SLT LOGISTICS

The exact packing contents will vary from stage to stage, depending on variables such as season, duration, technicality, and region. You will learn to adapt it as you go. It is highly useful, if not necessary, to travel with a large duffel. You will leave this in a central location, such as Kathmandu or Osh, and draw resupply from periodically. There is no one-size-fits-all kit for the SLT, and interchanging gear is a great way to keep a kit pared down to the essentials.

Backpack & Sleep System

• Backpack: 70-80L for 10+ days self-sustained, or 35-50L for shorter stretches. Should have a rain cover or a pack liner.
• Lightweight Sturdy Tent: 3 to 4-season with pegs. Must be pitchable on rock/difficult terrain.
• Sleeping Bag: Comfort rated to at least 0°F / -18°C. On higher treks, such as Makalu, extra insulation is imperative.
• Sleeping Pad: Inflatable with an R-Value of 3 minimum (4.5 to 7.3 preferred), plus a repair kit.

Layering & Apparel

• Base Layers: 1x warm layer top and bottom (merino/synthetic) for cold nights, 1-2x cool layer (sun hoody) for hiking.
• Active Insulation Layer: Fleece or synthetic insulation (ie. Primaloft, alphagrid).
• Warm Layer: Heavy down jacket (consider a second summit down if prone to cold).
• Outer Shell: Waterproof, windproof hard-shell jacket (and optionally pants).
• Trekking Pants: 1x pair quick-dry fabric. For longer treks, bring 1 extra pair of pants or shorts.
• Extremities: Warm hat and glove liners (even in July), plus a sun hat and buff.
• Undergarments: 2-4x pairs wool/synthetic trekking socks, 2-4x pairs quick-dry underwear.
• Shoes: Trail runners or light hiking boots. Optional camp shoes for the evenings.

Camp Kitchen & Hydration

• Lighter, Cooker, & Gas: e.g., Primus Lite Plus or MSR Pocket Rocket. (Note: Source gas in major cities. Check thread compatibility).
• Utensils: 1x long-handled spoon. (1x mug optional).
• Water Bottles: Minimum 2x 1L bottles. (Consider bladder for fast and light sections).
• Purification: Tablets and / or filter. (Avoid LifeStraws due to cooking limitations; cold kills UV device batteries; sediment quickly clogs physical filters).

Other Gear

• Trekking Poles: Useful for steep scree, river crossings, and steep ascents / descents.
• Headlamp: Plus spare batteries or a dedicated charger.
• Sun Protection: Cat-3 or 4 sunglasses; SPF 50 sunscreen and SPF lip balm.
• Repair Kit: Duct tape, needle & thread, tenacious tape.
• Medical: First Aid Kit including but not limited to NSAID, Loperamide, antihistamines, blister control, ACE bandages, gauze.
• Organization: Dry bags and ziplocks for organization and waterproofing.

Admin & Survival

• Comms: Garmin InReach Mini or similar satellite device.
• Paperwork: Passport, printed E-Visa, and relevant permits. (Copies of each are useful).
• Finance: Cash and a VISA credit card with a 4-digit PIN.
• Hygiene: Any combination of biodegradable soap, toilet paper, wet wipes, female hygiene products, microfiber travel towel, deodorant/odor control. Ocular and oral products.
• Electronics: 10k-20k mAh power bank, 10W+ solar panel, GPS watch, cables.

Mountaineering

• Rope: 50m+ dry-treated dynamic single-rated rope.
• Harness: Lightweight mountaineering harness (ie. Choucas Pro).
• Boots: 3/4 or full-shank boots, suitable for walking long distances.
• Crampons: Horizontal-point steep crampons. Aluminum not suitable.
• Helmet: Lightweight mountaineering helmet, such as Petzl Sirocco.
• Ice Axe: General mountaineering axe.
• 4x Locking Carabiners: 1x for tie-in and anchor, 1x for personal-safety, 1x for belay device, 1x for Microtraxion.
• Prusiks: 1 short waist prusik & 1 long foot prusik. 1x wiregate carabiner.
• Ice Screw: To unweight rope in event of large crevasse fall. 1x wiregate for racking.
• Microtraxion & Pulley: For facilitating crevasse rescue systems. Wiregates for racking.
• Slings: 1-2x Dyneema slings for anchor-building.
• Personal Safety: 120cm sling. Doubles as rappel extension.
• Belay Device: For rappeling and belaying select steep sections. Top-belay carabiner also necessary.
• Anchor Cord: Extra anchor cord for bailing from horns or v-threads.
• V-threader: For bailing down moderate ice.