Buying Gear: Kathmandu vs Home for Everest Trek

The Thamel Bargain

Should you buy that $400 down jacket at home or wait until you get to Kathmandu? Thamel is a gear paradise, but quality varies. Here is the strategy for outfitting your Everest trekking trip.

Boots: Buy at Home

Never buy boots in Kathmandu. You need to break them in weeks before. Ill-fitting boots will ruin your Mount Everest expedition. Trust your feet to brands you know.

Down and Fleece: Buy in Kathmandu

Nepal makes excellent fake North Face ('North Fake') gear. For a down jacket or fleece layers, the local quality is surprisingly good and costs 1/4 of the price. Perfect for Everest Base Camp nights.

Technical Shells: Be Careful

For waterproofs, the fakes often fail. If you need a reliable GORE-TEX shell for a Mount Everest summit push, bring it from home or visit the official authorized stores in Thamel.

Mix and Match

Bring your critical technical items; buy the warm fuzzy layers in Nepal. You save money and support local businesses.