Trekking is a high-workout activity. Depending upon different weather and geographical conditions, the required things to carry may also differ from trek to trek.

Things like high altitude, deep gorges, steep slopes, slippery surfaces when it is raining, and so on could make the trek more difficult and tiring. For such, we must prepare ourselves to curb all obstructions that could stop us from doing a clean and safe trek.

Essential Things to Carry on a Trek

Besides good trekking shoes, a backpack, money, an Id card, and clothing, here are some essential things to carry on while trekking.

Water bottle: Dehydration is a common thing while trekking. Trekkers should carry at least 2 to 3 liters of water in a good quality water bottle and try to refill it from natural streams or ponds on the way as possible.

Food/Snacks: Besides dehydration, our body needs energy while trekking. Carry some lightweight foodstuffs like fruits-dry fruits, chocolates, cookies, and so on.

First Aid Kit: While trekking, sometimes we may get hurt, so a basic medical kit is good to have.

Torch/Flashlight: Sometimes, the trail may end up in the dark while reaching the top or while returning. Carrying a torch is a good thing to find our path.

These are the mandatory things to carry on any trek.

If you are doing a night trek (two or more days treks), remember to carry things like a sleeping mattress, bedsheet, windcheater, sweater, lightweight blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a good tent (In case of no shelter).

For a rainy day trek, carry a Raincoat or an Umbrella.

Other optional things to carry while trekking are as follows.

• Cap/Hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Towel
• Suncream, Lipbalms
• Mosquito repellent cream
• Mobile phone with a power bank
• Binoculars.
• Camera
• Newspaper
• Portable music player
• Sunglasses
• woolen head cap (for cold weather)
• Glucon d
• Sanitizer
• Paper soap
• Cold cream
• Cold tablets
• Swiss Knife
• Map
• Compass
• Napkin
• Personal medicines
• Extra pair of clothes (For more than one day trek)
• Trekking pole
• Trash bag
• Notebook/Diary

Trekking in an extreme geographical location like the Himalayas requires different sets of equipment, such equipment is provided by the trekking groups or by the trek operators, or it can be rented.

Also read: The Complete Hiking Guide to Gorakhgad Fort