Tent Safety: Ventilation and Carbon Monoxide on Everest

The Hidden Danger of Cooking at High Altitude

The Invisible Threat

Cooking inside a tent is necessary during a Mount Everest expedition, but it carries a lethal risk: carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety protocols are vital when you're preparing for the Mount Everest summit.

The Ventilation Rule

Even in a blizzard, you must leave the tent zip open slightly. Oxygen is already low; a stove consumes what’s left. Proper airflow is non-negotiable on any Everest trekking peak attempt.

Climber Cooking Inside a High Altitude Tent
Detecting the Signs

Headaches from CO poisoning mimic altitude sickness. This makes it incredibly dangerous. Mount Everest expedition members are trained to recognize the difference to avoid a silent tragedy.

Stove Efficiency

Modern stoves are designed for high-altitude efficiency, but they still produce gas. Using them only for the time needed to melt snow is the standard for a safe Mount Everest summit approach.

Safety in the Shelter

Your tent is your sanctuary, but it must be managed with care. Don't let the search for warmth lead to a hazardous Mount Everest expedition environment.