boots and winter B3 high altitude mountaineering boots
- Set of C2 trekking crampons that should be compatible with both sets of boots as above.
Body Wear
Having clothing that can withstand harsh weather conditions is crucial. Your clothing should be able to keep you warm and dry, wick moisture away from your skin, and protect you from the wind and cold. So read on below for what you’ll need in terms of clothing!
- Bottom Base layer (Non-cotton base layer bottoms/long johns)
- Long sleeved top base layer (merino wool or polyester)
- Mid layer fleece (Grid fleeces generally provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio. )
- Underwear - Merino is great! 2 or 3 pairs
- (As mentioned at the start of the blog) - Expedition down jacket for summit day (approx 800 fill specification)
- Hard-shell waterproof jacket - This must fit over your down jacket and a helmet, always handy taking in a helmet to the shop and testing it under a hood.
- Casual trekking clothes
- Waterproof trouser shelf
- Winter lined trousers
Footwear
- Heavily insulated wool or synthetic mountaineering socks, 3 pairs
- Lighter inner socks (thin wool or synthetic socks. Liner socks can reduce boot friction and increase comfort for some. Must fit well underneath hiking socks) 3 pairs
- Snow Gaiters
- Light trekking shoes/sandals
- As stated in the intro - Bring your own B1/B2 trekking boots and winter B3 high altitude mountaineering boots
- Set of C2 trekking crampons that should be compatible with both sets of boots as above.
- For Island peak in autumn, for Mera and Aconcagua all year around - La Sportiva G2 EVO OR Scarpa Phantom 6000 HD
Handwear
- Glove liners 2 pairs, be sure to try these on under some shell gloves for best fit.
- Insulated Shell gloves
- Fleece gloves
- Expedition-rated Mittens
Headwear
- Lightweight Sun Hat
- Climbing helmet
- Neck Buff - An EverTrek buff will be given to you on your trip! ?
- Warm wool or synthetic beanie hat
- Ski glasses/glacier glasses (UV protection)
- Headtorch + spare batteries (Petzl Tikka is a great choice!)
Bags
- Day Pack 32-50l - We highly recommend Osprey as a brand, and remember, when you buy online with Osprey as an EverTrek member you get 20% off and 25% off if you're a Summit Zoner! Your code is in your Members Area!
- Duffel bag with a lock and any other travel luggage that can be left at the start of the trek. - You'll get a FREE 80 Ltr EverTrek duffel bag to keep when you arrive in Kathmandu!
- Dry bags and stuff sacks
Other items!
- Sleeping mat – Inflatable sleeping mat with a pump and ideally a repair kit for any leaks. We recommend Thermarest mats as they are light, compact and help retain your body heat while
camping at high altitudes. - 2 Water Bottles
- 2 Water bottle parkas for insulation
- Camera + batteries and cards - Capturing memories on a trek is important as it allows you to revisit the experience, relive the adventure and share your journey with others.
- Power Bank - Anker are a great choice
- Factor 50 sun protection
- Lip balm - Keep applying! You don't want to come back with blisters!
- Altimeter/smartwatch (not essential)
- Small personal first aid kit - Your guide will have a first aid kit but it’s always useful to bring your own smaller version.
- Personal prescriptions, (plus Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 35 total), and a variety of standard painkillers including Ibuprofen, etc. We also recommend a selection of hard sweets and cough sweets to handle the cold, dry air.
- Favourite snacks and energy bars - It's important to stay energized and hydrated throughout the journey. Carrying snacks and energy bars is a convenient and effective way to keep your energy levels up while on the trail.Toiletries + hand sanitizer and hand wipes
- Hand and toe warmers - These can be placed inside gloves or boots to provide warmth and prevent frostbite. They're lightweight and easy to carry, making them an essential addition to your trekking gear.
- General Travel clothes
Finally! All that info was a trek in itself wasn’t it!
Having the right gear and clothing for a 6000+ peak like Island Peak and Mera Peak can make all the difference in your experience. By preparing well and investing in high-quality equipment, you can ensure that you're comfortable, safe, and able to focus on the adventure ahead.
Don't underestimate the importance of this gear list, as it can be the key to your success on the trek. Remember, it's better to over-prepare than under-prepare, so make sure you have all the essential items before you embark on your journey. So, gear up and get ready to reach new heights!
Previous Articles
- How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?
- How to Train for the Everest Base Camp Trek
- How high is Everest Base Camp?
- How much spending money do you need for the Everest Base Camp trek
- What's the accommodation like on an Everest Base Camp trek
- Are showers available on the Everest Base Camp trek?