So, you have made up your mind… You are finally going on your first trek! No more day hikes or short getaways. This time, you are heading off fully or semi-independently for one to two weeks abroad, into a desert or a mountain range. To make this kind of trip a complete success, you need not only to prepare and train, but also to think about your equipment and your kit. Of course, everything will depend on your destination, the season, and the type of trek you are doing, but here is a basic list of absolute essentials to make sure you have everything you need.
Luggage
Plan for 2 pieces of luggage:
- A small backpack for carrying daily essentials: windproof jacket, water bottle, documents, camera, medical kit and supplies.
- A large holdall or travel bag to put all your belongings in. Do not take a hard-sided, wheeled suitcase, as if animals are used for carrying it can quickly become impractical and harmful to them.
Sleeping gear
Do not skimp on the quality of your down sleeping bag: it is an essential element of your comfort. Choose it according to the climate, from warm to very warm. Add a cotton liner to provide a little extra insulation, both thermally and hygienically. Also plan for warm synthetic base layers for the night, and even a pair of thermal tights to keep your legs properly warm — where you tend to feel the cold most during sleep.
Clothing
- 2 to 3 lightweight travel trousers, to be complemented with shorts or roll-up bermudas: opt for mosquito-repellent, quick-drying fabrics.
- 1 lightweight and packable windproof jacket
- a very warm jumper or fleece for winter, as well as a warmer jacket with good thermal insulation, windproof and water-repellent for evenings or cold spells.
- a hat or a cap (essential)
- a shemagh or large piece of fabric to cover the back of the neck
- pairs of merino wool socks — make sure to choose good quality ones suited to hiking: do not forget that your feet deserve a great deal of care, they will be invaluable to you!
- jumper or sweatshirt: 1 or 2 depending on the season
- thermal base layer tops that are breathable and wick away perspiration easily
- long-sleeved shirts rather than tee-shirts: they will offer you greater versatility and more comfort.
Footwear
1 pair of lightweight shoes for the evening, 1 pair of walking shoes of the trekking type with good ankle support and suited to the type of terrain you will encounter.
Accessories
- 1 water bottle of at least 1 litre
- 1 torch (head torch if possible) with spare batteries and bulb
- A pair of sunglasses
- 1 knife and if possible a Swiss army knife type
- toiletries and a small personal first aid kit
- toilet paper and a lighter for its disposal
- 1 pair of walking poles with wrist straps
- 1 compass: a real one, as in certain places you cannot rely too much on your smartphone
- micro-purification capsules such as Micropur to purify and disinfect water.
And an important piece of advice: do not leave it until the last minute to get your gear. You will have time to choose more carefully, but also to get used to your new equipment. Whether it is new footwear, a new base layer, or a pair of hiking poles… It is always better to get acquainted with them over a few outings: it avoids unpleasant surprises later on and also lets you break in your new purchase.
Finally, buy specialist equipment designed for the purpose! There is a world of difference between travel trousers designed by a specialist and a simple pair of canvas trousers you might find in any high-street shop. Not only will the choice of materials be more considered, but you will also benefit from decades of experience that generally make them perfectly functional, well-adapted garments — often at an equivalent or barely higher price. On top of that, these garments are often lightweight and highly packable, offering a significant saving in weight and volume in your luggage. So, for example, you will find in the CimAlp ranges a whole palette of specialist garments at all price points, offering you comfort, durability, and technical performance for your first trek or your next adventure.
