3 days to go before I set off to Kathmandu for my epic trek up to Everest Base Camp.   Packing for a trip like this is intense as there are so many unknowns – Will it rain or snow?  How cold will it be?  Not to mention I have a 30 lb weight restriction for my checked bag on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – the starting point for the trek.  Of course I have all of the gear I need to make it through the next 3 weeks, but thought it was worth mentioning a few of those items that will allow me to survive the trek without a hitch!

Top 10 Essentials (in no particular order)

1.  -20 sleeping bag – Temps could be freezing at 15,000 feet and above.  This bag, in addition to a nightly hot water bottle should do the trick!

2.  Ciproflaxin – Also known as Cipro.   Every time I go on one of these trips, at least one person comes down with an intestinal issue and what a drag it is.  Keeping my fingers crossed I don’t draw the short stick this time….

3.  Down Pants – Bought a good pair on sale from Mont-Bell this year.  I most likely will not hike in them, but I do think they will come in handy post trekking while we are all shivering around the dinner table.

4.  Nook – Finally broke down and bought one.  Books are so heavy and with a weight restriction, I thought this was a good option – I got one with the backlight so I could read in the darkness of my tent.

5.  Camera (of course) with a few extra batteries/memory cards and 3 different lenses (50, 24-70 and 70-200).  I will also have an extra Point and Shoot for those days I don’t want to haul the big DSLR around.

6.  Freshette – What is this you ask?  It is an AMAZING gadget for women as it allows us to urinate standing up!  It is the best invention.  No more sitting on unsanitary toilet seats or having to squat in precarious situations – don’t leave home without one!

7. Hand Warmers – To go inside my mountaineering mittens.  If my hands are cold, I might as well go home.  Cold hands to me are like death and I will avoid them at all costs!

8.  Sunscreen – I learned from an earlier trip, sunscreen/lip protection 3 miles + above sea-level is critical.  One year, my lip got so burned, I couldn’t drink hot drinks for a week. Every time my lip touched the side of a hot mug, the pain was unbearable!

9.  Gummi Bears – This is one of the simple pleasures I am bringing with me….can’t help it – LOVE them and figure they will bring me comfort in times of need.  Gotta have simple pleasures!

10. Good bath salts, body lotion and a razor for AFTER the trek.  The first thing I am going to do when we finish up is take a long, hot bath.  I long for it already!

What am I missing??