So you’ve booked your next big adventure away? Good for you! Nothing is quite as exciting as knowing you’re off to conquer your next big mountain trail, summit an iconic peak for the first time or about to feast your eyes on some of the most legendary landscapes on planet earth!
But before you leave, the one thing you must get 100% right is packing. There is nothing worse than beginning your trek, only to realise that you haven’t got the correct equipment – or – learning that the equipment you do have is causing you nothing but grief.
Now, although a packing list for hiking Everest in winter, maybe slightly different than hiking through the Lake District in summer, there is a general rule of thumb for each climb, and as such, we have put together a comprehensive list of things you’ll need and a few tips to share to ensure your next hiking trip is an absolute breeze.
Before we dive in and reveal our ultimate hiking packing list, I think it is important to provide a more in-depth breakdown into the 4 most important hiking items for any hiking journey. If you get these wrong, your holiday will prove to be that much harder, or worse, ruined.
Walking Boots
Your hiking boots are arguably the most important item for any trek. If your feet are in pain, get too cold or remain wet, your journey will be considerbaly harder and will not be enjoyable in any way. Make sure your boots are well worn in before embarking on this trip and offer enough support and protection to keep your feet dry, safe and secure.
Quality hiking boots don’t come cheap, but if you speak to anyone who has been on a multi-day hike before they will tell you good hiking boots are a priority and a worthy investment.
Modern synthetics and vegan hiking boots are now favoured above the traditional heavy leather boot. These boots are more lightweight, waterproof and suitable for a diversity of landscapes and terrain. This type of shoe can also double-down as a comfortable, everyday travel shoe so you don’t have to lug them around at the bottom of your backpack for the entirety of your trip.
DayPack
It’s important that you make an educated decision as to which day pack to bring for your trek. Ideally, your daypacks should not only be fully waterproof (or at least water-resistant) but it needs to be comfortable, boats thick, study shoulder and hip straps and have an integrated nettle back panel for breathability – allowing the heat to escape your body.
For most climbs, your daypack shouldn’t be bigger than 5litres and if you can – try to keep it below 10kg-15kg.
Water Bottles
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way (I always bring 2). A sufficient supply of drinking water to keep you hydrated for the length of the route is absolutely paramount and on some treks, you won’t be able to buy any water along the way.
Additionally, the sale of bottled water in these regions contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1-litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation or simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day.
First Aid Kit
A small personal first aid kit is a must! All it takes is one clumsy fall, a minor slip or an encounter with a spiky plant and you will be left with a bloody scratch or two. Although this doesn’t sound serious, the last thing you want is for those little cuts to get infected when you are miles from the nearest pharmacy (it really hurts).
See below for our first aid kit packing list…
Now you have been briefed on the importance of our top 4 essential hiking items, below you will find a full breakdown of our ultimate trekking packing lists:
The Basics
Equipment
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Face Mask
- Sunscreen & Cap stick
- Wind Stopper / Rain Coat
- Fleece
- Thick Hiking Socks (at least 3 pairs)
- Warm Gloves and Fleeced Hat
- T-shirt (short & long selves)
- Shorts/Skirt
- Trekking Trousers
- Trekking Boots (worn in)
- Small travel towel
- Polypropylene thermal tops and bottom (two pairs)
- Down Jacket (can be provided by tour operator if requested before departure)
- Crampons (for icy conditions)
- Trekking poles (optional)
- A Lighter & A Box of Matches
- Small Trekking Knife
- Extra Cash (small amount for emergencies)
- High energy snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts)
- First-aid kit
- Locks for bags
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
- Head torch with spare batteries and bulb.
First Aid Kit
- Plasters and Bandages
- Pain Killers (Ibuprofen).
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you choose to use this on trips above 2,500 meters
- Zinc oxide tape and small scissors.
- Compeed Blister Pads
- Loperamide Diahorrea Tablets
- Any medication you normally use.
- Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs
- Toilet paper (or some wet wipes)
- Some antiseptic cream for cuts and scrapes
- Some antiseptic cream for cuts and scrapes
- Mosquito and tick protection
Note: On any GoKo Travels hiking trip, your guide will carry a more comprehensive medical kit…
