Walking boots A pair of good quality boots that are well-broken in. Gore-Tex or leather is advised.
Lightweight walking shoes/trainers For walking around the city and campsite at night. To rest your feet when you're not walking. Flip flops are advised to air your feet in the evenings.
Lightweight walking trousers (2 pairs)
Socks (3-4 pairs) We recommend thick, sports/trekking socks as well as 4-5 normal pairs of comfortable socks.
Normal underwear
Warm layered tops (2-3) Layers are the key to keeping warm if the weather becomes cold in the evenings. One thin fleece and one medium fleece would be adequate and are better than one large, thick coat. They can be peeled off or put on accordingly.
Lightweight long sleeve shirts Breathable, quick-drying, not cotton, to cover up from the sun and insects
T-shirts (3-4) Fabrics that wick are best particularly if you sweat a lot. They also dry faster than cotton T-shirts (available at most gear shops)
Shorts Can be very comfortable for hiking, they should be quick drying, and preferably not cotton.
Waterproof jacket and trousers Must be completely windproof and waterproof, not showerproof, Gore-Tex is best although there are many other alternatives that are adequate. It must fit comfortably while wearing warm clothing and wearing your rucksack. (Rain jacket with hood should be sufficient to withstand a day of rain or snow.)
Casual clothes For the evenings, travelling and celebration dinner
Gloves A warm and preferably waterproof pair
Wool hat
Sunglasses
Sunhat (important)
Light scarf and bandana For sun protection around neck
Trekking equipment
Daypack or small rucksack Minimum 30-35 litre capacity, with an effective waist harness and chest strap, and comfortable shoulder straps. It should be large enough to carry extra clothing like rain jacket and pants, sweater, gloves, hat, along with your lunch and snack food and water bottle.
Trekking poles We highly recommend one or two trekking poles as they will ease the pressure off your knees and will help with steep ascents/descents.
Water bottle or Camel Pack At least two litres capacity.
High factor suncream and lip salve
Personal toiletries
Towel Small size, lightweight. A quick drying travel towel is convenient.
Large thick plastic rubbish bags (2-4) These should be used to line your bag to ensure gear stays dry and for dirty/wet clothes.
Head torch (with spare batteries)
Personal medical kit It's your responsibility to bring sufficient quantities of any specific medications you require.
Plasters
Blister protection (e.g Blistex or Compeed pads)
Insect repellent (in the tropics, only repellents containing DEET are effective)
Aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or equivalent headache remedy
Antiseptic hand wipes or hand washing gel
A mild anti-nausea drug if you are concerned about motion sickness
A general antibiotic treatment, antacid tablets, anti-diarrhoeal and indigestion preparations. Please discuss this with your doctor prior to gaining a prescription.
Cold and flu suppressant (with climate changes, colds are common).
Elastic bandage or sports strapping
A pair of nail scissors and tweezers.
Optional Items
Camera Plus lots of spare memory cards, chargers/spare batteries
Snack food Such as dried fruits, chocolate
Sleeping bag liner To add warmth to your sleeping bag