What To Take In Your Backpack On A Himalayan Trek

21st-April-2019

In early days of my travel, every time I used to forget one or the other thing. And why not? Being a hiker or trekker you are bound to make mistakes and forget some important things to carry on hiking or trekking trips. In the last few years I have learned from my mistakes and now I carry at least some items which are important for any hiking or trekking trips without fail. Now days most of us no longer live much closer to nature and are used to the obvious availability of certain things in life. It is very important to understand and appreciate that when you are hiking or trekking a mountain, some obvious things may not be around you when you find yourself in a tricky situation.

When you’re packing for a high altitude trek, there are a few basic things you need – your warm layers, your trekking shoes, a good backpack and your toilet and medical kits.

Basics Gear
  • Back pack & rain cover  -50 / 60 ltr ( with comfortable shoulder straps)
  • Day pack + rain cover   -20 / 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
  • Walking stick  -Advisable (At least one)
  • Head torch  -1 Nos. (Hand torch would be an alternative)
  • Water bottle/Hydration pack  -2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter
  • Snacks  -Energy bars, dry fruits, Electral/ORS
  • Personal Medical Kit  -Consult your doctor  
Think about your head
  • Sun cap  -1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
  • Woolen cap   -1 Nos.
  • Woolen cap  -1 Nos.
  • Balaclava   -1 Nos.
  • Neck-gaiters  -1 Nos.
  • Sunglasses  -Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected
Clothes (For a week-long trek)
  • Trek pants  -2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)
  • T-shirts  -2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
  • Fleece T-shirts  -1 Nos.
  • Fleece jacket  -1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)
  • Down feather / Hollofil jacket  -1 Nos.
  • Wind & waterproof jacket & pant  -1 Pair
  • Thermal inners  -1 Pair
  • Poncho -1 Nos.
  • Waterproof gloves  -1 Pair
  • Fleece/woollen gloves  -1 Pair
Others

✓ Daypack (20 litres) : If you are offloading your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry water, medical kit and some light snacks. If you’re going for a summit climb too, you’ll need this. For pass-crossings, though, you won’t.

✓ Toiletries  : Moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. If you do happen to use wet wipes to clean up after a trek, make sure you bring them back with you. The same holds for used sanitary napkins. Carry a zip lock bag to put used wet tissues and napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose wet tissues and sanitary napkins in the mountains.

✓ Cutlery  : Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box.

✓ Plastic covers  :  While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalise things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit 
  1. Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
  2. Dexamethasone – one strip
  3. Nifedipine – 5 tablets
  4. Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
  5. Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
  6. Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
  7. Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
  8. Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
  9. Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
  10. Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
  11. Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
  12. Gauze – 1 small roll
  13. Band aid – 10 strips
  14. Cotton – 1 small roll
  15. ORS – 10 packets
  16. Betadine or any antiseptic cream
  17. Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
  18. Knee cap, if you are prone to knee injury
  19. Anti fungal powder

If you’re in a big group, carry just one medical kit and toilet kit for the entire group. That way you’ll save space and avoid added weight.

Mandatory Documents


If you’re trekking with Bengalhikes, carry the below documents. Document two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.

✓ Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.

✓ Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Dow

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