1st trip to EBC. Advice needed.

[Stcroixav]

Hi there,

I am in the midst preparing my trip to EBC somewhere in April 2011. I have no such high altitude hiking experience before. My most recent trip was about 4065m. I have started some physical training to ensure I am physically fit so that I can enjoy the trip.

Other than physical training, I also in the midst of getting the necessary gears such as clothing, boots etc. In regard to this, my dilemma is whether I should invest extensively in gears bearing in mind that it is unlikely in the short term I’ll be having another similar trip. Therefore, I hope experienced hikers here can give me some advice.

By the way, I am from tropical climate country.

Boot:
• I was told by a local outdoor gear shop that not all boots are suitable for EBC track due to its rocky condition. It is true? Not many choices over here and I am quite impress with Bestard Spider K (around USD300). Is there alternative choice with more affortable range?

Clothing: Please advice whether the following are sufficient and whether I should get them from home country or buy them at KTM (with no compromise to quality to ensure comfort), or selective items should get from home country. Roughly how much these item would cost in KTM? (would cost me about USD400 to get these items from home country)
• long john as base layer;
• Synthetic T-Shirt as in between long john & mid layer
• Windproof mid layer
• Waterproof outer layer
• Down jacket
• Thermal underwear
• Synthetic pant
• Fleece pant
• Sleeping bag

Thanks in advance!

Cheers

[Escher]

Hi there,

I am in the midst preparing my trip to EBC somewhere in April 2011. I have no such high altitude hiking experience before. My most recent trip was about 4065m. I have started some physical training to ensure I am physically fit so that I can enjoy the trip.

Other than physical training, I also in the midst of getting the necessary gears such as clothing, boots etc. In regard to this, my dilemma is whether I should invest extensively in gears bearing in mind that it is unlikely in the short term I’ll be having another similar trip. Therefore, I hope experienced hikers here can give me some advice.

By the way, I am from tropical climate country.


Boot:
• I was told by a local outdoor gear shop that not all boots are suitable for EBC track due to its rocky condition. It is true? Not many choices over here and I am quite impress with Bestard Spider K (around USD300). Is there alternative choice with more affortable range?


I walk in trainers, not for everyone but the trails in Nepal are mostly pretty straightforward. You'll be fine in any boots, just get something that fits and you have worn in. Buy boots from home.



Clothing: Please advice whether the following are sufficient and whether I should get them from home country or buy them at KTM (with no compromise to quality to ensure comfort), or selective items should get from home country. Roughly how much these item would cost in KTM? (would cost me about USD400 to get these items from home country)
• long john as base layer;
• Synthetic T-Shirt as in between long john & mid layer
• Windproof mid layer
• Waterproof outer layer
• Down jacket
• Thermal underwear
• Synthetic pant
• Fleece pant
• Sleeping bag


Plus socks, warm hat, sun hat, normal underwear, two pairs of base layers, one on, one washed and drying. I'd take a windproof top (made from pertex) instead of a windproof mid layer (sounds like a windproof fleece - they are rubbish), and an insulated lightweight jacket (pertex with primaloft or equivalent filling). But what you suggest will work too. You can get most of that stuff in Kathmandu. I buy everything from home but if I wasn't I would always get base layer/underwear and boots from home and the rest from Kathmandu. Some of the stuff bought there may not last too long beyond your trek, some will be fine. Your choice really.

Have a look at the trekking hints and tips and FAQ thread at the top of this forum for more kit lists and advice.