Kit Lists are always popular on travel and adventure blogs because they are a source of good information for others planning possible similar trips. So below is my Kit List for the upcoming Stok-Kangri Expedition. It’s not totally exhaustive but with the exception of a few Cliff Bars and Glucose tablets to add in at the last minute it’s pretty much my final and definitive list.

The mountain of Stok Kangri as a destination is a strange one as it avoids the worst of the monsoons but is still a 6000’er so has extremes of temperature between it’s Base Camp and the summit and so has to be given due respect.

The trip starts off in Delhi where the usual hot and humid Indian temperatures will apply. Then we will be trekking through the Zanskar region of Ladakh which will probably be pretty hot and dry in the arid and unforgiving rocky landscape of the mountains. Once we reach Base Camp we could quite easily expect snow, sleet or even rain.

The climb itself will take me up into sub-zero temperatures so a down jacket and multiple layers are a given, once nearing the summit we will be above the snow line so winter mountaineering equipment also needs to be carried in.

This all makes for a rather lengthy and diverse list of kit required on this two week expedition. So read on below for a full listing:

• Hiking boots
• Mountaineering boots (see ‘Mountaineering equipment’ below)
• Trainers or sandals for river crossings and camp use
• Socks
• Trekking trousers
• Lightweight waterproof overtrousers
• Underwear
• Thermal base layer – leggings
• Thermal base layer shirts (at least 1 long sleeve)
• Shirts or T-shirts
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm jacket (down)
• Sunhat with a wide brim
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Thermal gloves
• Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens
• Daypack 30 litres, with ice axe loop
• Head torch and spare battery
• Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
• Water bottles 1 litre (x2 or 3)
• Wash bag and toiletries
• Antibacterial hand wash
• Small towel
• Sleeping bag (comfort rated -10°C)*
• Small padlock
• Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters, blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

MOUNTAINEERING EQUIPMENT

• Insulated and rigid mountaineering boots which can be securely fitted with crampons (B3 grade)
• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Climbing harness
• Karabiners (1 x screwgate)
• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Thermarest Mat
• Sleeping bag liner
• Spare laces
• Insect repellant
• Scarf or buff
• Pee bottle
• Travel clothes
• Pen-knife
• Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
• Camera