Favorite Himalaya Trekking Gear

I find it really interesting to pick and choose just exactly the right trekking gear that I need, before I go on any trek. Not to little and definetly not too much! I am a lightweight trekker now. When I started out 7 years ago, I was carrying way too much trekking gear with me -- and not the most usefull stuff either. It kind'a sucks to cross a couple of Himalayan mountain ranges only to find some unused shirts etc. in the bottom of your backpack when you're back in 'the normal world' again!

Keeping gear weight down simply makes the trekking more enjoyable. A few pounds less do make a difference!

At the same time, you do need to bring some trekking gear for the Himalayas! No way around it. Some adjustment to when, where and how long you are going, but the following Himalaya trekking gear list is almost always good to bring.

Here is:
My top-10 list of my favorite Himalaya Trekking gear:

1. The Esbit cooker and a Canteen Cup
Super-lightweight, simple, tiny and brilliant! For making a cup of tea, coffee, hot water, melting snow, cooking noodles... Fits in any pocket and is simply too small not to bring!

2. A Therm-a-rest
I used to think that a therm-a-rest (self-inflating mattress) was too much of a luxury item for me to consider on a trek. But after I tried it, there was no way back! A good night's sleep just makes the next day so much better! I don't know anyone who has tried it and not loved it. Thumbs up for the therm-a-rest!

3. Trekking pole with ice axe! (What?... Yes!..Click to see!)
Also used to think that trekking poles were not for me. Only for people who need help balancing their too-big loads... But now I've crossed too many slippery and icy trails on north-facing slopes to keep 'taking the chance'. The added ice axe just makes it an indispensible piece of safety trekking gear, for self-arrest etc.

4. An inexpensive rain poncho
Lightweight, yet durable. Inexpensive (read: disposable) in case you don't need it anymore. I'm trying to plan my Himalayan treks outside the rain season, but you never know. And it sucks getting drenched to the bone or waiting out the rain when you want to move...

5. A beanie hat
Best thing to stay warm. Even summer nights gets cold in 5000 meters! The Icebreaker hats are 100% merino wool... Trust me, you'll like it!

6. Thermal layering
A lot of folks go and buy expensive 'breathable' jackets and trousers... and then forget to wear appropriate layers inside! Not smart. Be sure to select some appropriate thermal layers - it's the stuff sitting closest to your skin!

7. Schoeller Dryskin trousers
Get a pair of these, and you'll never want to wear anything else again! Trekking or not!! Seriously, I own 3 pairs and just love them!

8. A Marmot soft-shell jacket (there's also one for women)
People have different preferences, when it comes to sweaters/jackets for trekking. Personally, I prefer to go with a soft shell that protects me from wind and small rain showers, while allowing my body to breathe...

9. A good-quality down jacket (one for women here)
A down jacket is really a must when trekking high in the Himalayas. It'll be soooo good for you! If you don't like to bring two jackets, then skip the soft-shell (#8 above) and bring a good quality down jacket! Don't skimp here!!

10. Marmot Lithium sleeping bag
You don't always need a sleeping bag when you're trekking in the Himalayas, but when you do, this is most likely the one! I've used mine extensively, it's a bit pricy but well worth every cent!

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And that's it, all my favorite pieces of trekking gear for the Himalayas. Some big things and some small things. Some expensive and some cheap trekking gear. I don't see myself as a gear freak, but I try to find out what trekking equipment really gives me an added benefit on a trek, and then usually selects a good quality that can last me many times and is more enjoyable to use. What do you choose?