questions regarding equipment for Feb for EBC and also photo

[rubenhan]

11111111111111

[yakshaver]

Hi,
I am planning to trek to EBC and Kala Pattar on February. I just have few questions regarding it.

I will rent jacket and sleeping bag in Kathmandu, and all other equipments I have them ready. I'm just concerned about pants though. Since February is the winter season and I will be trekking upto 5500m, what kind of pants should I need?

Also, I have a Gore-Tex Boots, and planning to take wool socks. Would these be enough to keep my feet warm?

Also, I'm wondering how fast does the battery of a digital camera depletes in that altitude. I even heard that a full battery lasted only few shots but I guess that's an exaggeration. I own a DSLR Nikon D70.

Thank you so much and looking forward to your helps!

1. Regarding pants, I found that a pair of normal trekking pants (say Macpac crossterrain) with polypropylene underwear is more than enough for almost anything.
It is good you have gore-tex lined boots, though in February you don't really need goretex boots, as it is usually dry. A pair of wool socks, with a pair of thinner liner socks underneath will be enough. I would take 2 or 3 pairs of each though, as just one pair will be smelly after a few days...

2. I have a Nikon D70, wonderful camera. Once on trek, keep the battery in your sleeping bag at night, even if you feel like some kind of a weirdo. But most importantly, buy a second battery. It is an expensive, but worth it, exercise. Look after the batteries buy keeping them inside your jacket, closer to your body while you walk. And "sleep with them" at night. If you do that, you don't have to fear what the doomsayers are saying.