Packing- last minute questions

[boleslav]

I am packing for 4 week trek in Khumbu and came up with more questions for you dear travelers :)

1/ towel - what size, material did you bring?
2/ we have a waterproof shell jacket and windbreaker that is not waterproof, should we bring both, one and which one?
3/ pants- we have regular quick dry hiking pants (polyester, they are not water and windproof), should we bring along waterproof shell pants?
4/ sunglasses - are regular sun glasses sufficient or should we get some that protect from sides and bottom against the snow reflection?
5/ still can't decide on the gaiters (will attempt Cho La and Renjo-La)
6/ we are starting from Jiri and are still debating whether to bring or not to bring the down jacket (the trek will be Mid April to Mid May)
7/ gloves - are fleece gloves sufficient

any advice is appreciated!

[Lars]

I am packing for 4 week trek in Khumbu

> 1/ towel - what size, material did you bring?

Half size. Smaller than what you would want after a shower at home, but still
quite OK. You are going to carry it around a lot and don't need extra weight.

> 2/ we have a waterproof shell jacket and windbreaker that is not
> waterproof, should we bring both, one and which one?

You may well encounter some rain while on the trail. You should bring
something that will not absorb too much water. Take only one though.

> 3/ pants- we have regular quick dry hiking pants (polyester, they are not
> water and windproof), should we bring along waterproof shell pants?

No. When it rains the trail will become slippery and you don't trek any more
than necessary. Stop at the next lodge until the rain ceases.

> 4/ sunglasses - are regular sun glasses sufficient or should we get some
> that protect from sides and bottom against the snow reflection?

I like to have wrap around sun glasses. At altitude the air is amazingly clear
and the sun really strong. But you will not spend that much time in the snow.

> 5/ still can't decide on the gaiters (will attempt Cho La and Renjo-La)

Gaiters? Bring a few strong plastic bags.

> 6/ we are starting from Jiri and are still debating whether to bring or not to
> bring the down jacket (the trek will be Mid April to Mid May)

If you don't bring one you will envy those who did. Nothing feels as comfy in
the evenings as a down jacket. At this time of year you could make a
compromise though. Don't bring your own, but rent one in Namche Bazaar.
They are OK, and cost about a dollar or a Euro a day.

> 7/ gloves - are fleece gloves sufficient

I would think so. I use to buy a pair of woolly mittens half way up the the hill,
say in Namche.

Enjoy it! It is a lovely trek. Next year I will be there again.

[yakshaver]

Lars has given excellent adivce, as usual.

I would add a couple of alternatives, and things to think about.

Wind/waterproof jacket: I would get a gore-tex. Don't worry if you don't have one. Get one in Kathmandu, it is not original, but it is a fifth of the price of what you pay anywhere else, and it will do an excellent job for both wind and rain.

As Lars says, I would not worry too much about the pants. Jacket would be important for me though.

By the way, make sure you don't pack to heavily. If you miss something important for the higher part of the trek, then you can buy it in Lukla or Namche. And it will be much cheaper than at home.


And yes, take that down jacket...


To Lars:

Hey buddy, did you get a "real girl"?