Understanding the Load of a Mount Everest Expedition
Every liter of oxygen you breathe on the Mount Everest summit must be carried up the mountain. For a Mount Everest expedition, managing this weight is a critical part of the strategy.
Modern cylinders weigh about 3-4 kg (7-9 lbs) each. While it sounds light, carrying 3 bottles plus gear in the Death Zone feels like a ton. It’s a major factor in Everest trekking peak difficulty.
Sherpas often carry 4-6 bottles to cache at high camps. This incredible strength is what makes the Mount Everest summit possible for most commercial climbers on an expedition.
The system adds another 1kg to your head and face. It’s bulky and restrictive, making the final push to the Mount Everest summit a sensory-depriving experience.
Oxygen is heavy, but it is the difference between life and death. The weight is a small price to pay for a successful Mount Everest expedition.
