Trekking Essentials: Pack these accessories while trekking

Have you ever thought about what the point of carrying the load on your shoulders and climbing those mountains is? In simple words, it gives you the taste of freedom and solace away from your own hustle. It fills you with the adrenaline rush to uncover nature’s rhythm. For this, one needs to be prepared. Following is the list of Accessories Required While Trekking.

1. Trekking Shoes/Boots and Slippers

Your shoes or boots depending on the type of terrain and climate. Shoes or Boots are the critical part, especially during the rainy season. Good shoes will provide ankle and arch support during the hike. Sole should have an excellent grip, and if possible, go for waterproof shoes or boots. During your climb, your heel should be motionless and snug. And while walking down the slope, your toes should not hit the front part of the shoes. Do not forget to carry slippers. They are helpful after the trek. Even if it is a day trek, once you reach your destination, remove your shoes for some time and use slippers for comfortable movement after the hike.

2. Backpacks or Trekking Bags

• For a one-day hike, choose a 20 to 30l backpack which will be able to carry your essentials like a camera, water bottle, snacks, tripod, midday lunch, a rain jacket or any additional accessories you need to carry.
• For a multi-day’s trek, including overnight, go for a trekking backpack ranging between 50 to 60l. It will serve your weekend trips even if you’re willing to take sleeping equipment like a sleeping bag or tent.
• For extended expedition, without thinking twice, go for durable backpacks of 75 to 90l. Since you’ll have to carry multiple pairs of shoes, apparel, accessories, and sleeping equipment. For extreme temperatures, your weight will go up with the addition of snow boots, heavy jackets, etc.

3. Sleeping Equipment

Three criteria determine your choice of sleeping bag: ease of comfort, the temperature of your sleeping environment, and sleeping comfort. Down-filled bags retain heat better, are lighter, and compress into a smaller package. However, other than being expensive, they will not suffer in rains.

Though Synthetic fibre-filled bags are cheaper, they are not warm or light. These bags don’t work in rains either but dry out faster. Another must-have accessory is an insulation layer between the ground and the bag. A cheap foam pad should work.

Another piece of equipment in the list of accessories required while trekking is a tent. The ideal tent is light and robust. Do not go for fibreglass poles since they are weaker than metal poles and cannot survive the strong wind. Look for a fly that provides you extra space for shoes and other items.

4. Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are your friends during any trek. People believe these poles are for people with reduced physical abilities, but that is not true. These poles allow you to walk in a better position and length. They increase the strain on all the muscles of the shoulders, upper back, forearms, and arms. Hence toning your muscles. The only condition is your back should be straight throughout the trek.

Poles help you in balancing more by continuously soliciting arms simultaneously with the legs movements. They also avoid wrong movements that later can cause pain, especially back pain due to the big bag on your back.

5. Camera and Tripod

No matter if we are amateur or professional photographers, we all love to flaunt our photography skills. If you already own a camera, perfect. Carry a tripod for better pictures and experiment with a different lens.

If you wish to buy a camera, there are an extensive number of options available based on the types of photos you want to click on. Also, look for a lightweight bag to carry and store your camera and its accessories. Do not forget to pack extra batteries and SD cards!

6. Water Purification System

Though you carry litres of water with you, at times, you might find your bottles empty. During such a scenario, directly drinking water from a nearby river, waterfall, or any water body can be unhygienic. Look for some water purification system like LifeStraw that filters and purifies water instantly.

The product is expensive but worth buying. It can be screwed onto your bottle filled with impure water. It then purifies as and when you drink. An ideal item to add to the list of accessories required while trekking.

7. Medical Kit

A medical kit is a must-have while trekking. Make a small pouch for medicine like painkillers and ointments. Keep your medicines related to vomiting, fever, headache, body pain, any sort of allergy, and AMS.

8. Travel Kit and Personal Kit

Your travel kit can have an energy/protein bar or glucose. Chocolates during hiking boost your energy. And glucose can keep you hydrated on a sunny day.

In your personal kit, carry UV protective sunscreen to avoid sunburn at a higher altitude. You can also add Vaseline/lip balm to protect your lips from cracks due to cold. Additionally, you can have a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and other essential things you require.

9. Other accessories

a. Headlamps and torches:

A good headlamp and torch come out as essential equipment, particularly during night treks. LED versions of the headlamps are excellent. Go for the headlamps and torches with a strong beam and penetrate out to around 30 ft. Expensive torches or headlamps come with lithium-ion batteries, which allow you to adjust the beam and focus.

b. Sun cap/Hat and Balaclava/woolen cap

Sun caps or hats can save you from the scorching sun if you are going on a full-day trek. If you are going on a night trek or snow trek, do not forget to carry a woollen cap/balaclava. These will protect your ears from cold winds.

c. UV Sunglasses

General sunglasses just cover your eyes, and that is not enough. It becomes mandatory to use UV sunglasses during high-altitude treks to protect your eyes from UV rays. While buying, make sure these sunglasses have an extended side block to cover your eyes from sides to maximize the protection.

d. Fire Starter

Good windproof light or a fire starter is essential, especially if you intend to cook during camp. There are various DIY and commercial firelighters available. You can also opt for a camp stove with fuel. Do remember to buy one with high BTU. In addition, don’t forget about windscreen to block the breeze or rain. Use the fuel carefully as you can run out.

e. Extra Dry Fit Clothes and socks

The most essential thing in your accessories required while trekking list is extra clothes. It is okay to neglect them on a one-day trek, but do not forget to pack some extra t-shirts and track pants if you plan for a multiple-day trek.

Avoid denim during treks. Carry some dry-fit apparel and an extra bag to keep your used/wet clothes. If possible, carry full sleeves t-shirt as they will protect you from insects and sunrays.

Irrespective of a single day or multiple day trek, carry extra pair of socks with you. Once you reach the summit, replace your socks with fresh pair to avoid fungal or bacterial infection.

f. Fleece Jacket/Lightweight Jacket

Be it a summer trek or a monsoon trek, carry a fleece or a lightweight jacket. The jacket should not take much space or weight in your backpack while hiking.

g. Power Banks

Since we are surrounded by electronic gadgets all the time, a power bank is an essential item in the accessories required while travelling. But do not omit to take wires along with you.

Further, giving your bit to sustainable tourism and travelling responsibly, carry polybags for your wet clothes and garbage. Use tissues and toilet papers but do not throw them in the open. Use a dustbin if you see any, or simply carry it with you in a polybag and dispose of it properly. Ultimately, trekking involves comfort and lots of fun. If travelling solo, you meet and make new friends from parts of the globe. Or, if trekking with your squad, you make memories for a lifetime.