random questions about EBC trek

[chica trekker]

I am headed to EBC in two weeks and have some random, maybe weird questions I would greatly appreciate answers to. I do realize that these questions probably make me sound like a high-maintenance wussy freak but I I really am not. Let's just say i am being paranoid now so i won't be a pain-in-the-ass when i am there.

1. What kind of gloves/mittens do I need for a 14-day EBC/Kala Patar trek in late October? I have Raynaud's Syndrome so my fingers turn white/blue and numb really easily. :eek: And, does anyone use hand warmer packets and do they work at altitude?

2. I have heard a lot of people talk about filling hot water bottles to keep in your bag at night. Does this make a big difference? (I am not sure that my trek group provides hot water) If so, where do you put them and how many do you need? Someone at REI who went to EBC brought a hot water bladder to fill - do you really need this? I am all about packing as little as possible because I am bringing clothes to donate to sherpas.

3. I have a -20 down bag - because I am a very lean, small woman. Is this enough? I will be outside in tents the whole time.

4. I was going to bring energy bars for those low-energy times - do these freeze or are they okay in the cold?

5. I am taking Diamox, but have heard some people say they use aspirin too. Do you really need both (again, I want to pack minimally)?

6. How long does iodine have to sit at altitude/in the cold to work? I heard it can take longer.


THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[James]

1. Given your situation you should bring a set of lighter weight gloves and some super warm mitts - it can be very cold at night and early in the morning. The lighter gloves will be helpful when in the shade or in the wind. I used hand warmers atop Kala Pattar at sun rise and was happy to have them (so was my guide) they worked fine.

2. I don't think you need a water bladder, but the special plastic bottles hold up well even to the heat. Its real nice having a real hot water bottle in your bag at bedtime (it also keeps your water from freezing over night). One bottle filled with boiling water goes a long way.

3. I have a -20 down bag - because I am a very lean, small woman. Is this enough? Everyone is different, but a good fleece liner couldn't hurt. Also consider bringing two bags - a light bag over your down bag will really up your insulation on those really cold nights (if you have the room/weight).

4. Some bars and chocolate treats do get hard at freezing temps - just carry what you think you'll need while hiking next to your body.

5. Talk to your doc - many carry Diamox if they need it, but usually get away without using it. Any extra meds are gladly accepted at the clinic in Namche.

6. Check the instructions, the colder it is the longer it takes. Its best to plan ahead and have the water ready (like the night before if you get the boiled water).

[yakshaver]

chica trekker,

James is spot-on with his advice, as usual...

And there are no weird questions, only weird answers. Here are some really weird answers from me (James already provided you with the sensible information...):

1. Hand warmer packs... Well, yes, I read about this radio active stuff that some people have been using (provides a lot of very intense heat all of a sudden), but I understand you get arrested and charged with terrorism these days... I would be careful with any kind of warmers, even the naughty knitted ones (like willy-)... Customs officers lack any sense of humour these days. This is automatically lobotimized out of their brains upon starting employment with any border protection agency like customs.

2. Where do you place the hot watter bottles in your bag?? And how many do you need? Well... in therms of where do you put them, only your imagination is the limit there. How many? Well, again it depends on how desperate you are.

3. Would the energy bars freeze? Well, not if you keep them near the hot water bottles inside your sleeping bag. (you can buy mars bars from any lodge on the EBC trek by the way. No need to bring any energy bars with you. Even if it's against your religion to eat chocolate - you poor, poor thing...- you will burn so much enegy going up and down those steep hills at that altitude, that it's not going to matter even if you stuff yourself up with ten mars bars per session.

5. In terms of diamox and stuff, yes I find it useful. As well as any kind of antipsychotic medication. You might find this useful too.

6. Don't bother with iodine. Use the boiled water from your hot water bottle for drinking the following day.

I sincerily hope this helps.

Your personal yakshaver.

[chica trekker]

Thank you so much for your responses. I feel reassured and prepared, ready to climb...and i have no problem eats lots of mars bars! :D

[yakshaver]

Have fun chikka trekker. And by the way, I do have iodine pills with me, and ocasionally use them. Though drinking tea, hot lemonade and boiled water at the lodges is quite ok.