Packing light for altitude

Every gram you carry uphill is a gram you'll feel by day three. After a hundred treks, here's the kit list we actually swear by.

The non-negotiables

• Quality trekking shoes, broken in
• Three-layer clothing system
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• Reusable water bottle & purification
• Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 50+)

What to leave behind

Cotton everything, your third pair of shoes, and that hardback novel. Your back will thank you.