What to pack really depends on where you are going, for how many days and the weather you are likely to encounter. If you are going for a trek in the Himalayas in high altitudes, it is obviously going to be colder than a low-altitude trek in the same season. Some areas like the Northeast are going to be more humid even in late autumn as compared to the Central Himalayas or Ladakh. If you are planning a trek in the Valley of Flowers to check out the alpine flowers, do make sure to pack raingear so that your trek does not get washed out. Keep your backpack dry and wrapped securely in a sheet of plastic.
Finally, what to pack depends on whether you are travelling sahib or alpine-style. The former would mean you would have to worry about your personal kit only; the latter includes your personal kit, plus camping gear and food.
If there are four of you, then I would recommend carrying two small tents as it would be far more comfortable than cramming into a big one. One stove, adequate kerosene or stove fuel, one pressure cooker to prepare food quickly, and one pan for tea, soup and heating pre-cooked vegetables, would be mighty helpful.
Tip If your group comprises more than four people, carry another set of pots, pans, stove and fuel rather than trying to cook for six to eight people on one stove
PERSONAL KIT
Boots Your footwear is the most important gear in your kit. Remember you will be spending five to seven hours a day tramping about on various terrains in them, so make sure they’re comfortable. I suggest you don’t pack the brand new pair of hiking boots you bought, even if they fit you like a glove at home. Break in all new shoes/ boots before trying them on the trail, or you will rue the day you set foot in them. I personally find most hiking boots too warm for our conditions and where the trail is easy, have preferred to walk in my sneakers.
On difficult terrain though, it is better to have a sturdy pair of boots. If you are planning to buy a new pair of boots, look for the following: The soles should not be too flexible. If they are, your feet muscles will tire easily. They should only flex a little bit if you push the sole up from the front of the boot. The heel and ankle area should be firm. If the ankle flip-flops when you push it from side to side, it’s no good. You need good ankle support to avoid twisted ankles on the trail. The toe area should feel solid. You are likely to scuff against stones and boulders, particularly on your way down a hill. If there isn’t proper protection, you could bruise your toes badly and even lose a toe-nail. Finally, when you slip your feet in, the boot should fit well, not pinch, and you should have adequate room in the front to wiggle your toes. After you purchase your boots, walk around in them for at least a week and only then use them on your hike.
Sandals with straps are useful for river crossings. Slip them into your daypack if you know you have a river to cross. This will help keep the boots dry as well as protect your feet from cuts from sharp stones on the riverbed.
Socks This is the second most important item in your personal gear. Calculate one clean pair of socks for each day of trekking. Socks which get stiff with sweat will definitely cause blisters. Socks made of wool or wool mix are a better bet than pure cotton socks, especially in cold weather. Some people prefer to wear two pairs of socks, one thin inner and a thicker outer one to avoid blisters. But I personally find this uncomfortable. Try it out for a few days on walks in the park and decide what’s more comfortable for you. Carry a couple of extra pairs of clean socks to wear around camp at night.
Thermal underwear In cold weather, this is a blessing. Layer your clothing to stay warm. It’s more effective to wear three thin layers than one thick layer. Early in the morning, put on your thermals and a T-shirt over them, followed by a thin sweater or fleece pullover. As the day warms up, you can strip down to the T-shirt.
Shorts In warm weather take shorts to wear in camp at night. I prefer to walk in pants, even in warm weather, to avoid scratches and insect bites on the legs.
WHAT TO CARRY
- T-shirts ● Pants ● Underwear ● Thin sweater ● Fleece pullover ● Jacket ● Raingear or plastic sheet ● Windproof pants and jacket – carry these if you know you will be traversing cold, windy passes
- Thick sweater – pack this if you’re going to be hiking in really cold weather, and to wear at night around camp ● Sweatpants to wear at night
- Gloves (only required in very cold weather) ● Woollen cap – 90 per cent of the body heat is lost through the head and feet. Keep these warm in cold weather and you are sure to be snug ● Woollen scarf – only required in very cold weather ● Bandana or handkerchief – good to wipe sweat, to use as a sponge at a stream, and as an emergency bandage ● Hat or baseball cap – crucial in sunny weather to prevent sunburn ● Sunblock – crucial in sunny weather to avoid sunburn ● Toilet paper ● One empty Bisleri bottle – for those who prefer water to toilet paper. The Bisleri bottle is easier to pack than a mug ● First-aid kit
CAMPING GEAR
Luggage If you are travelling sahib-style, ask your trekking company whether there will be porters or ponies. If it’s the latter, it’s better to carry your kit in duffel bags, which are easier to strap to the ponies, than backpacks. Take a daypack for your water bottle.
Tent/ Bivouac sack Check for tears and repair the tents before the trek. Clean and air your tent before and after each trek.
Ground sheet A very important item which can be devised by cutting a sheet of thick plastic, a little larger than the floor of your tent. This will keep the tent dry in damp weather as well as protect it from sharp stones.
Sleeping bag Sun and air your sleeping bag before each trek. Dryclean it on your return.
Sleeping mat Either buy a fancy ridged mat from a camping store abroad or devise one by cutting a length of foam a little broader than your sleeping bag. This item is absolutely essential for a comfortable night sleep.
Stove Test your stove before you go on the trek to check how much fuel it consumes, so you don’t end up carrying too much or too little fuel.
Fuel Depends on the kind of stove you use.
Matches Wrapped in a zip-lock/ securely tied plastic bag; or a cigarette lighter.
Pots, pressure cooker and pans Calculate how many you need according to your daily menu. Also carry plates, cups and spoons. A knife or a Swiss army knife will also be useful.
Flashlight It is useful to have a flashlight that doubles up as a lantern. Carry spare batteries, compass/ GPS and camera and batteries. Ice axe is only needed if you are trekking in snowbound areas or glaciers. Gaiters are needed if you are trekking in snowbound or leech-infested areas.
Food
Plan the dishes daywise, carefully with your trekking buddies. Agree that on Monday morning you will eat A and B for breakfast, C for lunch, D and E for dinner, and on Tuesday, you will eat X, Y and Z and so on. If you prefer porridge for breakfast, don’t carry the whole heavy tin, but measure out the required quantity and carry it in a ziplock bag or plastic.
Avoid carrying tinned food as it will only add dead weight to your pack. Regarding khichdi, be realistic about the quantity that each person will eat every day and carry only the required amount of rice, dal, onions and potatoes. Carry an extra day of rations for emergencies. Do carry dry fruit. It is not only light but also gives you plenty of energy.
Tip If possible, carry dehydrated food as it’s light and easy to cook. Dehydrated peas are readily available and you can make your own dehydrated onions, potatoes and tomatoes by slicing them finely and drying them in the summer sun before your trek (remember not to try this in humid weather). You can also do the same with curry and coriander leaves
Food to Pack ● Tea/ coffee ● Powdered milk ● Sugar ● Dalia ● Salt ● Rice ● Dal ● Small plastic bottle of cooking oil ● Spices ● Atta (if you want to make rotis) ● Papad (potato papads are light and a tasty addition to khichdi) ● Bag of pickle ● Packaged soup ● Maggi noodles ●Dehydrated veggies ● Pre-cooked vegetables ● Dry fruits ● Chocolates ● Biscuits