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How to Buy Trekking Gear in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal, is the site of Tribhuvan International Airport, the gateway to the country for most travelers. Hundreds of shops cater to trekkers, selling new and used equipment and buying back gear that hikers don't want to carry home. The amount and type of gear you need depends on whether you'll be day tripping, camping overnight or heading out on a guided expedition. Trekkers need to carry the same things they'd carry on a hike anyplace else, such as personal hygiene items and medications, in addition to a few specialized pieces of equipment. Knowing what to buy is as important as knowing where to buy it.

Items you will need

Super down jacket

Gore-Tex jacket

Wind stopper jacket

Windstopper trouser

Thermal underwear

Rain sets (jacket+trouser)

Hiking boots

Trekking shoes

Cotton clothing

Gloves

Lined pant

Warm hat (woolen/fleece cap)

Head torch

Medical kit bag

Trekking poles

Sun glasses

Water bottle

Sleeping bag

Backpack

Tent

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What to Buy

Step 1

Choose the right clothing. What you buy depends on what time of year you're trekking. For trekking in winter to Himalaya you need to wear light weight super down  jacket in around city also you need down jacket which keep you warm and protect from cold.You can wear Windstopper as well in Kathmandu on the day.But in snowing down jacket is not enough its not a 100% waterproof so at that time better to take over 3-layer Gore Tex to protect from water and snow. Same as to keep warm your leg you have to take fleece trouser or thermal trouser inside and Windstopper trouser to protect from wind but in snow you need to wear waterproof trouser.

Step 2

Buy two pairs of shoes for trekking around Kathmandu. All-leather hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for rocky terrain. Flexible trekking shoes with a sturdy sole are good for easy terrain. Buy both cotton and thermal socks for changes in temperature.Just to walk around city you can use normal whichever you fell comfort.But for trekking you need water proof with gore tex.

Step 3

Purchase a sun hat or cotton scarf for sunny days and a warm, winter(woolen/fleece ) hat that covers your ears for cold days and evenings.you can take neck warmer to keep warm your neck for cod day. Pick up a headlamp worn on an elastic band around the forehead in case you're out after dark.

Step 4

Stop by a bookstore for guidebooks if you're trekking alone, although it's possible to trek around Kathmandu without a guidebook if you have a compass and a good sense of direction because the hiking paths are so well-used.

Step 5

Assemble a medical kit with anti-diarrhea medicine, water-treatment tablets and water filter, analgesics, sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, upset-stomach pills and a blister kit. Add any other products, such as a cough or cold medicine, that you're accustomed to taking on a hike.

Step 6

Select a collapsible hiking/trekking pole.its helps you even you are tired with balance and glacier sunglasses with side shields.

Step 7

If you will have stove in hiking you can have hot food in cold season. Most day trekkers carry noodles, dried fruit, nuts and energy bars. Overnight trekkers carry the same foods during the daytime and have their main meal when they've arrived at their overnight lodging or campsite. Buy a one-liter water bottle and refill it with purified water as you hike.

Step 8

Select a sleeping bag rated to keep campers warm in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit for an overnight trek. A sleeping mat for under the bag is optional. A medium to large backpack (60 to 80 liters) should suffice on all but the longest treks. Pick up a lightweight (well under six lbs.), four-season tent for chilly evenings. Dome-shaped tents, although easier to stand in, present a higher profile in windy areas. Keep your gear dry in a stuff sack or heavy-duty garbage bags.

Where to Buy

Step 1

Shop for new and used clothing, tents and sleeping bags in Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist district. Outfitters and expedition companies line the streets. V-tex international (trekkingequipments.com) carries new outerwear, sleeping bags and backpacks.v-tex has been offering gear and gear repair since its established in 2011 V-tex international carries a full line of trekking gear, including clothing, tents, shoes and tools.

Step 2

Pick up guidebooks at Pilgrims Book House (pilgrimsbooks.com), a huge new and used bookstore in Thamel with 250,000 titles spread over 30 rooms. The store carries an extensive collection of guides for trekkers as well as guides to neighboring countries. An adjacent restaurant serves Ayurvedic vegetarian foods.

Step 3

Pick up trekking food at any of a number of shops in Kathmandu. Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket the largest in Kathmandu, provides a one-stop spot for trekking food, but the store is in an out-of-the-way area. Best Shopping Centre  is a small store in a more convenient location in Thamel.

TIPS

·         Sign up for a trekking expedition if you're uncomfortable about making your own way through the countryside.

·         Some border crossings have a money-exchanging facilities, but if you plan to trek into remote areas of Nepal, don't expect to find a place to exchange your money for local currency.

·         Many stores in Kathmandu also accept American dollars, pounds sterling and the euro.

·         Stores in larger cities accept credit cards, and some ATMs allow cash advances against credit cards.

·         Travelers who leave from Tribhuvan can trade their rupees for dollars.

·         Remember that boots must be broken in before you wear them, so consider buying them at home and breaking them in there.

·         Consider buying a pair of sandals for wearing around the campsite or other overnight accommodations.

·         Many trekkers who only plan to spend a few nights outdoors use a lightweight tarp instead of a tent for protection at night.

·         Travelers on long treks typically have porters who carry extra water, food and supplies.

WARNINGS

·         If you're planning an overnight trek, you must get a climbing permit in most areas and hire a climbing Sherpa.

·         Overnight treks may stop at teahouses and other indoor lodging along the way. Take this into consideration when buying gear.

·         Don't plan on using sleep aids on a trek near Kathmandu. They depress respiration in high altitudes.

How should the down jacket by v-tex international

Down jackets have always been a popular type of jacket, especially in cold seasons and in places where the   temperature is low most of the time. These jackets have a reputation for their good insulation ability, light weight, and durability. However, the quality of a down jacket needs to be good if its advantage is to be enjoyed to the maximum. In this guide, five tips are given to the female buyer to use when shopping for a down jacket to help her make a good purchase that will deliver the all the benefits of these jackets.

What is a Down Jacket?

A down jacket is a warm jacket that is filled with the soft feathers of a duck or goose, and the outer layer is usually made of materials like nylon or polyester. Down, the soft feathers mentioned, are usually taken from the breasts and wings of the duck or goose. Down is the material which provides the insulation that makes down jackets so warm, as they retain heat inside the jacket. Generally, the more fluffy the down is inside the jacket, the more air gets trapped inside the jacket, and the higher the ability of the jacket to keep out the cold. However, today, most down jackets are not made of pure down, and are often mixed with other materials, such as feathers.

Now that the buyer knows what a down jacket really is, she can proceed to learn tips for buying the best down jacket.

Tips for Buying Down Jackets

It’s not enough to just buy any down jacket; one must choose a good one or otherwise be disappointed when the down jacket does not offer the type of insulation that the wearer wants. The tips below can teach the buyer the several aspects that should be looked into before purchasing the down jacket.

Tip 1: Take Note of the Jacket’s Fill Power

A down jacket’s fill power is a number that represents the fluffiness of the jacket. In more accurate terms, it is the number of cubic inches of the jacket that one ounce of down fills up. A bigger number usually represents better insulation. Fill power depends on several things, including the type of down used (such as more feathers, duck, or goose). Generally, a down jacket with a fill power of 550and above is a good buy, and anything above 750 will provide excellent insulation. A down jacket with a higher fill power is also usually more compressible.

Beside the jacket’s fill power, another number that is usually listed in a down jacket’s information is the percentage of down in comparison with regular small feathers in the jacket. The number may look something like this: 80/20, 90/10, and so on. The first number is the percentage of down in the jacket, while the second number is the percentage of feathers. The higher the first number, the better the quality of the down jacket.

Tip 2: Check the Weight of the Down Jacket

The buyer should purchase a down jacket according to his or her needs. If she is purchasing the jacket for use on backpacking  journeys or travel outdoors, then a lighter down jacket would be a better buy since in this case the jacket will not weigh down on the wearer and slow down her speed. For general use though, a bulkier jacket may be all right. A down jacket with a 500 fill power will have to be bulkier and heavier than a down jacket of 800 fill power to offer the same kind of warmth. So for the lightest weight, it is preferable to buy jackets with higher fill powers.

Tip 3: Mind the Material

The two commonly used materials to form the outer layer of a down jacket is nylon as well as polyster, since they are durable and can withstand harsh conditions better. However, when purchasing a jacket, be sure to inspect the material to ensure that no feathers or down is poking out of it, as this means that the material is not sturdy enough to support the down material inside. To be very sure, compress the jacket and check again. If the material passes both these tests, then it is likely strong enough and will not degrade with wear. Also, try and buy a down jacket that has an extra layer laminated onto the fabric as this will increase the jacket’s ability to keep out water and keep the wearer dry and warm.

Tip 4: Construction Check Down jackets are constructed in a number of different designs, including the tube wall design which has smaller baffles or compartments, or the box wall design where the jacket is constructed of two outer layers, as well as many others. There is dispute over which types of designs are better, but it does make sense that down jackets with larger compartments allow the down inside to bunch up with use, creating bald areas inside the jacket that allow cold air to pass through. It’s not just the stitching that the buyer must pay attention to; the buyer must ensure that the down jacket is made for use by a woman, as women’s down jackets have a different construction than men’s ones. Therefore, do not attempt to purchase jackets that are made for men when the wearer is going to be a woman.

Tip 5: Check for Other Features

Many down jackets come with other features that should be examined like hoods, zips, pockets, adjustable hems, and so on. The buyer should think carefully if it is worth paying extra for such features. For example, a hood may not be convenient in situations where the buyer has to wear helmets or other kinds of headgear, but at the same time it may be useful to keep one’s ears and head warm and dry in the event of rain or heavy winds. As for zips, front zips should ideally have overlap panels so that the heat is not lost at the zipper area. A two-way zip may be helpful for better insulation as well.

Most down jackets have pockets either on the outside or inside, but some have pockets on both sides. The type of pockets that the jacket contains is what is important, not the number of pockets. If the buyer likes to keep things in her pockets, then perhaps zippedpocket would be a secure option. For women with hands that often get cold, on the other hand, having handwarmer pockets on the outside of the jacket will certainly be helpful. On another note, adjustable hems on a jacket can provide more control to the wearer when it comes to heat regulation, as do drawcords and hook and loop straps. So when it comes to features, usually more is better, but be sure to know first whether it is worth paying extra for such features.

The five tips above should give the buyer a good idea of what to look for when shopping for down jackets, which can be purchased from winter apparel stores, some departmental stores, .

IN Nepal thamel is one of the best places to shop for clothing of any type, as thousands of listings can be found for any particular kind of clothing. This holds true even for down jackets. If you have to shop in cold weather, what can be better than not having to leave your warm home and instead having the jacket shipped to you after you buy it online?

Conclusion

In short, down jackets are some of the best types of jackets one can own if staying warm is the main advantage that the buyer is looking for. To buy a good jacket, the buyer must look at several aspects including the material, construction, fill power, and other features of the down jacket. Using the tips given in this guide, the buyer can have the confidence that she will purchase a quality jacket for her use.

What you should carry to go trekking in nepal?

Gear discussion

Virtually all trekking gear is available in Kathmandu (and we are happy to show you the better shops), but the quality is sometimes OK, sometimes not so good, so if you like the best gear then bring most from home. Good all-leather boots are not widely available in Kathmandu, only lightweight hiking boots. If price/time is a concern, you can by the majority of you gear in Kathmandu.

Duffel bag

Duffel bag is one of the necessary for trekker/traveler whether their trek/travel is for a short time or for long. All stuff can be put easily into this. A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best. You can buy in Kathmandu, If you want to buy genuine like North face,Mountain Hardwear,Mammut also possible in Nepal.if you are interested to buy just normal one,local made can get easily for less costs.Some of the nepali duffel bag are like genuine.

Sleeping bag

Goose down filling super sleeping bag are best for trekking and travelling.specially for cold season you should take warm sleeping down.you need to be carefull while buying good sleeping bag and you should know about weather where you going for trekking.In a cold like -10 you should have taken -15 of goose sleeping bag.But if you travelling in a hot season you don't need goose sleeping bag,synthetic is warm enough.one most important thing to keep in mind is that super down jacket should be lightweight and should comes with small sizeIn the context of nepal if you are not interesting to buy you can rent easily for $1.There are few best shop  for hiring?renting.they have been renting for amany years.they have washed and cleaned sleeping bag ,down jacket,trekking boot and bagpack.But better to buy sleeping bag linear to use inside of sleeping bag.Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Available in Kathmandu.

Down jacket/vest

Almost essential for the cool evenings. If you don't already have a jacket, they are readily available or easily rented in Kathmandu for around $1 a day. In the winter everbody  need good downjacket to keep warm their body.renting and buying facilities is available in kathmandu.good sleeping bag can be bought for $45 to $55.But you should be able to choose best quality.there are few trekking shop,have been seling such a quality for years.

Daypack

This should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. Kathmandu now offers a range of cheap fall-part packs to fanstastic Mammut and Black Diamond day pack.some local made trekking ruck sacks also available in Kathmandu for $30 to $40.one most intresting issue is that fake of The North Face ,Mammut and many popular brand are also  available  but the price is almost half of genuine's cost but almost same durable.which has been imported from china where all the popular brand is made.I have bought fake The North face backpack of 65L 4 years before,nothing has happen till now and very comfortable.which bought for $75. i have seen same kind of genuine  but the price is 4 times much.

Boots

For a happy trek you need comfortable fit. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining, Cambrelle is good, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Goretex boots have an inner liner that help with warmth but your feet tend to sweat more in the warmer low country. You don't necessarily need Goretex boots. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots.

The rougher the trek, the longer the trek, the tougher and newer your boots should be. If you are trekking in heavier boots then it may also be worth taking along some light running shoe-style trainers (eg Salomon XA's), and wear these for the first few days, switching to real boots in the high country or when it rains.

Socks

In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks can work well, or light hiking socks. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, three-four pairs. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.

Camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops

Luxury for your feet at the end of the day. Sandals or running shoes (tougher cross-trainers also work, see above). Flip-flops or crocs, available for cheap in Kathmandu, are a necessity for showering during the Khumbu and Annapurna treks.

Fleece jacket/vest

Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket.

Wind/rain jacket

Waterproof and breathable. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable.

Thermal shirts/underwear

Good thermals, both tops and bottoms, are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. A mid-weight top (zip-T style) is great for high country day wear. Lighter thermal tops are still useful in the low country and an expedition-weight thermal top is a good warm but light system for the real cold.

Nightwear thermals

Silk-weight is light yet still warm, but for cooler treks mid-weight is perfect. A toasty (but not hot) sleep is essential for a full recovery.

Fleece/sweatpants

Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better (except for when the stoves in the teahouses really heat up!). Readily available in Kathmandu.
Primaloft pants are the expedition camper's best friend though.

Day-wear shirt

T-shirts are popular but a travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two so you can swap damp for dry.

Trekking pants

You will live in these. Light material, loose and medium-coloured is best. You can survive with only one pair, although two is better, and if heading high, a soft shell pair is really useful.

Wind pants

If you have softshell trekking pants then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.

Underwear

4 to 7 pairs.

Warm hat/balaclava

Nice for the evenings, and useful for cold trekking days. Beanies work, so do buffs.

Neck gaiter

For winter trekking a fleece neck gaiter is really the best for staying warm! A buff is versatile on less cold treks.

Trekking poles

Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without. One can be useful for easing long descents.

Sunglasses

Bring good wraparound glasses suitable for snow, its bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.

Mittens/gloves

A good pair of wind-proof gloves is essential. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don't have a pair.

Water bottle

Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European Aluminum bottles, are best, all available in Kathmandu. You need a minimum of 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle IN ADDITION to a Camelback or hydration system.

Pee bottle

Very useful on cold high country nights! Can buy a cheap one in Kathmandu.

Torch / Flashlight

LED head torches rule, the Black Diamond ones seem to be better than Petzls now. Available in Kathmandu.

 Toiletries and odds & ends

Essentials for the month only. The smallest tube of toothpaste available in Kathmandu is perfect for a month. Teahouse trekking, there are a surprising number of showers or buckets of hot water available. We provide toilet paper for expeditions, you bring or buy along the way for tea-house treks. Deodorant can spare you grief with your room mate/tent partner... 

Towel

Bring only a small one trekking, or a camp towel. In Kathmandu the hotel supplies towels.

Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen

The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow. Bring at least sunscreen and lip balm WITH SPF 15, and better still SPF 30+. The best brand is Banana Boat, which is usually available in Kathmandu.

Moisturizer

A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.

Sun hat

A technical running cap is ideal. A wide-brim sun hat is also good.

First aid kit

We carry one with aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, decongestants, lozenges, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhoea and chests infections, Diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, antihistamine cream, oral rehydration, bandages and band-aids.

You should bring any personal medicines that you need, and if you have had blisters in the past, a good kit.

Water purification

You can get away without water purification but, especially for a hot trek, it is nice to be independent from the lodges or expedition crew. A bottle of iodine tablets such as Potable Aqua, PolarPure or Couglans can be useful however the most convenient system is the Steripen, which uses UV light to neutralize bugs in the water. We mostly use to water from the lodges but occasionally take water from the streams. The use of mineral water is discouraged from an environmental point of view, but is available everywhere.

Money-pouch/belt/inside pocket

Most people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The Kathmandu hotel has safety deposit boxes.

Snow gaiters

Not needed but if you have them, consider bringing them if going above 4000m.

Crampons and ice axe

Not needed for trekking - trekking is walking, not climbing.

Additional gear for camping treks

Inflatable sleeping pad

Thermarest or similar - for expedition/climbing treks ONLY, not tea-house treks. We provide a sponge foam mattress and if necessary, a closed cell pad, but if you have your own Thermarest, bring it. We also have a few available for rent.

Down booties

A good luxury for chilly evenings, available in Kathmandu.

Evening camp-wear

Around camp you can wear camp shoes, sandals (for non-winter treks) or leather boots. No matter what altitude and what season, it is cool to bloody freezing in the evenings. By far the best clothing is:

+ a down jacket, light or thick, available in Kathmandu. Fleece and layers isn't really enough. 

+ Primaloft pants (hard to find) or thick fleece pants

+ fleece hat and neck gaiter

+ thick sox

+ Nalgene or Aluminum water bottle filled with boiling water

Snacks and nutrition

You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water. However you will also want wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate, chocolate bars, dried fruit bars and dried fruit are readily available in Kathmandu, but Clif bars, Power bars, energy gels and the like are not usually available.

What is available in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is developing! There is now several good shops that sell a variety of imported gear, such as North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Black Diamond, so a variety but not the whole ranges. There are also hundreds of small gear shops in Kathmandu mostly sell locally made fake gear and a strange variety of new gear.

Always available are socks, thermal underwear, quality fleece, beanies, a variety of gloves and Gore-tex clothing, LED head torches and batteries, fleece jackets and pants, sunglasses, water bottles and kit bags.

Boots are increasingly available but are probably still better brought from home.

Renting equipment

Easy to rent items in Kathmandu are down jackets and sleeping bags.

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