All About Trekking & Camping

Trekking is essential for outdoor exercise and a great experience. Going for trekking or camping as a group of friends or family can turn out to be unsatisfactory if you do not carry all the equipment with you. It is important that you do not miss the vital things like rechargeable mini fans which will be needed during the camp trek. Forgetting this equipment will make your trek and camping much more uncomfortable. This is because some of the trekking gears cannot be improvised. However, you should not carry too many items that may inconvenience you. Also, remember to consult with your team leader regarding the weather conditions and accessibility of the site.

1. Trekking shoes

One should carry trekking shoes that are waterproof and have a good grip. A good pair of trekking shoes that offer quality, comfort and protection outweigh any other trekking or hiking gear you may have purchased. You can travel with your sports shoes but must change into trekking shoes once you start your trek.

2. Backpack

A good trekking backpack should be weatherproof backpack to protect your gear or items from rain or snow. A good backpack should be ideally lightweight to avoid burdening and bruising you which will help you feel light and less sweaty on the back. It should also provide easy access and enable you to organize your thing in it. You should organize your backpack starting with less frequently used items at the bottom, heavier and lighter items like the rechargeable fans at the centre and frequently used at the top.

3. Rechargeable fans

Rechargeable fans top the list of things you should not forget when going camping or a hot trek. GEEK Aire has a wide range of Rechargeable outdoor fans ideally suited for trekking ranging from 4” to 16”. The rechargeable fan battery charges up to full charge in a matter of 6 to 7 hours. After which it lasts for another 6 to 8 hours at full operation. Even better are the rechargeable hand fans from GEEK Aire that you can carry around with you. These rechargeable fans for trekking will help you to keep cool even when you are dehydrated.

4. Day bag

It should not be more than 20 liters. It is only needed for offloading your luggage while trekking. Carry only immediate things you may need, like first aid kit, medicine and water bottle in your day bag.

5. Water bottle

A water bottle is an essential thing to have on any trekking and camping trip. When hiking your body dehydrates hence, sipping water from your water bottle will keep you hydrated. Look for a water bottle that will sustain harsh conditions. Carry at least two water bottles of a liter each, also a thermos to carry hot water.

6. Sleeping bag

Best sleeping bags are those that compress into a small package, retain heat and are lighter. You should look for the right fit and comfortable sleeping bag to ensure you enjoy your sleep. Choose a sleeping bag that matches the place you are traveling to. A bag for cold conditions used in less cold conditions will lose heat through conduction. There should be a layer of insulation between the ground and the bag.

7. Tent

An ideal tent should be strong and light. A four-season tent is the best for extreme conditions, for less extreme conditions a three-season tent is good. Make sure to check they are double stitched. Tents with strong metal poles can withstand strong winds but they are a bit expensive. The fly of the tent should be able to provide space for footwear and other items that may not be brought into the tent.

8. Knife

A good knife is essential when camping as it is used for a number of tasks around the campsite. You should look for a multipurpose knife that combines most regularly used tools in one easy to use package.

9. Headlight or flashlight

In case it is late or dark a flashlight might come in handy. It is important to keep your flashlight ready with spare batteries in case those in use get drained. The flashlight beam should be able to penetrate to a distance of at least thirty feet. Most expensive headlamps come with lithium-ion batteries and let you adjust the beam and focus.

10. Personal medical kit and first aid kit

If you are prescribed medicines by your doctor or supplements that you need every day, you should put them in a medical kit. This is one essential item most people usually forget to carry while going for trekking or camping. First aid kit is an essential item for trekking and camping. It should contain a small supply of paracetamol, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory medicines, instant pain relief spray, bandages, and other first-aid kit medicines. This enables you to be ready for any emergency that may arise.

11. Toiletries

It may not be possible to keep the level of hygiene outdoors at home but you can carry a few items for use. These include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, face wash, towel, and napkins. A zip lock bag is required in case of leakage or spill and for bringing back waste with you.

12. Snacks

Trekking or hiking makes you lose energy much faster than anticipated. Eating a few snacks helps keep your energy level optimum. Carry light snacks that may not need fire or water to cook. Such snacks include energy bars, chocolate, and a pack of trail mix, dry fruits, and nuts.

13. Clothing

When trekking or hiking in colder regions people prefer to bulk up with heavy where which is usually counter-productive. Ideally, you should put many layers than one heavy jacket. Carry a cap and bandana to cover your face and neck. Pack only clothing that you are comfortable in.

14. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential to block sun rays and protect your eyes. Carry special trekking sunglasses with UV filters to protect your eyes properly from sun and snow. Specially designed sunglasses are useful in low-pressure areas.

15. Cutlery

When traveling as a group, it is hygienic you have your own cutlery instead or sharing among the group. You should carry travel-friendly cutlery for easy use. After cooking, it helps if you clean and carry it along.

16. Trekking or hiking pole

A trekking pole is very helpful, especially when trekking on long trek and snow. It provides stability, comfort, and support to the knees and legs. The preferred trekking poles are those which are lightweight, adjustable and have shock-absorbent capabilities. Needless, a Compass and an area map is a mandatory requirement to be carried for any Trekking trip.

Final thoughts

We can conclude that trekking and camping can be difficult if ones do not have certain items since each item is essential. Although, some items are of personal preference they are very useful in case a situation arises. It is important to consult with your trek organizer to know which items they could provide to prevent you from carrying items already provided. However, trekking and camping is a fun outdoor activity that anyone who likes outdoor activities can undertake.