If your goal is to be safe and comfortable in the outdoors, While on a trekking and hiking , you probably wouldn’t expect the same level of comfort as you would at your home. This is part of the adventure that attracts people to trekking and Hiking. Mostly Trekking and hiking is done in lands away from civilization , so you should know what you need to carry with you. You cannot come and buy from the market instantly. The requirement varies on type of trek, duration, elevation, season and terrain , but there are some basic thing you need to be sure of.
- The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both Trekking & Hiking trekking in the uttarakhand Himalayas.
GENERAL CHECKLIST
Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
– Light and expedition weight thermal tops
– Fleece jacket or pullover
– Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
– Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
– Lightweight thermal gloves
– Underwear
– Shorts
– Lightweight cotton long trousers/pants
– Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
– Sun hat or scarf
– Warm fleece hat or light balaclava
– T-shirts
– Thin, lightweight (inner socks)
– Sunglasses with UV protection
– Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees (3/4 season)
– Head lamp (eg Petzl) spare bulbs & batteries
– Small padlock to lock trek bag
– Basic First Aid Kit (see First Aid Medicine below)
– Plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
– Daypack (35-40 litres/2500-3000 cubic inches)
– Camping mattress, eg thermarest pad
– Water bottles
– Toiletries
– Small wash towel
– Footwear appropriate to the trip
– Waterproof shell trousers/pants (preferably breathable fabric)
TREKKING CHECKLIST
In addition to the items listed in our general checklist you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
– Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
– Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
– Fleece or wool trousers/pants
– Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces
– Thick, warm wool hiking socks
– Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and/or sandals
– Gaiters (optional)
– Telescopic trekking/ski poles (optional)
MOUNTAINEERING / CLIMBING CHECKLIST
In addition to the checklists for general and trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
– Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step-in bindings) with front points.
– Mountaineering harness.
– Mountaineering ice-axe (60-75cms long – depending on your height and personal
preference.)
– 120cms (4ft) climbing sling and two locking carabiners
– Telescopic ski-sticks (optional)
– Prussik loops
– Climbing helmet (optional)
FIRST AID MEDICINE
– Bandage for sprains
– Plasters/Band-aids
– Iodine or water filter (optional)
– Moleskin/Second skin – for blisters
– Antiseptic ointment for cuts
– Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
– Aspirin/paracetamol – general painkiller
– Oral rehydration salts
– Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
– Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
– Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional)
– Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria
– Diamox (altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu)
– Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
– For more details please see our staying healthy topic.
EXTRA/LUXURIES
– Binoculars
– Reading book
– Trail Map/Guide book
– Journal & Pen
– Walkman, Ipod
– Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
TOILETRIES
– 1 medium sized quick drying towel
– Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
– Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
– Deodorant
– Nail clippers
– Face and body moisturizer
– Feminine hygiene products
– Small mirror