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For YHAI Himalayan Trekkers : Things To Bring (2023)

July 14, 2016
33
Guide to things to bring for a trek

 TOP 25 things to bring on a Himalayan trek

(Any Winter/Summer Himalayan YHAI TREK)

So you have googled your trek, for photos, videos, and blogs + all other possible information 🙂 The excitement is mounting and …

 

Finally, the date of travel comes. Before you know it, you already are packing for your adventure! Here are a few suggestions for you.

Packing for a Yhai trek

How to pack for a trek

 

These are my personal suggestions based on serving as a YHAI camp leader and Field Director in Himalayan treks and my experience as a certified Mountaineer, Skiier & Kayaker.

What will YHAI provide you?

At Base camp, you will be provided :

1. Hygiene sheet: Issued only at base camp.Comes fresh from the laundry, for only you. Use it throughout the trek, and carry it from camp to camp. Deposit back to basecamp after the trek. Some choose to buy and bring their own. (here’s one you can pick up)

2. Blanket: Issued at every camp, for you to use and deposit back when leaving that camp.

3. Sleeping Bag: Issued at every camp, for you to use and deposit back when leaving that camp.

4. Rucksack : Issued only at basecamp.You could use your own rucksack instead of YHAI’s. If you are bringing your own backpack, then ensure you bring a lightweight one. Trust me each gram matters, when you are climbing that hill. 

Things provided by YHAI 

YHAI backpack, blanket and sleeping bag 

 Now that you are trekking, let me tell you two secrets.

1st secret is trekking is addictive.

Bollywood trekking memes

Click image for Yeh jawani hai deewani gifts

You are going to find yourself on a trek more often from now on. Trekkers usually regret buying the low-cost option, which doesn’t last them more than 2 treks. So, for each must-bring item, I have listed both the Low cost vs Good value option (My choice)

 

2nd secret: A trekker with a light backpack, with just the essentials, is a happy one.

So if you have started asking yourself: How heavy is this? Is it really necessary?
Congratulations! You’re thinking like a happy trekker 🙂 

25 things I recommend you must pack

Note: I have listed the links for you to buy the essentials online.AdBlock extension in your browser interferes with the links. So please disable it.

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1. Cotton Shirts/T shirts

 
Bring a maximum of 2 pcs,1 for wearing on the trek, the other for backup if you get wet. Avoid white/light colour. They get dirty easily. Choose full sleeves, they would protect you from harsh sunlight and tan. Normal T-shirts will do.
 
 
 
 
My choice: A quick-drying, full-sleeved, Synthetic fabric means reduced, sweat drying time and transfers moisture out quickly, keeping you dry. Throughout the trek, for many treks.

 
 

 
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2. Track pants

My choice would last you many treks, it’s extremely quick drying and fairly robust, a useful feature to have when you have arrived after a rainy day trek to your camp. You could simply change to a spare track pants and hang up the wet, quick-drying pants, in the morning they would have dried! These are worth the money, I spent buying them. It has lasted me many long treks.
 
 


Men

Women

3. Raincoat

Himalayan weather is unpredictable so be prepared to protect yourself from getting wet.

Low-cost option: Buy a huge plastic sheet and fold it to cover yourself like a rain sheet. You need to hold the rain sheet together throughout the trek.

My choice: A lightweight Raincoat top with hood and rain pant set. To keep me dry throughout the trek.

 
 

 

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4. Woolen Inners

 

This is an absolute must-have, because of the lightweight and the warmth it provides you, in the Himalayan cold. Buy the top and bottom set in the right size. I have listed good brand names, which offer good quality products.

 
Women
 
 

MEN

Thermal top

 
Thermal Bottom
 

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5. Sun Cap + Woolen cap

 
Gives you shade from the sunshine. Protects your neck also by covering behind.
 
Woolen Cap
 

 
OR 
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 6. Trekking Shoes

 
Single most important thing you will pack.

First, let me tell you what type of shoes not to bring for the trek. Shoes with low or no grip/PVC soles are not suitable for trekking. That means those awesome Nike, and Reebok shoes you’ve with flat grip area. They are good for city life but, absolute no-no for treks.
 
Bata hunter shoes are a low-cost option, good for two treks maximum. Has rubber soles with deep grooves, for good grip. However it doesn’t offer waterproof factor, so as you are trekking through snow, your feet are bound to get wet. A solution for this problem is to carry multiple pairs of socks and change them during the trek.

 
BATA HUNTER SHOES
 
Cost max 700 Rs.
 
My choice :

This will last you many treks. I, personally use only this shoe.Many trekkers are absolute fans of Quechua Forclaz 500 India’s most popular trekking boots .A bigger investment, but it gives you a good grip and is, very very good at protecting your feet from getting wet.

    • Traction: TPU Essensole sole with 5 mm lugs for good grip.
    • Cushioning: Full foot PU midsole: durable and high-performance.
    • Waterproof: Breathable and waterproof Novadry membrane keeps your feet dry.
    • Stability: High upper with two hooks on top provides excellent support on any terrain.

Lightweight: 555 g per shoe in size 8.5 Complete review here

 
 
 

 

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7.Socks : Woolen and Cotton

 

Normal quality cotton socks .1 pair for each day of trekking. Trust me, you would want to, start every trekking day with a dry pair of socks.
 
 
Woolen socks
 
Keep one pair of thick woolen socks (available in any hill station market) for use only when you are inside the sleeping bag.
 
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 8. Gloves

Normal quality 1 pair

My choice is A better quality glove, which would last you many treks.
 
 

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9. Mug

You don’t need a steel/enamel mug, as mentioned on the YHAI website. It increases backpack weight. A lightweight plastic mug is enough for your adventure.
 
 
 
Some trekkers bring these, to help keep their drink warm. I personally feel it’s added weight on your backpack.
 
 
 

 

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10.Lunch box

 

 
 
 
A simple lightweight one
Plate, Just a Lunch box is enough, don’t add extra backpack weight by bringing a plate also.

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11. Spoon

A plastic spoon is lightweight

 

 

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12. Water purifying tablets +Water Bottle

 

Buy Ef Chlor none Purification Tablets Water Purifiers from Snapdeal

 
My choice

This is an award-winning product, excellent for trekkers.

 

 
 
 

*Filters up to 1,000 liters of water? *Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria *Reduces turbidity, filtering down to 0.2 microns *Lightweight: weighs less than 60 grams *Does not use iodine or iodinated resin *Contains no chemicals (and is BPA-free), uses no batteries, has no moving parts *High flow rate; no after taste (because no iodine or chlorine are used) *Easy to clean. Can be stored and used periodically. Just keep uncapped so it can dry thoroughly. *Very durable, made of impact-resistant plastic *No shelf life. LifeStraw can be stored indefinitely
Or another option is a water bottle with an inbuilt filter
 
 
 

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13.Sunscreen

SPF 30 and if possible waterproof one. It helps when you are sweating, the sunscreen remains on the skin,if waterproof instead of trickling away. Don’t buy lesser than SPF30, sun is fiercer in treks.

 

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14. Pen knife

Not compulsory, but if you are buying a knife THE best standard is this one. It has a useful tool for handling blisters. (good tool for trekkers). There are many other models you can choose from in the link.

 
 
 

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15. Sewing kit

 

Imagine a situation your only rucksack has torn. Simply open your sewing kit and do a temporary repair , which will last, until you’re back to base camp.

To repair torn shoes,torn backpack or clothes . Carry Buttons
Various Size Needles ,Duct Tape . To add strength to torn fabric before sewing. Braided fishing line, Nylon Thread or dental floss.Much stronger than regular thread.
Shoe Goo.. This stuff is great for repairing shoes, waders, rubber boots, and torn backpack.

 
 

 

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16. Sunglasses

To help protect from snow blindness.Sun shine reflects from snow and reaches your eyes.Choose sunglasses that effectively block out the sun’s UV rays from all possible reflective surfaces. If you are traveling in the conditions that can cause snow blindness, you will need full-coverage or wrap-style sunglasses that prevent light entering from the sides. Choose polarized or dark, mirror-coated sunglasses for the best results.Any shades with uv protection, is good.Here’s a link below to UV protected goggles collection Sunglasses

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17. Vaseline

Every gram of weight counts when you are trekking in Himalayas.Instead of vaseline bottle, for moisturizing and another one for lipbalm .
 
My choice: Carry a single Small pack,you can use as lip balm also .

 
 
 

 

 

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18. Soap

 Facewash and Paper soap to use in camps
 

 
 

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19. Toilet Paper

 In case water isn’t available in higher camps.
 
 
 

 

Buy here

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20. Tissues

Facewipes,these wet tissues are so refreshing during a trek.Ok ,Ok this is not a must have,but I love these facewipes so much,had to list it too🙂
 
 

 

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 21. Towel

tt

 

 For medical safety.You are strongly advised against, taking bath in higher colder camps.Do you really need a heavy towel then ? Only for wiping yourself after a face wash, how about just carrying a small hand towel or a lighter big towel.

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 22. Medicines (First Aid kit)

Important : First pack your personal medicines.

Next pack medicines for
Cold,Cough,Fever,Headaches,Crepe Bandage for sprains,Volini spray for fast relief,Band Aids,Antiseptic cream,Combiflam for easing pains,Anti vomiting tablets.

There will be a medical kit available in campsites,but always be on the safe side and carry your own supply.

 

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23. Camera and Memory cards

 

 
I see,on many treks, passionate photographers carrying their tripods along too. I’m just getting into photography too, so I understand the lure of a tripod. However, before bringing ur tripod ask yourself. is your rucksack super light, much lighter than others. Because others aren’t carrying Tripods, only you are carrying that extra weight. Do not overburden yourself. The most important thing here is to enjoy the trek.Think objectively, is a tripod absolutely necessary. You decide. Carry empty memory cards(if possible extra batteries), which you will happily fill in the trek 🙂 Wishing your photos, many Facebook likes ahead. Do share your favourite photos with me at @hiteshadventure

 
I’m sure you have your own favourite camera

My favourite point & shoot camera, designed specifically for adventurers like us is Go Pro.
A camera that is as tough as you.

2nd choice
Nikon Coolpix AW110

COOLPIX AW130 is built tough so it keeps going wherever you go. You can dive with it to a depth of 30 m/100 ft with no need for housing. Enjoy photography under various extreme environments and situations, as this camera withstands drops from up to 2.1 m/7 ft., and temperatures down to -10?C/14?F. By combining with various accessories it’s possible to expand your range of activities even further.

 

 

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 24. Woolens

A must-have: In addition to thermals and T-shirts you will wear a third layer of a warm jacket.

The winter’s temperatures easily drop to subzero temperatures. Ensure the jacket you bring, will perform well in these conditions.

My choice

I have listed 3 price ranges, each for men and women here. Pick the right size . This investment will keep you toasty and warm on the trek and winters back home.

MEN

 

WOMEN

 
 

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25. Torch

 
 
Most probably, there will be no electricity at any higher camps during treks, U can pack any lightweight torch. Carry extra batteries.
 
My choice is to buy a hand-charging one which doesn’t depend on batteries. It’s a dependable light source. But not very strong light. Hand Pressing Flash Light – No Battery No Bulb, Simply Shake to Recharge.

 
The best option of course is a headlamp. giving u freedom to use your hands.Very helpful when in a dark tent and searching through your backpack for chocolates.

 
 

YES!Congratulations! you now have the essentials for your Himalayan adventure.👍

Top 5 Comfort Things to bring 

Most of the trekkers I know carry some comfort items which help them, ease into the trek. These items aren’t compulsory. However many wouldn’t leave home without them.
 

1. Backpack cover For protecting your backpack from getting wet

 

 

2. WALKING pole  Helps in maintaining balance and brings stability.

 

 

3. Bandana

 To protect the face from dust and grime during the trek.

 

4. Pickles, Chutney, snacks etc.

 
 
 
 
The food can always be spiced up to your homely favourite taste with this(plastic small sachets are best, don’t carry big glass bottles).
 
5. Powerbank

 
Somehow there is mobile network coverage in your campsite. Do you want to talk to your family or update your amazing trek photos on social media, but there is no battery left on your mobile. Awwww, Get a fully charged power bank on your trek.
 

 
One last useful thing
6. Gorilla pod 
 


This will protect your arms from a sun tan.
Ensuring your family recognize it’s you when you return home 🙂



 

YHAI provides a rucksack, however, if you prefer your own,
here are 2 recommendations for you.

A weight check of all backpacks would be done before you start trekking at base camp.
Be prepared to pack a little less than others, since the weight of these empty backpacks, will be more than what YHAI backpacks weigh.

 



These are other guides written to give you a complete understanding. Happy reading 🙂

How to pack these things and get fit for a trek?

 

The above complete list of trekking essentials applies to all the treks below.

KEDARKANTHA WINTER EXPEDITION YHAI things to bring,  DALHOUSIE WINTER TREK YHAI things to bring, SANDAKPHU GURDUM WINTER TREK YHAI things to bring,  NAINITAL WINTER TREK YHAI things to bring,SARPASS TREK YHAI things to bring,  SAURKUNDI PASS TREK YHAI things to bring,
CHANDERKHANI PASS TREK YHAI things to bring,   HAR KI DOON TREK YHAI things to bring

Thank you for reading this blog,please comment about how I could improve it .If you found it helpful ,share it with friends.It would be a honour to add you to my professional network.I have listed my social network links.Let’s connect.

 
 

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33 comments

  10. Hitesh Kumar 25 March, 2017 at 08:19 Reply

    Thanks for the comment.I can imagine your anticipation for the trek 🙂 It made me think about my first Himalayan trek,Sarpass trek with YHAI. Wishing you the most rewarding journey.

  16. Reshma 1 May, 2017 at 07:14 Reply

    Hi.. thanks for sharing this information. I have booked the 16th may slot and I am so scared and excited! This is my first trek.I wanted to know how is the difficulty level?

    Thanks

  18. Animesh Bordoloi 27 May, 2017 at 20:34 Reply

    I am going for the Sar pass trek next week and I am so glad I found this post. Everything one needs to know about things to carry and their pros and cons in one place. Thank you and have a great day!

  19. Rahul Udawant 4 June, 2017 at 12:11 Reply

    This is the first article which has explained so systematic and properly with actual photographs. Great job Hitesh. I am going for the Sar pass trek in next week. I just want to know that is there a facility at base camp to keep extra stuff there which we can collect after trek?

  22. rohit muraleedharan 21 September, 2017 at 16:00 Reply

    hello Hitesh,

    Thank you very much for writing all things systematically for first time trekkers like us.
    I am going for the Dalhousie trek with YHAI, on Dec 26,2017. I am from Mumbai. Since I am going through Delhi, should I do woolen shopping in Delhi, or I get them at Dalhousie. What would you suggest?

    Rohit

  32. Madhuri Agnihotri 27 April, 2019 at 09:27 Reply

    Very important points listed here .. We are going for Chandrakani trekking in May. We followed the blog for list of items to be carried. Thanks

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