Renting vs Buying Gear for Everest Trekking

Trekking to Everest is a dream for many adventurers. Watching the high Himalayas and Everest is a big dream for entire mankind. And a question is mostly asked, shall I rent or buy my trekking gear for Everest?

Though the most boring, the most important aspect of trekking is to gather all the necessary gear. The right choice of gear for Everest can make you feel safe, walk lightly, and give you happiness to the fullest. But a small mistake in the selection of the gear might result in various injuries in Everest, such as frostbite, sprain, strain in the ankle, or blisters, which will disturb your overall experience of the trek to Everest.

What is Trekking Gear for Everest?

Gear is just an over-defined fancy word for the necessary items that are required to keep you alive in the high Himalayas. These necessary items will keep you comfortable and easy during your trek in the Everest region. What things do you need to be in the arid cold in the high Himalayas? Trekking boots, warm jackets, a pair of trekking poles, a warmer sleeping bag, and many more.

The list of trekking gear for Everest you need is not the same as what other trekkers carry. This depends on your personal choice and needs. This is also altered by the season. If you are walking in the winter, your list will be longer as it would be in the summer. Rain? Oh, it will add some more waterproof layers and a rain poncho. Some lonely places, such as Annapurna North, Upper Dolpo region, even demand tents with you due to the absence of teahouses in the trekking trails.

Is Trekking Gear for Everest Important?

First thing, you are travelling to the mountains for trekking, not to show your style or looks. In the high mountains, nobody will look at you and judge your clothes or fashion sense.

You need the gear to survive in the cold, for comfort, and to stay healthy.  Good quality trekking gear for Everest saves you from the cold wind and falling into the rocky terrain of Everest. We have seen trekkers crying because of a broken zipper of the bag and getting wet due to torn raincoats. Gear is your protector in the high mountains.

Where to Find the Gear?

What is the best place in Nepal to look for the gear? Well, the streets of Thamel are filled with trekking gear shops. Thamel is one of the popular tourist hubs in Kathmandu Valley. The streets are noisy and congested with vehicles, so find your way to reach the shops at the best price. You will find every type of gear for trekking if you just go to a good shop. 

Just look at the jacket and trekking poles hanging around the entrance, that’s your shop where you can find the gear for you. Just don’t fall for the brand name; all of them may be real. 

Some of the brands have set up their showroom in Durbar Marga (King’s Way, the alley in front of the Royal Palace in Kathmandu). There is the oldest market of Kathmandu called Ason Bazaar, where you might get your stuff at a cheaper price. New road, another market to get your electronics, cameras, and batteries.

What Type of Trekker are You?

Whether you are planning to trek just once or are going to continue trekking in the future? Is because, what type of gear to get, what to buy, and what to rent? It becomes clear from your plan. Renting trekking gear will be cheaper than buying it. If you are a regular trekker, buy good-quality stuff; otherwise, renting will be enough, making sure they will last the 14 days and not burst in the middle of the trek.

Renting and buying in Nepal, everything is possible. Jackets, shoes, trekking poles, crampons, and even down jackets are available. But not your inners. You do not need to drag a heavy bag all the way from your home to Nepal, nor to think about disposing of it later.

Advantages of Renting Trekking Gear:

• Renting is good for one-time or first-time trekkers.
• Your luggage will be lighter to traveling.
• You can try every gear before renting to make sure of the size and quality.
• It is good for your wallet and bank balance.
• You do not need to worry about maintaining or cleaning them.
• You don’t need to worry about cleaning, maintaining, or storing them later.

But not everything that shines is gold.

Some cons of Renting Trekking Gear for Everest Base Camp Trek

• Unwashed gear smells as if it has seen the mountains too many times.
• The boots may not always fit and may create blisters.
• Other gears are good to rent, but boots? No, it’s better if you have your own.
• The gear for Everest is over-rented during the peak season, so it may not be available.

Advantages of Buying Trekking Gear for The Everest Base Camp Trek.

If you are into trekking for a long time and also in the future, it is advised to have your own gear.

• The gears are yours personal. It fits you perfectly.
• The stuff is free from any unwanted smell.
• You can know about them well, know their pros and cons.
• The responsibility is all yours. 
• In the long run, you will save a significant amount of money.

Some of the big brands, such as The North Face, are available in Nepal at significantly lower rates. Even tourists can bargain a little bit. Nepali sellers are habituated with it. Expect a little change.  But do not spend too much if you are not into trekking in the future.

What you may not like about buying?

• It will cost you direct cash.
• You need to carry all the stuff to and from your home. 
• The problem, where to store or leave them?
• Selling them later does not give a good return
• You need to take care of them often.

What is Your Decision?

If you want to buy or rent trekking gear for Everest, it’s your sole decision; make it wisely. My suggestion does not fit all. If you are into the high mountains just once, it’s good to save the cash for Momo and the city tour to Kathmandu. But, if you are into adding trekking to other places like Annapurna or Manaslu, then pay more cash and make the stuff your own. Good gears are your best friends in the terrain of the route to Everest Base Camp. Do not let any incident with your gear ruin your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Last words

Every action has two sides of the coin. So renting and buying trekking gear for Everest has. Buying gives you a sense of ownership and confidence, while renting saves money and time. If you are planning a trek to Everest, please get in touch with our experts at Awesome Holidays Nepal to learn about the various gear and ask any questions you may have.