Packing list for mountain trekking
Trekking has been at the top of our adventure list for many years. We have learned quite a bit and have some valuable tips to share with future trekkers.
Good kit is vital for the enjoyment of any trekking trip – we’ve all heard it before but it’s just so true:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
A. Wainwright
Here’s what we think you should pack.
Andean Trails Top Tips
Kathy says: “I like to look after my knees these days… so I take trekking poles with me to help me get down those steep Inca stairs or Andean slopes. Wet wipes come in handy if you can’t get to a shower for a few days though I wouldn’t worry too much about how you look or smell.”
Kat says: “I like to pack things in several individual (even colour coded!) bags before putting them into my rucksack – to allow me to get what I need quickly without having to turn the whole backpack inside out. All base layers in one bag, all fleeces, hat, gloves in the other, all food in another…”
Alan says: “Wear your boots on the plane or take them in your hand luggage in case your baggage gets lost and you don’t get it back before setting off on your trek. Nothing worse than rented boots….”
Maria says: “Bring chocolate – taste the local treats! Even when meals are provided on the trek, it’s sometimes nice to have a little something between stops. Some snacks will give you a boost of energy and sometimes when the altitude gets to us, a bar of your favourite chocolate will make you feel better.”
A Suggested Kit List
- A warm fleece or down jacket
- Thermal base layers – layers, layers, layers!
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Sweater, warm jumper
- Waterproof coat & trousers – consider a poncho when trekking in hot areas
- Socks / underwear
- Light weight, quick drying trekking trousers
- A second pair of trekking trousers & t-shirt
- Good, well worn-in walking boots
- Camp shoes (sandals) – your feet will love you for it!
- Light weight towel
- Sunglasses
- Sun-hat
- Head torch & spare batteries
- Book – maybe not War and Peace
- Notepaper & pen
- Sunblock factor 30+ / After sun / Lip balm
- Binoculars
- Camera, memory cards, spare batteries
- Pocket knife
- Insect repellent
- Walking poles
- Day sack & rain-cover
- Extra snacks – cereal bars or favourite chocolate
- Kit bag (preferably waterproof) for porter-carried gear
- Sleeping bag liner – useful if renting a sleeping bag
- Playing cards or travel scrabble for evenings
Personal First Aid Kit
Include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general anti-biotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts, and personal medication.
We also carry an extensive first aid kit on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.
Renting Equipment
On most of our treks you can rent sleeping bags, thermarest (if they are not included already) and walking poles. Some places offer additional equipment for hire, so it’s always worth checking with us what you can hire locally – a great way of saving precious luggage space, especially if you are travelling for longer.
