Trekking equipment/ packing lists

Trekking Checklist- Equipment

To whatever region we make our trip, the first and foremost things are to check the list of equipment. Climbing, trekking, hiking, and tour require a different list of types of equipment. We must check the list of equipment according to the nature of trip we are going to be involved and also according to the region and variation of elevation.

What are the types of equipment to be carried with us in the mountain? This might be one of the most frequent questions to be asked to trekking operator.

Sometimes, when we lack some equipment in the mountain in case of the sudden incident, we may have to face terrible unforeseen circumstance. Actually, we don’t want to see it but sometimes unexpectedly, it occurs. All the required types of equipment are even not available in the mountain while we are in the trip. So, all required types of equipment are to be carried because we are going for an adventure in the mountain. The wild nature may not be friendly to us all the time. So, we need to pack up all these following equipment for our trekking trip in the mountain.

Head

• Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

 Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of Hiking shorts
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks (optional)

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F if going to higher elevation above 5000m.
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
• A large duffle bag (normally, it will be provided by tour operator)

First Aid and Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• A cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map/guidebook
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swimsuit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillowcase (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Above the gear lists are basic lists for trekking in Nepal which normally trekker should have to have for Trekking and adventures activities in the Himalayas, These Trekking checklists are very useful for  Everest and Annapurna region Treks as well. If you are intending to do the trek to Nepal make sure you have that reputed and trustworthy Trekking company which can make your trip once in a lifetime experience.