Everest Base Camp: April 12, 1996 - 17,600 Feet Summary and Analysis

Krakauer gives a brief description of the method of climbing Everest, which he likens to a giant construction project. Sherpas will establish four camps above Base Camp, carrying supplies and equipment to each one. The highest camp, Camp Four, will be at 26,000 feet and will serve as the base for the final climb to the summit.

The group prepares their climbing equipment on the afternoon of April 12 in preparation for the first acclimatization climb. Krakauer is somewhat alarmed to see that some of his fellow climbers unpack brand new boots that have not been broken in. He knows from experience that new boots can injure the feet if they are not first broken in. He learns that many of the others have not done much climbing recently, and is concerned that...