The trek to K2 Base Camp is a long one – our expedition is 24 days in total. So it’s important to pack smart! It can be overwhelming to think of all the things you’ll need on an expedition. But when you book with Earth’s Edge, we tell you exactly what you need to bring. That way, you won’t forget your socks! Also, when you’re signed up to one of our expeditions, you’re eligible for a loyalty card and a 15% discount with Great Outdoors, up until your departure. We’ll send you an extensive K2 Base Camp packing list when you’re signed up, but if you’re curious, here is a taste of what you’ll need…
The ultimate K2 Base Camp packing list
Clothing
- Mid-weight hiking socks x 3
- Lightweight liner socks (for summit night)
- Underwear x 24
- Shorts x 1 (knee length or below)
- Lightweight trousers x 1
- Synthetic/wool/silk long johns (for night time use and summit night)
- Waterproof trousers (N.B. make sure the trousers have zips to the knee at least)
- Long sleeve base layer x 2 (silk, wool, or synthetic)
- Short sleeve base layer x 2 (silk, wool, or synthetic)
- Mid-weight fleece x 2
- A down jacket. It must be heavy weight with a hood (at least 600 grams in weight)
- Waterproof jacket
- A fleece hat to wear in the mornings and evenings
- Balaclava/a buff
Equipment
- Walking boots
- Gaiters
- 12 point crampons that will fit a standard walking boot rather than a mountaineering boot
- Sling (approx size 120cm x 10mm) x 2. (If you don’t have slings, we will provide them for you.)
- Climbing harness & two screw gate carabiners. (If you do not have a climbing harness & two screw gate carabiners we will provide them for you.)
- Runners or sandals (to wear in transit & around camp)
Accessories
- Sunglasses (category 3)
- A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck
- A pair of lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves
- A pair of down mitts
Gear
- Walking poles
- Rucksack (30 to 35 litres)
- Duffel bag (90 litres)
- Dry bags (if either your day bag or duffel bag don’t have sufficient waterproofing and to separate your equipment in your bags)
- Water bottles (2 x 1 litre nalgenes) & water bladder (2 litre). You must have the capacity to carry at least three litres of water while walking
- A warm sleeping bag (comfort rating of -15°C or lower)
You’ll also need toiletries, SPF, hand sanitiser, and a personal first aid kit.
If you want to read more about our expedition to K2 Base Camp, click here!
