A Trekker's Essentials
My recent trek to Hampta pass in Himachal Pradesh was quite the adventure, not just for its tough terrain, but also because every essential item that any seasoned trekker generally carries on any trek became a necessity. I did not realize that every trek is different and has different needs, but the trekking gear needs to be complete.
I had left behind a few of the items based on my experience at the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, and Badrinath trip last August. That was the dumbest thing I could have ever done. The mountains are wicked. They love to mess with you. So you better be prepared.
I had left behind a few of the items based on my experience at the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, and Badrinath trip last August. That was the dumbest thing I could have ever done. The mountains are wicked. They love to mess with you. So you better be prepared.
The seasons were such. In the five days that we walked and pushed our feet through cold rivers, sunny days, rain and windy weather and add to that a few landslides, I re-learnt how to pack my trek bag, balance the weight on my back, ascend and descend the pass by applying the right pressure on my toe and heels, walk at a consistent pace, and adapt to every changing conditions over which you have no control. You are absolutely at Her mercy. I came back completely tanned to the brim. With the drastic weather change from high altitudes to the plains, it took my body a few days to readjust to the heat.
Here are the trekker's essentials from my limited experience - these are the most basic things you can carry on your trek, easy and moderate ones.
Here are the trekker's essentials from my limited experience - these are the most basic things you can carry on your trek, easy and moderate ones.
A Trekker's Absolute Essentials:
1. Trekking backpack: A good trek bag like Quechua/Forclaz or any other brand you may prefer, that supports your back; Decathlon is everyone's favourite place to shop for all your sports gear. It is a one stop shop for all your sports and outdoor needs and you have qualified help to walk you through all the essentials.
2. Sunscreen with a good SPF: you can tan very quickly in the mountains and the proximity to ultraviolet rays is harmful; I looked quite a sight without my SPF!
3. Sunglasses and a Hat: Remember the weather changes every second; when the sun hits your eyes or if you have to navigate snow covered areas, a sun-glass can protect you from getting blinded by the light; the hat keeps off the stinging heat.
4. Chap stick/Lip balm: Carry it in your jacket pocket and keep your lips moist from time to time. You can pack it into the front zip pocket of your trek bag belt for easy access. This will avoid painful blistering.
5. Trek Shoes: Usually people pick up Hunter boots possibly from Woodlands or you also have a good selection available at Decathlon. Some may prefer ankle support for more comfort, but that is completely up to you. Walk with the shoes once you buy them so you do not suffer shoe bites when you wear them in the mountains. Shoes need to be tamed, just like people.
6. Hand sanitize/Toilet wipes: Consider these two your best friends in high altitudes and areas where you have to use the open places or if water is provisioned or not available at all.
7. Waterbottle: Carry sippers which you can keep in the side storage area of your trek bag. Sometimes you may also have to conserve water during long distance treks. Water filled bottles add to the weight but cannot be compromised.
8. Clothing: Keep your pack light. 1 kg in the mountains is equal to 10 kgs as you go uphill. You may not be able to bathe for a few days depending on the trek. Carry three pairs of socks, a 3-1 jacket that works as a windcheater, rain jacket, and has fleece. One pair of clothing for change, and bathroom slippers should do it.
10. Digital Camera/iphones and Power Banks: If you are not keen on lugging your DSLRs or professional cameras, then a digicam or a good phone will be practical. You can keep it in the front zip pocket of your trek bag in the straps. Carry a power bank or a battery charger. Absolutely useful when you are cut off from just about everything.
11. Other supplies: A good torch, face wash, wipes, mug, plate, and spoon should suffice. You can also carry raisins, energy bars to keep you going when fatigue hits you.
While trekking, ensure you keep sipping water to keep your body hydrated. Remember, listen to your body. Once High Altitude Sickness hits you, there is no other choice but to stay put in your current location. Sometimes you may not have the option of returning or it is possible that you may have to make your way back alone.
Fitness has no bearing on mountain sickness, but that does not mean you can trek without proper training and conditioning. Without such preparations embarking on a trek can be fatal since your body may not be able to cope with the limited supply of oxygen at such altitudes.
Research your trek, prepare for it, and stay safe.
6. Hand sanitize/Toilet wipes: Consider these two your best friends in high altitudes and areas where you have to use the open places or if water is provisioned or not available at all.
7. Waterbottle: Carry sippers which you can keep in the side storage area of your trek bag. Sometimes you may also have to conserve water during long distance treks. Water filled bottles add to the weight but cannot be compromised.
8. Clothing: Keep your pack light. 1 kg in the mountains is equal to 10 kgs as you go uphill. You may not be able to bathe for a few days depending on the trek. Carry three pairs of socks, a 3-1 jacket that works as a windcheater, rain jacket, and has fleece. One pair of clothing for change, and bathroom slippers should do it.
10. Digital Camera/iphones and Power Banks: If you are not keen on lugging your DSLRs or professional cameras, then a digicam or a good phone will be practical. You can keep it in the front zip pocket of your trek bag in the straps. Carry a power bank or a battery charger. Absolutely useful when you are cut off from just about everything.
11. Other supplies: A good torch, face wash, wipes, mug, plate, and spoon should suffice. You can also carry raisins, energy bars to keep you going when fatigue hits you.
While trekking, ensure you keep sipping water to keep your body hydrated. Remember, listen to your body. Once High Altitude Sickness hits you, there is no other choice but to stay put in your current location. Sometimes you may not have the option of returning or it is possible that you may have to make your way back alone.
Fitness has no bearing on mountain sickness, but that does not mean you can trek without proper training and conditioning. Without such preparations embarking on a trek can be fatal since your body may not be able to cope with the limited supply of oxygen at such altitudes.
Research your trek, prepare for it, and stay safe.
Comments