Here are a few things you should keep in mind before you trek!

1. Essentials
for trekking
The experience of adventure
is wholesome, satisfying
and safe when you have all
the essentials with you.
Here are a few tips on the
‘must carry things’ for a trek.
Happy trekking!!

2. Hiking Boots or Quality Walking Shoes
Picking the right footwear for hiking is essential. Sandals are best suited for warm
weather hikes on easy terrain. Hiking on tough terrain calls for wearing durable, shock
absorbing heavy boots. Ankle length shoes can be worn for support, while spiked
footwear gives good grip. Fits & comfort is key.

3. Matches/Disposable Lighter
Make sure to waterproof matches using turpentine, nail polish or even a candle before
putting them into a waterproof container. A waterproof lighter is ideal for campers as
it makes fire building easy in any weather, at any altitude. Fire can be a source of light,
heat & comfort at night. The smoke & heat will chase away insects & wild animals too.

4. Compass or Map
A cell phone is useful for emergencies, but range, reception & recharging can cause
problems. Carry a compass or make one with readily available material. Magnetise a
needle by rubbing silk on it. Put some oil onto it so that it floats on water. Remember,
it points towards the South if you are in the Northern hemisphere & vice-versa!

5. Flashlight/Headlamp
When it gets dark, a small flashlight or a headlamp will help you find your way around.
Leaving your hands free while hiking at night can quickly change from a luxury to a
necessity with surprising speed. Headlamps are essential for most backpackers.

6. Emergency Ration
Not good at hunting or identifying edible plants? Carry food supplies. Ensure to carry an extra
days’ worth. If you get lost or delayed, this food can be vital. Carry bars of chocolate as they give
energy & can be kept without spoiling. Biscuits, soup powder, tea bags, coffee sachets are also
very important. Carry these in a metal mug which can be used for drinking, boiling water,
cooking the soup etc.

7. Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Sunlight can damage skin and cause dehydration which makes sunscreen extremely
essential. Also, make sure you drink a lot of water. In case you get wet, make sure you
are carrying an extra pair of dry shoes/socks in order to prevent sores and infection.

8. First Aid
A small, personal-sized first aid kit is a must for hikes. Carry a roll of duct
or athletic tape, blister pads, a small knife etc. A pair of gloves will
protect you while giving first aid to your companions. A pepper spray
will be handy if attacked by an animal!

9. Waterproof Bag
Pack your First Aid kit, cell phone, camera, food ration etc. in waterproof punches to
keep moisture from getting at them. If you know you are going to encounter water
bodies or rainy weather, carry extra plastic bags or pouches to separate your wet
clothes. Pack everything in separate pouches for ease of access.

10. Water or Sports Drink
A water bladder with a valve is important, but you will need an old fashioned water
bottle as well, for adding drink mixes and refilling without emptying half your pack.
Moderate activity in a moderate climate requires 2 litres of drinking water per
day. Some of the sturdiest, lightest weight bottles are recycled energy-drink bottles.

11. A Tent or Tarp
A tent is handy in every kind of terrain. In a desert, it can keep you safe from the cold
night air & protect you from the harsh, unforgiving sun. In a jungle, it will help keep out
insects & the rain. Since they come in a variety of sizes—from 1 to 3 person tents,
carrying it in turns will help keep the load off one person. Another essential is sleeping
bag- concise, compact & useful!

12. Ropes or Bungee Cords
While trekking in regions with predators such as bears, using ropes & bungee cords to hang your
food/toiletries a couple of feet up in a tree or off the edge of a cliff is very important to prevent
wildlife, primarily monkeys, from making a buffet of your rations. It can also replace broken
straps on your pack, compress your sleeping bag, tent or be used as a makeshift clothesline.

13. Whistle
Blowing a whistle to get attention is better as well as more convenient and effective
than shouting as it uses less effort. The sound from the whistle also travels further. The
loud shrill from the whistle can also startle and scare away animals which may be close
or approaching you. And if you can get a whistle with a compass, nothing like it!

14. Knife
A knife is one of those "essentials" you need to take on any hiking or camping trip.
Most of the time they get used for slicing dinner ingredients, or maybe cutting off a
length of cord for a laundry line. When things go wrong you may need your knife to
help you build a shelter, hunt or fix your gear.

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Thank You