Travel check list

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST / INFORMATION
This section is normally cause for more consideration than any other. We regularly receive reams of advice and suggestions, good and bad, as to what equipment is needed for our trekking and climbing holidays. However, since being suitably equipped is the single most important consideration contributing to your welfare, we have provided the following list, which we ask you to examine in a flexible manner, adapting it where you feel necessary to your own outdoor experience or preference. There is a fine balance between taking too much and too little since you will need to equip yourself for all extremes of climate.

Equipment checklist - trekking only
The following basic equipment checklist should help you with your packing. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15 Kilos.

Head

• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Upper Body

• T-shirts (2)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket (optional)

Hands

• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Lower Body

• Underwear (4)
• Hiking shorts (2)
• Lightweight cotton long pants
• Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
• Fleece or wool pants
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet

• Thin, lightweight inner socks (3)
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks (3)
• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
• Gaiters

Accessories

• Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees
• Headlamp (Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
• Small pad or combination lock to lock trek bag
• Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
• Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
• Thermarest sleeping pad
• Water bottles (2)
• Toiletries
• Small wash towel
• Multitool knife

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT Although every trek carries a comprehensive medical kit, it is advisable to bring a small supply of first aid items for your own personal use. Base this on the following list, plus any special medications you may require:

1. Insect repellent. (Repel 100 or Jungle Formula).
2. Antiseptic cream.
3. Sun/face cream and lip screen.
4. Throat lozenges or hard candies.
5. Anti-diarrhoearal (Diocalm or Immodium).
6. Anti-protozoan. (Flagyl). Please consult with your doctor.
7. Antibiotics. a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Ciproflaxin or Septrin for treating a variety of infections. Please consult with your doctor.
8. Analgesics. Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol - for headaches etc. (NOT Codeine-based painkillers).
9. Plasters, moleskin or Second Skin.
10. Diamox. already discussed.
11. Re-hydration salts. (oral) e.g. Dioralite. We recommend that you - bring a small personal supply of perhaps 8 packets. A Gatorade-type electrolyte powder is a good idea.
12. Dextrose glucose tablets.
13. Multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.
14. Iodine-based water purification tablets or a small bottle of tincture of iodine with a dropper (Chlorine-based water purifiers are not suitable).