If you’re planning a trek to K2 Base Camp, get ready for an adventure like no other. Comparing K2 Base Camp to Everest Base Camp, K2 presents much more extreme and varying conditions—blistering hot days turn into freezing alpine nights on the Baltoro Glacier. Being prepared with the right gear is key to making your experience safe and unforgettable.
After trekking to K2 BC and over the Gondogoro La, I’ve found out the hard way what works and what doesn’t. This K2 Base Camp packing list covers everything you need to handle the unpredictable weather, stay comfortable, and enjoy the journey to one of the most remote and breathtaking spots in Pakistan.
K2 Base Camp Packing List Overview
Below is an overview of what I pack for the K2 Base Camp trek—it's how I break down my gear so that everything is organized, easy to remember, and ready for the unpredictable conditions of the Karakoram.
- Sleeping & Essential Gear: A durable 100L waterproof duffel bag for porters, a 30-40L hiking backpack for daily essentials, a sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C (5°F) for the cold nights on the glacier, and a reliable sleeping pad.
- Clothing: Layering is crucial. Pack base layers (top and bottom), insulating layers (fleece and down jackets), and waterproof and windproof outer layers (Goretex or similar). Don’t forget warm hats, gloves, a sun hat, and thermal socks.
- Footwear & Trekking Poles: Sturdy, worn-in trekking boots are essential for the rocky terrain. Also, bring gaiters to protect against snow and dust, and high-quality trekking poles to help with balance on the Baltoro Glacier.
- Tech & Miscellaneous: A headlamp with extra batteries, sunglasses, sunscreen, a power bank, and a camera to capture the epic views.
- Hydration & Nutrition: Bring a water bottle filter like the Grayl Geopress. Electrolyte tablets can help combat dehydration in the intense sun.
- First Aid & Safety: A well-stocked trekking first aid kit, including blister treatment and personal medications. A Garmin InReach or GPS device can be a lifesaver in remote areas.
- Insurance: High-altitude trekking travel insurance is compulsory. I always use Global Rescue for my expeditions, as it covers emergency evacuation from remote locations.
- Gear for the Gondogoro La Crossing: Not all trekking companies cross the Gondogoro La, but if you do (and I highly recommend it), you'll need additional gear like crampons, a climbing harness, and a helmet.
Below, I’ll provide a full packing checklist with specific brand recommendations and products I personally use to make the most of this incredible journey.
Essential Gear for Trekking to K2 Base Camp
Before diving into clothing and layers, here’s a list of the essential gear and sleeping equipment you’ll need. Note that while getting to K2 Base Camp itself doesn’t require technical climbing equipment, crossing the Gondogoro La does require some specialized gear (details below).
Day Pack (Backpack) & Porter Duffel
Your duffel (larger the better) will be carried by the porters. Your daypack will have essentials but you will carry it all the way to K2 Base Camp, so make sure it's comfortable and fitted.
Large Waterproof Duffel (100L): You’ll need a durable, waterproof duffel bag to pack your main gear, which your porter will carry for you. Look for a high-quality bag like the North Face Base Camp duffel—it will keep your gear protected from dust, water, and the rugged conditions.
Daypack (30-40L): This is the pack you’ll carry with you each day, holding essentials like water, snacks, extra layers, and personal items. Choose one that’s comfortable and suited for long treks; a sturdy hiking backpack works well. I use a dedicated camera hiking backpack. Your day pack should be light, ideally less than 8 kg.
Dry Bags: To keep your clothes and gear organized and dry inside your duffel, use multiple dry bags. I prefer Sea to Summit dry bags as they are light, provide reliable waterproofing, and help separate different categories of gear by color for easy access.
Note: Porter allowances vary by company. Epic Expeditions allows 20 kg for K2 Base Camp, and 15 kg over the Gondogoro La. The weight difference often comes from consumables like snacks, and mules are available to send down unnecessary items or dirty clothes before the pass, which you can collect in Skardu.
Sleeping & Camping Gear
Expedition companies vary greatly in terms of quality for sleeping and mess tents, which plays a big role in the overall enjoyment of the K2 Base Camp trek. This was a big reason why I chose Epic Expeditions—they provide high-quality tents, making a huge difference in comfort.
Here's a basic sleep kit you'll want to pack for K2 Base Camp. All of this gear will go in your duffel for the porter to carry.
- Sleeping Bag (rated to -15°C/0°F): A warm, lightweight sleeping bag is essential for cold glacier nights. I use the Sea to Summit Spark IV, which strikes a good balance between warmth and packability.
- Inflatable Pillow: A compact, lightweight trekking pillow can make a big difference for a good night's sleep. The Sea to Summit Aeros is my favorite for comfort.
- Sleeping Pad: Thick mattresses are provided by most companies but it's nice to have an extra inflatable pad for insulation and comfort. I brought the Sea to Summit Ether XT and was very glad I did.
- Toiletries & Toilet Paper: The tent toilets along the glacier do not provide toilet paper. Epic offered us some but it's a good idea to pack some in case. Also pack basic toiletries like biodegradable soap for cold glacier showers, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen. Hand sanitizer is useful for hygiene, especially before eating.
- Lightweight Sandals or Flip Flops: Great for getting around camp in the evenings and early mornings when you want to give your feet a break from trekking boots.
- Earplugs: Camps can be noisy with porter groups singing and chatting late into the night. So, bring earplugs to ensure a good night's sleep.
- Optional: Sleeping Bag Liner: Not essential, but a liner can add extra warmth and keep your sleeping bag clean. I use the Sea to Summit Reactor for added insulation.
- Optional: Wet Wipes: You can take a cold shower (glacier water) at a few of the early campsites like Paju and Urdukas but wet wipes are useful for staying somewhat clean.
- Optional: Pee Bottle: I didn't pack one for my K2 trek but I wish I did. If you’d rather not leave your tent at night, a large, collapsible or wide-mouth bottle like the Nalgene works well and is easy to pack.
Essential Daily Trekking Gear
Trekking in the Karakoram is all about being ready for changing conditions and long days on undulating and very rocky terrain. Here's what you'll carry in your day hiking pack.
- Trekking boots: The most important thing is that they are worn in. Second most important is that they are waterproof and durable with good, sturdy soles. You don't need alpine boots unless crossing the Gondogoro La (more information below). I like boots from LOWA. They are heavier but really sturdy which is important as I carry a lot of camera gear.
- Water Bottle Filter: Staying hydrated is crucial and there are many glacial water sources on the route. I've tested dozens of water bottle filters and highly recommend the Grayl GeoPress for filtering and storing water on the Baltoro. I personally used a Grayl Titanium Ultrapress combined with a hydration bladder, and it worked well for both filtering and carrying water.
- Gaiters: Waterproof gaiters are useful for keeping water and dust out of your boots, especially on snowy or dusty sections of the trek. I recommend the Outdoor Research gaiters with Goretex for good protection.
- Trekking Poles: A pair of sturdy trekking poles can make a big difference in balance and reducing strain on your knees. Trust me, you will need poles on this trek, it is one of the rockiest treks I've ever been on. Choose poles that are lightweight but sturdy and adjustable. I used the Black Diamond Carbon Distance FLZ.
- Sunglasses: High-quality sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes from the intense UV rays at high altitudes. While controversial, don't like polarized lenses on glaciers as it makes it harder to spot crevasses.
- 1x Warm Hat: A beanie or warm hat is essential for cold mornings and evenings at camp.
- 1x Sun Hat: A cap or wide-brim hat is best for sun protection during the hot, exposed days on the lower sections of the trek.
- 1x Buff or Neck Gaiter: Useful for covering your face, keeping you warm, and protecting against dust. The versatility of a buff makes it one of my favorite items.
- 1x Lightweight Liner Gloves: Great for cold mornings or as a liner under heavy gloves. I use Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners.
- Optional: Trail Snacks: Epic handed us a packed lunch and snacks daily but it's a good idea to bring some extra calorie-dense trail snacks like nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit.
- Optional: Hydration Bladder: A hydration bladder is a convenient way to carry and drink water while trekking. If you bring one, choose a bladder with an insulated hose to help prevent freezing, especially on the Gondogoro La.
Tech and Extra Items
Here are some extra items that I recommend packing in your day pack during the K2 Base Camp Trek. Don't go overboard like me, try to keep things minimal, lightweight, and versatile.
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries: A reliable headlamp is a must for camps but also for emergencies and the early start on the Gondogoro La Pass. Make sure you pack extra batteries, as charging opportunities will be limited to about one hour of generator use per night. I use the Petzl Actik Core for its brightness and long battery life.
- Power Bank: A light and durable power bank to charge your phone, headlamp, camera, and InReach. I used the Anker PowerCore 20000, which provides multiple charges for a phone or headlamp.
- Camera: This is one of the most beautiful mountain regions on earth. You'll want a camera. Read my guide to camera gear for travel & hiking.
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The sun is extremely strong in the high mountains, so pack a high-SPF sunscreen (50+) and a UV-protective lip balm, it'll be your best friend.
- Optional: Solar Charger: A solar charger can also be useful for topping up devices during the day and at camp.
- Optional: Watch/Altimeter: Having a watch with an altimeter and GPS helps you keep track of your elevation gain and progress (and lets you brag on Strava). The Garmin Instinct Solar is very popular.
- Optional: Satellite Communicator: A satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini can provide an extra layer of safety, allowing you to send messages to your family or an SOS in case of an emergency.
- Optional: Small Repair Kit: Packing a small repair kit for quick fixes on gear can be helpful. Most quality trekking companies will have one, but it's always good to have your own for emergencies.
Clothing & Layering Systems
The most important thing to know about packing clothes for K2 Base Camp is that layering is essential.
The trek involves extremely diverse weather conditions: for the first two to three days, you’ll be trekking with no shade in blistering heat. After reaching the Baltoro Glacier, temperatures drop steadily as you gain altitude, and by the time you reach Concordia, it’s very cold– especially at night, with temperatures falling below -10°C (14°F).
I’m a big fan of Zorali's trekking products—they make high-quality gear that’s perfect for K2. Below are my recommendations for clothing and layering, including some Zorali gear and other brands I packed on my K2 Base Camp expedition.
Jackets & Outer Layers
- 1x Goretex Shell Jacket: Your waterproof layer is critical for staying dry if it rains or snows. I recommend a lightweight technical membrane like Goretex or similar. I use the Arcteryx Alpha SV, which provides excellent protection.
- 1x Heavy Down Jacket: For the cold nights at Concordia, you’ll need a warm, compact down jacket. I use a thick belay jacket from Tahkhi. Look for a jacket with plenty of 500+ down fill for warmth.
- 1x Active Mid Layer: A lightweight, insulating layer that works well for active movement. I love the Zorali Thermolite Jacket as a more affordable, high-quality alternative to the Arcteryx Atom LT. You can also use regular down but you don't want to get that wet and it's not as breathable.
- 1x Fleece Top Layer (Active & Camp): A lightweight fleece layer is ideal for extra warmth. I like the Zorali Air Grid Fleece because it's an active flease, meaning it's dual purpose– use it to layer whilst trekking or as an extra layer at camp.
Base Layers & Socks
- 2x Trekking Shirts - any lightweight, breathable t-shirt for trekking will do.
- 1-2x Long-Sleeved Trekking Shirts: These protect from the sun and add a bit of warmth. I recommend lightweight, breathable materials.
- 2x Merino LS Base Layer: These high-quality merino tops from Zorali are my new favorite and excellent for both trekking and at camp. They are warm and breathable and useful as an extra base layer on colder days, like during the Gondogoro La crossing.
- 1x Merino Leggings: High-quality Australian merino leggings from Zorali are perfect as an insulation layer on cold nights, especially at Goro 2 camp where temperatures are frigid as you sleep on thick ice.
- 2x Light Merino Hiking Socks: Ideal for lower elevations where temperatures are warmer. I like Smartwool Light Cushion socks for their comfort and durability.
- 1x Mid Merino Hiking Socks: A mid-weight sock for moderate altitudes. The Smartwool Full Cushion socks work well for these conditions.
- 1x Heavy Merino Hiking Socks: For the coldest sections of the trek, such as K2 Base Camp or Gondogoro La, bring thick, warm socks. I use MacPac Expedition Alpine socks, which provide excellent insulation.
- Underwears/bras for the trek
Trekking Pants & Trousers
- 1x or 2x Lightweight Trekking Pants: My favorite trekking pants are the Zorali Men's Recycled Venture Pants– they’re lightweight, fit great, and are not too baggy. They also have great pockets; I can easily fit my Insta360 camera with a pole.
- 1x Thicker Trekking Pants: For the coldest days and crossing Gondogoro La, thicker trekking pants are needed. I use Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated trousers, which offer durability and warmth.
Tip: At many of the camps, you can wash your clothes if the weather is good. The air is usually very dry if it’s not raining or snowing, so you can dry clothes quickly on your tent or on a string between the tents. Use biodegradable soap for washing. This helps so that you don't need to carry so many different pairs, saving space and keeping within your porter allowance.
Climbing Gear for the Gondogoro La
If you’re planning to cross the Gondogoro La, you’ll need to add specific climbing gear to your K2 Base Camp packing list. I highly recommend booking with a company like Epic Expeditions so you get the chance to cross the pass—otherwise, you'll have to walk all the way back down the undulating Baltoro, which is not much fun.
The Gondogoro La is not very technical, but you do use fixed ropes on both the ascent and the steeper descent. There’s also a chance of rockfall. I recommend bringing the following gear to be on the safe side:
- Crampons: Most companies recommend full alpine crampons, but I used microspikes and found them sufficient. However, in deep snow and ice, crampons would be the best choice.
- Harness: Bring an alpine climbing harness like the Petzl Altitude or similar with two slings or a safety cord to use as a lifeline while descending the pass. Typically, 2x 60 cm slings are used, but if you’re taller, you may want longer slings to ensure safety.
- 2x Climbing Carabiners: Strong, lightweight climbing carabiners to help you clip into the fixed ropes. Black Diamond Rocklocks are affordable and a good pick.
- Helmet: An alpine helmet is essential to protect against potential rockfall.
- Alpine Boots: Ensure that your boots fit your crampons properly. Ideally, you want 5,000-6,000 m boots like La Sportiva G2s or similar for warmth and support. I used regular trekking boots but they left my toes a bit cold.
- 1x Heavy Gloves or Mittens: Essential for cold mornings and for the higher altitudes. I use Outdoor Research Alti Mountaineering Gloves, but mittens are also an ok option as long as you can clip and unclip carabiners.
Extras for Women to Pack for K2 Base Camp
I hike and climb a lot with my partner Haylea, and she's helped me with this section, which draws a lot from her input on my Kilimanjaro packing list.
- Sports Bras: Make sure to pack comfortable, supportive sports bras for long days of hiking. Choosing bras that wick moisture and provide support is key for comfort.
- Personal Hygiene: Bring essentials such as menstrual cups or tampons, along with biodegradable wet wipes and facial wipes for easy cleaning during the trek.
- Urination Device: A female urination device like a SheWee can be extremely convenient at camp or when needing to find a rock in exposed areas.
- Hair Care: Hairbands, ties, or a buff can help manage hair under hats or helmets. If you prefer, a small travel-sized biodegradable shampoo can be handy to refresh your hair at camp.
- Skin Protection: A high SPF sunscreen made specifically for the face, a good lip balm with SPF, and a moisturizer are essential for keeping skin protected from the intense sun and the cold, dry air at higher altitudes.
What NOT to Pack for K2 Base Camp
With a 20 kg porter allowance, it’s very easy to go over the limit, especially if you’re bringing extra alpine gear for the Gondogoro La. Here’s what I recommend you leave behind to keep your pack light and manageable:
- Cotton Clothing: Cotton is slow to dry and not ideal for trekking. Stick to moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials.
- Heavy Books: Opt for an e-book reader or download books to your phone to save weight.
- Single-Use Plastics: Avoid bringing snacks in single-use wrappers. Instead, repackage snacks into reusable bags like ziplocks, which are easier to manage and better for the environment.
- Jeans or Denim: These are heavy, restrictive, and impractical for trekking. Leave them at home.
- Bulky Towels: Instead of a full-size towel, bring a lightweight, compact trekking towel for quick drying.
- Too Many Snacks: It’s easy to overdo it on snacks, but if you’re with a good company like Epic Expeditions, you’ll get plenty of food. Stick to a few of your favorites.
- Jewelry or Valuables: Leave anything valuable at home. There’s a high risk of losing items during the trek, and it’s better to travel light.
- Heavy Toiletries: Keep toiletries to a minimum. Use travel-sized bottles and biodegradable products where possible.
Tip: You can leave extra items at the hotel in Islamabad or in Skardu. This includes your regular travel gear or any non-essential items. All hotels offer this service for free, helping you minimize the weight you and your porter need to carry on the trek.
More Things to Know About Packing for K2 Base Camp
Packing for K2 Base Camp can be challenging, especially with a 20 kg porter allowance. With the above packing list you should have your bases covered. However, here are some extra things to know:
- Rentals & buying gear in Pakistan: Finding rental gear in Pakistan, especially quality gear, is difficult. This is not Kathmandu. There is one basic trekking store in Skardu where you can buy some essentials like heavy down jackets or sleeping bags, but the availability is very limited.
- The main trekking season for K2 Base Camp runs from June to August. During this time, temperatures can range from blistering heat in the lower sections to freezing conditions at Concordia and beyond. Regardless of the month, your packing list will largely remain the same—prepare for a wide range of conditions.
- Charging electronics is limited on the trek. Epic Expeditions ran a generator for about an hour each night after dinner, which was enough to charge my power bank. I then used the power bank to charge my phone, camera, Garmin InReach, and watch overnight.
- Donations to porters: After your trek, consider donating gear to the porters. I noticed that items like solar chargers, power banks, and boots were particularly appreciated. If you give them technical climbing gear, they are likely to sell it though.
- Mobile reception: There is no cell reception for most of the trek, but there is a 4G tower near Concordia. However, you’ll need an SCOM SIM card to use it. SIM cards in Pakistan are notoriously difficult to get—you have to go to a government building and complete a lot of paperwork, which can be a hassle.
- eSim Options: If you want connectivity before reaching the mountains, you can use an eSIM without dealing with paperwork. I used an eSIM from Airalo, which worked well up to Askole, after which there was no service. This can be a convenient option for those wanting to stay connected up to the start of the trek.
- Cash: Bring enough cash for the entire trek, including tips for porters and guides, as ATMs are not available once you leave Skardu.
- Waterproof Everything: Use dry bags or waterproof covers for your gear—rain can come at any time, and river crossings can be unpredictable.
And that's a wrap for this complete K2 Base Camp packing list guide! Remember, if you're still deciding on a trekking company, I highly recommend going with Epic. Use code OLLY5 to get 5% off the whole trek (pretty decent savings of a few hundred dollars).