Essential Gears and Equipment List for Mera Peak Climbing

Mera Peak is situated at the edge of the Khumbu region which offers a mystery and chiller climbing experience. This is the highest trekking peak in Nepal with an altitude of 6461m. You will have a fantastic experience on this climb. This climb takes more than 15-16 days with difficult terrain. Mera Peak climb takes you to absolutely isolated places in the wilderness with no human settlement and villages. Therefore, having the right equipment, on your expedition help to decrease the difficulty level and increase safety, comfortability, and enjoyment. So, it is important to take time to acquire the correct gear and equipment. Shopping at the last minute is not a good idea, sometimes you can’t find the right gear or with the right size. You need to do the shopping for your gear in a standard shop because often salespeople in your local shop do not have first-hand knowledge of high altitude climbing. Choosing the right gear is necessary for you to have a better experience. Here, you will be carrying all your belongings the whole time you are walking in your back. Therefore, it is better to try to minimize the weight as much as possible. This doesn’t mean you won’t carry the necessary thing.

During your expedition to Nepal, you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. At one end of this range is the warm and humid city of Kathmandu whereas while traveling through or in the Khumbu region you will experience dry-cold and windy weather. Taking a wide variety of equipment can be more useful in your expedition. Similarly, your clothing needs to be lightweight, warm, dry quickly, and comfortable. Right gear and equipment are the lifesavers when you are in the Himalayas. Here are some absolutely important gear and equipment that you must include in your packing for the successful Mera Peak climbing. 

Technical Climbing gear

• Harness

The harness is a strap worn around the waist with loops to fit your thighs for securing you to a rope or anchor. It must be well fitted and comfortable to wear. It is essential while climbing rocks and mountains. Thus, please kindly include it for  your Mera Peak Climbing.

• Carabiners

The carabiner is a special type of shackle that is used to connect components, usually to protect your harness. They are used in rope-intensive activities. It is a good idea to bring six carabiners, three lockings, and three unlockings. 

• Crampons

Crampons are a grip device that is attached to the footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice during mountain/ice climbing. It improves your mobility while walking over snow and ice.

• Climbing boot

Successful Mera Peak Climbing ,depends on the comfortability and safety of your feet. A better pair of climbing boots is essential for your successful climbing. They are not completely stiff like ski boots as they need some degree of flexibility for climbing.  Properly insulated boots with additional stiffness and support are to be arranged. Similarly, you need to be sure that they are compatible with the crampons.

•   Descender

Descender is a shape of 8 devices that are made up of Aluminium. These 8 figure locks allow you to have very precise control over speed while descending. This is like a friction brake used in combination with a climbing harness and carabiner. 

• Ascender 

Ascender is a mechanical device that is attached to the rope to make ascending easy. It is used to provide safety and additional support to ascending. Therefore, it must be comfortable to use with gloves or mittens. 

• Trekking poles

Who can imagine walking on ice without trekking poles? Trekking poles help you to walk on rough terrain maintaining rhythm while walking on ice. 

• Ice-axes 

Ice-axes is a straight and shafted ax with a gently curved pick used for both ascending and descending in ice surfaces. It is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool which you can use for digging, cutting steps, securing a harness or you can also simply use it as a walking stick.

• Altimeter 

The altimeter is the instrument used to measure the altitude of the place by measuring the atmospheric pressure.

• Climbing helmet

Not many trekkers wear the helmet while doing the trek but it is an essential part of your gear for your own safety. It protects you from rock falls which are more serious than fall on the ground.

• Climbing Ropes

Climbing rope is very necessary as it is used in various activities like climbing, making knots, abseiling, etc. Therefore, you must not forget to carry a climbing rope. 

Clothing 

When it comes to clothing, proper quality with comfortability is most important to complete your Mera Peak Climbing. So, you must be serious about it. Use clothes that are quick-drying and light fabric and avoid cotton. Merino wool is famous because it is soft and has breath-ability while providing excellent insulation with the ability to absorb water very well and takes moisture away from the body keeping it dry and warm. Plus, it has antibacterial properties and gives long usage. 

Upper body clothing

1. Ultra-light base layer
2. Short sleeve shirts
3. Long sleeve sun shirt
4. Softshell jacket
5. Hardshell waterproof  jacket with the long hood to accommodation 
6. One warm expedition grade insulating jacket with hood or a suit

Lower body clothing

1. Mid-weight base layer
2. 1 to 3 underwear
3. Quick-dry shorts
4. Down or synthetic insulated pant
5. Expedition-weight bottoms
6. Walking trouser for trekking 
7. Hard Shell Pant
8. Soft Shell pants

Hands 

1. Gloves

 The glove you choose must be lightweight because you will be using it while trying knots.  The glove is necessary for the protection of your hands from cold and to protect your hand from getting cut while tying knots. Wearing gloves in a cold place while doing knots makes your work easier. 

1. Mittens 

Mittens are comparatively better because they are softer than gloves and provide superior comfort and durable waterproof protection for a wide range of outdoor activities. Mittens are better as it is warmer than gloves. 

Head 

• A warm hat or cap that covers your ears
• A neck sleeve/scarf
• A face mask or Balaclava
• headscarf

Toiletry and fit aid

Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturizer, toilet paper, biodegradable soap and shampoo, quick-dry towel, sanitizer, etc

First Aid: Your prescribed medicines, waterproof first-aid tape, band-aids, antibiotics, ointment, etc. 

Feet 

Keeping your feet warm and strong is necessary because climbing is all about your strong feet. Some necessities for the safety and protection of feet are given below:

• Pairs of liner socks
• Pairs of thick and warm sock
• Trekking socks
• Pair of plastic boot suitable
• Hiking boot
• Pair of cross-trainers, running shoe, or sandals for camp

Miscellaneous Items 

• Sunscreen
• Lip care
• Extra batteries for headlamp
• Water bottles 
• Thermos Bottle
• Camera and spare USB Card
• Pen and notebook