Trekking Essentials for Beginners: The perfect list for trekker

Embarking on a trekking journey as an adventurer can be an exhilarating and thrilling experience altogether, especially for beginners. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it is crucial to be well-prepared with the right trekking essentials.

In this travel blog, we bring you a comprehensive list of trekking essentials for beginners that will not just help you in your travel but also become your true companion whenever in need. These items are what every beginner trekker should consider before setting off on their exploration of a hidden gem in the jungles. Let’s dive in!

Why do you need to carry trekking essentials?

You might wonder ” oh well i can just go trekking with a phone and water bottle” . No, that is probably one of the first steps to land yourself in some trouble or even end up getting lost in the woods. You need to understand that safety comes first before anything else and if you don’t do it right, you could be on of the few folks who go for trekking and get lost even before they could begin their journey.

Safety Precautions

Trekking essentials are vital when you consider the various amount of risks that exist affiliated with trekking. It helps to mitigate the potential risks and hazards along the trail. The most important Items like first aid kits, navigation tools, and safety gear provide reassurance and enable trekkers to handle unexpected situations with the utmost confidence. By carrying these essentials you are not just helping yourself but you are also enhancing your own ability to respond effectively to minor injuries, worst case scenarios and getting lost in unknown territory.

Preparedness for Sudden Changes in Weather

No matter how advanced we have become in forecasting the climate weeks before we arrive, Mother nature has always remained unpredictable, weather conditions can often change which can affect your trekking journey. Carrying essential clothing such as waterproof outerwear, appropriate footwear helps you to adapt to the diverse and varying weather conditions. Being able to adapt to rain and temperature fluctuations help you to trek safely without having any kind of discomfort.

Aid in Navigation

Trekking usually takes place in a very remote location with complex trail system and the best way to get through such complex trail system without getting lost is by carrying navigational tools such as compass, GPS device, and maps which can help you locate your location and track your route. When you have the right equipment with you, it helps to minimize the risk of disorientation.

Trekking Essential For Beginners

These are the essentials that you would require while trekking and which will help you more than you think of, so make sure to read this list carefully and making to pack the right things for your upcoming trek.

Clothing

The first and foremost requirement is the type of clothing you plan on packing. Remember to always opt for moisture-wicking , flexible material as they allow more free movements which can be helpful during trek. make sure that you avoid denim clothing at all cost as it can absorb moisture and leave you sweaty and cold.

Carrying a rain coat which is breathable and waterproof helps you stay dry during the trek without making you feel as if you are trapped inside a polythene bag. Other accessories in the clothing include good sunglasses to not just avoid sun rays but Strong UV rays which are harmful for your eyes and a brimmed hat to protect your head from sun and rain.

The Right Footwear

It is very important to understand that the type of footwear you wear directly affects your trekking experience as a wrong shoe but just be another obstacle in your journey by being uncomfortable for you.

1. Hiking Boots: Hiking Boots are kind of all-purpose boots which allow you to trek comfortably while providing support , durability, and protection to your feet. The hiking boots are a perfect choice for trekkers who are planning on to go on a trek on a rugged terrain or if you have to carry a heavy backpack. These boots help you give you a good amount of friction to the ground which also helps you maintain balance on steady slopes.
2. Hiking Shoes: These are comparatively lighter as compared to the hiking boots. These hiking shoes are perfect for a shorter trek on a much more groomed trek or paved trails. These shoes provide excellent support, traction and protection from rocks and roots.
3. Trail Running Shoes: If you feel that lightweight and sensitive footwear, trail running shoes are the best in this scenario. They do offer the comfort, flexibility, and the grip but do not provide any kind of ankle support like the hiking boots or hiking shoes. These trail running shoes are better for paths that are rough and dry.
4. Sandals: Sandals or also known as Open-toe footwear is the best when you go on easy trails during a warm weather, it helps keep your feet remain cool in the humid climate while giving you good stability to climb up the trails. Although, it is best to bring them out only incase of less demanding hikes.

Backpack

Choosing the right back pack not just helps us to carry the item we require but is also crucial for for comfort, organizing our travel items, and functionality during your outdoor adventures which means it has to be able to bear the wear and tear over time.

1. Daypacks: Daypacks are usually have a capacity from 20 liters to 30 liters, which is ideal for day hikes or even short outings which would probably end in 2-3 hours. In this type of back pack you will be able to carry trekking essentials such as water bottles, snacks, a rain jacket, camera, and lunch. Being lightweight and versatile it is best suited for easy and paved trails.
2. Small Hiking Backpacks: The small-hiking backpacks are have about 50 to 60 liter capacity which are suitable for multiday trek along with overnight stays, these backpacks enough capacity to store essentials such as extra clothing, sleeping gear, and other essentials. Its comfort and durability makes it perfect for long treks.
3. Ultralight Backpacks: These backpacks are have minimalist design which helping in reducing the overall weight of the backpack, these backpack are for those trekkers that prioritize simplicity over design and light weight to help them carry the right travelling items.

If you are planning to buy a new backpack to start off you’re trekking journey, here are a few suggestions:

1. Osprey Airscape UNLTD (Best in every category)
2. Osprey Aether/ Ariel ( Best for Long Trips)
3. Osprey Exos 58 (Best for Lightweight)
4. Deuter Speed Lite 21 ( Best for those who require small backpack)

Navigational Tools

One of the key essentials in trekking successful is finding your way through the unfamiliar terrain, and the best way to do it is by carry essential navigational tools which will help you figure out the ways.

1. Compass: A basic navigation tool that helps you provide a sense of direction, it often useful in dense forest and jungle that have a very low visibility which can usually lead you to go off-trail.
2. Topographic Map and Map Case: The Topographical Map helps you in finding the most critical information about the trails, terrain, water sources and other landmarks near to you. It is best to use a map case so that you can avoid causing it any damage during your trek.
3. GPS Devices: Global Positioning System also known as GPS has made outdoor activates, which has made much more easier for us to find the routes, you can either have a handheld GPS receiver or a smartphone with GPS, but always remember to carry a power bank along with you.
4. Altimeter: Altimeter helps to track elevation changes which can be felt by you while trekking, also aid in identifying important landmarks which helps to find your exact positions.

Water Bottle to Maintain Hydration

It is important to carrying a reusable water bottle or a hydration bladder which will allow you to maintain you hydration levels and keep you staying afloat without falling unconscious. Remember to always research the map thoroughly to identify key points with water sources along the trail which can be very beneficial to you.

Trekking tip: It is always important to start off your trek with pre-hydration, by having a liter of water before trek allows to reduce the amount of extra water you carry.

Snacks for Trek

When on a trekking adventure you cannot go on it while staying hungry, as the trek will surely burn a lot of energy from your body , which is why is it crucial to choose right snacks for your trek.

1. Energy and Protein Bars: These are a great source of protein which will keep you active during your trek, such as granola bars with nuts, dried fruit and sweeteners such as Agave nectar.
2. Trail Mix: This is the best choice which is usually a mix of variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruits.
3. Fresh Fruit: If you plan to carry fresh fruit to help you get that quick rejuvenation then consider portable fruits such as orange, bananas, grape and apple.

First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit is an essential part of your trekking journey, it is almost like a a portable medical clinic with you which helps you whenever you get injuries. Here list of important things you must carry for treks in your First Aid Kit.

1. Adhesive bandages
2. Sterile Gauze pads
3. Elastic bandage
4. Butterfly Closures
5. Scissors
6. Antiseptic solution or wipes
7. Cotton Swab
8. Whistle
9. Antibiotic cream

Safety Gear

It is always important to carry a few safety gears which would be very helpful during your trek, such as head lamb which is solar chargeable to see in the dark and a multi-tool knife which can help you cut through branches and other vines which become obstacle for especially in a remote and dense forest area or jungle.

Shelter

Shelter is a very important factor if your long trek requires you to stay overnight at a camping site. When it comes to trekking and having the right kind of tent it is essential for a comfortable and a safe outdoor experience. Spending nights in the wilderness is not easy but having a reliable tent provides shelter from various elements of the wilderness such as insects and wildlife.

1. Durability and Material: Look for tents that are made from durable materials and that can also withstand the force of mother nature to a certain extent. As you will encounter scenarios such as heavy rain, strong breeze and snowfall which is why you must choose your tent accordingly.
2. Capacity: Make sure to always check on the number of person going to the trek along with you as the trek poles are usually small are usually convenient for one or two persons.
3. Weight: Remember to go for a tent that has a good resistance to outdoor elements but is also light weight which makes your trek more comfortable with less burden on your shoulders.
4. Design Type: There are two types of designs which you will find in tents that are free standing tents which are easier to set up meanwhile the other is a non-freestanding tent which requires stakes or trekking poles for support.
5. Features: Always check the features of the tent you are about to purchase , some of them mainly are rainfly coverage, vestibules for gear storage and good ventilation.

If you are planning to but a new tent for your upcoming trek here are a few good suggestions which will make your purchase easier.

1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent ( Best for space and being lightweight)
2. NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P ( Good for smaller groups of 2, light weight and weather resistant)
3. REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1( Good for solo campers, easy to set up and light weight)

Conclusion

Trekking can be a life-changing experience for many people who wish to see the different side of this unique world but it requires careful planning and preparation. By having the right trekking essentials in your backpack, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Remember to prioritize safety, respect nature, and embrace the adventure that awaits you. Happy trekking!