Are you gearing up for your first experience of the rugged outdoors on foot but don’t know what to pack? Just follow this guided tour checklist for beginners and get your backpack multi-day trek ready!
1. Rucksack
Your backpack is going to be your household during the entire journey and a comfortable rucksack ensures that the load on your shoulders does not come in the way of your enjoyment. Your guided tour might have porters to carry your luggage like we do for our treks. Either way, choosing the right trek pack makes the job easier for anyone carrying it.
While buying a backpack make sure
- It is lightweight, water-proof and comes with a rain-cover
- It has padded shoulders for spine support
- It ranges between 50-65 L
You might need to invest in a higher capacity range in case you need to carry the essentials of other trekkers like children.
2. Footwear
You are going to rely on your feet for this exploration and must take extra care to keep them at ease. Imagine having to stop every 5 mins to adjust your shoes or tie laces, irritating right? We recommend buying the right kind of shoes at least a few weeks before your departure and putting in some hours and miles into them before you kick-start your trekking journey in them. We don’t recommend coming to a trek with brand-new shoes to avoid shoe bite!
While choosing the right pair of trekking shoes make sure:
- It comes with deep grooves and ankle support
- It has a flexible and soft sole, and laces that don’t easily untie
- Its lightweight, water-resistant, and non-skid
You may also want to carry floaters or sandals for campsites and leisurely moments.
3. Clothes
Layering is the best way to guard yourself against the chill of the mountains. However, it’s not just the cold you need to be prepared for! You will be treading different landscapes and are most likely to encounter water streams on your way. Plus a spell of rain might come calling even if it’s not predicted.
Here’s what you must carry:
- Full body inner thermal
- Quick dry T-shirts (half and full sleeves) and track pants. Denim and any other heavy material are a BIG NO
- Merino wool or fleece
- Waterproof down feather jacket
- Waterproof gloves
- Waterproof and woolen socks
- Woolen cap
- Earmuffs
- Fast-drying lightweight towel
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Compact bags for wet clothes
4. First-Aid
Although guided tours like ours always carry first-aid for any kind of medical assistance, it is always recommended to carry a small personal medical kit.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Prescribed personal medication (if any)
- Medicines for fever, vomiting, indigestion, and motion sickness
- Painkiller
- Band-aid
- Small medical cotton roll
- ORS or Electral (for dehydration)
- Betadine or any antiseptic cream (for minor injuries)
- Any spray of muscle/joint pain
- Crepe Bandage for sprained joints
5. Sun protection
With a gain in altitude, less atmosphere is available to absorb the UV radiations of the sun. Here’s what you can carry to shield yourself from the sun:
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sun hat/cap
- UV shielding sunglasses
6. Water bottle
Hydration is key!
When you're trekking, you're likely to sweat and lose fluids faster than you realise, so it's essential to drink water regularly to replenish your body's fluids and electrolytes. Also hiking in remote areas mean you may not always have access to drinking water. Always carry enough water when you start the trek and refill your bottle whenever you get a chance. It also keeps our plastic waste in check!
7. Wallet
Make sure you carry your identification cards (original and copies) as your permits (wherever required) are dependent on them. Some handy cash is always recommended as you won’t have access to an ATM most of the time.
Pro-Tip: Do carry a small watertight or dry bag! It protects your essential items from moisture, water, or unexpected rain. When you're trekking, you may encounter rainy or wet weather conditions, or you may need to cross streams or rivers. A dry bag ensures that your valuables, such as your phone, wallet, and other electronics, stay dry and protected from water damage.
All the best for your first trek!