List of Essential Things to Start Trekking on Hills

Hiking has become a popular adventure sport in recent years. More and more people are trying it out every other day. In fact, people even make extensive plans and take holiday loans to venture out on a trek. You need not worry if you are a metro city resident.

There are plenty of hill stations near Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and other such metropolitan cities in India. However, first time or amateur hikers or trekkers are prone to forget one or the other important thing to carry on a trek. If you are a beginner, then you probably fear facing the same situation. Here is the complete list of items you must take along to a trekking trip:

Basic Gear:

1. BackPack or Day Pack with Rain Cover: A daypack or a backpack is an absolute necessity when it comes to trekking trips. It would provide easy access to items and keep them organized.
2. Walking Map : You should be clear about the map and terrain of the trek path that you choose. Take help from experienced trekkers or locals to understand the details about the likely challenges in the path.
3. Walking Stick: These are used to aid walking uphill or downhill and ease out the strain caused on the spine and the joints due to so much of walking.
4. Head Torch: When out and about in nature, you never know when you will face a deficiency of light. A torch will prove to be a lifesaver if it gets dark while returning from a hike.
5. Water bottle: This is a very precious item for a hiking or trekking trip. Often times, during trekking your body dehydrates but due to the cool temperature, you hardly realize that you are sweating. So, sipping regularly from your water bottle will keep you sufficiently hydrated.
6. Snacks: You will lose energy faster than you normally do when on a hike. So, munching on to something every once in a while will keep your energy level optimized in fun places. You could carry energy bars, fruits, chocolates, nuts, etc.
7. Personal Medical Kit: You never know when, where and how someone might get injured on a trek. It is highly advisable to carry a first aid kit and you could customize it to suit your needs. If you have an allergy, then don’t forget to put in your allergy medicines. Also, take along laxatives, constipation medicines, medicines for cold, fever and so on.

For head protection:

1. Sun cap: It is very likely for people to feel nauseous, sick or dizzy when out under the scorching sun rays for too long. A sun cap would prove to be very useful in such a situation.
2. Woolen cap: Protect your head and ears from the cold winds of the hills with a woolen cap.
3. Balaclava: You could also consider a balaclava that covers the entire head and neck except for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth. This would give you better protection from the sunrays and the cool wind.
4. Neck-gaiters: A neck-gaiter to protect your neck could be considered.
5. Sunglasses: Take along a dark sunglass with side cover and UV protection. Those who wear spectacles could wear contact lenses (not for a Chadar trek) or photochromatic glasses.

Outfit:

1. Trek Pants: Always try to wear comfortable clothes at the trek. Avoid shorts, fitted denim or capris. Instead buy trek pants for the optimum comfort during the climb.
2. T-shirts: It can get pretty cold up in the hills. So, don’t forget full-sleeved t-shirts.
3. Fleece T-shirts: These are to provide better insulation to the cold.
4. Fleece jacket: You could use a fleece jacket to keep yourself warm in the cold. A woolen sweater would work as well.
5. Down feather/ Hollofil Jacket: The trick to surviving in cold temperatures is layered dressing. Wear a padded jacket or a jacket with plenty of air-filled spaces to receive the best insulation possible.
6. Wind and Waterproof Jacket and Pants: You cannot wear normal jackets or pants when on a hike or a trek. You need specialized winter jackets and pants to protect you from the cold wind and water as well (in case it rains).
7. Thermal Inners: These too are essential to keep from catching a cold or frostbite.

Footwear:

1. Trekking shoes: Pack a good quality pair of trekking shoes. These are comfortable sturdy, waterproof and provide a firm grip on slippery surfaces.
2. Floaters or Flip flips (Optional): You need hiking flip flops to walk around your camp in between the hiking journey.
3. Cotton socks: Don’t forget to wear cotton socks before putting on your shoes otherwise you will end up bruising your feet.
4. Woolen socks: You could use these as an alternative to cotton socks
5. Gaiters: Gaiters strap over the hiking shoes and around the hiker’s leg to protect it from thorns, mud, snow, and branches from entering the shoes.
6. Gumboots: Pack these for added protection in wet weather.

Personal products:

1. Sunscreen
2. Moisturizer
3. Lip balm
4. All weather Compass (for directions)
5. Toilet paper and wipes
6. Quick-dry towel
7. Toothbrush and toothpaste
8. Antibacterial powder
9. Hand sanitizer