A Complete Packing List Guide for Island Peak Climbing

Climbing Island Peak is an adventurous and demanding journey. Nestled in the Everest region, Island Peak (6189 m/20,305 ft) is a complete climbing peak. Trekkers who aim to summit the world’s highest peak, Everest (8848.86 m/29,031 ft), prefer climbing this peak as a preparatory peak. However, for a successful and comfortable climbing experience, it is essential to have proper Island Peak climbing gears.

Moreover, the topic of what items I should pack is often the most confusing. Do not be in haste while preparing your packing list. Do some research and prepare a complete packing list that fits your preferences most.

Nevertheless, if you are still in a dilemma, we, Himalayan Masters, are at your service. You can always contact us for a complete and the most comprehensive gear list for scaling Island Peak. You can get in touch with us via email, WhatsApp, or phone call, or you can directly visit our office in Saat Ghumti, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Things to Consider While Packing

Island Peak climbing is a challenging journey through the standard Everest Base Camp route. As it is a complete climbing peak, you will need technical mountaineering skills as well as gears.

To make your journey pleasant and enjoyable, here are some of the things that you need to consider while packing.

• Pack clothes according to the season you are travelling. You might want to pack some light clothes when trekking in summer, while warm clothes for winter.
• Test your trekking gear and get habitual with it. Practice hiking with the same boot that you will be bringing for the Island Peak expedition.
• Buy sturdy, waterproof, and a little larger-sized boots with good ankle support and grip. We suggest buying B3-rated specialized mountaineering boots that are compatible with crampons.
• The temperature on the Island Peak Base Camp could drop below -20°C. Therefore, we recommend you pack extra sleeping bed liners for warmth.
• Do not overpack or underpack. A porter can carry up to 25 kg per person. However, when climbing, you will need to carry your own bag. So, try to keep it light.
• You can buy or rent trekking gear in Nepal or bring it from your own country. If you are a regular mountaineer, we suggest buying good quality products, which could save some extra dollars in renting gear every time.
• Carry 1-2 L insulated water bottles, as water on normal bottles or hydrating bladders could freeze.
• Carry Nepali currency cash. There is no ATM service on the Island Peak. You can exchange your money in Kathmandu.
• Himalayan Masters will provide all the complimentary climbing gear for the Island Peak climbing. Complimentary gear like sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, duffle bags, crampons, etc.

Essential Gear for Island Peak Climbing

Climbing Island Peak is an exhilarating journey but not a trekking peak. So, there are certain essential gear that you will need to climb the peak. Particularly after the crampon point (above 5800 meters/19,029 feet), you will need special mountaineering gear.

Let’s list out some of the personal and group Island Peak climbing gears.

Personal Island Peak Climbing Gears List

• Crampons: Compatible with mountaineering boots
• Mountaineering boots: Waterproof and sturdy
• Ice axe: For steep sections on the glacier
• Climbing harness: With adjustable leg loops for a secure fit
• Helmet: For extra protection against falling pebbles and ice
• Jumar/Ascender: For fixed-rope sections
• Descender (8 figure or ATC): For rappelling
• Carabiners (2 locks and 2 unlocks): Carabiners with at least 2 locks and 2 unlocks for safety
• Trekking poles: Compatible and adjustable poles for stability
• Headlamp: For early morning summit attempt

Group Island Peak Climbing Gears List

• Climbing rope: For travelling through glaciers and fixed lines
• Snow stakes and ice screw: To anchor ropes on the glacier
• Ice hammer: For cutting steps in snow or breaking ice cubes
• First aid kit: Medications including altitude sickness medications, bandages, gauges, and other emergency supplies
• Satellite phone or radio: For emergency communication, as there is no mobile network
• Portable oxygen: For emergency purposes in case of altitude sickness

Island Packing Checklist

Island Peak is not just mountaineering; it is a whole lot of trekking ventures. Trekkers need to trek for 5-7 days before reaching the base camp of Island Peak.

Packing according to necessity is crucial to be prepared for extreme weather, rugged terrain, and technical climbing.

Here’s a complete packing guide for Island Peak climbing gears, especially prepared by Himalayan Masters’s expert team.

Clothing

Packing appropriate clothes is the most vital part of Island Peak climbing or any other excruciations. Therefore, layering clothes according to the season you are travelling is crucial.

Base Layer

Packing 2-3 sets of lightweight, breathable, quick drying and moisture-withing base layer is recommended. We suggest clothes made with materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics.

Mid Layer

The insulation layer or mid-layer is important for insulating the warmth produced by the body and overcoming extreme cold at higher altitudes.

Outer Layer

Packing a high-quality Gore-Tex or similar shell, waterproof and windproof, is a good decision to stay warm during rain and snow. Additionally, insulated climbing pants are recommended for summit day.

Other Clothing

• Trekking shorts or pants: For warmer days
• Underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
• Sports bras (for women): They provide good support
• Cap: For sunny days
• Beanie: For protecting the head from cold during cold days
• Buff or neck gaiter: For protecting the neck from wind and dust
• Glover: Warm, lightweight, and heavy insulated gloves
• Socks: 4-5 pairs of thick socks for warmth

Footwear

For Island Peak climbing, two different types are required. One sturdy and waterproof hiking boot with good ankle support is required for trekking. Another mountaineering boot, which is compatible with a crampon, is required for climbing.

Likewise, to protect your boots from snow and debris, you can also include gaiters in your packing list.

Further, you might want to pack 1 or 2 lightweight sandals or sneakers to wear at teahouses.

Backpack

• Daypack: A 30-40 litre daypack for carrying daily essentials
• Duffle bag: A 60-80 litres duffle bag for carrying main gear for porters
• Dry Bag or packing cubes: To keep gears organized and dry

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag: A -20°C rated sleeping bag for high-altitudes and cold weather
• Sleeping bag liner: For extra warmth and keep your sleeping bag clean
• Inflated sleeping pad: for extra comfort and insulation

Personal Items

• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Camera
• Extra batteries
• Toiletries
• First aid kit
• Power bank
• Personal medicines

Miscellaneous

• Trek map
• Pee funnel
• E-book
• Notebook and pen
• Snacks
• Cash
• Essential documents

What documents do I need for Island Peak?

• A passport with at least 6 months of visa validity
• Filled form for Nepal visa on arrival
• Island Peak climbing permit
• Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
• Travel Insurance
• 2-4 copies of passport-sized photos

Island Peak Packing List for Winter

Island Peak expedition, especially during winter, is a challenging task. The weather is frigid, due to which even using an ice axe and other mountaineering gears is difficult. So, you need to pack accordingly.

To overcome cold, you must pack an extra heavy down jacket, thermal gloves and mittens, and an additional base layer for insulation. Additionally, a warmer sleeping bag rated to -25°C or lower should be included.

Further, remember to pack a balaclava for face protection. Do not forget to get some sturdy and durable mountaineering gear.

As a Woman, Which Items Should I Not Miss While Packing?

• Hygiene products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups
• Moisturizer and sunscreen for high-altitude conditions
• Sports bras that are quick in moisture-wicking and comfortable with good support
• Hair ties or headbands
• Wet wipes and hand sanitisers

Can I Rent Trekking or Mountaineering Gear in Nepal?

Yes, you can buy or rent any mountaineering gear in Nepal. You can rent them around Thamel in Kathmandu or Pokhara, too.

However, Himalayan Masters will provide most of the mountaineering gear required for the Island Peak climbing.

Moreover, if you want to bring gear from your own country, or if you already have it, you can bring them too.