A common dilemma every trekker faces is what to carry and what not to carry when he goes trekking. Every mountain range in every region has a different checklist. From our numerous experiences, here is a precise list of things you should carry when you trek in the Sahayadris.
- A good pair of trekking shoes is a must for any trek- short or long. Good grip and tight shoes will let you enjoy the trek more. A trekking bag of a minimum size of 40l will be enough to carry all your things. A good trekking stick can help you move objects like stones, snakes out of your way and provide you a support on slippery surfaces.
- Trek route/map is an absolute must when you go for any trek. Forest trails can be confusing if you don’t know the way. Hiring a guide when you are unsure is recommended. Also, note down the contact number of a local villager at the base village, so that you can contact him in case of any unforeseen emergency. You can also find out contact details of the nearest hospital to contact them in case of major accidents or incidents like snake bites, etc.
- Carry at least 2-3 liters water. Carrying extra water is never a bad idea. Good snacks to carry while trekking include peanuts and jaggery, packed sandwiches, sprouts and Parle-G biscuits.
- Fire starter, Swiss knife, 5 in 1 whistle (fire starter, match stick, cotton, round mirror, compass) prove to be very handy in many situations while trekking.
- Sahaydris are a mountain range with unpredictable rainfall. Carry a raincoat and wind cheater to avoid getting wet. Extra pair of clothes, socks and slippers to be carried to change after the trek. You can also carry a hat/cap and sunglasses to avoid heat strokes.
- OVERNIGHT CAMPING: If you plan to go camping, make sure you carry tents with sleeping bags and sleeping mats. It is advised you carry steel utensils so that you can cook a quick meal over the bonfire as food availability is scarce at campsites. Lanterns and torches might be needed for you to look through in the dark. Always keep the bonfire lit overnight to protect yourself from animals, if any.
- First aid:
- Crepe Bandage
- Soframycin
- Cotton+ Gauze
- Betadine
- Dettol
- Bandaid
- Relispray
- Dehydration- ORS
- For Energy-GluconD
- Painkiller- Combiflam
- Motion sickness-Avomin
- Loose motion-Lomotil
- Cold-Cheston Cold, Vicks inhaler
- Fever-Crocin
- Acidity-Omez
- Salt (in case of leech bites)
Make sure all the trekkers have first aid kits. If only one of them has it and he is far away from the injured, it might create a problem.
Be alert, look down and walk as many times camouflaged reptiles like snakes crawl at the forest floor.
- Toiletries you carry should include sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sanitary pads, toilet paper and mosquito repellent. Carry plastic bags to keep used toilet paper and sanitary pads; do not dispose them in nature.
- Other things to carry must include:
- ID cards
- Power banks
- Cash (all transactions at base villages are usually in cash with rare availability of ATMs around)
- Emergency contact book with address and other details like blood group
- BSNL or Idea sim cards have better connectivity
- Garbage bag to collect your garbage
- Ropes to help you cross streams if the flow is turbulent or during rock climbing
- Whistles if you go in a large group. They can also be blown to communicate if anyone loses their trail.
- Head torches for night treks
- Chalks/ribbons to mark your trail to help you find the way back and also help other trekkers find the route.
You can buy the above essentials at Decathlon or order them online. Here is the approximate price of trekking gear you can buy:
- Tents- You Fours ₹1500 or Quechua ₹3500
- Sleeping bags- ₹1000
- Head torch- ₹500-800
- Trekking stick- ₹800
- Six pocket military pant/ drifit pants- ₹1000-1200
- Filter water bottle- ₹800
- Shoes- Action trekker ₹800 or Quechua ₹3000
- Haversack (minimum 40l)- North Face/Quechua/Wildcraft ₹3000
- Arm guards- ₹300
- Rope 50m (static)- ₹3000
- Slippers/sandals- ₹1000-2000
- Bag covers- ₹350-400
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