TEAM EVEREST Weather and Gear Taryn Black | 26 March 2014

Weather to expect Monsoon season is June – September Wet and humid (somewhat less so at high altitude) Rain almost every day (not all day) Mountains often hidden by cloud Lukla flight cancellations for poor visibility are common Trails may be very muddy, especially before Namche Bazaar Potential for landslides and high water

Climate regions Humid subtropical Kathmandu, Atlanta Hot and humid summers Temperate highland tropical Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Rainy summers Continental subarctic/boreal Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Pheriche Short, cool/mild summers Above treeline

The rough numbers Prepare for temperatures anywhere from 10 ° F to 80 ° F

Tea houses Bed yes, bedding maybe Generally not heated Usually no electricity until after dark Toilets usually in separate building No flush toilets

Gear: main points COTTON KILLS LAYERS LAYERS LAYERS YOU WILL STINK. GET OVER IT.

Gear: provided Sleeping bag (ORGT/trekking agency) Sleeping pad (ORGT) Down jacket (possibly provided by trekking agency) Water purification (ORGT) Satellite phone (ORGT) The trekking agency has a variety of rental gear available

Gear: the base-ics LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS Synthetic t-shirt Thermal underwear (long-sleeve shirt and pants) Recommended: synthetic or merino wool; moisture-wicking, quick-drying, mid- or expedition-weight Synthetic hiking pants Recommended: zip-off, quick-dry Synthetic underwear

Gear: warm and dry Down/synthetic WARM jacket (if not provided/rented) Fleece jacket or sweater Fleece pants (optional) Rain jacket (also blocks wind) Rain pants Warm hat that covers ears Neck gaiter/buff/balaclava Warm gloves – consider liner and wind/waterproof outer glove

Gear: feet Hiking boots (waterproof/repellent) 3-4 pairs of socks (wool/synthetic) Recommended: gaiters Sandals

Gear: health and hygiene Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, etc.) Sunblock and lip balm UV is much stronger at high altitude Towel + biodegradable shampoo/soap OR wet wipes + dry shampoo Medications (prescrip, antacid, anti-diarrhea, pain reliever, eye drops) Toilet paper Pee bottle (optional) Cough drops recommended due to dusty conditions

Gear: other Water bottle/bladder At least one bottle to let boiled water cool off before putting in bladder Head lamp + spare batteries Sun hat + bandana Camera Sunglasses with high UV protection Wraparound or glacier glasses Personal snacks Personal basic first aid Handwarmers

Gear: transport Lukla flight weight limits: Checked bag: 10kg (22lb) Carry-on: 5kg (11lb) Recommend putting backpack/gear in a large duffel bag for air travel (protects straps and buckles, prevents tears) Plus another duffel to store stuff not used on the trek (or to carry souvenirs home!)

Cultural note on clothing Women: pants or skirt+tights are okay; wearing tights, shorts, or sport tops not recommended unless worn under other clothes Men: pants or knee-length shorts are okay; don’t go shirtless

Further information on selecting gear REI has some great articles about how to choose appropriate gear for your activity: