Adventure in tibet tour

A variety of clothing will be necessary for your trip. You will need clothing for dining in Kathmandu, trekking in the humidity and heat, and to protect you from the cooler temperatures in the mountains. This list is designed to help you choose the right gear for the demands of this trek and are the minimum required for this trip.

You are expected to provide the following personal equipment. These items are mandatory for survival in the mountains, so make sure you have everything on the list.

The emphasis on equipment necessary for mountain travel follows two simple tenets: Lightweight and Functional. The items you choose to take should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions. The quality of the equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain so be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. Comfort lends itself to a more enjoyable experience!

The layering system outlined is usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder, bring one extra medium layer such as a vest, which would be ideal for extra warmth around camp. When making the final decision as to what goes into your pack, remember that it's a fine science of taking just enough clothes and accessories to do the job, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably will not use.

Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that "wick" the sweat and moisture away from your skin to keep you much warmer.

Mountain Madness guides and staff swear by Patagonia gear and we know that you will too. Besides having a strong commitment to the environment, Patagonia produces some of the finest outdoor gear in the industry. Check "Our Links" on the Mountain Madness homepage for a direct link to Patagonia. Find out what makes them "committed to the core."

Another company that we believe follows our two simple tenets (lightweight and functional) is Outdoor Research. Founded in the NW, our guides have used OR gear again and again because they know it works in the mountains and trust their quality and durability. Check Our Links page for a direct link.

Mountain Madness works closely with Second Ascent, a new and used gear store. If you are looking at trying to save some money, this is definitely the place to call. They are great at answering equipment questions and also ship anywhere in the US. They can be reached at (206) 545-8810.

We also work closely with Feathered Friends, a retailer in Seattle. They will offer a 10% discount on purchases if you are signed up for a Mountain Madness trip. Please feel free to call them at (206) 292-2210.

Upper Body
__ 2 cotton t-shirts
__ 1 polypropylene t-shirt
__ 2 long sleeve polypropylene shirts. Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
__ 2 women sports bras. Synthetic, no cotton!
__ 1 softshell. Marmot Dri-clime Wind Shirt, Patagonia Stretch Zephur or Krushell Jacket (R2 pullover acceptable)
__ Down/synthetic sweater or vest. Patagonia Puffball Jacket or Sweater preferred, R4/300weight Jacket acceptable
__ 1 anorak or other outer jacket with hood (Gore-tex is strongly recommended)
__ 1 lightweight expedition down parka w/hood
__ 1 pair liner gloves. Thin wool or polypropylene
__ 1 pair warm gloves. Fleece or wool
__ Shell gloves or mitts. Gore-Tex preferred (OR Cascade gloves or Shuksan mitts)
__ Warm hat. Wool or synthetic that covers your ears
__ Balaclava
__ Shade hat or baseball cap
__ Glacier glasses. 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (e.g. Julbo or Cebe)*
*If you require prescription glacier glasses, you can get your lenses modified to your prescription. Julbo Sherpas glacier glasses works great for prescription lenses. Send the glasses to Opticus along with your PD number with your order. Their number is 1-800-870-5557

Lower Body
__ 4 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or Capilene
__ 4 pair lightweight trekking socks
__ 2 pair lightweight long underwear. Polypropylene or Capilene
__ 1 pair soft shell pants (e.g. Patagonia Talus/Guide pants or OR Granite Pants. Schoeller fabrics)
__ 2-3 pair nylon hiking shorts. Quick drying type, not cotton!
__ 1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof/breathable; Gore-Tex or equivalent is best
__ 1 pair light to medium weight trekking boots
__ 1 pair sandals (for hanging around at camp or in Kathmandu - optional)
__ 1 pair sneakers (optional)
__ 1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis)
__ 1 full length loose skirt* (good option for women)
*Women should plan to wear skirts or pants when walking around Kathmandu.

All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large plastic bags.

Sleeping gear
__ 1 down sleeping bag (rated to -5 to 5+ degrees F)
__ 1 full length Thermarest pad (bring repair kit) or closed cell foam pad
__ Thermarest Lounger (optional)

Pack
__ 1 large day pack* (approximately 2,400 cubic inches)
__ 1 large (7,500+cu.in.) duffel bag for gear. Must be durable for use on pack animals
__ 1 small duffel bag to store at the Mountain Madness office in Kathmandu
__ Small padlocks for duffel bags
*Although we will be using porters, you will want to have everything needed for a full day in your pack. You will not be able to get things from the porters during the day.

Miscellaneous
__ 1 first-aid kit with ibuprofen and any other doctor recommended medications
__ Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful to hang around your neck
__ Sunscreen. At least SPF 40
__ Headlamp. Petzl Myo3 or Black Diamond Gemini
__ 2 Water bottles. 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 holster
__ Hydration bladder with drinking tube (optional)
__ Pocket knife. Small Swiss-army type
__ Water purification. Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals
__ Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag
__ 3-4 Large plastic bags, for keeping miscellaneous gear dry
__ Nylon stuff sacks. For food and gear storage (OR has a good selection); large Ziplocs are useful also
__ Bandana
__ Camp towel and soap
__ Ear plugs
__ Hand wipes
__ 1 small stainless steel thermos (optional)
__ Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds)
__ Paperback books, cards, Walkman, etc.
__ Binoculars (optional for viewing the route from the lower camps)
__ Camera. 1 lightweight point & shoot or 1 large SLR (optional)
__ Fanny pack or wallet for travel documents, money & passport
__ Passport and passport photos
__ Airline ticket
__ 1 pair adjustable trekking poles