"OH MY GOD, WHAT SHOULD I BRING?"
Being the great multi taskers and planners that we Wild Women are, we've all been faced with this question!
So, what should we bring on a trek?
We all want the definitive perfect list that covers every possible contingency for every possible trek or climb that we're planning including brands, accessories and all personal hygiene and medicinal requirements! But, sadly, there is NO such list!
There is NO perfect list that covers all, and even if one existed today, it would be obselete tomorrow.
Technical gear for trekking and climbing is constantly changing, evolving and developing, with new fabrics and designs coming into the market every day.
However, Wild Women on Top is the BEST place to start, because within our network, we have over 100 clever, organised, intelligent women, who, between them all, can answer every possible "What to bring?" question.
I've been trekking for 8 years, and I've only just learned about the most fantastic little pellets you can use as wet wipes or loo paper. Barb Campany (Machu Picchu team) demonstrated this amazing invention, where you just add a few drops of water to a thumbnail sized pellet, and you have a flushable wet wipe! Fantastic!
So, if you're about to go on an Adventure, and you dont know where to start, here's some tips:
WHERE TO START:
2. Visit Trek & Travel or Mountain Equipment and chat to their gear experts about the latest gear appropriate for your adventure. You will learn a lot about both gear and what to expect at your destination, so this is great information.
3. Talk to your coach and other wild women and learn from them what works and what doesnt and attend gear nights. But remember, some things are very individual, so what works for one person might not work for you.
4. Think carefully about your personal needs, such as: Do you feel the cold, are you prone to particular injuries or illnesses, do you use the toilet often, do you get dry skin etc, do you wear glasses and pack accordingly.
5. Remember, you will often be carrying all your gear, so decant items into small plastic containers, or zip lock bags and be ruthless. Only carry things that are necessary for you. In some cases, you might consider mascara essential, but not bother with a hair brush!
6. If you are inexperienced, start planning early, because there's a lot to learn and it takes time to collect the right kit for you.
7. If possible, try to do a Wild Women on Top Weekender, because this is the best way to learn in the bush, and practice before a really big trip away.
8. Remember, you're part of a team, and somebody will have whatever you need so once you've packed, stop worrying.
9. If you're travelling with World Expeditions, they will supply a gear list that is specific to the unique location of your adventure. Take great note of these recommendations because they're the experts.
10. You will learn more about What to bring on every single trip you join. So, be observant and remember to share what you've learned with your team members!
If you're about to join our Machu Picchu team, or you've just returned from Kili and you want to tell us about what worked for you, please add a comment! All input and suggestions will greatly assist our members.
Thanks for reading this, and please let us know if you have a topic you'd like us to discuss on the Blog!
Wild Wishes,
Di Westaway, Managing Director
