Preparing for the Worst: If you want to prepare for the worst or if you're embarking on a longer trek, then you should also consider packing in the following:
- Fire-starter kits
- Beacons/Signalling devices
- Communication Device
- Basic Shelter
- Cooking Stove & Utensils
Trekking Essentials – Details
Hydration:
Having plenty of water while you are exerting yourself makes sure you can stave off dehydration and loss of energy to let you enjoy your trekking session.
If you're embarking on longer treks then you should definitely carry enough extra water as well as pack in water treatment tools or methods (filters, chemicals etc.).
Nutrition:
Always pack in extra nutrition because food is the easiest way to stave off the cold as well as dehydration. The easiest to pack and carry are ready-made energy bars or oral rehydration powders for emergencies.
Multi-tools:
Multi-tools like multi-purpose knives which packs in multiple tools into one contraption is immensely helpful during treks.
For long treks, you may also consider packing in solar powered chargers for your cell phones or other communication equipment you're planning to carry.
Foul-weather clothes:
Extra sets of warm clothing if you're trekking in places which tend to get chilly or waterproof clothes for rainy places make for clothes that will keep you warm and dry when the weather turns. This is of course, perhaps more relevant in longer treks.
Lighting:
A flashlight or other lighting alternatives is also essential when you're out trekking because you are bang in the middle of nature and the middle of nature is not a comfortable place at all times, particularly when it gets dark.
First Aid Kit:
For the above reason, you should also pack in all your essential medication into a first aid kit. And, if you're not going in for a pre-packed one be sure to include the following general items (at the very least):
- Insect repellent
- Blister treatment
- Disinfectant
- Pain medication (over the counter)
- Gauze pads
- Adhesive bandages & tape
Preparing for the Worst – Details
When you're travelling for a sufficient length of time you need to make sure that you have all the essentials plus some extras in case of any emergencies. You are likely to be far from populated areas for lengths of time while embarking on a long trek and it is good sense to prepare for the worst.
Fire kits:
Includes matches, some fuel, mechanical lighters & fire starters. If you ever need to use these then you'll be grateful you packed it.
Beacons/signalling devices:
Electronics or mechanical signalling devices make sure you can attract attention in case something goes wrong.
Communication device:
In addition to your cell phone, you'll also want to consider devices like the satellite phones which do not depend on conventional connectivity and can come in handy during an emergency.
Basic shelter:
In most cases of long travel, you'll likely include basic shelter in your packing. You should consider packing in emergency shelter equipment (even if only a sleeping bag) even in cases where your trek is only moderately-long.
Cooking Stove & Utensils:
These are essentials for long treks and something you can't leave out since easting packed foods will not be practical except during emergencies.