Vidal Expeditions Packing List
In it we have provided as much detail on every piece of kit you will need for a safe and successful trekking. The packing list includes personal recommendations on gear that we own and use. We believe these recommended items of gear provide the best value for money and deliver the best performance.
Essential packing list for trekking
Duffle Bag:
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7 kg/15.4 lbs. Our horseman will carry your duffle bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It is important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day as the horsemen and horses will always be ahead of the group.
Eureka Tents
During our excursions we provide Eureka 3 season and Doite 4 season tents , this is a confortable and spcaius tents for 4 people but we only provide for 2 people, that means you will sahre with one trekker. On that way you will have extra space for your luggage. Our tents have two door and a vestibule for your boots or trekking poles.
sleeping
At Vidal Expeditions we know that a sleeping bag is the most important gear during a multy-day hike, We use mummy style sleeping bags that are usable in -15°C / 5 F. These are of good standar quality. Our team takes care really well to mantinence each equipment after every trip washing and disinfecting.
Mattresses
We include a foam pad that provides you comfort and insulation from the ground and help you to rest during the night. "If you rest well, your next day will be good too" If you want to add more confort you may want to consider to upgrading by renting an inflatable sleeping pad... Ask for more details!
Trekking Poles
Along our different excursion we recommend to take with you a pair of trekking poles. Trekking poles incorporate your arms and shoulders into the hiking motion, allowing you to use more muscle to propel yourself uphill and to control your descent. The net result is an increase in speed, without an increase in leg soreness.
Toilet
There is no need to add additional hiking in the middle of the night when you have to use the bathroom. We set up spotless, environmentally friendly toilet tents, right at your camping and lunch sites. This way, you don’t have to bother with the park toilets, that are not in great condition. In addition, this method lessens our footprint on the environment, while adding the convenience and luxury of a private bathroom to your trekking adventure.
Personal Gear and Medications
- Trekking Towel – A small to medium sized hiking towel can come in great use. LifeVentures or Discovery provide good, quick-drying trekking towels.
- Small Locks – To protect your belongings in your rucksack or duffle bag
- Waterproof Ziplock Bags – These come in handy for storing important / valuable items like your money, a passport and electrical equipment
- Isotonic Powder – Can be used to flavour your water nicely and helps replace electrolytes, improving energy levels and aiding water absorption. Here are some good Isotonic powdered drinks
- Diamox – Also know as acetazolamide, is a medication that can be used as a prophylactic (preventative) solution for altitude sickness. It does not cure altitude sickness and should never therefore never be used as a method to continue ascending to high altitudes. It can however help prevent the onset of altitude sickness and is commonly used by high altitude climbers and trekkers.
- General Medications – We recommend taking paracetamol or aspirin for headaches (a common altitude sickness symptom on the Salkantay Trek) and Imodium for diarrhoea (another common problem as food preparation can be a little unhygienic)
- Basic First Aid Kit – If you are joining an organised trek, your guide will most likely be carrying a first aid kit. If you are hiking unsupported or independently then a first aid kit is a must. Here are some compact and good outdoor first aid kits: Outdoor First Aid Kits
- Suncream / Lip balm – No one wants burnt skin or cracked lips! Be sure to bring 1 x suncream (SPF 30) and 1 x lip balm
- Baby wipes – For quick and easy wet washe when no showers are in sight! bring 1 x baby wipes
- Blister Plasters – The dreaded blisters! We recommend taking Compeed blister plasters
- Hand Sanitizer – Great for disinfecting hands before and after eating, or when they get dirty during the hike