What to pack for theMera Peak Climbing — 15 Days

6things our guides put on the list for this route specifically — not a generic packing list. 1 of them we tell you to rent rather than buy, which earns us nothing.

See the trek itself

About the links on this page.Some go to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend: every card here also says who the item is not for, and a few things we think you should simply rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara instead, which earns us nothing.

Traction & Safety2

Twelve-point steel, fitted to your boot at the shopWhat we usually arrange

For one peak, on one morning, with a guide

Crampons and axe, rented in Kathmandu

Crampons must match your boot, and the shop fits them to the boot you actually brought — that fitting is worth more than owning a pair that has never been on your foot. Our climbing itineraries include this; ask rather than buying.

Skip it ifAnyone who climbs regularly, or anyone who has never worn crampons. If it is your first time, the training matters far more than the hardware.

Rental shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara carry this — about usd 2-4 per day for crampons, similar for an axe. We take nothing from that.

Best to own

Ten points, flexible binding, fits an ordinary trekking boot

Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampon

The gap between microspikes and real mountaineering crampons, and it straps to a boot with no welt — which most trekking boots lack. It is not a technical crampon and will not hold on steep water ice; nor should you ask it to.

Skip it ifSoft trekking shoes. A crampon on a flexible sole comes off at the worst moment.

Check price on Amazon

Eyes & Sun3

Best overall

For wind-driven snow, when sunglasses stop working

Smith I/O MAG Goggles

The only thing that works in a whiteout on a pass, and the second lens covers flat light — for most teahouse trekkers this is an expensive item that never leaves the duffel.

Skip it ifAny standard teahouse trek. Take these for a peak climb or a winter crossing, and rent rather than buy if it is a one-off.

Check price on Amazon

Best overall

Category 4 lenses for a day spent on snow

Julbo Explorer 2.0

The right glasses for Island Peak or a snowbound pass, and the wrong glasses for everything either side of it — Category 4 is too dark to walk into a lodge or read a map in shade.

Skip it ifA teahouse trek. If your route never crosses a glacier or a long snow slope, Category 3 with side shields is enough and far more usable.

Check price on Amazon

The classic

Leather side shields, unchanged since the 1950s

Julbo Vermont Classic

Still the reference for a reason, and the glass lens is optically better than anything plastic; it is also heavier, and the leather takes days to dry once soaked.

Skip it ifAnyone who wants one pair for everything. This is a specialist tool bought by people who already own trekking sunglasses.

Check price on Amazon

Clothing & Layers1

Warmest

Summit-night hands, and nothing less

Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

The warmest thing you can put on your hands short of an expedition mitt, and useless for anything requiring fingers — which is why they live on a leash and come out for one morning.

Skip it ifA teahouse trek that tops out at 5,400 m. A midweight glove plus a shell mitt covers that and costs a quarter as much.

Check price on Amazon

Annapurna Region

Sightseeing & Culture

Trek Guides

Company

What to pack for theMera Peak Climbing — 15 Days

Traction & Safety2

For one peak, on one morning, with a guide

Ten points, flexible binding, fits an ordinary trekking boot

Eyes & Sun3

For wind-driven snow, when sunglasses stop working

Category 4 lenses for a day spent on snow

Leather side shields, unchanged since the 1950s

Clothing & Layers1

Summit-night hands, and nothing less