Trekking and Biking Holidays - What Gear to take?
When going on a trekking and mountain biking holiday it is very important to take the right clothes and equipment. The following information is a guideline on things to pack in order to make your outdoor experience a more enjoyable one. Of course this information can be adapted where necessary according to your own travel and outdoor experience.This is just a checklist. We are not asking you to bring everything on this list. Much will depend on personal preference.
As the old Zen saying goes, perfection is reached not when there's nothing more to add, but when there's nothing left to subtract.
The following basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips.
Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum on a trekking or biking holiday. Your packed duffle bag, should weigh no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
- Lightweight thermal gloves
- Underwear (4)
- Shorts (2)
- Lightweight cotton long trousers/pants
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
- Sun hat or scarf
- Warm fleece hat or light balaclava
- T-shirts (2)
- Thin, lightweight (inner socks) (4)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees (3 or 4 seasons)
- Head lamp (eg Petzl) spare bulbs & batteries
- Small padlock to lock trek bag
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
- Daypack (35-40 litres)
- Camping mattress, eg Thermarest
- Hydration pack (2.0 litre Platypus or Camelbak) or Water bottles (2)
- Toiletries
- Small wash towel
- Footwear appropriate to the trip
- Waterproof shell trousers/pants (preferably breathable fabric)
Trekking Holiday Gear
In addition to the items listed in our general checklist you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
- Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
- Fleece or wool trousers/pants
- Trekking boots with spare laces
- Thick, warm wool trekking socks (4)
- Footwear for around camp (trainers and/or sandals)
- Gaiters
- Telescopic walking poles (optional)
Biking Holiday Gear
The following basic equipment checklist should help you with your packing. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment down to a minimum. As a general rule, cyclists will need similar clothing to trekkers. The one additional (essential) item is good quality padded cycling shorts (loose and baggy).- Cycle helmet
- Fleece headband (to keep your ears warm)
- Lightweight long sleeved thermal shirt
- Lightweight windproof biking jacket
- T-shirts (3)
- Padded cycling shorts - baggy style
- Underwear (4 pairs)
- Lightweight trekking boots
- Sandals
- Camelbak or 2 x 1 litre water bottles & cages
- Sleeping bag
- Small padlock & spare keys
- Toiletries
- Thermarest
- Sunglasses
- Fingerless biking gloves
- Waterproof (breathable) jacket
- Fleece jumper (eg Polartec 200)
- Light weight 'trekking style' pants
- Warm cycling tights
- Socks (4 pairs)
- Cycling shoes
- Spare laces
- Small towel
- First aid kit
- Head lamp eg. Petzl Zoom (spare bulb & battery)
- 4 large plastic bags (for keeping items dry in your duffle bag)