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In order to fully enjoy your trek in the Himalayas, Peru, Tanzania, or any other trek in the world, having the right trekking equipment is essential - both safety and comfort-wise. The trekking equipment necessary depends on the type of trek, and on the time of year, weather conditions, terrain, and maximum altitude. However, the list below includes many essential things that would be wise to bring on most treks.

A properly packed trekking backpack is light and includes multipurpose clothing items. Moreover, please make sure that you bring sufficiently warm clothes, especially during winter (Dec – Feb). Not having the required trekking equipment and clothing will not only significantly decrease the pleasure of trekking, but could in a worst-case scenario be life-threatening.

Below is a list of Trekking Equipment Needed while Trekking around the World: 

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Clothing

  • Warm jacket – down jacket, if possible.
  • Water and windproof jacket (alternatively bring a poncho or umbrella)
  • Long sleeved synthetic fleece (windproof material, if possible)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
  • Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
  • Shorts and trousers, or skirt
  • 2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
  • 2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
  • Proper hiking boots
  • Running shoes and flip-flops
  • 2-3 t-shirts

Additional winter clothing comments

  • The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
  • Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
  • Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence
  • Snow gaitors

Equipment

  • Pair of polarized sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
  • Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
  • Map of the trekking area
  • Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
  • Sleeping bag and silk liner
  • Large water bottles

Miscellaneous

  • Toiletries
  • A small light weight and quick drying towel
  • Bar of soap
  • Sunscreen (SPF +20)
  • Earplugs
  • Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
  • First aid kid
  • Water purification tablets or a water filter
  • Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
  • Toilet paper
  • Optional items
  • Camera, battery etc
  • Altimeter
  • Compass
  • Binoculars
  • Books/magazines
  • Trekking poles
  • GPS unit
  • Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
  • Sewing/repair kit
  • Pocket knife
  • Candles (for lodges)
  • Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen

DIY camping

  • Tent
  • Stove and fuel
  • Cooking, eating and drinking utensils
  • Sleeping mat
  • Food and water (for the very remote trekking areas)

We hope the above list was useful.

Published by Erik Jensen, updated on July 24, 2023

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1 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.
  1. D
    Dolma ToursSep 30 2022REPLY
    loved reading your article. it was really informational for me. wish to see more in the coming days.