The Complete Mount Everest Equipment Gear List
Embarking on an expedition to Everest, whether from the North side in Tibet or the South side in Nepal, presents the pinnacle of mountaineering challenges. As the highest peak on the planet, Everest demands unparalleled preparation and the finest equipment for a successful ascent. In this installment of our Equipment List Series, we delve into the comprehensive gear required to conquer Everest's formidable slopes and varying climates. From the rugged terrain of Tibet to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Nepal, we equip you with the essentials for this ultimate mountaineering endeavor.
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Headwear and Eyewear
Protection for your head and eyes is crucial in high-altitude environments like Everest's South Col. Proper headwear shields against the sun's intense rays, while quality eyewear ensures clear vision and protection from snow glare.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Helmet | Protects the head from falling debris | Petzl Meteor Helmet, Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet, |
Mammut Skywalker 2 Helmet | ||
Sunglasses | Shields eyes from harmful UV rays and snow glare | Julbo Explorer 2.0 Sunglasses, Smith Optics Parallel Sunglasses, |
Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses | ||
Goggles | Essential for blizzard conditions and high winds | Smith 4D MAG Goggles, Oakley Flight Deck Goggles, |
Julbo Aerospace Goggles |
Base Layers
Base layers provide insulation and moisture management, keeping you warm and dry during the climb. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that regulate body temperature and resist odor buildup.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Thermal | Provides warmth and moisture-wicking properties | Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew, Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer, |
Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip Neck | ||
Base Layer | Worn next to the skin for comfort and insulation | Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe, |
Columbia Omni-Heat 3D Knit Crew | ||
Leggings | Insulates legs and wicks away moisture during high activity | REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights, |
Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Pants |
Insulation
Insulation layers trap heat close to your body, providing warmth in extreme cold. Choose lightweight, compressible options for easy packing and versatility.
Insulated apparel is essential for maintaining core body temperature in the extreme cold of Everest's South Col. Down suits, insulated jackets, and pants provide crucial warmth and protection against frostbite and hypothermia.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Down Suit | Provides maximum insulation for full-body protection | Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Suit, |
Feathered Friends Icefall Parka and Pants, | ||
Rab Expedition 8000 Suit | ||
Insulated Jacket | Provides warmth in frigid temperatures and harsh winds | Canada Goose Expedition Parka, |
The North Face Himalayan Parka, | ||
Arc'teryx Ceres SV Jacket | ||
Insulated Pants | Insulates legs and retains warmth in sub-zero temperatures | Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Insulated Pants, |
Mountain Equipment Glacier 750 Pants, | ||
Patagonia Grade VII Down Pants |
Shell Layers
Shell layers protect against wind, rain, and snow, keeping you dry and comfortable in harsh weather conditions. Look for waterproof and breathable materials to maintain optimal performance.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Hardshell Jacket | Waterproof and windproof outer layer with adjustable hood | Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket, |
The North Face Summit L5 Futurelight Jacket | ||
Softshell Jacket | Offers flexibility and breathability while providing some weather resistance | Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hooded Jacket, |
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody, Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Shell | ||
Rain Pants | Protects legs from rain and snow | Marmot PreCip Eco Pants, REI Co-op Rainier Full-Zip Pants, |
Patagonia Torrentshell Pants |
Footwear
Proper footwear is essential for maintaining traction and protecting your feet from extreme cold and potential injury. Choose durable, insulated boots designed for mountaineering in harsh conditions.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Mountaineering Boots | Insulated boots with rigid soles for crampon compatibility | La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube Boots, |
Scarpa Phantom 8000 Mountaineering Boots, | ||
Millet Everest GTX Mountaineering Boots | ||
Approach Shoes | Provides stability and grip for rocky terrain and scrambling | La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoes, |
Scarpa Zodiac Tech Approach Shoes, | ||
Five Ten Guide Tennie Approach Shoes | ||
Trekking Boots | Offers support and cushioning for long-distance trekking | Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Trekking Boots, |
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Trekking Boots, | ||
Vasque Breeze LT Mid GTX Trekking Boots | ||
Camp Booties | Provides warmth and comfort at rest stops and in camp | The North Face Nuptse Bootie III, |
Rab Hut Booties, | ||
Western Mountaineering Flash Down Booties |
Handwear
Protecting your hands from frostbite and injury is crucial in the extreme cold of Everest's South Col. Insulated gloves and mittens provide warmth and dexterity for climbing and handling equipment.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Insulated Gloves | Provides warmth and dexterity for technical tasks | Black Diamond Guide Finger Gloves, |
Outdoor Research Alti Mitts, | ||
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Gloves | ||
Liner Gloves | Adds extra warmth and versatility when layering | Smartwool Merino 150 Glove Liners, |
The North Face Etip Gloves, | ||
Icebreaker Quantum Gloves |
Technical Gear
Technical gear includes essential tools for climbing, safety, and navigation. These items are critical for overcoming the challenges of the Everest South Col route.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Crampons | Provides traction on ice and snow | Black Diamond Contact Crampons, |
Petzl Sarken Crampons, | ||
Grivel G12 New Classic Crampons | ||
Ice Axe | Essential for self-arrest and glacier travel | Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe, |
Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe, | ||
Camp Corsa Ice Axe | ||
Harness | Secures you to ropes and anchors during climbs | Black Diamond Couloir Harness, |
Petzl Altitude Harness, | ||
Arc'teryx FL-365 Harness |
Hydration and Nutrition
Proper hydration and nutrition are vital for maintaining energy and performance at high altitudes. Plan to carry enough water and calorie-dense snacks for the duration of the climb.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Widemouth Water bottles | Sturdy bottles with wide mouths which help when freezing | CamelBak Crux Reservoir, |
Platypus Big Zip EVO Reservoir, | ||
Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir | ||
Water Purification | Purifies water from natural sources for safe drinking | MSR Guardian Purifier, |
Katadyn Gravity Camp 6L Water Filter, | ||
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System |
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is crucial for mitigating risks associated with high-altitude climbing. These items provide protection and aid in emergency situations.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Avalanche Probe | Used for probing snow layers and locating buried victims in an avalanche | Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon Probe, |
MSR Responder Avalanche Probe, | ||
Ortovox Carbon 240 Light Probe | ||
Avalanche Airbag | Enables airbag deployment in the event of an avalanche | Mammut Avalanche Airbag 3.0, |
Arc'teryx Voltair Avalanche Airbag, | ||
Backcountry Access Float 32 Avalanche Airbag | ||
Emergency Bivvy | Provides shelter and warmth in unexpected situations | SOL Emergency Bivvy, |
Rab Group Shelter 2, | ||
Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Shelter |
Climbing Accessories
Climbing accessories enhance comfort and efficiency during the ascent. These items aid in various aspects of climbing, from navigation to gear organization.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Climbing | Provides secure attachment points for ropes and gear | Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner, |
Carabiners | Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner, | |
DMM Phantom Screwgate Carabiner | ||
Climbing | Assists in ascending fixed ropes during glacier travel | Petzl Ascension Ascender, |
Ascenders | Black Diamond Index Ascender, | |
CAMP Turbohand Ascender | ||
Climbing | Aids in rappelling and belaying for controlled descents | Petzl GriGri Belay Device, |
Belay Device | Black Diamond ATC-Guide Belay Device, | |
Trango Cinch Belay Device |
Camping Gear
Camping gear is essential for overnight stays during the Everest South Col climb. These items provide shelter, warmth, and comfort in harsh mountain conditions.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Tent |
Provides shelter and protection from the elements (provided by guide company) |
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent, |
The North Face Mountain 25 Tent, | ||
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent | ||
Sleeping Pad | Insulates from the cold ground and provides cushioning | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad, |
NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad, | ||
REI Co-op Flash Thermal Sleeping Pad | ||
-20c Sleeping Bag |
Rated to -20°F and must be down-filled rather than synthetic filled for the sake of weight and bulk. This bag remains at basecamp. |
Marmot Col -20 Sleeping Bag, |
The North Face Inferno -20 Sleeping Bag | ||
Rab Neutrino 800 -20 Sleeping Bag | ||
Sleeping Bag 2 | -40f/-40c Sleeping bag | Rab Expedition 1400 Sleeping Bag, |
Marmot Col -40 Sleeping Bag | ||
Feathered Friends Snow Goose EX -40 Sleeping Bag |
Miscellaneous Items
Miscellaneous items encompass essential gear that doesn't fit into other categories but is still vital for a successful climb.
Required Item | Description | Recommended Items |
---|---|---|
Trekking Poles | Essential for stability and support during long approaches | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles, |
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles, | ||
MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles | ||
Headlamp | Provides illumination for early startsand late finishes | Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, |
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp, | ||
BioLite HeadLamp 750 | ||
Navigation Device | Aids in route finding and orientationduring treacherous terrain | Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld GPS, |
Suunto Ambit3 Peak GPS Watch, | ||
Brunton TruArc 15 Compass |