Travel

Your Backpack Can Make A Trek Or Break A Trek: How To Pack For Trekking

By Swati Mishra

Updated - Oct. 25, 2019 6 min read

Before you start reading this, pick your favorite from these best destinations for trekking in India for a clearer idea where you're heading to - Get Your Backpack Ready To Conquer The Best Trekking Destinations In India

 

Trekking in India is worth an experience to get out of your comfort zone and explore the most beautiful destinations with your naked eye. Some of the best trekking places in India includes the Uttrakhand, Leh, Ladakh, Assam, Maharashtra and a lot more. One of the most famous trek destinations also includes Triund And Spiti Valley. You may think that trekking is a cool sport and packing for it is not a great deal, but there is something you should keep in mind that your backpack can make your trek or break your trek as it is the most important thing to keep in mind before you leave for a trek. You should carefully pack your bags so that it weights perfectly and all of your belonging are kept in a way that they are easily accessible. 

 

1. CHOOSE YOUR BAG WISELY

It's a trekking pack so obviously choose your bag accordingly, a lightweight backpack which can store all your essentials for the trek will be perfect. Weight is important - the lighter the better. The bag you choose may differ on the basis of the season you are trekking in, like in winters you will need a bigger bag as compared to the bag in summers. For one day trek, a bag with 20 to 40 litres capacity will do while for a five-day trek, for example, will be great with a bag with 65 to 90 litres of capacity. You've got to follow this to know how to pack for trekking.

 

2. COLLECT ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS

You should pack as such that your bag doesn't get too heavy and create discomfort for you, there will be a lot of things that you might want to carry but are not essential for the trek, such things should be neglected because keeping extra things will eventually make your bag heavy. Carry only the items which are more than essential for your trek, for example, you might want to take along your DSLR which will be difficult to carry so you can use your phone camera. Avoid things which are not important. 

 

3. SEGREGATE YOUR ITEMS ACCORDING TO THE WEIGHT

To make your packing easier and efficient for a comfortable and enjoyable trek you can segregate the things you finally decide to pack according to their weight, like make three piles of lightweight things, medium weight things and heavyweight things accordingly. After making piles of weights it will be easy to pack. You've got to be smart while choosing the right items, carry unnecessary stuff can actually break your trek. Keep in mind exactly what you need for a smarter planning.

 


Suggested Read: Upgrade Your Adventure Bucketlist With These Skydiving Destinations In India

Suggested Read: 6 Must-Have Camping Tools That Would Ease Your Next Outdoor Adventure


 

4. CONSOLIDATE YOUR ITEMS

While packing consolidate little items in between the big ones. This will help in efficiently pack your back without leaving in space for things to loose out and start creating a mess inside your bag. Keep in mind try not to leave spaces between different supplies you are putting in the bag. You've got to follow these steps to know what's the right way to pack for trekking. Separate everything out, consolidate before you start packing!

 

5. THE LIGHTER ONES GOES FIRST

While packing your bag you should keep the lighter item at the bottom so that pressure of weight doesn't increase and the lower back, then put the heavy item at centre between your shoulders and the medium weight items should now be consolidated in between so that the weight is distributed accordingly and doesn't stress your back much. The image shows exactly how one should back their backpack inorder to have a less-tiring trek. 

 


Suggested Read: These 15 Bucket List Ideas Are Calling All Adventure Junkies In India

Suggested Read: The Greatest Adventure Lies Ahead: Top 8 Adventure Destinations In India


 

6. WHAT ITEMS TO KEEP HANDY?!

There will some most important essential that you should keep in the outer pockets no matter if they are very light but it is important that they are easily accessible things like little food supplies, immediate first aid, map, light supplies etc. Also, keep it in such place that it doesn't take time to find it. We all know what what we would need and when we would require certain items, so make sure the important stuff is kept handy especially THE FIRST AID KIT - trekking can get be totally unpredictable our aim to stay ready to face anything which comes our way.

 

7. EXTERNAL ATTACHMENTS

If your bag is fully packed and still two or three things left then you can attach outside, but try that this doesn't happen or the things to attach outside the bag are as less as possible because it is better to pack everything inside the bag for comfortable and efficient trekking experience. Do keep in mind the rule of weight for outside attachments too, for example if you want to attach your tent then attach it on the top rather than sides. 

 


Suggested Read: We Bet You Can’t Sail Through These 10 Adventure Sports In Goa

Suggested Read: 15 Freakish Things To Do In India Only When You're Single By Choice


 

8. GET A BAG COVER

This is a very important thing to carry if you are trekking in the rainy season for it will protect your bag and things it is carrying to get damp in heavy rainfall. A must have because you never know when the weather changes. It's better to be safe than sorry, you can't miss out on an important item like this one, weather changes get worse and can become totally unpredictable, be wise and make sure you carry a cover to keep your essentials safe.

 

9. TRY YOUR BAG OUT ONCE BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Once you are done with all the above steps you need to wear your bag and walk around with it and see if it is comfortable for your trek and most importantly that you are not finding discomfort while carrying it. If it's perfect without any problem then you are good to go. Enjoy your trek! Trekking In India can be one of the most unforgettable experience - so consider this guide carefully and know how to pack for trekking.

 


Suggested Read: Unity in Diversity: An Ultimate Guide To The 36 Best Tourist Places in India

Suggested Read: Get Rid Of All Your Fears And Try Paragliding At These Breath-Taking Places In India


 

FAQ:

Q: Which are the most popular treks in the Himalayas?

A: Spiti Valley, Triund, Markha Trek, Frozen River Trek

 

Q: Is there any age restrictions for trekking?

A: There is no age limit for trekking in India. But, it's important for children to be at least older than 10 years to be a part for the same.

 

Before You Go... Check These Out!