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What gear do you use?

What trekking gear did you take with you?

13 years ago, February 3rd 2011 No: 1 Msg: #128073 Delete Edit

Mar che
Samuel Verdin

B Posts: 21

I'm making preparations for a 4 month trip to South America crossing travelling through Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. As this is the 1st big trip for me, I'm starting to buy everything I need, and was just wondering if anyone has any info on what they took and found to be good or bad?

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13 years ago, February 15th 2011 No: 2 Msg: #129128 Delete Edit

The Sapir Family
Sapir

B Posts: 98

If you plans on doing trekking, make sure you take with you good hiking shoes.
Warm clothing are required if you are getting into the Andeas.
Don't take too much - you could always buy on the way, if you need anything further.
We took with us low weight silk "sleeping bag" which we found usefull - we used it inside a rented sleeping bag on trekking, it kept us warm on some night bus traveles. But, I know that others have taken a real sleeping bag.
Quick dry and light weight towel is also very recommended.
Make sure you have a small bag and not only a big one - so for daily trips you will have a bag to go around with.
Ah, another tip - take a lock, I suggest the one with pin combination rather than a key. You can then use it in lockers in hostels, lock the zippers of your day bag when you are on night busses etc. We even took with us a cable (like the one you use to lock bicycles) and used to tie our bags to the frame of the bus in the baggage compartment under the bus.
the rest - shorts, swimming suit etc. I believe are obvious. Reply to this

13 years ago, February 16th 2011 No: 3 Msg: #129259 Delete Edit

EdVallance
Edward Adrian-Vallance

B Posts: 186

for actual trekking you obviously can't carry all your water with you. A good filter will get rid of bacteria and protozoa but not viruses. Purifiying tablets will kill viruses but not bacteria. Reply to this

13 years ago, February 17th 2011 No: 4 Msg: #129298 Delete Edit

The Dangling Carrot
Lynneelou

B Posts: 20

Layers of clothing are better than one heavy warm jacket. It is easier to remove or add a layer of clothing while trekking. Light clothing that is breathable and quick to wash and dry. Same goes for the undies.

I use a chamois type cloth for a towel. Much better for absorption, easy to squeeze out water, it's lightweight and smaller than conventional towel and dries more quickly. Can be used on hot days to keep you cool, too.

Make sure your hiking shoes are well worn and waterproof. Too many problems happen if you start out with new shoes. If you can't get past the newness of your shoes, use vaseline on your feet and in between your toes before you put on your socks. This prevents chafing and blisters. It also helps to soften your shoes.

Raincoat/poncho that fits over you and your backpack.

A metal Sigg-type water bottle. You can put freshly boiled water in it, it's less likely to harbour bacteria, and doubles as a bed/sleeping bag warmer on chilly nights.

Small things now will make the journey more enjoyable. Cheers and have fun.

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13 years ago, February 17th 2011 No: 5 Msg: #129350 Delete Edit

zuzuzu72
zuzuzu72

B Posts: 122

I found out that good hiking boots are not all you need, spend the extra money on good hiking socks, they make a world of difference,
Ziplock bags have numerous uses,
A poncho is great for covering you and your backpack,
Flipflops for hostels and beaches.
A water bottle with a loop on the lid so it can be tied to your pack,
First aid kit,
Layers of light weight clothing.
A lot of areas that have a lot of hikers will rent you sleeping bags and tents for a reasonable fee.
Travel towel,
A sarrong is great for the beach or to through around your shoulders when it gets nippy, also can be used as a towel or to tie stuff up in a bundle.
Twine for clothes line of tying things together or to your pack.
I have a blow up travel pillow which is great for buses, the beach and hostels with rubbish pillows.
A headlight, (you will use it all the time)
Hat, scarf and gloves but you can buy those here at a reasonable price.
A knife, always useful for hiking and camping but also great in the numerous hostels that provide a kitchen but have blunt knifes.
A decent book which will get you started and can be traded with other travelers
A bottle opener.
Its worth buying good hiking trousers as they are lightweight and dry quickly, they are also hard wearing.

Have a great trip Reply to this

13 years ago, February 18th 2011 No: 6 Msg: #129394 Delete Edit

Mar che
Samuel Verdin

B Posts: 21

Thanks so much guys, these are really good tips, a couple I had also thought about myself so it's nice to know I'm on the right track. Reply to this

13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 7 Msg: #131447 Delete Edit

matty1
matt

B Posts: 171

the things i try not to leave home without:

guidebook (although i dont even use it much, but handy for maps)

netbook (with external CD drive but this is because im a music junky)

USB SD card reader (for uploading photos in ciber cafes)

small camera with two batteries & two chargers (1 spare set)

2 x laminated copies of passport (1 spare) (passport sometimes need to be presented when booking bus tickets etc.. but these will do)

internal waist belt to hold passport when moving from city to city

good sandals (if going to warm climate)

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13 years ago, March 18th 2011 No: 8 Msg: #131566 Delete Edit

matty1
matt

B Posts: 171

doh sorry i didnt read the word "trekking" in the title i must have been sleep-forum-posting again lol

anyway good sandals may be an idea!

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13 years ago, March 22nd 2011 No: 9 Msg: #131746 Delete Edit

Mar che
Samuel Verdin

B Posts: 21

lol its all good. I might leave the netbook at home though lol Reply to this