Everest Base Camp

The key to trekking is preparation - pack minimal, but enough good quality layers of clothes that can save your life… literally.

By Mel Nakhle

The key to trekking in Nepal is preparation - and part of that is being able to pack minimal, but enough good quality layers that can save your life… literally. Layering is the key.

I recently returned from a 21 day trip to Nepal trekking to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, Gokyo Ri and Summit of Kala Patar. For the entire trip, I had a limit of 15kg total including sleeping bag, day pack, and essentially everything I would need including medical supplies.

As a last minute purchase, I bought two navy long sleeve ioMerino base layers before I left and these became my staple every single day for 19 days, where we went from temperatures of a lovely 20 degrees, to minus 10 and a complete whiteout blizzard as we crossed Cho La Pass.

I was so impressed with the tops, they never smelt even though no showers were had for close to 17 days. They were awesome at core warmth and super lightweight - they were all I needed on most days, usually with my down vest over the top.

I was so impressed with my ioMerino, that two weeks later during Ultra Trail 100 they were my go-to for my “compulsory” layer of warmth. Being compact, super light, but super warm, they fitted easily in my ziplock sandwich bag in my running pack.