We spent a lot of time researching and reading various blogs to figure out what to pack for this trip. There’s so much you could bring—almost including the kitchen sink! However, you’re typically limited to 20 kg per person. While this might sound like a lot (especially for budget travelers like us), packing for both +30°C heat and -15°C cold adds up quickly.
Below is a list of what we packed, along with notes on what worked well and what we’d do differently next time. One of the biggest challenges was finding high-quality, durable products that could withstand the harsh environment without breaking the bank. It was even more challenging finding suitable products for the boys that fit well and were appropriate for the trip.
Expedition duffel bag
We overpacked with two duffle bags AND two hiking backpacks for our Pakistan leg of our hike climb. The backpacks were a nightmare for porters and not weatherproof, forcing us to awkwardly line them with huge plastic bags daily.
Pro Tip: Stick with one duffle bag per hiker. We’re upgrading to larger 120L Osprey Transporter Duffels for our next adventure – the extra space will be a game-changer!”
Sleeping bags
Our family already had sleeping bags from previous trips: the boys use five-year-old OEX youth bags, Martina has a Rab, and John has a Marmot. All our bags offer a -15°C comfort rating, which, paired with thermals and a fleece, kept us cozy even on the chilliest nights.
Day trekking backpack with rain cover
For our the long day of hikes, keeping the kids packs light is crucial. After thorough research, we selected Osprey backpacks based on their excellent reputation and features. Ben and Will comfortably carried their essentials in the Osprey Talon 22. Martina utilised the women’s-specific Talon 33, while John opted for the larger Volt 45 to accommodate extra water and equipment. Osprey consistently delivered, providing the necessary space and comfort for our family’s hiking excursions.
Fleece sleeping bag liners
Knowing it could get very cold in the mountains (unsurprising since we were sleeping on a glacier) we invested in lightweight fleece liners for our sleeping bags. These were handy during the warmer first days, providing extra comfort, and became an essential luxury when nighttime temperatures plunged at higher altitudes.
Water bottles
Water is the most essential item you’ll pack—clean, safe water is a must throughout your trip. In the first week, the heat makes staying hydrated crucial; after that, you’ll still need it, though less intensely. We swear by Water-to-Go bottles, trusted for over 10 years to keep us safe. Check out our full review here!
Water storage
Another essential we were thankful to have were our Osprey Hydraulics 2.5L Reservoirs. While we packed six Water-to-Go bottles, it wasn’t enough for the first five days. A last-minute purchase, these reservoirs were a lifesaver. On the trail to Concordia, water sources are limited, as glacial rivers are unsuitable for filtration—glacial silt clogs systems quickly. Each day, we used the Water-to-Go bottles to filter water into the reservoirs, ensuring it was safe despite the risks from animals, human activity, rotting dead mules, and chemical runoff from army camps.
Non filtration bottle for energy tablets
It might seem like we’re overdoing it with the water talk, but another essential was an empty 2L bottle. We used it to mix filtered water with Nuun tablets, which add flavour, electrolytes, and a sugar boost. The difference was noticeable, as within minutes, the boys and we felt re-energised. These tablets helped replace lost salts and kept us hydrated on those long, challenging trail days.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles often get rave reviews, but we’re not entirely convinced. For the boys, they were more of a distraction, slowing them down as they focused on placement. That said, a single pole each proved helpful for balance and added security, which is why we stuck to just one per person for most of the hike.
Hiking boots
For us, choosing a boot brand was simple—we’ve been loyal Scarpa users for years. Martina stuck with her trusty Zodiacs, while John switched to Mescalito boots. Despite their comfort, ankle support, and excellent grip, the harsh conditions took a toll on them. After just two weeks, they were in such bad shape that glue was needed for repairs. John plans to return to the reliable Zodiacs, though his 90kg frame likely added extra strain on the boots.
Finding hiking boots for the boys has always been a challenge. High-quality options in child sizes are either too expensive (not ideal on a budget) or too flimsy—past experiences saw cheaper pairs ruined after a single weekend on Ben Nevis.
Thankfully, the boys are now big enough for adult sizes. William wore size 4 women’s Scarpa boots, while Ben used Scarpa Rush boots. Both provided excellent comfort, ankle support, and grip, even on snowy trails.
Day/Camp shoes
In camp, you’ll want something more comfortable than hiking boots but still sturdy enough for rocks and snow. Any hiking shoe or cross-training trainer will do the job. John opted for Salomon Speedcross trainers, while Martina used Scarpa Rush cross trainers. The boys stuck with basic hiking shoes from Karrimor, cheap, cheerful, and perfect for camp needs.
Sandals
Sandals for river crossing were on the trekking company list, but we’d say they’re optional. We only had one crossing where they could’ve been useful, but they were packed with the porters, not in our day bags. In camp, we used them briefly when it was warm, but dust and dirt made them uncomfortable. Once we reached higher altitudes, they stayed at the bottom of our bags most of the time.
Dry bags.
Not much to say here… GET THEM AND GET LOTS!! they are super essential and useful. Get different sizes from small to BIG. We used Sea to Summit bags and they did a great job. They lasted the trip looking almost as new when we finished ready for the next adventure.
Sun glasses
For this trip, you’ll need two pairs of sunglasses. Yes, two!
The first pair is straightforward: a good, polarized set. They don’t need to be expensive. John and the boys swear by Duco glasses from Amazon (Approx £30), which have served them well on many trips. Martina, on the other hand, prefers her trusty Ray-Bans.
The second pair might feel like a luxury but is absolutely essential to avoid snow blindness or sunburned eyes, issues we saw firsthand when one of our porters suffered badly. These are glacier glasses, a must as soon as you hit snow and sun, which happens often above 4000m. Don’t skimp here as it’s not worth the risk. We chose Vallon Heron Glacier glasses. While the look may not win awards, the protection is unbeatable, and your eyes will thank you every time you put them on.
Power banks
We chose a trekking company with a generator, noisy and old, but it powered plug sockets and lights each night. While not the safest-looking setup (we kept the boys away), it provided enough charge for phones and cameras. We also brought power banks from Amazon, which worked well but wouldn’t have lasted the full 20+ days. Either pack 8–10 power banks (not practical) or ensure your company has a generator.
Mobile phone
We brought a phone mainly for its camera. Even with a local eSIM (physical SIMs are a bureaucratic nightmare), there was no signal after leaving Skardu. The porters, using local SIMs, found weak signal at Concordia—just enough for a quick WhatsApp call via hotspot.
Lip balm
Another must-have. Your lips are constantly exposed to sun, wind, and cold. Choose a balm with SPF 50+ to protect against strong UV rays and harsh mountain weather.
Suncream
Absolutely essential. The sun is intense, even in Skardu, so cover up and apply plenty of sunscreen. We recommend Ultrasun Extreme Factor 50 it’s not cheap but worth every penny. Non-greasy, quick-absorbing, long-lasting, and sweat-resistant, it feels more like a moisturizing cream than regular sunscreen.
Biodegradable soap
Showers are out of the question after the first couple of rest days (when bucket showers are available). We used the soap mostly for washing clothes, but once it gets cold and wet, drying items becomes tricky. Take advantage of the early opportunities to freshen up.
WET WIPES
An absolute comfort lifesaver and essential for two reasons:
- When washing wasn’t an option, a quick wipe-down each morning or post-hike made us feel 5% better, which in the mountains felt like a 500% improvement.
- They were invaluable during bouts of illness, helping us stay clean in less-than-ideal conditions.
Wet wipes also came in handy for cleaning dusty tables and hands when water was scarce. No parent travels without them, and this trip was no exception!.
Hand sanitiser
Good hygiene and cleanliness aren’t exactly priorities on the trail in Pakistan. Animal feces are everywhere, and you’ll often come across human waste too. (Check out our YouTube clip, Poo with a View, to see why!) Avoiding illness is critical—it’s no fun being unwell out here, as we unfortunately experienced ourselves. Despite being meticulous about hygiene, we still got sick. Make sure you bring enough supplies for regular, daily use to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy.
First aid kit (personal)
We packed one comprehensive first-aid kit for all four of us. While reputable trekking companies should carry a decent kit, it’s vital to have your own as a backup. Ours included the basics (plasters, bandages, slings, etc.) and a good stock of medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen, sore throat spray, lozenges, and cough syrup). You’ll likely use these, so come prepared.
We also recommend bringing antibiotics and ideally, multiple types. In the UK, these aren’t available without a prescription, so we stock up in countries where they are. Unfortunately, we had the wrong type for our illness, but a doctor at Concordia provided the correct antibiotic (Amoxicillin), and within a day, we felt much better.
If possible, buy antibiotics in Islamabad before heading into the mountains. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but they can make the difference between completing the hike or turning back if you encounter a parasite or other illness, as we did. See full list at bottom of page.
Diomox
Our biggest concern before the hike was altitude sickness. The horror stories of people being forced to turn back were unsettling, especially since we were hiking with the boys. On a previous trip to Kyrgyzstan, we’d gotten Diamox as a precaution but hadn’t done enough research at the time. We mistakenly thought they were a cure, not realising they’re meant to be taken preventatively before reaching altitude.
This time, we were better prepared. We sourced Diamox at a lower cost in Slovakia, though they can be ordered through travel doctors in the UK (don’t expect them to know much about it). With advice from Gavin Bate of Adventure Alternative, we learned that Diamox is considered safe for children. Originally developed for epilepsy in kids, it’s now widely used for altitude sickness.
We started taking it the day before leaving Islamabad, with the boys taking a ¼ dose and us taking ½ dose each morning until reaching G1/2 Base Camp. Be warned: it can cause unusual side effects like numbness in the face and painful pins and needles in the hands and feet, sometimes lasting an hour.
Did it work? For us, it seemed to. None of us experienced any altitude sickness, even though Martina often struggles with headaches and fatigue at high altitudes in the past. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Chris from Epic Expeditions (our trekking company for this trip) mentioned that he stopped using Diamox due to intolerable side effects.
Our advice: do your own thorough research and consult both a medical professional and a mountaineering expert before deciding. Diamox worked for us, but it might not be the right choice for everyone.
Travel towel
Quick-dry towels are easy to find and affordable. Some people opt for tiny flannel-sized ones, but that’s overkill. Lightweight and compact, larger, normal-sized towels are much more practical. We get ours from Decathlon where they are durable and have lasted us for years.
Snacks
We made a slight misstep with snacks. We were told most could be sourced in Skardu, which was partly true. Chocolate bars were easy to find (thanks to some help from our guide), but we assumed we’d get nuts and dried fruit there since they’re pricey in the UK. In hindsight, we should have stocked up in Islamabad, as these were harder to find in Skardu.
We did manage to get some delicious almonds and pistachios, but the variety was limited. It’s also worth chatting with your guide about snacks as they often provide some too. By the end, we found ourselves a bit “snacked out” with all the chocolate and biscuits. A better mix of options would have been ideal.
Clothing
When it comes to outerwear, personal brand preference plays a role, but one thing is certain: you’ll be fully exposed to the elements for up to 12 hours a day, with only a tent for shelter in camp. The key takeaway? Don’t skimp on quality, especially when it comes to warmth and waterproofing.
For waterproofing, Gore-Tex is unmatched. While other brands may claim to be just as effective, in our experience, none have lived up to its standard. Invest in reliable gear, it’s worth every penny when you’re out in extreme conditions.
Rain/hard shell jacket
When choosing a jacket, Gore-Tex should be your top priority. After that, focus on versatility, durability, and practicality.
John brought his trusty old Kathmandu jacket, which, while still functional, was at the end of its life. It kept him dry but had lost its water repellency, meaning it soaked up water instead of shedding it (not surprising after 8 years of heavy use).
The boys and Martina wore new Rab jackets, which performed brilliantly. Even after days of exposure to the elements, they still look as good as new. Invest in quality gear, and it’ll pay off on the trail.
Hard shell thick fleece lined trousers
We found thick, water-repellent trousers to be incredibly useful in camp. While you won’t need them during the hike, they’re perfect for staying warm and protected from the cold and wind when you’re settling in for the evening. A simple yet essential piece of gear for comfort at the end of the day.
Breathable waterproof trousers.
When it comes to waterproof trousers, Gore-Tex is a must. We’ve tried cheaper alternatives in the past, but they often leave you just as wet from sweat and condensation due to poor breathability.
This time, we all used Berghaus Paclite pants, and they were fantastic. Lightweight, breathable, and effective, they kept us dry when worn over regular trousers. A worthwhile investment for staying comfortable in wet conditions.
Midweight down jacket
Another essential you must not skimp on is a featherdown mid-layer. We used these on both hikes and in camp, adjusting based on the varying temperatures. They were also great worn under waterproof jackets.
In the mountains, layering is key. We all had different brands, but the focus was finding a good-quality mid-weight featherdown jacket. Don’t hesitate to go to shops and try them on to ensure a proper fit and warmth.
Heavy weight/hi loft down jacket.
We are not going to pull any punches here. Spending a bit more (£300 each) on 4 Rab Positron Pro Down Jackets was one of the best decisions we made. It was a hefty investment, but we were advised not to skimp, and we 100% agree. These jackets are nothing short of incredible.
Mum and Dad tested them during a weekend in Iceland, where they slept in the car at -20°C, and they stayed warm and comfortable. In the mountains, the first thing we did in camp on cold nights was throw these jackets on, like wrapping ourselves in a warm marshmallow.
For the boys, finding kid-sized down jackets was impossible, so we went with the smallest adult sizes and tightened the drawstrings to get a snug fit. They worked brilliantly and not once were we cold, even on the windiest, coldest nights. These jackets made all the difference.
Fleeces
Make sure you have at least two fleeces, as one might get wet during the hike, leaving you with a backup for camp. We all had different brands, but they all served their purpose.
John opted for a micro fleece jacket, which worked well in keeping him warm, thanks to its pockets and hood. Traditional fleeces were also effective—they kept us warm, dried quickly when needed, and provided extra insulation. Having multiple layers like these proved invaluable throughout the trip.
Baselayers
Baselayers are another essential, though choosing the right ones can be tricky. John opted for basic Decathlon base layers, which worked well and were also great for the boys.
Martina splurged on merino wool sets, which she found effective but noted they can be a bit itchy. A key advantage of merino wool is that it doesn’t retain odors, which proved true even after 20 days on the hike—though, to be honest, we all smelled so bad we couldn’t really tell!
Hats
For this trip, you’ll need a few different head accessories. A beanie/wool hat is essential—any will do, as long as it’s practical, though a combination of style and function works well too.
We also relied on baseball caps most days to keep the sun off. For the boys, we added a wide-brim hat for extra sun protection. We found great options like Comhats UPF 50 Sun Hats from Amazon, which worked exceptionally well in keeping the sun off and providing extra shade.
Buff
When we first saw this on the packing list, we weren’t sure if a Buff was really necessary and almost left them behind. By the morning of day 1, they became an essential part of our gear, and we wore them in some form almost every day. Early on, they served as facemasks to protect against the dust, and later they transformed into neck warmers, keeping the cold wind off our necks. Any Buff will work, as long as it’s quick-drying.
Gloves mid and light weight
You’ll definitely need gloves. We found ourselves wearing thinner gloves during the hike and thicker ones in camp. One mistake we made was not ensuring they were Gore-Tex which is something we’d highly recommend. They got wet quickly in the rain and snow, reducing their effectiveness. Gore-Tex gloves will keep you dry and warm, no matter the conditions.
Trekking T shirts Merino wool
There are now plenty of options for T-shirts made from merino wool. John and the boys opted for merino wool T-shirts from Decathlon, while Martina chose hers and one for each of the boys from Isobaa—slightly pricier but of very high quality.
Trekking shorts
As mentioned before, there are no hard and fast rules here. Look for something that’s comfortable, practical, and durable. We all wore shorts from Decathlon, which worked well, were comfortable, and looked great too.
Trecking trousers
Much the same as the shorts but durability is a bit more important here as the knees get scuffed on the sharp rocks. You can go for water resistance but if you have the decent over trousers that’s not really needed. Again all of us go ours from Decathlon and these did a great job.
Trekking socks
Some members of our family… cough Ben… tend to have smelly feet when hiking. We were recommended merino wool socks, but after looking into it, we decided to stick with Decathlon, as they’ve always provided high-quality hiking socks. No issues, and they worked really well throughout the trip.. but yes they smelled, some worse than others.
Umbrella
We didn’t bring one, but in hindsight, a small umbrella each would have been a lifesaver during the hot, sunny days when there was no shade on the trail. We really wish we had one, and moving forward, for all our trips in sun-exposed areas, we’ll be sure to pack one.
Underwear
The boys have for years always struggled with chaffing on long hikes sometimes even on short hikes and so we have done a lot of research on the best pants with lots of trial and error. We have found that Danish Endurance is the best and worked super well. They are not cotton or wool but synthetic which also means quick drying when washing. they are so good we have all converted to these for hiking and exercise (running and football).
Head torch
We took 2 but wish we had 4 as they were important at night when there was no light but moon and star light. Make sure you bring spare battery’s or ones that can be charged.
Gaiters
We took some but never used them. They are great for hiking in the lushious hills in the alps. No good for hiking in Pakistan.
And that’s our list!
We didn’t take on the Gondogoro La (pass), as our hike was slightly different from the standard K2 Base Camp route. We felt it might be too much for the boys. In hindsight, they probably would have been fine since they got better and better on the trail as the days went on, with their footwork improving significantly (especially William).
If you do decide to tackle the pass, be aware you’ll need to add crampons to your kit list, as most companies don’t provide these. That said, we don’t feel like we missed out—there are plenty of opportunities ahead for us to dive into more technical hikes like this one.
Full first aid kit list – Plasters, bandages, slings, Ibuprofen and paracetamol, Antibiotic cream, Travel sickness pills, Allergy medication, Doxycycline/Ciprofloxacin/Amoxicillin (antibiotics), Alcohol wipes, Medical tape, Steri-strips, Throat sweets, cough syrup, Eye drops (antibiotic if you can) Pro biotics/ Multi-vitamins (we took these everyday just because and definitely after we got ill), clean needle set.
Family Russell-Smith Travel 