Mt. Mera located at the edge of Khumbu region offers a thrilling climbing experience. It is the highest climbing peak over 6,000 meters in Nepal. And, a climb to its peak is an amazing experience.
You must be very attentive in packing Mera Peak gear list. You’d definitely not want to make your stuff weigh you down. Do you?
It will be a lot easier if you pack efficiently and wisely. You must have a peculiar choice while packing. It is better not to carry gadgets like laptops zoom lenses, camp chopsticks, hair dryers, rollers etc. These could wait till you get home.
Mera Peak climb takes you to absolute isolation and in the wilderness. You will walk in natural surroundings away from human settlements and villages.
Also, it involves a culturally stimulating journey through remote picturesque villages and forests. And, follows a gentle climb to the summit.
The beautiful Hinku valley has flora and fauna with dense forests of Rhododendron, Magnolia, and Pine trees.
You’ll be carrying all your belongings on your back the whole time you are walking. So, it’s always great to try minimizing the weight. The size, fit and comfort of your pack are important.
Like most treks, your climb depends on the following factors. It is be best if you keep yourself prepared.
- Permits
- Accommodation
- Meals and Drinks
- Modes of transportation
- Duration of the expedition
- Guide and porter
- Trekking trail that you choose
- And some miscellaneous expenses
Mera Peak is an adventure. A good preparation will make your trip a lot easier and enjoyable.
Mera Peak Gear List
Given below is a tentative list of what you could need. Feel free to customize the outline to suit your need.
Essential Personal Climbing Gear
- A sport harness
A sport harness is necessary whenever you are abseiling, rock climbing, mountaineering or canyoning . It provides best grip preventing you from falling.
- Carabiners
Carabiner is a special type of shackle that is used to connect components. They are widely used in rope- intensive activities.
- Infinity Dry Rope / Prusik Loop
The Prusik loop is used in mountaineering, climbing, and tying knots. They are also used in rope rescue.
- Braking Belay Device
The braking belay device provides grip while self mountaineering or abseiling. They are usually attached to harness or carabiner.
- Crampons
It is the device attached to the footwear during expeditions. It improves mobility while walking over snow or ice climbing.
- Trekking Poles
Who can dream of walking on ice without trekking poles- God probably. This gear helps you to maintain rhythm while walking on ice/ snow.
- The Figure of eight locks/ Descender/ Super 8
The figure of eight lock is allows you to have a very precise control over speed while descending. It allows the large- rescue sized carabiner to be used without any kind of friction.
- Ascender
Ascenders are mechanical devices that are attached to rope to make the ascending easy. You’ve to be very cautious while using this tool.They are best for use on great walls and caving. - Ice Axe
Ice axe is multi purpose hiking and climbing tool used in ascending and descending. It is an ice climbing tool.
- Multi- LED Headlamp & Spare batteries
Not only the headlamps: spare batteries are to be kept in mind. Multi LED headlamps helps you to either focus or to blur the journey. You don’t know when the battery life will come to end and spare ones will do the rescue.
- Slings
It provides low stretch and good flexibility to reduce load damage.
- Altimeter
It measures the altitude of the place by measuring the atmospheric pressure above the sea level. - Climbing Helmet
Not many trekkers wear the helmet but it is important part of your gear rack. The rock climbing helmets protect the climbers from rock falls which is serious than a fall on the ground.
- Climbing Rope
Climbing rope helps you in various activities like climbing, abseiling, canoeing, making knots etc. You must not forget to carry climbing rope. - U- Lock
The U-Lock is small rock but they are very essential while mountain hiking. They help to make a better locks by creating smallest gap as possible. - Gloves (Insulating)
How can anyone travel without gloves? Gloves are used for various stuffs like making knots, climbing,and keeping your hands warm. - Sleeping bag
Well, overnight stay without sleeping bag is worthless. It not only provides you warmth, also protects your body while you’re enjoying your dreams. - Survival Blanket
Except for keeping you warm, the survival blanket works as an useful first-aid kit if someone is going into shock. Wrap the blanket around, tucking both the sides and under the feet, to keep the cold out.
- Oxygen
You will never know if you suffer from AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) so, a healthy preparation is necessary. Walk slowly, and carry enough bottles of oxygen. This thrilling trek also needs courageous heart to head with. - Insect repellent
The best repellent protects you from bite without causing irritation. Select the best that fits your skin type.
Group gear
- Tent, flying sheet, poles and pegs
- Billies
- Stove and fuel- Check the stove if it’s working, before the trip
- First Aid Gear
- Ladle/ stirrer
- Pot handler
- detergent and cleaning cloth
- Map and compass
- Survival blanket
- GPS
- Whistle
- Pen & Paper
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, proper underwear is a must. In the context of mountain climbs, you must be very serious about it. Use quick drying and light fabric- don’t use cotton. I recommend Merino wool.
Quality, as well as the comfort, is the basic necessity so don’t look for a cheaper option. Merino wool is popular because it is soft and has breath-ability while providing excellent insulation. It can absorb water very well and takes moisture away from the body keeping it dry and warm. Plus, it has antibacterial properties and gives long-term usage.
Upper Body
- 1-2 (medium insulation),short-sleeve Merino shirt
- 2 long-sleeve Merino shirts
- One fleece pullover, medium weight
- One fleece jacket
- One hard shell waterproof jacket with the large hood to accommodate the climbing helmet
- Lightweight insulating jacket for chilly days in base camp and warm layer when stopping for short breaks
- One very warm expedition grade insulating jacket with hood or a suit if you prefer
Note: It is advisable to keep your clothing dry using waterproof stuff sacks (preferably made of Cordura) or bin-liners or large plastic bags.
Hands
- Gloves
A pair of lightweight gloves. We use it while tying knots.
It is very necessary to have gloves on, to protect your hands from cold; to protect it from getting cut while tying knots. Tying knots when it’s freezing is really hard, so you need to wear gloves to make your work easier.
- Mittens
They provide superior comfort and durable waterproof protection for a wide range of outdoor activities. Mittens are comparatively better because they are softer than gloves.
Mittens provide better warmth than gloves, given that fingers are in close contact.
It forms an impenetrable barrier against wind and water while maintaining breathability. The fabric has a two-layer construction for a lighter and softer feel. Additionally, a three-layer construction for a more heavy-duty alternative.
Head
- A Warm hat that covers your ears
- Face mask or Balaclava
- Neck sleeve/ Scarf
- A handkerchief or headscarf (useful for dusty conditions)
Lower Body
- Merino underwear briefs
- Walking shorts (optional)
- Walking trouser for trekking and around camps
- Thermal Bottoms
- Very thick thermal Merino’s bottoms
- Polar fleece trousers or similar mid-layer trousers
- One pair of trousers or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips
- One pair of trousers or bibs(you may prefer a down suit)
Feet
- Pair of plastic boot suitable for >8,000 m
- Pair of hiking boots with good ankle support for the walk
- Pair of cross-trainers, running shoe/sandals in camp
- Two pair of thick socks
- Two pairs of Liner socks
- Trekking socks 2 pairs, wool or poly
Travel and sleeping Gear
You need a good pack liner to prevent your bag from getting wet. No pack will remain waterproof if it isn’t sealed properly.
Rucksacks and Travel Bags
- One medium rucksack (50-70 kg)
- Two large (120 kg) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment
- Small padlocks for duffle kit bags
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping bag for high altitude (rated to -35c(-30F)
- At least 3 closed cell foam mats for use in base camp in higher camps
Note: Keep your sleeping bags dry using a waterproof stuff sack.
Personal Hygiene
- Personal Hygiene supplies
- Sunscreen 2 tubes ( min. SPF 30),
- Anti-mosquito ointments
- Hand sanitizer
- 1 synthetic towel ( fast drying)
- Skin Blister repair kit
Medical supplies
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache medication
- A Cough and/or cold medicine.
- Antibiotics for the stomach infection.
- Antibiotics for the chest infection.
- Anti-altitude sickness medication or Diamox
- Water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions AND chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer.
- Earplugs
- Extra prescription glasses/contact lens. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency.
Note: Do not bring sleeping pills. They are respiratory depressants which are problematic at high altitude.
Other Practical Items
- Solar Charger
- GPS or compass
- Digital Camera with extra cards
- Water bottles and pee bottle
- Plastic Cup and spoon
- Folding Knife
- Binoculars(optional)
- A bathing suit ( you never know what you want to do)
- Camp entertainment: (You can bring cards, books, mp3 players, bear plugs, musical instruments, and radio.)
Note: Please be very patient and try to keep an open, positive, and relaxed mindset.
This place may contrast to the surroundings you live in and it is very essential to maintain the peace of mind to enjoy the tour to its best level.
Be very choosy about the gadgets you’ll be carrying because you will be the one carrying it all along. It is likely that you will get a porter but they too have a 20 kg limit.
Why burden, right?
And at last,
The weather of the Mera Peak is unpredictable, you need to be careful while enjoying the climb to the fullest. The day can start windy with the dusty sky and end with the clear beautiful sky. Sometimes it can even rain/snow while climbing.
It is advisable not to carry the extra pieces of stuffs like hair dryer, hair straightener, and various cosmetic products. It is not necessary. Use that extra space in your backpack. Do carry body lotion and a chapstick as it is quite dry at higher altitude.
Keeping these ideas in your mind, plan your expedition. Remember, enjoyment and learning is must but it won’t even count if you’re not physically sound. So, stay safe and enjoy with us .Take care of yourselves and the mother nature too.
For further inquiry on this expedition or any other trips in Nepal, contact us.
