While preparing for an adventure trip, trekkers need to provide proper attention to the clothing, gears and equipments needed in the trip. Trekking in Nepal, depending upon the trail undertaken, passes through many of the weather extremities including high passes covered by snow. Fine balance is to be maintained between taking too much or too little and taking the adequate equipments when a trekker goes for a teahouse trekking or a camping trek in Nepal. The exact list of such gears and equipments must be decided in consultation with the trekking agency which you choose for the trip. You can purchase or rent trekking gear and equipment in Kathmandu Valley. So trekkers needn’t carry it all the way from their native place.
Trekkers should carry the equipment and gear from the following checklist. This is for a general adventurous trip in the hills and mountains of Nepal. Keep the weight to a minimum. This list shall work as the general checklist for the trekkers.
Footwear
This may include the following wherein the items may be added or reduced as per requirement. The items are:
Trekking shoes or Running Shoes, Camp shoes, some pairs of socks (woolen socks, cotton socks)
Tip: Get used to the trekking or Mountain trekking boots before you actually begin the trekking expedition formally to avoid blisters and other discomforts.
Clothing
The clothing items may include the following, subjected to the requirement of trekker:
Pack hiking pants and base layers. Prefer lightweight base layers for changing into in camp. Meanwhile, heavier ones help thermo-regulate on the trail. Bring a warm fleece jacket or pullover and lightweight wool t-shirts. Don’t forget a sun hat or scarf, undergarments, and shorts. Thermal gloves and bottoms are essential, along with lightweight trekking pants. Include light and expedition-weight thermals, a down jacket, wind pants, and a pullover. Lastly, bring a waterproof and/or windproof jacket.
Other Equipments
If you need extra support for knees or ankles, bring trekking poles. For treks with camping, pack a sleeping tent and sleeping bag. Depending on whether you take a porter with you, you may need a backpack. A daypack (35-40 liters or 2500-3000 cubic inches) is also useful. Moreover, don’t forget a mattress, rucksack, and duffel bag. A waste management bag is important. Other essentials include binoculars, a flashlight with batteries, films, a compass, a sphere rope, a stick, a water bottle, and a camera. Bring any other items as per your requirement.
Miscellaneous Items
You should bring medical and first aid kits, maps, and a compass. Pack toiletries such as toilet articles, towels, and toilet paper. Similarly, a small knife and sunglasses (preferably with UV protection) are essential. Don’t forget sunblock, lip guard, and sunscreen lotion. Carry water purifying tablets, water bottles, chocolate, and biscuits. Also, use plastic bags for packing dry items inside your trek bag.
Reiterating the above mentioned tips, you should prepare the final list of trekking gear. Consult with the trekking company to finalize the list of trekking gear. This company will be accompanying you on the trekking expedition. However, personal experiences in previous trekking expeditions and comfort on the use of the gears also play an important role in deciding the list of trekking gears.
