TEAM EVEREST Weather and Gear

1. TEAM EVERESTWeather and Gear Taryn Black | 26 March 2014

2. Weather to expect • Monsoon season is June – September • Wet and humid (somewhat less so at high altitude) • Rain almost every day (not all day) • Mountains often hidden by cloud • Lukla flight cancellations for poor visibility are common • Trails may be very muddy, especially before Namche Bazaar • Potential for landslides and high water

3. Climate regions • Humid subtropical • Kathmandu, Atlanta • Hot and humid summers • Temperate highland tropical • Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche • Rainy summers • Continental subarctic/boreal • Dingboche, Lobuche, GorakShep, Pheriche • Short, cool/mild summers • Above treeline

4. The rough numbersPrepare for temperatures anywhere from 10°F to 80°F http://en.climate-data.org/

5. Tea houses • Bed yes, bedding maybe • Generally not heated • Usually no electricity until after dark • Toilets usually in separate building • No flush toilets

6. Gear: main points • COTTON KILLS • LAYERS LAYERSLAYERS • YOU WILL STINK. GET OVER IT.

7. Gear: provided • Sleeping bag (ORGT/trekking agency) • Sleeping pad (ORGT) • Down jacket (possibly provided by trekking agency) • Water purification (ORGT) • Satellite phone (ORGT) • The trekking agency has a variety of rental gear available

8. Gear: the base-ics LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS • Synthetic t-shirt • Thermal underwear (long-sleeve shirt and pants) • Recommended: synthetic or merino wool; moisture-wicking, quick-drying, mid- or expedition-weight • Synthetic hiking pants • Recommended: zip-off, quick-dry • Synthetic underwear

9. Gear: warm and dry • Down/synthetic WARM jacket (if not provided/rented) • Fleece jacket or sweater • Fleece pants (optional) • Rain jacket (also blocks wind) • Rain pants • Warm hat that covers ears • Neck gaiter/buff/balaclava • Warm gloves – consider liner and wind/waterproof outer glove

10. Gear: feet • Hiking boots (waterproof/repellent) • 3-4 pairs of socks (wool/synthetic) • Recommended: gaiters • Sandals

11. Gear: health and hygiene • Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, etc.) • Sunblock and lip balm • UV is much stronger at high altitude • Towel + biodegradable shampoo/soap OR wet wipes + dry shampoo • Medications (prescrip, antacid, anti-diarrhea, pain reliever, eye drops) • Toilet paper • Pee bottle (optional) • Cough drops recommended due to dusty conditions

12. Gear: other • Water bottle/bladder • At least one bottle to let boiled water cool off before putting in bladder • Head lamp + spare batteries • Sun hat + bandana • Camera • Sunglasses with high UV protection • Wraparound or glacier glasses • Personal snacks • Personal basic first aid • Handwarmers

13. Gear: transport • Lukla flight weight limits: • Checked bag: 10kg (22lb) • Carry-on: 5kg (11lb) • Recommend putting backpack/gear in a large duffel bag for air travel (protects straps and buckles, prevents tears) • Plus another duffel to store stuff not used on the trek (or to carry souvenirs home!)

14. Cultural note on clothing • Women: pants or skirt+tights are okay; wearing tights, shorts, or sport tops not recommended unless worn under other clothes • Men: pants or knee-length shorts are okay; don’t go shirtless http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/asia/mount-everest-base-camp-trek.html

15. Further information on selecting gear REI has some great articles about how to choose appropriate gear for your activity: http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.html http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insulated-outerwear.html http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.html http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html