Embarking on a trekking adventure is a thrilling escape into the heart of nature’s beauty. As you prepare to navigate new heights and traverse awe-inspiring landscapes, the key to a perfect trek lies in the articles you bring along. Our guide to the ’33 Things to Carry for a Perfect Trek’ is your compass to a seamless and unforgettable journey. From essential gear that ensures safety and comfort to thoughtful extras that enhance your experience, we’ve curated a comprehensive list to help you pack smart and light. So, lace up your boots and get ready to unlock the secrets of a well-prepared trek that promises both exhilaration and tranquility.
Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start, when you read you begin with ABC; when you pack you begin with…
Where do you begin when you pack for a trek? How do you fit everything you need for a week or more into a 60L rucksack? What do you take, what do you leave behind? The most important question of them all, especially for us women, how many to take? How many pants do I pack, how many t-shirts, how many undies, etc.?
Well I am going to break it down for all you ladies out there. From comprehensive packing details to tricks we have picked up over the years.
As with all things done properly, something I learned from my mother, you must start with a list. I will give a reference list at the end of this article, for now let us have a look at where to start, what is needed and why.
Let’s dive right into the meticulous art of packing for a trek. Just like constructing a musical piece, where every note has its purpose, each item on your packing list plays a crucial role in ensuring your trekking journey is harmonious and comfortable.
Clothing Essentials:
- Caps: Start with protection from the elements. A broad-brimmed sun hat or a trusty baseball cap shields you from the sun’s relentless rays. Come evening, a warm woolen cap becomes your evening companion, guarding against the nip in the air.
- Scarf or Buff: Wrap yourself in versatility with a scarf or a buff. Beyond being a style statement, it safeguards your neck from wind and chill.
- Thermal Top: A foundational piece, the thermal top, is your guardian against temperature fluctuations. Its moisture-wicking magic keeps you dry and cozy. This will mostly only be worn in the camp in the evenings as wearing a thermal and walking during the day can lead to your body overheating.
- T-Shirts: For your upper body, four full-sleeved t-shirts are the trekkers’ uniform. Crafted from cotton or nylon, the choice is yours. Allocate two for hiking, one for camp comfort, and keep an extra as a contingency.
- Spaghetti Tops or Ganji: If you still appreciate these, include two spaghetti tops or ganjis for layering versatility.
- Fleece Jacket: The fleece jacket, a trekker’s second skin, offers an embrace of warmth and mobility. Opt for one or two, as per your preference.
- Wind and Waterproof Jacket: A safeguard against nature’s capriciousness, a wind and waterproof jacket is a must-have for unexpected weather turns.
- Feather Jacket: When warmth is paramount, embrace the embrace of a feather jacket. Choose between duck or goose down or a synthetic variant for a vegan-friendly option.
- Gloves: Depending on the season, pack accordingly. For summer treks, a pair of woolen or fleece gloves will suffice. Winter or monsoon excursions call for an upgrade, with wind/waterproof gloves stepping in for added protection.
- Thermal Bottom or Pant: The bottom half deserves as much attention. A thermal bottom keeps your legs insulated, no matter the surroundings. Once again to be worn only in the evenings in camp or above 6000m.
- Trekking Pants: A trio of quick-drying pants or a pair of quick-drying pants and waterproof pants should be your bottoms of choice. Alternatively, track pants can be your comrade.
- Socks: Don’t underestimate the power of good socks. One pair for each trekking day, woolen socks for warmth, another for night comfort, and two extras to cover all bases.
- Bra: Embrace comfort over conventionality. Two bras should suffice, especially when layers become your fashion statement. Or just stop wearing them once you start wearing layers. It’s comfortable for us and no one can tell the difference under 3-4 layers of clothes.
- Panties: Seamless cotton panties, carefully counted and packed, ensure comfort and ease for each day of your trek. Granny panties are best. Just make sure there is no lace or net or fancy trimming. You’ll thank me later!
Accessories:
- Torch or Headlamp: Light the path ahead with a handheld torch or a trusty headlamp.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from the sun’s glare with UV-protected sunglasses.
- Trekking Shoes: Your trusty companions, high-ankle trekking shoes with water resistance or waterproofing capabilities, equipped with durable soles, are your best foot forward.
- Floaters or Slippers: Camp comfort is key. A pair of floaters, Crocs or slippers provide respite for your feet after a day’s trek.
- Water Bottle or Hydra Pack: Stay hydrated with a water bottle or a hydra pack of at least two liters.
- Spare Batteries: Keep the energy flowing with spare batteries for your devices.
- Pocket Knife: A versatile tool, a pocket knife serves myriad purposes, from opening packages to improvising.
- Poncho: An umbrella of protection, a poncho keeps you dry when a waterproof jacket and pants aren’t in your arsenal or just aren’t enough.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve into the realm of toiletries, bags, and other trek essentials!
Toiletries and Beyond:
Now that we’ve dressed the part, let’s delve into the realm of toiletries and the nitty-gritty of carrying essentials.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Basic oral hygiene remains a constant, whether you’re a solo trekker or part of a group. Opt for a small toothpaste that serves everyone.
- Face Wash: A compact face wash serves a dual purpose—it keeps you feeling fresh and doubles up as a hand wash when needed.
- Sunscreen: A cardinal rule of trekking: shield your skin. Opt for sunscreen with an SPF of 60 or 90, or even a high-performance 110 SPF variant for maximum protection.
- Cold Cream: Combat dryness with a trusty cold cream that rejuvenates your skin in the face of harsh conditions.
- Lip Balm: Keep your lips nourished and protected with a reliable petroleum jelly or lip balm.
- Hand Sanitizer: Hygiene remains paramount even in the wilderness. A hand sanitizer offers a quick cleanse when water isn’t readily available.
- Surface Sanitizer: In the spirit of eco-friendliness, carry a surface sanitizer for disinfecting communal areas or shared surfaces.
- Wet Wipes: Freshness on demand, wet wipes provide a mini-shower alternative. Remember to carry them back with you for proper disposal.
- Toilet Paper: Nature’s call requires preparedness. Pack ample toilet paper for comfort during your journey.
- Polythene Bags: Responsible waste management is an integral part of trekking. Black or dark-colored polythene bags serve as homes for your rubbish.
- Dirty Clothes Bag: Keep your clean clothes separated from the soiled ones with a dedicated polythene bag. No one wants their fresh, clean clothes cohorting with their smelly, dirty clothes.
- Panty Liners: Practicality meets hygiene. Pack panty liners to minimize the number of panties you need to carry, ensuring freshness all day long.
- Sanitary Napkins: Always have a packet of sanitary napkins handy! Even if your dates are not around, some other poor soul might have forgotten! Also in an emergency you can’t be 100% sure that your guides will be carrying them in the first aid kit. (We always do!)
Remember, trekking etiquette extends to preserving the environment. Be sure to carry back all waste and sanitary products in your trash bags. Leave no trace behind.
Bags and Carriers:
- Rucksack or Duffel Bag: In the realm of bags, practicality reigns supreme. Opt for a rucksack or duffel bag ensuring your belongings stay intact. Suitcases or strollers will die a horrible death on the trek!
- Day Pack: Your faithful companion, a day pack of 30-45 liters, allows you to explore surroundings without being weighed down.
As you lace up your trekking shoes and adjust your backpack, envision the path that lies ahead. Each item you’ve thoughtfully packed holds a purpose—a promise to shield you from the elements, provide warmth during cool evenings, and offer a sense of security when the trail winds into the unknown. Let these items serve as reminders that you are equipped not just with gear, but with a spirit that’s ready to conquer trails, forge new paths, and create memories that will linger long after the trek is over.
Bohemian Adventures LLP 