Going on a trek and wondering about which trekking essentials you should pack? Keep reading.
Starting your first trekking adventure is exciting and full of promise. To make sure you have a great time, being prepared is essential.
I’ve put together a simple checklist of the 10 most important items every beginner should bring. From safety gear to useful tools, this guide will help you enjoy your trek to the fullest. Let’s get ready for a fun and safe adventure in the great outdoors!
First of all,
What’s the difference between hiking and trekking?
Both of them are outdoor activities that involve a lot of walking in nature, but there are a few differences between them.
Hikes are generally shorter (lasts hours) than treks (lasts days), while treks are harder than hikes.
Hikes have terrains that are easier to walk in and treks have steep parts where one might need to climb.
Elevation gain is more in treks as compared to hikes.
Table Of Contents
Trekking Essentials For Beginners
Backpack & a rain cover for it
You need a proper backpack made for hiking and not those basic ones people use on an everyday basis. A hiking backpack should have padding on the straps for added comfort. It should have ample amount of pockets for different things to be accessed easily. Should be lightweight and durable.
Comfortable & sturdy footwear
It’s always best to choose waterproof shoes. You don’t know where you might need to cross a flowing stream. If your shoes get wet, your feet will get wet and your chances of getting an infection will increase. Not to mention, it will be uncomfortable hiking with wet shoes.
Water bottle
This is quite obvious. I recommend carrying your water bottle and not purchasing one from a shop. Try to reduce your plastic consumption wherever possible. You can get your water bottle filled from the hotel you’re staying at.
Protection from the sun
Don’t skip a good sunscreen. While you’re focused on making it to the top of the trek, the sun can burn your skin.
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Comfortable clothing that is useful as well
Buy pants that have multiple pockets with zips. You don’t want your stuff to fall out while you’re crossing streams and climbing over rocks. Multiple pockets will be very useful for storing your quick snacks, phones, etc.
If you’re a Photographer like me, carry your camera in a separate camera bag that can double up as your fanny pack. You should have your camera accessible to you easily, and not hidden away in your backpack.
On the other hand, for non-photographers, a waist pouch/bum bag is a great addition to their trekking essentials.
Basic Medical Kit
You might not need it, and I hope that you don’t. But it’s better to be prepared. You don’t want to be sick and stranded in the middle of the trail. Pack some essentials like Band-Aid, Moov, or any spray for sprains, ORS for dehydration, etc. And most importantly, you should know where you’ve kept the medical kit.
Personal Hygiene
You will have to use nature for your toilet emergencies on the trek. Carry essentials to make sure you keep yourself clean and safe. I always carry wet wipes and sanitizer with me.
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Rainwear
Rainwear is only necessary when you’re trekking or hiking around the monsoon. Remember to check the weather forecast before leaving for a hike to be prepared for what’s to come. You should carry a rain poncho, overall and waterproof shoes on you. Keep it somewhere from where you can access it easily, like the side pockets on your backpack.
Cap
A cap will save you from the harsh sunlight falling on your face. It will keep your vision clear as well. Carry a sun cap and a warm woolen one as well if it gets cold at the top of the trek. Keep a pair of gloves in handy too.
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Quick snacks
You will need boosts of energy once in a while on the trek. Carry quick snacks that will give you the energy to keep going – protein bars, trail mix, energy bars, nuts and seeds, chocolate (if the weather isn’t too hot), etc.
