Ever wondered to step out of the boundary and do something utterly adventurous? Ever wanted to rip off from all those daily work shackles and taste a life of your own? Has ever that wanderlust soul of yours wanted to scream out joys of freedom, of escapade and experience? With each step, you keep on pushing yourself forward more than you have ever done before. With each step, each slog, you find a rhythm- the rhythm of trekking; the joyous beauty of trekking. And when you finally reach the summit, be it a mountain trek or a trek to the ancient chambers of buried temples, or a waterfall hidden in the impenetrable, measly forest, you get filled with such an incomparable amount of triumph and accomplishment that you barely can explain. Trekking is such an art that most people cannot help but fall in love with it.

Well, does reading this already make your heart thumping with excitement? So, why waste any more time! Grab your backpack and set out for that dream adventure today itself. But before you squander out on the roads.

Here are some few essential travel/ trekking guides that you have to keep in mind before any expedition- 

#1. Check Your Fitness
#2. Choose the Route Wisely
#3.  Avoid Haste
#4. Rucksack
#5. Tents and Sleeping Bag
#6.  Trekking Poles and Sticks
#7. Medication

#1. Check Your Fitness

The first and foremost factor that decides the course of a trek is your fitness. If you happen to suffer from obesity or overweight or any other illness, you cannot generally undertake a rough trek. For you, hiking will be the best choice. A hike is a walk outdoors for two to three days, mild and subtle. Check the altitude, the surroundings, and the weather of the spot and decide wisely. Keep in mind that generally at a trekking spot, there is little to no transport available to get you back to the locality. Hence, get a thorough check-up, consult with your physician and decide on the level of difficulty or challenge you are ready to undertake.

#2. Choose the Route Wisely

Trekking, besides being adventurous, is way too tiring. The rocky, craggy terrains; the swampy muddy roads make the journey too difficult to overcome. On top of this, you never want to end up landing on a route, through which the journey to the summit is nearly impossible. Also, as for beginners, don’t start with a trek that is too difficult and exhaustible. Rather, slowly build up your energy, strength and then get into the groove of strenuous treks. As the saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day, it will take sufficient time for you to get ready and overcome every obstacle. If fitness poses a threat, don’t worry. Start today; go on long walks and build up your resistance. Go on small treks with groups so that they can guide and support you if you need them in any situation. Also make sure to look out for the terrains, elevation, and climate change before choosing your route.

#3.  Avoid Haste

When it comes to a beginner’s trek, it is always suggested that you go at your own pace. There is no need to rash follow a bunch of experts and end up hurting yourself. Trekking was not and is never a race. It is a journey of adventure, self-discovery, and social emancipation. So, do not make haste and jump into the flow. Go slow, take as many breaks as you need, and go only as much as your body permits. Don’t overdo yourself. You never want a vacation to turn into some sort of nightmare caused by health issues. Also, make sure to stay hydrated always. It is always better to keep extra in hand than being thirsty and feeling dehydrated. Have a filtered water bottle always by your side and carry some energy bars as well.

Now, let us take a look at the trekking essentials you need to pack before any long haul. The essentials keep on changing depending on your trekking route and spot but some fundamental essentials must cover your trekking checklist.

#4. Rucksack

You must invest in good trekking equipment for the ultimate benefit. Being stingy or a miser when it comes to trekking doesn’t seem to be useful. The rucksack or the bag pack is the one to carry all your essentials for those three to four days. It must be sturdy, spacious (45-55 liters is just perfect), and waterproof. If your bag is not waterproof, carry a waterproof cover as you never know when it is going to rain or snow.

#5. Tents and Sleeping Bag

Tents are a must for any sort of trekking or hiking. You can get plenty of those at quite a moderate rate at several online sites. The tents should be well built and not be able to blow away by a strong gust of wind or a blizzard. They should also be waterproof and along with a tent, the next comes is a sleeping bag. You just cannot sleep on the road, can you? So, get a good quality sleeping bag, which is impenetrable and lightweight. Once you get inside it and zip up the chain, no outside factor can disturb you and you’ll sleep at one peace.

#6.  Trekking Poles and Sticks

When it comes to a trek, trekking poles and sticks are essential for the entire journey. They not only provide you support but you can also check the road before you if it’s safe to step on. In mountain treks, crevices are the common fatal mistake maximum make. So to ensure your safety, better tap the ground and if the rock or soil is not loose, you are good to go.

#7. Medication

Last but not the least, are the medicines which you must carry on the trip. Be prepared for the worst than having nothing at hand. Besides medicines for high-altitudes, you should carry medicines for stomach, nausea, fever, headache, band-aids, bandages, scissors, painkillers, and some other antibiotics. And given the current scenario of the global pandemic, have sufficient face masks and sanitizers with you, no matter where you go.

No matter what the trek is, its location, or landscape, packing these best trekking gears/ essentials in 2021/22 will make your adventure smooth, bearable, and easy. You’ll be ready to cope up with every circumstance you come across. And as experience increases proportionally with the number of journeys, start it slow, and then be ready to enjoy life to the fullest.

Some treks in the Himalayas or North India one should consider:

Brahmatal Trek | The Ultimate Trek Guide in the Himalayas

Here is Your Trek Guide 2021 for Your Visit to Kedarnath

The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek via Deoria Tal: Stories of Rudraprayag by Ipsita Paul

Kedarkantha Trek 2021: A Detailed Guide to All You Should Know!