What this solves
Generic "trekking packing list" articles dump 80 items on you and never answer: do I need a -10 °C bag at Yading village in October, or is my 5 °C summer bag enough? This tool breaks the list into three altitude bands and tags weight + necessity per item, so the math on your pack actually works out.
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How to read the result
Essential items are mandatory: leave one behind and you're likely to be cold, wet, or unsafe at that band.
Recommended items add real comfort or safety margin but can be improvised (extra layer = your down jacket under a rain shell).
Optional items are "nice to have" — pack them if you have the weight budget, leave them if not.
Weights are realistic for budget-to-mid-range gear (Decathlon, Black Diamond, Naturehike). Premium ultralight gear (Western Mountaineering, Houdini) cuts 30–50 % off each line item.
Limitations
FAQ
A: At Yading village hostel beds (3,700 m) — yes, in summer. Sleeping at Luorong Pasture tent camp (4,080 m) in October, expect -5 to 0 °C overnight. Bring a 0 °C comfort bag or rent wool blankets at the Tibetan camps for ~¥50.
A: October rarely has snow on the pass itself. Late September or after a late-season snowfall, light traction (Yaktrax-run or Kahtoola) is wise but not always essential. The bigger Tanggu La risk is weather and altitude, not the snow line.
A: Yes — Daocheng has many gear-rental shops near the bus station. Crampons ¥30/day, down jackets ¥30/day, sleeping bags ¥40/day. Quality is mid-range. Bring your own shell and base layers.
A: October is dry but a single storm can hit any afternoon. At altitude, wind-driven rain at 4 °C is dangerous without a shell. Carry one. The question is which one — see the Rain Gear Necessity tool.