In Chapter 1 we learned about maps for the Himalayas to plan our hiking trails. Chapter 2 covered various ways of navigation to find our way through the mountains. Chapter 3 explained how to plan a Himalayan alpine style journey taking into account acclimatization, weather, seasons, food, water and night halts. In this chapter we will be identify the must-carry gears required for the alpine style hiker, focusing on minimalist fast hiking:

Chapter 4 - Fast hiking & lightweight gears

Module 1 - Clothing
Module 2 - Shoe wear
Module 3 - Backpack
Module 4 - Night shelter
Module 5 - Electronics / Power
Module 6 - Technical gears

Similar to food ration and water, planning the right gears for your Himalayan journey is critical. Carrying non-essential / too many / heavy gears will adversely impact your journey making you slower, prolonging the duration of your journey, requiring even more food, again adding more weight, resulting in still slower pace, etc. A vicious circle.

Prioritizing your gears (focus on must-have rather than extra comfort) will allow you to go light and enjoy your journey rather than suffering while carrying a bulky / heavy backpack in (very) steep Himalayan terrain.