One of the biggest problems when you are hiking to the Mt Everest Base Camp (EBC), is the cold nights. The journey to the Mount Everest Base Camp zigzags through some of the highest elevations on earth, and the kind of throw-your-Nalgene-and-the-water-freezes cold that accompanies those elevations was absolutely, one-hundred-percent in full swing (with some stipulations once the sun set). Sure, OK, yes, it is a land of epic, jaw-dropping backdrops and bucket-list thrill rides, but you’re still going to want to be warm and, dare we say it, comfortable as you face nights in the cold.
No matter if you’re wandering on a guided Everest Base Camp Trek, on your own, or however, your sleep system will prove to be one of the most important pieces of equipment to get right. Good sleep systems will not only allow you to sleep, but they will also help prevent hypothermia and cold-weather injuries.
We’ll also go through the ultimate way to prep for those cold nights out under the stars on the trail – and build a front-line sleep system that’ll not only keep you warm and rested – but ready to take on another day on the trail with a vengeance!
Buy a Good Sleeping Bag
The sleep system starts here, with your sleeping bag. It is something that las the direct results of your body being able to warm up at night in the high, cold mountains.
Selecting the Best Sleeping Bag for Mt. Everest Base Camp
Temperature: Make certain that your sleeping bag is rated for the temperatures you’ll be managing. Yes, you could assume temperatures at EBC Trek Cost to plunge to as low as 10°C (or greater) below zero, and much less in addition up the mountain. You’re going to want a slumbering bag rated to -15°C (5°F) or chillier if you may probably manipulate it.
Down vs. artificial: Down baggage is normally warmer and lighter, which makes it ideal for trekkers. But when it’s wet, down doesn’t insulate. If you’re concerned about humidity or wetting your bag, go with something synthetic: You’ll stay warm no matter the conditions.
Mummy-Style Bags: For the mummy! (For those of you who haven’t been thinking these things! Get a mummy-style bag that fits closely and retains more warmth. This “cut” is designed to save body heat, and that is important when it is cold at night at altitude.
Pack a Sleeping Bag Liner
A liner isn’t a must, but it’s a way to add a little insulation and an extra layer to keep your sleeping bag clean. So convenient for a 3-day sort type the EBC trek, et, where it can be hard to find places to make a wash facility – Liners also add an extra few degrees of warmth, too.
Use a Proper Sleeping Pad
A pad is just as important as your bag in helping to keep you warm. This is something so many trekkers forget about and will help keep the ground from freezing you.
Choose an Insulated Sleeping Pad
R-Value: The R-value represents the measurement of insulating performance of a sleeping pad. “If you typically sleep warm,” target a pad with an R-value of 4 or more for those cold, snuggly nights sleeping under the stars while Everest Base Camp. This way, you also don’t have to lie in a really cold place and give off your body temperature.
For a 5x more expensive version: The hunsa rest trail scout. The huns have a rest trail scout as penisavaly sleeps self-inflating pads are typically comfortable as well, and easier to pack up. Then there are closed-cell foam pads, which are a little sturdier and warmer for winter. Try to layer them, one atop the other, for maximum warmth.
Elevate Your Sleeping Surface
Higher up, nights are downright cold. If you’re hiking further than Namche Bazaar, the cooler it becomes. Throw an insulated liner or two in there, or attach some foam padding to get you up off that cold, cold stone floor. This additional layer can add warmth and insulation, and help prevent you from losing heat beneath you.
Layer Up Your Clothing
The right clothing can make all the difference in staying warm at night. That’s the line between being insulated and overheating.
Base Layer
For the bottom layer, you may’t go wrong with correct-satisfactory merino wool or a artificial. Cotton will soak up sweat like a sponge, leaving you bloodless. Your base layer must be crafted from a breathable material so that it can wick sweat far from you to help prevent you from turning into a damp person when you’re dozing.
Mid-Layer
A good mid-layer would be a fleece or down vest, etc. “Those add another layer of insulation and can help regulate your core temperature,” Dr. Das says. A down jacket can save you on a cold night — provided you have one heavy enough to be worth the weight.
Warm Socks and Gloves
ALSO, these should probably go without saying, but wool socks are THE BEST. They also trap heat better than cotton socks, even when they’re soaked, and the same holds for your feet. Carry a minimum of two pairs of wool socks; one for hiking and one to stay dry for sleeping.
Mittens or fingerless gloves, too, are a must — your hands will get cold, as everything else will in the easing.
Don’t Overdress for Bed
Sure, you want to be toasty, but there’s no such thing as too much when it comes to sleep layering. Also, if you have too many clothes inside your sleeping bag on a cold night, you’ll start sweating and then get cold and strip off to avoid the wet moisture chilling you. Instead, layer up and wear just enough to prevent excess sweat and heat.
Pack a Tent Or Teahouse Shelter
If you’re sleeping outside, ensure that your tent also has excellent cross-ventilation and can be sealed up tight. Tea-house rooms are cooler than you might imagine, especially at night, so try to pick up a heated room if you can. Use your gear: Develop a warm, cozy nest for yourself, even if the main room is not heated.
Sleep With a Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle (or simply a Nalgene bottle wrapped in a sock and filled with some of that boiling water) can be a total game-changer on cold nights. Three, fill the bottle with hot water and it will warm you, starting with the fee, on the camping field or in your bag. Make sure the cap of the bottle is tightly closed to prevent any liquid from coming out.
Conclusion – Just keep warm and well rested, and you will have the EBC Trek beat.
One of the biggest struggles in the Everest base camp trek is getting prepared for such cold nights. The “right” sleep system means you’re not as, so, cold and sleepy tomorrow, so you’re more comfortable and more well rested, and more ready to take on the day to come. From your top-notch sleeping bag to your insulated sleeping pad, from the way your clothes feel to the way your tent is pitched, above-the-cloud camping is all about the details when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
Because if you prepare yourself well, have some helpful stuff, and know how to stay warm while walking, then your track to the Everest Base Camp Hike will be so much more interesting and fun, and of course, comfortable and with energy and so you can be even more proud of that lifetime achievement, of visiting the Everest Base Camp Nepal!