From Base Camp Domes to Summit Bivys
On a Mount Everest expedition, your tent is your castle. Different types of tents are used at different altitudes. Understanding the gear helps you appreciate the logistics of the climb.
At Base Camp, you have walk-in tents. Some are massive dining domes with carpet and heaters. Personal sleeping tents are spacious enough for a cot. It’s about comfort for the long wait.
At Camps 1 and 2, climbers use robust geodesic tents (like North Face VE-25). Their shape withstands heavy snow loading and high winds. They are the workhorses of the Everest trekking peaks.
At Camp 4 (South Col), weight is everything. Climbers use single-wall tents. They are lighter but collect condensation. They are survival shelters for the night before the Mount Everest summit push.
If a tent fails at 8,000m, you die. Quality gear is non-negotiable.
