Trek Gear

Some basic things to be carried by beginners for a day's trek:

Backpack / Rucksack:

Any bag (with shoulder straps) that can be carried on both the shoulders will be sufficient. The bag must be large enough to accommodate the necessary items. The idea is to take most of the weight upon your shoulders. Hence the shoulder straps must be tightened so as to hold the bag close to your upper back. Loosely worn low-hanging bags can put pressure on your lower back thereby causing hindrance in free movement. Cross-bags and handheld bags must strictly be avoided so as to enjoy your trek hands-free.

For outings in the rainy season, one can insert a plastic sheet inside the bag to protect its contents from getting wet. Once you start trekking regularly, you'll be able to select specialized trekking bags that will enhance your trekking experience.

High ankle trekking shoes by ACTION are popular among many Sahyadri trekkers.

High ankle trekking shoes by ACTION are popular among many Sahyadri trekkers.

Trekking Shoes:

Since you'd be visiting a mountainous terrain, it is important that you have sturdy shoes. If the shoe is not strong or if it were to get damaged easily, you certainly won't enjoy your outing. Your shoe must have a strong sole that should provide you good grip even on slippery surfaces. Ideally select those shoes, which you can wear in all seasons, wet or dry. Your shoe must be able to negotiate mud/marsh, rocks, scree and water with comfort and ease. Normal sport shoes/running shoes that we wear in the city may not be of much help. Avoid sandals, floaters and canvas shoes while trekking. Generally during physical activity like trekking, our feet tend to expand a bit, so your shoe must have sufficient space for your feet. Always carry extra laces.

Water & Fluids:

The most essential of everything is drinking water. It is extremely important to keep yourself hydrated during the trek so one must carry at least 2-3 litres of water. Irrespective of whether water is available at the place you’re visiting or not, you must carry your own drinking water. This rule also applies irrespective of the season you’re trekking in.

Try to carry water-purifying tablets, which are available at any chemist. They will come handy during an emergency when you have to consume water available in the mountain. Additionally, one can include fluids like fruit or lemon juice, glucose powder and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) like Electral powder. They are indeed refreshing! But still nothing can beat water in its thirst quenching capability.

Clothing & Accessories:

It is preferable to wear full sleeves shirt and full length track-pants on a trek. This will protect against thorns, insect bites and sunburn. The clothing should not be tight fitting so as to allow you comfort and flexibility in stretching your limbs while trekking/climbing. Hence something like Jeans, belts should be avoided.
          Again, the choice of your clothing material will vary from season to season. While one may select synthetic clothes (like Jerseys) in rainy season as they dry up faster, cotton would be the ideal choice during summers and winters. Woolen clothes fit the bill perfectly if you’re planning to trek in the cold winter night.

          Caps/hats are a must if you’re trekking in dry seasons. In rains, a bandana may be useful. While in winters, a monkey cap or a woolen headband/muffler may prove handy. Many trekkers are increasingly using scarf or cotton towels as a hood to protect their face and neck esp. on an outing in the scorching hot sun. Use of glares/sunglasses gives comfort to the eyes on sunny days. Windcheaters during monsoon and sweaters/jackets during winters are also recommended.

If possible, try to carry separate set of clothes to wear after the trek is over. You’ll feel fresher. But remember they’ll add to the weight, unless of course you have your own private vehicle to store extra things.

Food:

A trekker must always be equipped with sufficient food of his own, irrespective of the area visited. Depending upon the appetite, one must carry at least a proper one-time meal for a day’s trek. While the main food should be filling, it shouldn’t be too heavy.

There are many options available; popular amongst them are Sandwiches, Noodles, Oats, Pastas, Idlis, Upma, Poha, Theplas, Puran-Poli, Shrikhand-Puri, Roti-Sabzi, Pulao, Bhel etc. Apart from these it would be a good idea to pack in some juicy fruits like apple, pear, orange, grapes, strawberry, litchi which will provide relief from dehydration especially during the dry weather. Also try including something like Electral powder, Glucose powder and Bananas as they provide instant energy.