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Packing List: Trekking
Whether it's Nepal or New Zealand, don't forget these trekking items:
GENERAL TREKKING WITH PORTERS
Lightweight Hiking Boots
Make sure you break in the boots before your trip. Consider low-cut hiking boots if you don't have ankle problems. Make sure to get a name brand — North Face, Merrel, Asolo, etc. — and avoid some of the discounted "no name" brands.
Gym Shoes or Sandals
For basic traveling and lounging around. Tevas are the most popular and are well-tested.
Day Pack
The simpler, the better. These are normally around 1,500-2,500 cubic inches. There is no need for a sophisticated suspension system unless you plan to carry bricks. Consider a pack such as the Jansport Tahoma or similar North Face, Mountainsmith, Gregory, or Lowe pack. Dana Designs are also excellent, but heavier.
Kit or Duffel Bag
For things you don't want to carry. Get durable cordura for porters or pack animals to carry. A good backpack will also work, and some porters prefer a pack. Many brands are available. Make sure the zippers are in good shape.
Shorts (2 pairs)
Consider a quick-drying material instead of cotton. In certain countries (Nepal for example), women should have shorts that come close to the knee or consider a skirt. The Patagonia Baggies or similar styles are perfect for men.
Skirts for women (2)
While many women wear shorts, in many places you'll be better respected among the locals if you wear a skirt.
Underwear (4-7 pairs)
Stay away from cotton or you'll be scratching. Any synthetic brand (polypropylene, bergelene, capilene, etc.) is good.
Hiking socks (4-7 pairs)
Consider a liner sock and a hiking weight to avoid blisters. I prefer Smart Wool brand. It's more expensive, but you won't want to take them off. Classic wool socks cost far less and also work great.
Gloves
If your hands get cold use liners with mittens.
Baseball Cap or Hiking Hat
The sun gets more intense the higher you go. Consider a bandana to cover your neck.
Lightweight Thermal Underwear
You'll need a shirt and bottoms. This is an important base layer to help "wick" away sweat. Any synthetic brand (polypropylene, bergelene, capilene, etc.) is good.
Heavyweight Thermal Underwear Shirt
This is normally the second layer, and also great to wear at night. The Patagonia expedition-weight shirts are especially warm and comfortable, but any synthetic material will do.
Fleece Jacket and Pants
Consider "pit zips" under the arms if you tend to perspire. The pants are nice for the evening. You can use any brand using Polartec 200- or 300-weight, or Patagonia Regulator (R2 or R3 weights).
Waterproof Jacket and Pants
Waterproof/breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex cost more, but are by far the most comfortable. The North Face Mountain (or Mountain Light), the Marmot Alpinist, and the Patagonia Stretch Triolet are classics that have proved themselves over time.
Winter Hat
Again, stick with hydrophobic fabrics such as wool or fleece. Fleece is more comfortable. Also consider earflaps; they look goofy but are totally functional.
Down Jacket or Vest
Valuable for high-altitude treks where it's much colder. Fleece vests are also good. There are many brands available. Make sure to get a lighter weight jacket or vest from a company such as Marmot or Northface (i.e., stay away from a "city" down jacket).
Sunglasses
The sun can be intense at high altitude. Not wearing glasses could result in temporary snowblindness or permanent retina damage.
Headlamp
Allows free hands and is much more convenient then a flashlight. Bring a spare bulb and batteries. The best brands are Petzl and Princeton Tec, but the store brands also are normally dependable.
Water Bottles (2)
You'll need to drink a lot of water at altitude to rehydrate. Nalgene is the most popular in the U.S. and is far less likely to leak than bike bottles. Make sure the bottles are quart or liter size.
Pocket Knife
Convenient to have. Stay away from the megaknives with forks and spoons attached.
Sleeping bag
You'll need a bag rated 0-15 degrees at altitude to stay warm, as even the teahouses in Nepal get cold when the fire goes out. North Face and Marmot are probably the best available.
Gaitors
Important after snow, or when it is muddy, to keep your feet dry. The OR Crocodile is the industry standard and a classic.
Plastic Bags
You can never have enough to throw your clothes/supplies in to keep them dry and organized. The heavier-duty supermarket bags are perfect.
Books/Reading Material
Most people only walk half days and take some acclimitization days at altitude, so you'll want some diversions. It's also great to trade books with others when you're finished.
Sunscreen/Lip Balm
A necessity while trekking. Waterproof over SPF30 is best. Banana Boat sunscreen is excellent. Dermatone lip balm is extremely popular.
Camera and Film
Built-in adjustable lenses save weight. 35mm film is usually available, but APS is harder to find.
Toiletries
Deodorant is optional! You'll need a washcloth, bandanna, brush, biodegradable soap, premoistened towelettes, toothbrush, toothpaste.
Personal Medication
Aspirin, ibuprofen, and/or acetaminophen, nasal/throat decongestant, topical antiseptic, Cipro (20x500mg tablets) or Noroxin (20x400mg) (for diarrhea) band-aids/bandages, laxative, anti-diarrheal (pepto-bismol or imodium), water purification tablets, moleskin, bug repellent, cough drops (necessary for high altitude), cough syrup, Doxycycline or similar antibiotic for colds.
Optional
Earplugs, Pee bottle, sleeping pills/Melatonin (for the flights), baby powder/foot spray, NyQuil cold/flu relief, Vicoden (or similar codeine pain killer), Zithromax (azithromycin) or similar antibiotic for serious infections.
SPECIAL ITEMS FOR TREKKING PEAKS
Plastic Mountaineering Boots
Leather "cramponable" boots also work, but are not as warm. Scarpa and Koflach are the most popular brands.
Crampons
Look for a mountaineering, not an ice-climbing crampon (flexible or semi-rigid). The Charlet Moser Super 12 Rando and Black Diamond Sabretooth are excellent.
Ice Axe
Any mountaineering axe will work. Most trekking peaks do not require ice tools. The store brands (REI, for example) are normally adequate for occasional use.
Harness
Look for a lightweight harness for mountaineering. The Black Diamond Alpine Bod is a classic.
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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