WWYD: checking luggage vs buying supplies in destination

[bullygirl979]

I'm going to Nepal to do the Everest base camp climb. I have to take 3 flights each way. My first thought was to try and carry on all my luggage so as to not risk losing my luggage as I would be pretty screwed if this happened. If I carry on all my luggage, I would have to get the majority of my toiletries in Kathmandu. I'm not worried about shampoo, etc but I'm worried about sunscreen (as I am super fair skinned) and insect repellant. From what I read, you take a crapshoot regarding the quality of stuff in Kathmandu.

So, WWYD? Buy everything here (because you know the quality) and risk checking your luggage? Or carry everything on and take a crapshoot regarding the quality of the stuff you buy there?

[GilliC]

For sunscreen, you could buy it at Duty Free en route (it's expensive here, so I've kept my eye on the Duty Free option). Bit if you need something specific, I would do as publius suggested and check just the liquids.

[alleinesein]

What airports are you flying through? I know that Boots in LHR has all of the basics (sunscreen and insect repellant) and they arent as expensive as buying those items in some places. My only concern with buying them on the way is if you have to pass through security at multiple airports; if so you might risk having them confiscated if they dont fit in your little plastic bag.

[Norticprincess]

The Ben's Bugs wipes can go in carry on, not in the little bag. REI and Amazon have them, 30% DEET. These are what DH uses when he has to go to Africa for work. Or the nasty Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent treatments that you put on the clothing before you go?

I know there are some sunscreen wipes - I haven't tried them. I'm picky about sunscreen more than most things. I usually get the Blue Lizard stuff with the physical blockers- they make a 3 oz bottle - you could pack one or two of those in the allowed bag.

There are powdered/bar shampoo options. Toothpaste powder.

As @sfgal530 said - which airlines are you flying? Some of the carry on limits on the international carriers are very small compared to the US flights.

[katfco]

I visited the base camp on the Tibet side, and even in China, it was hard to find a lot of stuff like that, so I'd take any toiletries you might need. Shampoo, toothpaste and soap, yeah, you can bet on finding it, but definitely take your own sunscreen and bug spray.

[Norticprincess]

Oct 7, 2013 4:22:13 GMT -5 @publius said:

I'm assuming that for a three week trek everything she brings will fit into a not very large backpack. You have to carry anything you bring for three weeks so there is ample incentive to pack as light as humanly possible.

I was going with the lower 11-15 lb weight limits on some carriers vs bag size. Don't know if it is an issue with the carriers OP is flying.


Only people I know who have done the trip to base camp have continued on to at least attempt to summit.

[bullygirl979]

Oct 7, 2013 4:22:13 GMT -5 @publius said:

I'm assuming that for a three week trek everything she brings will fit into a not very large backpack. You have to carry anything you bring for three weeks so there is ample incentive to pack as light as humanly possible.

:Y: :Y: :Y:

I'm trying to pack as light as possible.

I'm flying Delta in to JFK and then Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and then on to Kathmandu.

publius, I like your idea of checking all the toiletries and then trying to carry on all the rest. My friend just went to New Zealand and they lost her luggage for 2 days. She was quite cold lol. I know losing your luggage doesn't happen *that* frequently but better safe than sorry on a trip like this, IMHO.

[GilliC]

Oct 7, 2013 12:32:03 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

Oct 7, 2013 4:22:13 GMT -5 @publius said:

I'm assuming that for a three week trek everything she brings will fit into a not very large backpack. You have to carry anything you bring for three weeks so there is ample incentive to pack as light as humanly possible.

I'm trying to pack as light as possible.

I'm flying Delta in to JFK and then Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and then on to Kathmandu.

publius, I like your idea of checking all the toiletries and then trying to carry on all the rest. My friend just went to New Zealand and they lost her luggage for 2 days. She was quite cold lol. I know losing your luggage doesn't happen *that* frequently but better safe than sorry on a trip like this, IMHO.

Do you have any time on the ground before the trek? Aerolineas Argentinas is notorious for ditching luggage, so GAdv actually required us all to be in Ushuaia a day before the ship to Antarctica left, so that there was time for the bags to catch up. At least three people had delays, and one person didn't actually get his bag before we left, so he was on borrowed gear the entire trip!

Since it sounds like you already have the tickets, I guess you can't change anything, but I actually booked my tickets to arrive early just in case something went wrong. And I added multiple stopovers along the way to minimize the risk (which made it much less stressful when that unexpected October snowstorm in NYC had everyone stuck overnight at EWR).

[bullygirl979]

Oct 7, 2013 13:12:44 GMT -5 GilliC said:

Oct 7, 2013 12:32:03 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

I'm trying to pack as light as possible.

I'm flying Delta in to JFK and then Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and then on to Kathmandu.

publius, I like your idea of checking all the toiletries and then trying to carry on all the rest. My friend just went to New Zealand and they lost her luggage for 2 days. She was quite cold lol. I know losing your luggage doesn't happen *that* frequently but better safe than sorry on a trip like this, IMHO.

Do you have any time on the ground before the trek? Aerolineas Argentinas is notorious for ditching luggage, so GAdv actually required us all to be in Ushuaia a day before the ship to Antarctica left, so that there was time for the bags to catch up. At least three people had delays, and one person didn't actually get his bag before we left, so he was on borrowed gear the entire trip!

Since it sounds like you already have the tickets, I guess you can't change anything, but I actually booked my tickets to arrive early just in case something went wrong. And I added multiple stopovers along the way to minimize the risk (which made it much less stressful when that unexpected October snowstorm in NYC had everyone stuck overnight at EWR).

I get in 7 am on Friday. Friday is just our "check in" day and we don't actually leave on the trek till Saturday. So I have a 24 hours (about) before I leave.

[GilliC]

Oct 7, 2013 13:15:56 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

Oct 7, 2013 13:12:44 GMT -5 GilliC said:

Do you have any time on the ground before the trek? Aerolineas Argentinas is notorious for ditching luggage, so GAdv actually required us all to be in Ushuaia a day before the ship to Antarctica left, so that there was time for the bags to catch up. At least three people had delays, and one person didn't actually get his bag before we left, so he was on borrowed gear the entire trip!

Since it sounds like you already have the tickets, I guess you can't change anything, but I actually booked my tickets to arrive early just in case something went wrong. And I added multiple stopovers along the way to minimize the risk (which made it much less stressful when that unexpected October snowstorm in NYC had everyone stuck overnight at EWR).

I get in 7 am on Friday. Friday is just our "check in" day and we don't actually leave on the trek till Saturday. So I have a 24 hours (about) before I leave.

That's good! I wouldn't stress too much, but it's good to plan for the worst. You might ask on thorntree.lonelyplanet.com about what might be available where on arrival (if you haven't already). I would plan to take as much as you can with you, but it might put your mind at ease to know where to go if you do have an emergency supply situation to deal with.

[stever]

I'd check most of my stuff but carry sunscreen, insect repellent etc in my carry-on.