Bistari, Bistari..... A first trip through the Annapurnas ..... Packing List

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So, what did I take? What worked? What didn't? What would I do differently next time?

PACKING LIST (Trek Only, not the easy bits in KTM or Bangkok)

Denali 65l Gear Bag

Kathmandu Kassei 18l Day Pack

2 Mountain Design 1l Water Bottles

Kathmandu Day Pack Water Resistant Cover

Sea to Summit Trek TK III Sleeping Bag

Silk Sleeping Bag Liner

Kathmandu Stuff Sacks- small, med and large, 2 medium dry bags

Kathmandu Dry Bag 65l

Kathmandu Toilet Bag with hook

Kathmandu Microfibre Pack&Go Towel XL

Kathmandu Microfibre Pack&Go Towel XS

Kathmandu Headtorch, 4 spare batteries

Camera- Sony Cybershot 16.2 megapixel

3 camera batteries (1 authentic, 2 generic)-and 3 SD cards (16GB)

IPOD

Phone, charger

Converter Plug

Lifestraw

Solar Recharger

Crocs

Columbia Peregrine Trail Shoes

3 pairs ankle TEVA socks

2 Pairs Kathmandu wool mid socks

Generic ski gloves

Kathmandu Liner Gloves

1 polar fleece scarf

1 polar fleece hat

1 wooly hat

4 pairs sensible undies

2 sensible bras

2 sets thermals- 1 pr Denali merino wool, 1 pr polyprop

1 Macpac merino v neck singlet

1 Macpac merino longsleeve v neck tee

3 SS crew neck T's- 2 Macpac Rapid and 1 Icebreaker

1 Columbia Omnidry LS Shirt

1 Sarong

1 pair bathers (don't ask!!!!!)

1 Kathmandu Merino 320 1/4 Zip LS sweater

1 Kathmandu Altica 200 sleeveless polar fleece

1 Landsend Lightweight 1/4 Zip Polar Fleece

1 Mountain Designs Midweight Zip Up Jacket

1 Lands End Down Jacket

1 Northface Summit Series Gortex Jacket

2 Columbia Convertible Zip Off Pants (to shorts)

1 Pr Polar Fleece Pants(bought at Shonas in KTM)

'Survivor' Buff (bought at Shonas in KTM)

Medications- Panadol, Neurofen, Panadeine Forte, Azithromycin, Gastrostop, Stemetil, Buscopan, Amoxicillin, Diamox, Gastrolyte, Tinidazole, Chlormycetin eyedrops

First Aid Kit - Saline solution, bandaids, fixomul, iodine wipes, gauze dressings, sling, bandage, surgical tape, scissors, sterile syringe and needles. 2 x Hand gel, 1x sunscreen, lots of small packs of Kleenex, 2 large ziploc bags, 3 small ziplocks. Toiletries.

1 Pair Generic Trekking Poles (bought at Shonas in KTM)

1 bottle iodine tabs, 1 bottle taste masking tabs (bought at Shonas in KTM)



RATING

* Epic Fail

** Fail

*** Fine

**** Very Fine

***** Legendary, will definitely come on next trek

LUGGAGE


• Denali Gear Bag 65 litre ***



Pros - Cheap, on sale for about $22.50

Cons - Plastic clasp broke off very early so just had to tie middle straps together. Rip in bag towards end of trek.

http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Brands/Denali/60litreCargoDuffleBag-894




• Kathmandu Kassei Day Pack 18l (A cycling hydration daypack , can take 3l hydration bladder, designed for female shape) ****



Pros - good size for me, easy to access all the stuff I needed, got it a clearance outlet for 50%!o(MISSING)ff

Cons - water bottles didn't fit side pockets (I didn't want to use the bladder capability)

http://www.kathmandu.com.au//40323/Kassei-Pack-Women.html



ACCESSORIES


• 2 Mountain Design 1l Water Bottles ***



Pros - cheap, had them for 4 years now, durable, belt loop handy to attach to my day pack

Cons - narrow neck- didn't fit lifestraw! too wide for my day pack

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/online-store/products/Tritan-1L-NM-BPA-Free-Bottle.aspx?prodID=176




• Kathmandu Day Pack Water Resistant Cover v2 dark slate*



Pros - cheap on clearance AUD $17.99, foldable into own pocket and light

Cons - hmmm- day pack is wet after rain- waste of time

http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories/Hiking_&_Daywalking/Water-resistant_Covers_&_Bags/40419/Pack_Raincover_v2.html




• Kathmandu Headtorch, 4 spare batteries *****



Pros - Got it for $30 with damaged packaging, bright, stayed in place, angle function was good, didn't need any battery change

Cons - None

http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories/Lighting_&_Optical_/Headtorches/61141/Head_Torch_Falcon_100.html




• Sea to Summit Trek III Sleeping Bag *****



Pros - AUD $280, Got it for $50 less than RRP on ebay, perfect bag - really warm, handy internal pockets to sleep with batteries and money inside

Cons - None

http://www.mainpeak.com.au/outdoor/sea-to-summit-trek-iii-sleeping-bag-regular.html


• Silk Sleeping Bag Liner *



Didn't use it at all. Mary hada thermal one and used hers infrequently.


• Kathmandu Stuff Sacks- mesh small, med and large, 2 medium dry bags (***** mesh *** dry)


Pros - All ultra cheap, Mesh sacs great to keep things compact and compartmentalised and being able to see easily what was in them, dry sacs functional but too hard to know what was in them, didn't need the dry sacs as all packed in the 65l dry bag. Tip- You can fill dry bags with hot water from the kitchen for a bit of a wash.

Cons - None

http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories/Travel/Packing_Solutions/40449/Stuff_Sac_v3.html




• Kathmandu Dry Bag 65l *****


Pros - On special AUD $29.99, Excellent, kept everything protected, dry and clean inside my trek bag

Cons - none

http://www.kathmandu.com.au//40418/Pack-Dry-Sac.html




• Kathmandu Toilet Bag with hook ****


Pros - AUD $19.99, hook was a winner; could hang it in bathrooms (where no shelf) and rooms in teahouse, mirror a good asset

Cons - toothpaste leaked (messy), maybe a sealed plastic compartment would be a good idea, mirror got cloudy

http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories/Travel/Toiletries/40335/Kit_Bag_Deluxe.html




• Kathmandu Microfibre Pack&Go Towel XL *** and XS *****


Pros - very absorbent, could wrap wet clothes in and wring out even more water to improve drying speed, super cheap (buy 1 get 2 free)

Cons - XL too big and bulky- should have got a M

http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Accessories/Travel/Toiletries/60782/Microfibre_Towel_-_Pouch_v2.html




• Camera- Sony Cybershot 16.2 megapixel *****


Perfect for a handy sized camera, beautiful photos from close ups of flowers to panoramic mountain shots.




• 3 camera batteries (1 authentic, 2 generic)-and 3 SD cards (16GB)


Glad I had 3 batteries because I didn't take my camera charger (epically bad decision)- I used all 3 and then some. The authentic battery lasted about 4 times longer than the generic batteries. My recommendation is to buy authentic. Took 3 SD cards as my plan was to rotate the cards through the camera daily, that way if I lost my camera I would only lose 1/3 of my photos- I am still happy I did this even though I didn't lose anything.


• Solar Recharger ***



Great concept. Sewed velcro tabs onto daypack and put charger on every day during trek, only managed 2/5 charge each day which kept my head just above water for recharging the camera batteries. Gave it away at the end of my trek. Would do it again but buy a better model.


• IPOD


I am such an idiot!!!!! I use the Nike Plus Ipod function to measure my walk/runs. My goal for the year 2012 was to do 2500km (as I achieved this in 2011), adding in my trek to my total distance for this year was a no brainer. I loaded it up with podcasts and music before I left- tick, I remembered the charger- tick, LEFT THE IPOD IN THE BAG THAT I LEFT IN KATHMANDU!!!!!! Not one km of my trek was recorded! On the upside, I am actually really glad I didn't have it- listening to the sounds of the trek and being utterly in the moment was the best thing that could have happened.


• Phone, charger



Glad to have them, had absolutely no reception in Kathmandu but pretty good reception on the circuit- it was handy to be able to text home. Cheap or free to recharge in the teahouses.




• Converter Plug



Useful, 1 between 2 of you would be enough though.


• Lifestraw *



Pros- Great concept

Cons- Too wide for my water bottles, too hard to suck through. Gave up on it and used iodine tabs




• 1 Pair Generic Trekking Poles (bought at Shonas in KTM) *****


Pros- Cheap, Utterly essential. SOOOOO glad to have it. As well as being used for the purpose that it was intended it also came in handy to keep mules at a safe distance, for pointing out mountains/scenery, to prop up phone charger into power point, to hang stuff on, as a photo prop, for writing in snow and propping open doors/windows. Excellent multipurpose tool!

Cons- Only needed 1 pole, gave my 2nd away



CLOTHING


• Crocs (generic $4 pair from Target) ***** - brilliant, comfortable, leavable after trek, washable, excellent for use in toilets



• Columbia Peregrine Trail Shoes *****- mine are 5 years old but I hadn't worn them much except for the 2 months prior to the trek. Ultra comfortable with absolutely no foot issues. Good grip. Lightweight. I didn't feel that ankle support was overly essential for me. This model is now discontinued



• 3 pairs ankle TEVA socks ***** - because I had trail shoes ankle socks were fine, I love these socks, they are breathable, warm and comfortable. They dried out quickly pegged on my pack every day. I have had them for about 3 years and they are still in great shape. Could have gotten away with 2 pairs but then we only had 1 wet day so I'd still probably take the 3 pairs next time.



• 2 Pairs Kathmandu wool mid socks **** - good for sleeping in, wore the extra pair on the Thorung La Pass which gave me added warmth, would only take 1 pair next time.



• Generic ski gloves * - found them in my cupboard, ended up being way too small with my other gloves underneath, only used them on the Thrung La day, will buy a cheap new pair that fit better next time



• Kathmandu Liner Gloves **** - worked well, only needed them 1 morning for a couple of hours and the Thorung La day but would take them again.



• 1 Lands End polar fleece scarf ***** - great, warm, looked good!



• 4 pairs sensible undies (Holeproof Parisienne Boyleg) *****- perfect quantity, quick drying, no ride factor- gotta love these undies.



• 2 sensible bras ***** - perfect quantity, quick drying.



• 2 sets thermals- 1 pr Denali merino wool to sleep in *****, 1 pr polyprop * the Denalis were great- really warm and comfortable, only wore my polyprops long johns as an extra layer going over Thorung La, wouldn't take the 2nd pair again.



• 1 Macpac merino v neck singlet ***** - wore it almost every day, comfortable and warm, looked good as a singlet top in Pokhara where it was hot.


http://www.macpac-outlet.com.au/en_au/gear-and-clothing/womens-merino/107201338733157.html


• 1 Macpac merino longsleeve v neck tee ***** essential, warm, comfotable, nice shape, looked good


http://www.macpac-outlet.com.au/en_au/gear-and-clothing/womens-merino/106421338732572.html


• 3 SS crew neck T's- 2 Macpac Rapid **** and 1 Icebreaker ***** - would take 1 of each next time, only really needed 2 SS tops. Icebreaker was better in terms of quick dry feature but much more expensive than the Macpacs.



• 1 Columbia Omnidry LS Shirt * - waste of time taking on trek as the longsleeve tops I wore gave me sun protection and it was too cold to wear the shirt on its own, also a bit bulky and heavy. Did, however, come in handy in Chitwan NP where it was hot and you needed a cool sun protective top.



• 1 Sarong ***** - an essential item on any trip, anywhere, any time. Used as a scarf, a cover on the matress and pillow, a wrap, etc, etc



• 1 pair bathers (don't ask!!!!!) * - WHAT was I thinking???? Up in the mountains a pair of bathers is not required- ever!



• 1 Kathmandu Merino 320 1/4 Zip LS sweater ***** - great addition, warm but breathable, not bulky, looked good all the time despite it being worn a lot and not washed at all.



• 1 Kathmandu Altica 200 sleeveless polar fleece **** - good to have, central core keeps warm, would take again.



• 1 Landsend Lightweight 1/4 Zip Polar Fleece **** - good weight, would take again.



• 1 Mountain Designs Midweight Zip Up Jacket ***- good jacket which I wore several nights but too bulky, wont take next time.



• 1 Lands End Down Jacket **** - good, only used at Thorung Phedi and Thorung La until over the Pass though. Would take that and not the polar fleece jacket next time and just wear it in place of the polar fleece.



• 1 Northface Summit Series Gortex Jacket ***** - excellent in keeping off wind and rain, tough and hard wearing. Looked good in photos!!! I think 1 size larger would have been better though as it was tight with all of my layers for Thorung La.



• 2 Columbia Convertible Zip Off Pants (to shorts)***** - old and faithfuls, didn't zip off the legs except in hot spring at Chame. Rolled up the legs to mid calf many days. Will use them until they die!



• 1 Pr Polar Fleece Pants (Shonas in KTM) ***** - brilliant apres trek in the teahouses, durable and warm, very unflattering but who cares?



• 1 Polar Fleece Hat (Shonas in KTM)/1 Wool Hat (KTM) *****- only need 1 or the other.



• 1 Fake Northface Legionnaires Hat (Shonas in KTM) ***** - essential for sun and wind, absolutely non-negotiably essential for fair skinned redheads.



• 'Survivor' Buff (bought at Shonas in KTM)***** - essential for warmth and wind, absolutely non-negotiably essential .



HEALTH


• Medications- Panadol, Neurofen, Panadeine Forte, Azithromycin, Lomotil, Stemetil, Buscopan, Amoxicillin, Diamox, Gastrolyte. - Used the Panadol and Neurofen plus only needed 1 Gastrosop and 2 Stemetil. You need to be prepared though and have the stuff. We both took a full kit, will only take 1 between 2 next time.



• First Aid Kit - Saline solution, bandaids, fixomul, iodine wipes, gauze dressings, sling, bandage, surgical tape, scissors, sterile syringe and needles. - Didn't use anything, but as above you need to be prepared. Mary used the fixomul.



• Miscellaneous - 2 x Hand gel, 1x sunscreen, lots of small packs of Kleenex, 2 packs of wet wipes (essential IMHO), 2 large ziploc bags, 3 small ziplocs, chocolate bars (thank god for chocolate, weighed too much though and should have bought along the way instead), bird book (glad I had it), small diary (essential), small binoculars (unnecessary), novel (good but not essential as we played games), scrabble (will take again), Yahtzee (essential, light weight and a great icebreaker). Swiss army knife- handy for cutting chocolate bars into equal peices for sharing, also cuts through fruit bars and nak cheese with a flick of the wrist. Mary took a portable clothesline and some pegs- excellent while it lasted! -last seen in Sirung! Mary also took 4 pairs of shoelaces- whilst they didn't get used for shoes they proved to be excellent replacement clotheslines! Hand torch - not necessary, left in Chame. Lipstick (essential) - anyone who knows me knows that it is essential.



• 1 bottle iodine tabs, 1 bottle taste masking tabs (bought at Shonas in KTM) - will use this system again, worked for me. Mary just used boiled water.



SUMMARY


Gear- Many sources of advice- Thanks to AlanYeti, catherinelondon and Lisbeth from Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet Thorntree was useful too. LP's "Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas" was invaluable, I can't seem to put it back on the book shelf- it's still on my bedside table. The trekking shops of Perth were helpful too, in fact, Mary has a new Perth best friend called Keith, he works in one of them and his brains were well and truly picked! Traipsing through the Trek shops of Perth became a hobby, as a result I get about 40 emails a week from them! (Mountain Design has 50%!o(MISSING)ff icebreakers this week!!).

Tips - Used the formulas suggested on LP and TA and then were pretty generous with our porter and guide, especially as there were only the 2 of us . We thought they were great, we appreciated their efforts.

Soliciting - We didn't give to any kids asking for stuff, I don't think it does the culture any favours (or their teeth). We did leave small gifts at the homestays though of sample size toiletries, pens and notebooks. Left under our pillows when we left.

Immunisation - Had rabies shots (AUD $100 per shot x 3)(wont next time), had flu shot (at GP they cost AUD $25) (get one yearly anyway as I am a nurse), had Adacel/Polio (AUD $78)(tetanus, pertussis and polio booster), had typhoid shot, am already immune to Hep A, Hep B, mumps, measles and chickenpox. Didn't need antimalarials. I really like my GP (Goran) and his nurse (Janet)- he is great- knowledgeable and emails you info/answers questions by email, etc. Anyone reading from Perth feel free to message me for his details.

The End - Thanks for reading, I hope it is useful or entertaining, or maybe both. Feel free to email me if you have a any questions/comments- [e-mail]. Gill.

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Comments

[Alan (yeti)]

Thanks !
Finally made it to the end of your blog ! Many thanks Gill - I've enjoyed it immensely

[Active Everest Treks]

Nice Article
nice article http://www.activeeveresttreks.com

[The Travel Camel]

A very useful blog
Thanks for posting such a detailed review of your items and for other information such as immunisations. This is rarely done on Travelblog and it is helpful for anyone planning to travel.

[Verena]

very helpful
Hi there, Im just in Kathmandu and trying to get everything ready for my trekking adventure. Your description was super helpful. I slowly get an idea of what i still need to buy. Thanks a lot. Verena

[mouseontheroad]

Really useful
Thank you so much for all the detail!