Trekking Essentials – A Beginner’s Guide

Trekking is a form of hiking, carried out with the precise determination of discovering and relishing the beauty of Mother Nature. It generally takes place on pathways in regions of comparatively untouched backwoods. For trekking, you simply require the zeal to trek, neither age is a bar nor the money. Through this article, I intend to highlight some trekking essentials you will need on your next trek!

Before you plan your itinerary for trekking, read a trekker’s travelogue first that highlights the right trekking essentials. It might help you to plan your trek and things to carry with you.

Trekking Essentials

Through this write-up expert trekkers after years of trekking on different places are sharing a checklist of essentials to be taken on treks. Take a look:

Tent

Often trekking requires a night stay in the jungle and hills; hence carrying a tent is a must. However, the available sleeping bags are a better alternative as they are usable in keeping expensive items safe as well.

Camera and Charger: Forget about trekking without a camera and a charger. The camera will capture the beauty and the charger will function as oxygen to a camera.

Phone and Charger: Though on the hills and in the dense forests; getting mobile network is an issue but connections are possible at the camp base and starting point of the trekking.

Bedding Essentials

• A bath towel
• A bed sheet
• Air Pillow

Dressing Essentials

• Sets of clothes (based upon the climate and number of days)
• A pair of flip flops
• Trekking gloves
• Waterproof trekking shoes
• Rain Protection
• One heavy jacket
• Sweaters/Pullovers
• Plenty of socks
• Cap and Shades

Cosmetic Essentials

• Face Wash
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Sunscreen
• Comb
• Hair Oils
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• A packet of Tissue Paper

Medical Essentials

• Band-Aid
• Cotton
• Diamox Tablet for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
• Tablets For Fever, Headache and Food Poisoning

Eating Essentials

• Dry Fruits
• Instant Noodles
• Plastic Spoon
• Salt
• Soup Packets
• Steel Vessel (For Cooking/Boiling Water)
• Sugar
• Tea
• Energy Bars

Miscellaneous Requirements

• A Swiss knife or a simple knife
• Blades
• Lighter or Matchboxes
• Rope
• Safety Pins
• Tape
• Torch and extra batteries

Safety Measures to Be Taken While Trekking

It is advisable to use trekking poles to take the strain off your knees and thighs. Pack food and water as much as possible, although the backpack should be lighter. Prefer climbing boots over gym shoes. Know your competencies. It’s better to be conventional on your first trek. Heights, mounting and warmness can make treks that much more challenging. Hold onto your medicinal circumstances when you’re scheduling a trek.

Problems concerning to knees and back are common while trekking; you must better take care of them. Health problems like heart disorders, diabetes, asthma and other health illnesses can be intensified with physical exertion and unfavorable weather conditions.

Save Your Energy While Trekking These Ways

Keeping yourself hydrated while on a trek should be the first priority. Do not wait to feel thirsty, drink water at regular intervals. Take short breaks while marching on heights. Have heavy breakfast and light lunch before and during the trek respectively. Consuming a diet with the adequate amount of salt and carbohydrates is a must.

Taking sufficient sleep is highly recommended. Talk less while you trekking it would help you save energy. Holding up the responsibility of a true nature lover, you shouldn’t be littering garbage all over the place. Keep a bag and store them while trekking; dump them in the end.

Must Do’s before Finalizing the Trek Schedule

• Checking The Weather Forecast: You must then check the weather forecast for +15 and -15 days to have a clear picture of the climatic conditions at the trekking destination. Also, it would help you in packing the trekking essentials. In case the weather forecast is predicting rains then carrying a raincoat is wise
• Taking Health Check-Up: Visit your physician for a health checkup. Seek his advice for high altitudes and ask for a necessary prescription
• Monitoring Your Physical Fitness: Regulate the diet plan and make a habit of walking before you leave for trekking. Keep an eye on the level of strain your thighs and legs can bear

That was all about the basics of trekking. Keep checking this space for more such information about treks. If you are an adventure junkie you might also like this exhaustive list of paragliding spots all over India HERE!

Disclaimer – This article has been submitted by Hardik Korat and it contains information as deemed fit by him. If you are planning a trek, we would also recommend you to do further research on trekking requirements.