What to Pack For A Trek?

Pack Smart – Know What to Bring!

Himalaya region trekking is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. And if you’re planning on visiting, it is important to prepare with the right equipment.

Before we get into the equipment list we must start with the number one most important item you should do when trekking….Put your feet first.

We cannot stress enough the importance of having dry, blistered free comfortable feet during your trip. 

So investment in a good quality pair of lightweight, mid to high hiking boots that have good ventilation, water resistance and support is an absolute must.

They don’t necessarily have to be the most expensive off the shelf but definitely should tick these boxes. 

On average, people take approx 1,250 steps to walk just a kilometre — so naturally the body parts you’ll need to protect the most when trekking is your feet.

Don’t forget to bring some sandals for mornings and evenings when your feet will need a rest from your hiking boots.

Socks – Good quality hiking socks to match your boots is also a must-have on your trip. Your choice of socks must be considered to be just as important as your selection of boots.

Socks must fit you correctly (blisters are unwelcome on a long trek), they must be durable, tough and comfortable, and the amount of cushioning will affect the warmth and comfort of your feet. 

Your socks must also have enough height so they do not disappear into your boots.

Sock choices will vary from Merino wool, Polyester or Nylon so ensure you carry out your research when making your choice.

We strongly recommend breaking your socks and boots in prior to your trip where possible to ensure maximum comfort on your trip. Generally, at least four pairs of hiking socks are sufficient on a 15-day trek.

Packing List Guide

The list provided below is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. 

Also, understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration and may differ from what is available to purchase in your country. 

Any items marked with an asterisk(*) are provided by Youin inclusive in the service and will be provided by the Group leader in Kathmandu prior to departure. 

The weight limit for your luggage while on tour is 15Kg’s, or 33lbs. 

Remember, your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack for your valuables or anything important to you. 

We also suggest that you only pack what is necessary.

Important Personal Documents and Items

  • Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets and visa.
  • Separate photocopies of passport, bank cards, visa and/or visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport).
  • Proof of insurance – to be shown on arrival to your group leader.
  • Where visa on arrival is purchased, Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport.
  • Dollars, pounds or Euros cash for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts.
  • Credit cards, Bank/ATM cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines, traveller’s checks, etc.

Upper Body

  • Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves).
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
  • Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover.
  • Waterproof (breathable fabric preferably) shell jacket.
  • Down vest and/or jacket *.
  • Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable.

Head

  • Bandana or headscarf, which also can be useful for dusty conditions.
  • Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic).
  • LED Headlamp with extra batteries (lightweight and high lumens).
  • Sunglasses, with UV protection.
  • Prescription sunglasses (if required).

Hands

  • Set of trekking poles – particularly useful on decent and for people with bad knees.
  • 1 pair of lightweight gloves – Poly-liner.
  • 1 pair of lightweight gloves – wool/fleece.
  • 1 pair of mittens, that consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt, matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal).

Feet

  • 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks.
  • 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks.
  • 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”) – please see the introduction.
  • 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals.
  • Optional – Cotton socks.
  • Optional – Gaiters (winter only).

Lower Body

  • Non-cotton underwear briefs.
  • 1 pair of Hiking shorts.
  • 1 pair of Hiking trousers.
  • 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal).
  • 1 pair of fleece or woollen trousers.
  • 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric.
  • Optional – Compression pants have been known to reduce muscle aches and soreness after extensive physical activity.

Rucksack and Travel Bags

  • 1 medium rucksack, 50-70 litres / 3000-4500 cubic inches, (also can be used for an airplane carryon)
  • 1 large duffel bag *
  • A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding.
  • Padlocks for Duffle-kit bags.
  • Optional – Waterproof rucksack covers.

Sleeping

  • 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*.
  • Optional – Fleece sleeping bag liner.

Medical

  • Personal first-aid kit. (small, simple and light).
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and Band-Aids.
  • Skin-blister repair kit.
  • Anti-Diarrhoea pills.
  • Anti-headache pills.
  • Cough and/or cold medicine.
  • AMS – Altitude sickness tablets (Diamox or Acetylzolamide).
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. 
  • Note – *** Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant ***.
  • Water purification tablets or a water filter.
  • Earplugs.
  • Backup pair of prescription glasses and/or spare contact lens supplies.

Toiletries

  • 1 quick-drying towel – medium-sized.
  • Toothbrush and paste (preferably biodegradable).
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable).
  • Deodorants – mini’s (to reduce weight).
  • Nail clippers kit.
  • Face and body moisturiser.
  • Female hygiene products.
  • Optional – Small mirror.

Personal Hygiene

  • Wet wipes (baby wipes).
  • Tissue / toilet paper.
  • Anti-bacterial hand-wash.

Extras / Luxuries

  • Trail map/guide book.
  • Journal and pen.
  • iPod / MP3 player. 
  • Playing cards and Reading books (to help you pass the time at teahouses).
  • 1 modest swimsuit.
  • Voltage converter (from 220 to 110).
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs).
  • Your own lightweight pillowcase (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows).
  • Optional – Binoculars.

Practical Items

  • 1 small roll of repair tape.
  • 1 sewing-repair kit.
  • 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches.
  • Alarm clock/watch.
  • 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries.
  • Large cable ties / Ziplocks.
  • 2 water bottles (1 litre each).
  • 1 small folding knife.
  • 4 waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks – large.
  • Optional – 1 compass or GPS.
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