What kit, clothing and equipment do I need for expeditions?
What kit, clothing and equipment do I need for expeditions?
A comprehensive kit list is sent out for each expedition depending on the environment and we are happy to answer specific kit questions. The following is a useful generic guide.
Personal and Camping equipment
Baggage and Sleeping
Rucksack (65-100l max). All the major trekking brands work well. Make sure you rucksack harness fits you well, sales assistants should be able to advise you on this.
(Low Alpine CFX Cerro Torre 65-85 litres or Osprey Aether 70)
Waterproof rucksack liners. One large waterproof “canoe bag” as a rucksack liner and then smaller waterproof “canoe bags” to put items of kit in.
(Podsacs - Ultralite Rucksac Liners or Ortleib Lightweight Drybag)
Sleeping bag. Choose depending on the climate. Check the “comfort” temperature rating, not the “extreme” temperature rating as this will be what you want to choose from.
(Winter - Cold Weather Sleeping Bag - Mountain Equipment Helium 800 - Comfort to -11 centigrade
Medium - Mountain Hardware Phantom 45 - Comfort to 5 centigrade. The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 45 is the lightest down-filled bag in the Mountain Hardwear line, and is a great summer bag for lower elevations and warmer climates.
Summer - Mountain Equipment Starlight Micro - A compact summer bag that is easy to care for and small enough to pack into the tiniest of travel packs.
Roll mat. (Thermarest ProLite Plus or Thermarest Neo Xlite equivalent are excellent but bring repair kit).
Clothing
Wicking layers (good for heat and sweat evaporation) e.g. a ‘superdry’ expedition shirt, Helly Hanson vest or a Merino base layer for colder climates.
(Icebreaker Merino - Mens Everyday LS Crewe or Smartwool Sport Nts Crew)
2 x T Shirts
(any)
1 x Long trousers
(Men's Approach Pant by Mountain Equipment or North Face Men's Horizon Peak Surplus Trousers for Summer)
1 x Shorts
(Helly Hanson Anchorage)
2 x Long sleeve shirt
(Men's L/S Ranuka Woven Shirt by The North Face or North Face Long Sleeved Sequoia Shirt)
1 x Warm jacket (for evenings/pillow) Down jackets are great as they are lightweight and pack small.
(Mountain Equipment Hooded Xero Jacket)
1 x Walking boots Sturdy and worn-in. Ensure that you go for a brand that fits you well.
(Mountain - Meindl Borneo Pro MFS or Altberg Fremington)
Jungle - Altberg Jungle Microlite Military Brown Boot
Desert - Altberg Desert Microlite MkII)
4 x Hiking socks
(Jungle, Desert and Bush Socks - Thorlo H1CXM Everyday Outdoor Socks - Thin Cushion
Mountain Trekking Socks - Thorlo KX Hiking Socks - Thick Cushion)
Wide-brimmed sun hat
(Undisputed Champion Tilley T5MO Organic Cotton AIRFLO® Hat)
Warm hat for evenings
(Mountain Equipment Karakorum Mountain Hat)
Gloves
(Winter Conditions - Mountain Equipment Cascade Xtrafit)
Cotton scarf / bandana (sweat rag)
Sandals / lightweight footwear For river crossings and resting feet in the evenings.
(Teva Terra Fi 3)
4 x Underwear Briefs or cycling shorts not boxer shorts, they gather and chafe.
Eating
Large bowl and metal mug. Metal mugs are useful for heating water over fires.
1 x Knife, fork, spoon.
2 x Robust water bottle. On all expeditions you will need to carry 2l of water minimum
1 x Camelbak or equivalent.
(Osprey or Camelbak 3ltrs)
Hygiene
Washbag, toothbrush & toothpaste, razor, deodorant.
Soap & shampoo – anti-bacterial and biodegradable
Travel towel. Sarongs or shermags are great.
Flat packed Baby Wipes in sealed packets of 20. Bring 3+ packets.
Toilet paper Tissues in plastic travel pouches are best.
Sanitary products
Lip salve with UV protection The dry wind and sun often causes chapped lips.
Vaseline Keep readily available to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters.
Health
Insect Repellent; DEET / MosiGuard
Vitamins
Malaria Tablets if you decide to take them (seek advice from your GP early. Some anti-malarial courses need to commence several days/ weeks before departure).
After Sun / moisturiser
Factor 30+ sun cream
Small First Aid Kit (A team medical kit with a comprehensive primary care provision will be carried by the expedition doctor/ medic)
A waterproof bag or Tupperware box is recommended for your first aid kit
Pain Killers (Ibuprofen) / Paracetamol
Zinc oxide tape and small scissors (cheaper tapes often don’t adhere, Elastoplast sticks best)
Melolin dressing pads x 4
2 x crepe bandage
1 x triangular bandage
Compeed Blister Pads (please note that Compeed produce several similar-looking blister packs for corns, etc. Please ensure you purchase the standard / original item)
Diahorrea Tablets (Immodium or Antibiotic)
Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs.
Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptic cream
Piriton tablets (for allergies)
Eurax cream (for bites)
Travellers sterile syringe kit (On sale at Boots etc).
Any medication you normally use
Note: Please make the exped leaders aware of any medical conditions that might affect your health on the expedition.
Other
Watch
Head torch and spare batteries
Camera and film / Digital Camera with Memory Card(s)
Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
Penknife Remember not to pack this or other sharp objects in your hand luggage.
(Asaklitt Blade)
Gaffa Tape For emergency repairs to your kit, you can take some off the roll and wrap it around something else in your kit.
1 x Karabiner To secure rucksacks.
Spare boot laces
Small Sewing kit For repairs to your clothing.
Re-sealable plastic bags For dirty washing, rubbish, etc
Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops As a back up to SC filter and purifier.
