What (and how) to Pack? We Have the Ultimate List
Updated April, 2024
Packing Strategies
There are two common packing strategies. Some people fit everything (helmets, boots, jackets) in one bag to haul to Nepal. During the ride, since they’re wearing those items, they travel afield with a bag that is half-full. It works well enough.
The other option is to bring two bags. When departing for our journey on the motorcycles, you can leave one bag behind at our host hotel in Kathmandu. That’s a convenient way to leave clean travel clothing behind for the trip home. And it affords extra room for souvenirs, which we almost guarantee you will find. If you ride with large boots and a bulky motorcycle suit, this might be the best bet.
Helmets & Jackets During Domestic Flight Transfers
As we transition to and from Kathmandu to our starting and ending points, Far Xplorer will provide group duffles for those who can’t fit helmets and jackets in their personal bags. In short, don’t worry too much about helmets and jackets. We can find a way to get them to/from the ride start.
Most of our trips include one 30-minute domestic flight. For those flights you must pack your helmet in a checked bag. Again, we can supply group duffles for helmets and bulky gear for those transitions.
GENERAL APPAREL
We suggest proper travel clothing for your time outside of Kathmandu. Avoid cotton as much as possible and fabrics which take a long time to dry. It’s best to travel with synthetic pants, light and soft merino wool t-shirts, or synthetic blend tops and bottoms. Look for recommended brands in the hyperlinks provided below.
About this list: The examples listed below are the best of the best. There are less expensive options available, but we wanted to include the items our team and travelers have used and like the most.
We recommend:
Light pants x 2. Anything that dries quickly is best. Hit up your local REI or Sierra Trading Post for Columbia, North Face, Exofficio, etc. (This is in addition to motorcycle pants for motorcycle trips)
2-3 t-shirts. We like Icebreaker as you can wear them for a month and they never stink, but they are expensive. Any non-cotton shirt works fine and if you still prefer cotton, it’s not a problem. If it gets wet it will just take longer to dry.
Lightweight long sleeve shirt either pullover or button down . Quick drying is the key. We recommend options for lightweight full coverage to defend against sun and bugs.
3-4+ pairs of undies. Exofficio is our fave. Treat yourself to Exofficio undies. Trust us. We know.
Lightweight base layers, tops and bottoms if it gets chilly. This is more important for fall trips. Less so for
Rain jacket. It’s necessary to expect rain in the spring. Not as much in the fall, but be prepared.
Light jacket or fleece to wear if it gets cool.
Insulated jacket (puffy down) if traveling into the Himalayas in the fall. In the fall months temps get near freezing at night. If traveling with us in late October or November please expect cold nights.
Socks - try not to use cotton. Buy Darn Tough. Guaranteed for life and amazing!
Warm hat. Light and warm gloves are a good idea also, but primarily for the fall.
Cheap and thin flip-flops for hotels, showers, and shuffling around.
If you're wearing motorcycle or heavy hiking boots during the trip, bring light shoes with you to wear around camp.
FOOTWEAR: The most common travel injury is a mild ankle sprain. A misplaced step can quickly become a trip-ending bummer. We don’t require light boots with ankle protection, but it’s not a bad idea. Just be sure to bring sturdy shoes at a minimum, and watch your step!
PERSONAL ITEMS
We recommend a few small items for our time in the backcountry. Keep your toiletries to a minimum as there's not much opportunity to shower and get fancy.
Headlamp or very small flashlight - This is a must-have item.
Water bottle. At least a 1-liter bottle. The best travel bottle ever is the Hydrapak Flux 1L.
light travel towel like our favorite from Cocoon. Their size large Ultralight Microfiber Towel is perfect for our trips.
Toilet paper. We suggest little Kleenex travel packs. Pack a bunch. You can also buy these in Kathmandu if you like.
Hand sanitizer. These are also available in Kathmandu.
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
One of the best things you can pack are Shower Pouch full-size shower wipes. We know…there are lots of things like them, but trust us. Nothing is remotely as good as a Shower Pouch towel. BUY SHOWER POUCH BRAND TOWELS. They really are worth the added expense. Drop them in hot water for a few minutes and bam! A great refresher.
Travel Health Items
You will want to bring a few things to ensure you are healthy and happy on the road. Any change of diet can create tummy troubles:
Pepto Bismal tablets - Our medic suggests everyone pop one now and then to stabilize your system. Most minor tummy troubles are quickly fixed with a Pepto tab every morning.
Anti-diarrhea meds - Imodium or similar are recommended. Again, this is not to fight off a genuine illness, but traveler’s tummy.
Antibiotics - In the event your stomach takes a turn, a cycle of antibiotics might be the best course of action. Ask your doctor for a prescription of azithromycin. Cipro is a common travel antibiotic but it is not as effective in Nepal.
Cold medications - Even if you don’t get a cold, these medications are good for sudden bouts of allergies or other minor issues.
Active Charcoal Tablets - These are great for settling an upset stomache
A small first aid kit with a few band-aids and other basic remedies is a good thing to have. We have a full medical kit, but bringing your own small assortment is helpful.
Electrolyte tablets - In the event you go a round with a bad stomach, replacing electrolytes is a good idea. Google tablets from Skratch Labs, NUUN, Camelbak, or GU.
EQUIPMENT
You don’t need to bring much, but there are a few essentials you should pack, only for our expedition packages with nights of camping.
Sleeping bag. Please bring a bag rated to 20°F for trips in October and November. A 30° bag is fine for spring trips.
Recommended: We love the Cocoon AirCore Pillow for comfy nights in the tent.
Sleeping pad. Make sure it is quite small, like the Thermarest NeoAir Venture or Klymit Static V. If it is too big when packed, we will have a challenge transporting it.
Large 3-person tents are provided by Far Xplorer. Each traveler gets their own private sleeping tent.
Do not bring backcountry water filters, stoves, cups, or other camping related items.
DUFFLES & BAGS
Once we travel outside of Kathmandu we have minimal storage space in the support vehicles. We request all travelers pack their kit in a bag which is between 90-120 liters. Please to do not pack your gear in a hard-sided rolling case. Duffles only, please. If you want our best suggestion for bags, here is a list of great options:
Eagle Creek Migrate Wheeled Duffle 110L. We absolutely love this bag and own at least a dozen of them as a team. Durable, light, and cavernous, it has both wheels and backpack straps. If there is one bag to rule them all, this is it. This is the ONLY wheeled duffle we recommend as it is a fully soft-sided bag. The wheels are as tent friendly as we can find.
GUIDE’S TOP CHOICE: Sea to Summit Duffel Bag 90-Liter. These are tough to obtain, but worth it if you can find one. It will endure a lifetime of abuse. We love all the rugged features and the wide base which makes loading and accessing your stuff a breeze.
Patagonia Blackhole Duffel Bag 60 and 90-liter. A longtime classic. Nearly waterproof, light, and durable, the price is really great for what it is. This is a very popular and effective bag for many or our travelers.
Osprey Transporter Duffel 120-Liter. They don’t give these things away, but boy are they nice. Perfect for any of our trips.
If you have questions about what to bring, please contact us! We’re here to help.