K2 Base Camp Packing List

TL;DR – K2 Base Camp Packing List

Clothing: Pack moisture-wicking layers, warm jackets, trekking pants, socks, gloves, and accessories (hat, sunglasses, gaiters).

Trekking Gear: Bring a daypack, duffle bag, sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, water filter, and power bank.

Gondogoro Pass Gear: If crossing, pack crampons, harness, carabiners, helmet, and gloves.

Toiletries & First Aid: Essentials include sunscreen, blister treatment, personal meds, and hygiene products.

Important Documents & Snacks: Don’t forget your passport, visa, cash, snacks, and rehydration powders.

Are you getting ready for the K2 Base Camp trek or another remarkable adventure in Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains? If so, having a detailed packing list is crucial. Bringing the right clothing, equipment, and supplies will ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience.

When planning a major trip into the mountains, having the right gear is one of the best ways to prepare for a successful trek. Showing up unprepared? That’s a one-way ticket to misery.

Any extra luggage can be stored at your hotel in Skardu before your trek begins.

Each morning, porters will transport your duffle bag to the next campsite, meaning you will not have access to it until evening. This makes it essential to pack daily necessities in your daypack while keeping it light for easier trekking. Your daypack should include water, snacks, a camera, a headlamp, an extra layer, a poncho, and sunscreen.

To help you get it right, we’ve put together this K2 Base Camp packing list. Keep in mind that each trekker has a 20-kilo porter weight limit, so while you don’t have to carry everything yourself, packing smart is key.

As you prepare, remember that your items will be split into two packs:

Daypack: Carried by you each day with essential items.
Duffle Bag: Carried by porters between camps.

Packs and Duffel Bags

Expedition Duffel Bag

This is where most of your gear will go—sleeping bag, clothing, boots, crampons, harness, extra snacks, etc. Expedition duffels are tough, weather-resistant, and easy for porters to transport. Stick to a 100-120L duffel, and keep it under 20 kilos to avoid extra porter fees.

Recommended: North Face Base Camp Duffel XL

Day Pack

You’ll hike with this daily, carrying essentials like water, layers, snacks, camera, and sunscreen. A 25-36L pack is ideal. Ensure it fits well and is comfortable for long days on the trail.

Recommended: North face, Osprey, Rab

Boots and Footwear

Trekking Boots

Your boots are your most important piece of gear. Go for something durable, waterproof, and already broken in. Avoid new boots—blisters on day one will ruin your trek.

Recommended: Lowa Renegade GTX

Alpine Boots (Optional)

If you expect heavy snow or need crampon compatibility, consider bringing lightweight B1/B2 alpine boots.

Recommended: La Sportiva Trango Tower

Camp Shoes / Sandals

After long days of trekking, switching to lightweight sandals or Crocs will be a game-changer.

Recommended: Keen Targhee 3 Sandals

Sleep System

Sleeping Bag

Temperatures at Concordia and Goro 2 can plummet well below freezing. A 0°F (-17°C) sleeping bag is a must.

Recommended: Marmot Lithium 0°F / Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0°F

Sleeping Pad

A basic ground mat is provided, but bring an inflatable pad for extra comfort and warmth.

Recommended: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

Camping Pillow

An inflatable pillow makes a huge difference in sleep quality.

Recommended: Nemo Filo

Safety & Specialty Gear

You’ll need some technical gear, especially for descending Gondogoro La:

Gaiters (optional) – Keeps snow and rocks out of boots. (Recommended: Black Diamond GTX Front Point)
Crampons – Essential for icy conditions. (Recommended: Grivel G-12)
Helmet – Protects against falling debris. (Recommended: Black Diamond Half Dome)
Harness with slings & carabiners – Your safety line for Gondogoro La descent. (Recommended: Petzl Corax)
Trekking Poles – Reduces impact on knees and provides stability. (Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork)
Headlamp – A rechargeable one is best. (Recommended: Petzl Actik Core)

Water Filtration

Grayl GeoPress – This is mandatory. Safely filters water from any source.
1L Wide Mouth Bottle – For refilling and staying hydrated. (Recommended: Nalgene)

Clothing & Layering System

Outerwear

Down Jacket – Crucial for warmth. (Recommended: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie)
Heavyweight Down Jacket (optional) – Extra warmth. (Recommended: Rab Batura Jacket)
Hard Shell / Rain Jacket – For snow and rain. (Recommended: Arc’teryx Beta AR)

Mid & Base Layers

Fleece Jacket – Great for camp and layering. (Recommended: Patagonia Better Sweater)
Base Layer (Top & Bottoms) – Essential for warmth. (Recommended: Smartwool Merino 250)
Trekking Pants (1-2 pairs) – Lightweight and breathable. (Recommended: Kuhl Renegade Rock Pant)
Synthetic Trekking Pants – Insulated for cold days. (Recommended: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants)
Waterproof Pants (optional) – For wet/snowy conditions. (Recommended: REI GTX Pants)

Accessories

Sun Hat & Warm Beanie – Protect from sun and cold.
Trekking Shirts (2-3) – Synthetic, moisture-wicking. Avoid cotton.
Trekking Socks (6-7 pairs) – Merino wool for warmth & comfort. (Recommended: Darn Tough Hiker Boot)
Gloves (Light & Heavyweight) – Essential for cold conditions.

Personal Gear

Dry Bags – Keeps gear dry. (Recommended: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag)
Camera & Extra Batteries – Capture the trek.
Power Bank – Charge devices when needed.
First Aid Kit – Bandaids, painkillers, antibiotics, electrolyte tabs, blister care, and Diamox (optional for altitude sickness).
Sunglasses – Polarized to protect against intense mountain sun. (Recommended: CAMP Eyewear Trail Sunglasses)
Snacks – Energy bars, nuts, jerky, chocolate, etc.

Optional Extras

Satellite Messenger – For emergency communication. (Recommended: Garmin InReach Mini 2)
Kindle / Book / Podcasts – For downtime in camp.
Combination Lock – Secure your duffel.

Toiletries & Hygiene

Sunscreen
Lip balm (with SPF)
Blister treatment (moleskin, medical tape, or duct tape)
Painkillers (Advil/Ibuprofen)
Diamox (for altitude sickness, consult your doctor)
Personal prescription medications
Antibiotics (Cipro for traveler’s diarrhea)
Anti-chafing balm
Diaper rash cream (for chafing)
Soap & shampoo
Deodorant
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Razor (if needed)
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products
Face lotion
Hairbrush & hair ties
Earplugs (for better sleep)

Toilet paper is provided, so you do not need to pack it.

Additional Supplies:

Portable solar charger or extra power bank
Books, journal, or pen
Playing cards
Maps

Important Documents:

Passport (plus 2-3 copies)
Pakistan visa (plus 2-3 copies)
$200–300 cash (ATMs are unreliable along the route)
Travel insurance documents

Equipment for Gondogoro Pass Crossing

If your trek includes the Gondogoro La Pass, you will need the following:

Crampons
Harness
Slings
Carabiners
Ascender/Jumar
Helmet
Leather gloves

You can rent the full Gondogoro Pass kit in Skardu for around $150-300.

Food & Snacks

High-energy snacks (mix of protein & carbs)
Thermos (optional for hot drinks)
Rehydration gels or powder

Having the right K2 Base Camp packing list ensures a safe and comfortable trek. Broad Peak Adventures can help arrange rentals and provide expert guidance on gear selection.

Need more information? Contact us at hello@broadpeakadventures.com!