So how do you pack for the Everest Marathon?

Patiently.  That sums it up I think. Being triple type A, I started buying things for the Everest Marathon and the trek to Everest Base Camp in August, when I first registered, and finished May 9th. For me, it was a better way of doing things, since I was able to space out the expenses, and wait for the best sales, even on items, like the pricey sleeping bag, which REI assured me would “never” go on sale, then it did, for two days. To the tune of 50% off!! 

So here it is, my final packing list. Some folks might opt for fewer items of clothing. Maybe one less of each. In the end, I felt everything I chose was a good use of the 15kg (33lb) allowance given for the main bag [the max amount of weight allowed for the porters to carry, and for the flight to Lukla]. If anything, I’ll get rid of a few snacks. Or transfer to my day pack. Those clif bars  and gels are heavy! And have you weighed toilet wipes? Geez. At least my behind will be happy. 

A final word of wisdom. While a 100L duffel is the most commonly recommended size for this trek, once you start packing, you’ll realize, even using packing cubes, that between the sleeping bag and sleeping pad a third of your space is gone. Kind of a problem. A compression sac for the bag, and an inflatable sleeping pad [something I learned too late] should remedy this. If you’re not camping at all, get rid of the pad and you’re set. Happy trails, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below and I’ll happily try to answer as many as I can!

EVEREST BASE CAMP PACKING LIST

CLOTHES

• Hiking boots
• Trail running shoes
• Lightweight down jacket
• Water/wind proof jacket
• Merino wool mid layer jacket
• Merino wool vest
• 3 short sleeve t-shirts
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• 2 pairs hiking pants
• 2 pairs leggings with pockets (including race day ones)
• Running gloves
• buff (to protect mouth and face from dust and sun)
• sun hat
• wool hat
• race day hat
• sunglasses (rated for mountain use)
• Merino wool base layer top and bottoms to sleep in
• post-hike sweatpants
• 6 pairs merino wool socks (various weights)
• 6 pairs undies
• 3 sports bras
• flip flops for teahouse showers
• crocs (for letting your feet rest in evenings)

HIKING GEAR

• 100L waterproof duffel bag
• 34L day pack with built-in water reservoir
• 3 season sleeping bag, 850 down fill
• Self-inflatable sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag liner
• Compression sac for sleeping bag
• Collapsible trekking poles
• Travel towel
• Head lamp
• Gaiters
• Race day hydration vest
• Nalgene bottle
• Lifestraw water filter adapter
• water purification tablets
• Electrolyte tablets
• Salt capsules
• Nutrition bars and gels

ELECTRONICS

• Iphone
• Ipad
• GoPro
• GPS Watch
• AirPods
• Headphones
• Solar panel
• Battery pack
• Charging cables
• International wall plug

FIRST AID KIT

• Diamox
• Prescription strength Ibuprofen
• Imodium
• Antibiotics
• Melatonin
• Blister pads
• Neosporin
• Vitamins

TOILETRIES

• Large shower wipes
• Toilet wipes (3)
• Lip balm with sunblock
• Facial Sunblock w/zinc
• Body sunblock
• Anti-bacterial disinfectant
• Gold bond
• Dry shampoo
• Concentrated camping soap for body and laundry
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair ties
• Eye mask
• ear plugs

MISCELLANEOUS

• 2 locks (one for trekking bag. One for bag left behind in Kathmandu)
• 3 passport photos (for Visa, SIM card and trekking permit)
• $500 cash (Nepal is mostly a cash society. Don’t count on credit cards or ATM’s)