Readme before you journey
Source: www.hotelsthailand.com
Hello, today I'm here to share some tips on how to prepare for a trekking trip. Let's check our gear and see what we should wear or bring with us before we go on a hike. This is a no-porter edition (super heavy, haha!), but some items are optional. It may seem like a lot, but I only carry 11 kg in total, plus water, for a total of about 13-15 kg. I use this equipment when I go hiking, which makes my hikes more enjoyable and allows me to return to work with minimal muscle soreness. Of course, this is just a portion of the equipment I use (is it too much?). Feel free to suggest any corrections or additions. Make sure you have everything you need before you go hiking, and you'll have a much more enjoyable experience!
Source: www.g1.globo.com
1. Tent
You can either carry it yourself or rent it.
Choose between a tent and a hammock.
Initially, I perceived sleeping in a tent as an "endurance test." However, this proved to be a misconception. With a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag, the experience can be as comfortable as staying in a 5-star hotel.
A tent is like a house we build, it must withstand wind and rain, and have good ventilation. Even on days when it doesn't rain, water droplets can still form inside the tent due to our breath condensing with the air inside. In addition to good ventilation, it must also have other qualities that trekkers need: it must be light, small, strong, and easy to carry, as the long distances we walk require us to carry a lot of other equipment on our backs.
You will see me carrying a tent to set up in
Doi Luang Doi Nok Clip
Advantages:
✔️ Having your own sleeping bag: What if? Sometimes the tents in the park might be full.
Disadvantages:
Source: www.treegear.com.au
2. Hammock Shelter
Choose between a tent and a hammock.
Believe it or not, sleeping in a hammock is even more comfortable than sleeping in a tent. I tried it out for a night, and wow, it felt like my mother rocking me to sleep as a child. I don't even remember when I fell asleep.
Suitable for places with no space for pitching a tent but still have a pair of trees. It is advantageous for hiking in the rainy season. However, the hammock should be stretched tightly to minimize back curvature. When sleeping, a mosquito net (to prevent mosquitoes and wind), a flysheet (to prevent rain, sun, and dew), and a sleeping bag are essential. This is because the cold will surround you, especially under the hammock. You should always bring a sleeping bag that can be used at temperatures of 10-15 degrees. It will be very comfortable.
You can see me setting up a hammock on a trip to Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos.
Advantages:
✔️ Having your own bed: How so? It's very private.
✔️ Floating: We will feel safer than sleeping on the ground, and there will be ways to tie the rope securely, so there is no need to worry about falling.
✔️ Portable: Lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Need to find a place with trees
Cr: www.pxhere.com
3. Tent lamp
Initially, I thought a headlamp or a handheld flashlight would suffice. However, I realized that having a lantern is advantageous as we would be spending the entire night in the tent. It would be useful for reading, organizing belongings, and using our phones. A lantern with a hook is recommended. However, a word of caution: avoid using it for extended periods as it attracts insects, which will end up dead and stuck to the tent due to the morning dew.
You will see me use in
Khao Luang Clip, Sukhothai
Advantages:
✔️ A beacon of light in the darkest of nights.
✔️ Eyesight is not damaged: reading books, playing with mobile phones
✔️ Portable and convenient to carry anywhere.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Do not open for long periods: As insects will be attracted to the tent and die stuck to the morning dew on the tent in droves, haha.
Source: www.campz.de
4. Sleeping Bag ***Important***
For office workers, some people only have time to travel on weekends, so a good night's sleep is very important. The first thing we will notice is the Temperature Rating, which is the number that indicates the temperature suitable for using that sleeping bag. We should choose the one that suits our use. If the sleeping bag is too thin, it will be cold, and if the sleeping bag is too thick, it will be too hot. If it's only 10-15 degrees in Thailand, it's enough. You should choose a small, lightweight one. If it's waterproof, it's even better. Most of them will have a type that fits our body like a cocoon, but it should be used with a sleeping pad. I will explain it in the next picture.
This photo shows me in a sleeping bag on a trip to Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos.
Advantages:
✔️ Deeper sleep, protection against the cold (use with Liner)
✔️ Portable and versatile: Compact and lightweight, ideal for everyday use. For example, in hotels with unclean or odorous seats, this device can be conveniently used.
✖️ People who move around a lot will feel uncomfortable: Some people prefer to use blankets because they provide more space to move around than sleeping bags.
5. Sleeping pads ***Important***
Sleeping comfortably with just a sleeping bag? That was my initial thought when I first started camping. However, in reality, having a "sleeping pad" makes a world of difference. It's the difference between a good night's sleep and a restless one. The ground in the forest is very cold, and sleeping bags are not designed to be in direct contact with the cold ground. This can cause us to lose body heat and even lead to condensation on our backs. An inflatable sleeping pad (small, lightweight, and with a built-in pillow) can make a huge difference in comfort.
You will see me sleeping in a tent in
Advantages:
✔️ Deeper sleep, protection against the cold.
✔️ This is a five-star bed.
✔️ Portable and versatile: Compact and lightweight, ideal for everyday use. For example, in hotels with unclean or odorous seats, this device can be conveniently used.
Disadvantages:
✖️ The person is too heavy and will fall off the seat.
6. Backpack / Hiking Backpack ***Essential***
The two most important things for trekking are backpacks and shoes. If we don't use porters, we have to carry everything. The first few steps are fine, but after a while, we have to go up hills and down valleys. The weight of the backpack will press down on our backs, causing pain. As you can see from the picture, there is a small gap between the backpack and my back. I've always wondered if Westerners who come to Thailand don't carry heavy backpacks. Now I understand that "they don't carry heavy backpacks at all." However, there is a limit to how much weight they can carry, which is measured in "liters." This is because the backpack is designed to distribute the weight to the waist and hips, while our shoulders only have to support the backpack so that it doesn't fall off. This allows us to be more agile when walking, and our hands are free to do other things. It is advisable to buy a backpack with a warranty and a built-in rain cover. Everything in the backpack should be placed in plastic bags, as the backpack is only water-resistant to a certain extent.
ABC Nepal Clip
Benefits:
✔️ Weight does not decrease, but instead accumulates around the waist.
✔️ This allows for easy handling of other items while walking, hiking, or using the BTS or MRT.
✔️ Portable and versatile: Suitable for both outdoor adventures and everyday use, as evidenced by its popularity among international travelers.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Good quality bag, expensive but worth it.
✖️ Buying it makes us want to travel (spend money), but in exchange for seeing the world, it's worth it.
Source: www.decathlon.in
7. Daypack
You will see me using a red bag in
Video of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Advantages:
✔️ When traveling by bus or van, we store our large luggage in the back of the vehicle, while keeping essential items such as wallets, cameras, and mobile phones in a daypack that we carry with us at all times.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Think first.
Source: www.discoverytrekking.com
8. Microfiber Towel / ULTRA COMPACT MICROFIBRE TOWEL
Advantages:
✔️ Small, lightweight, odorless, and dries quickly after use.
✔️ Excellent absorbency, effectively keeping you dry.
✔️ Portable: Suitable for everyday use.
Disadvantages:
Source: www.cvbdunwoody.com
"Are you going to catch frogs with a headlamp?" is a question I often get asked when I wear one at night. Even though we don't hike in the forest at night, we still need to walk to the bathroom, meet friends, eat, organize things, and walk here and there. Don't forget that the forest is not always safe. This way, we can use both hands freely and avoid having to hold a flashlight in one hand. However, it's still advisable to carry both a handheld flashlight and a headlamp.
Headlamps should prioritize wide-angle illumination over long-distance projection to avoid creating a concentrated beam that could cause eye strain and to provide a broader field of vision for easier object identification. For general headlamp use, high brightness is not necessary; tens to hundreds of lumens are sufficient. My 2,000-lumen headlamp is overkill and a waste of money.
A handheld flashlight with a long-range beam should be chosen to supplement the range of a headlamp, allowing for exploration of the forest at night.
All flashlights must be waterproof.
Credit: Tawan Tann Guy
Video of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Advantages:
✔️ Hands-free, no need to hold, no hand fatigue. Your hands are free to do other things, such as cooking or hiking at night.
✔️ Handheld: It is convenient to hold it in your hand when you want to move your hand to shine a light.
✔️ Portable: Suitable for everyday use.
Disadvantages:
Source: www.getdatgadget.com/sea-summit-space-saving-colla...
These kitchen utensils are designed to be lightweight and stackable, making them convenient for carrying.
You will see me use a pot in
Doi Luang Doi Nok Clip
Advantages:
✔️ Enhances the dining experience.
✔️ Small and light, allowing for selective food intake.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Gained a little weight.
✖️ Must sit and wipe, wash
11. Ground Sheet
In addition to the ground sheet that comes with the tent, it is recommended to have another one. This additional sheet should be small enough to fold into the size of a palm when not in use, but wide enough to comfortably accommodate two people when unfolded. As shown in the image, when setting up the tent, it is important to first remove the bag and other items before taking out the tent itself.
A ground sheet provides an extra layer of protection for your belongings and prevents them from getting dirty or wet, making it easier to set up and pack away your tent.
You will see me using floor mats in
Doi Luang Doi Nok Clip
Advantages:
✔️ Suitable for dining and relaxing outside the tent.
✔️ Can be used in daily life, such as going to the park to relax.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Gained a little weight.
12. Columbia Freeze Zero Arm Sleeves / FREEZER ZERO™ Arm Sleeves
You will see me wearing an armband in
Doi Luang Doi Nok Clip
✔️ Sun protection
✔️ Protect your arms from sunburn.
✔️ Prevent tall grass
Disadvantages:
Source: www.mochileiros.com/post1204538.html
13. Trekking shoes / Hiking boots / Mountain shoes Important
For hiking and mountain climbing, the two most important items are shoes and backpacks. Poor choices in these areas can make your experience miserable. When choosing shoes, the first thing people look at is appearance, and most people prefer shoes that are soft and light. However, lightweight shoes are not necessarily better, and heavy shoes are not necessarily worse. It depends on the type of activity. For hiking and trekking, shoes should have a hard sole (so you don't feel the rocks), deep treads that don't compress when pressed, and be water-resistant but also allow water to drain out. This results in a heavier shoe, which is different from running shoes, which prioritize lightness and don't require a hard sole. Some people ask if hiking shoes are too heavy to lift your legs. I can assure you that they are not heavy, and I understand why soldiers wear them because they feel very secure. I only have time to hike on weekends, so if my feet get hurt, I won't enjoy my work on Monday. Many people tell me that my high-top shoes are overkill, but I always respond that they give me confidence. I have proven this by hiking over 150 kilometers in the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal and 28 kilometers on Phu Kradueng without any foot pain. It was a lot of fun!
You will see me use it on every trip.
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
✔️ Waterproof
✔️ Ankle sprain prevention
✔️ Dustproof
✔️ When water enters, step on it for a while and the water will come out on its own.
✔️ Protect our feet from being kicked by rocks and branches.
✔️ This allows us to hike with greater confidence.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Do not wash.
✖️ Expensive! 555
Source: www.waschb.890m.com/?se=kayak
- Spare footwear / Keen NewPort 2 or regular sandals
After a long day of walking, it is important to take off your shoes to allow your feet to breathe. These shoes are for walking to group meals.
,To go to the bathroom on the mountain, you can wear sandals, but I choose Keen shoes with toe covers because the forest is not always safe. Branches may pierce your feet or you may kick a rock (personal experience).
You will see me use in
✔️ Dry it out
✔️ Ventilation
Disadvantages:
✖️ Gained a little weight
Source: forums.tombihn.com/packing-lists-and-travel-tips/6554-toiletries.html
15. Toiletries bag
Cosmetic containers should be lightweight and waterproof. Ideally, they should have hooks or hangers. Shampoo and conditioner bottles that come with the product are often too heavy.
To avoid messy spills, I opted for a lightweight GoToob bottle. Unlike other bottles, this one doesn't leak when turned upside down, preventing cream from oozing out and making my bag sticky.
Advantages:
✔️ Lightweight
✔️ Has a connection
✔️ Lightweight GoToob squeeze bottle
✔️ Eliminates the problem of the cream spilling when the bottle is opened upside down, which makes it sticky and messy to store in a bag.
✖️ Expensive
Source: www.lazada.com.ph/shop-first-aid-supplies
- Medications / First Aid Kit
In the early days of my hiking, I carried a lot of stuff, like I was opening a pharmacy in the woods. Because I lived in the city, I was very afraid of getting hurt. Haha! But as I went along, I only carried
Essential items for a first-aid kit include cotton balls, plasters, muscle spray, cold medicine, paracetamol, Betadine, and Softele (spray and apply to stop itching). Additionally, individuals should include their regular medications. It is advisable to keep the first-aid kit in an easily accessible location, especially during periods of fluctuating temperatures and exposure to rain and sun.
Advantages:
✔️ Light
✔️ Peace of mind
Disadvantages:
17. Quick-drying clothing, 100% polyester fabric.
Any type of shirt made from a sports-like fabric that does not absorb water is suitable, and you can choose between short or long sleeves. I was previously impressed with Columbia's arm sleeves, which felt cool when worn. Shortly after, I decided to try their shirts, and they really do feel cool in the sun. This has made hiking much more enjoyable.
The fabric wicks moisture and releases it to the outside.
Quick-drying synthetic fabric that dries exceptionally fast even when soaked with sweat.
Odor control to prevent odor with odorless mesh under the armpit
Suitable for regular or occasional mountain hikers, we often see it in people who exercise, fitness, and running.
You will see me wear it in.
Doi Luang Doi Nok Clip
Advantages:
✔️ Light
✔️ Folded and small
✔️ Lightweight and breathable T-shirt
✔️ Quick-drying
✔️ Enhances sweat wicking to the outer fabric layer.
✔️ Reduces odor with mesh fabric under the armpits.
18. Hiking shirt / Men's long sleeve shirt
This shirt features Omni-Shade 100% nylon for UPF 50 sun protection. The comfortable, relaxed fit and quick-drying fabric make it ideal for outdoor activities. The shirt's quick-drying properties are due to its semi-synthetic material composition.
Odor control mainly uses natural materials, which helps reduce unpleasant odors. It has breathability, so it does not get too hot without ventilation.
I will see my hair put in.
Doi Luang Doi Nok Clip
✔️ Light
✔️ Provides effective sun protection.
✔️ Breathable
✔️ Dries quickly
✔️ When encountering branches or rocks, the clothing will be snagged first, reducing the likelihood of direct contact with our bodies.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Limited number of washes
In case of traveling abroad.
It will have 3 floors.
2. Intermediate Layer
There are two types, with significantly different prices:
2.1. The insulator is warmer and more expensive.
- Down jackets come in both feather and goose down (better quality). When choosing, there will be numbers from 100 to 890. The higher the number, the warmer it is. At the same time, it is lightweight and folds as small as a palm. The price is also higher.
- Synthetic fibers are as warm as down but heavier, more durable, easier to care for, and more moisture resistant.
2.2. Wool sweaters and fleece are less warm but more affordable.
There are two types:
2.2.2. Wind Stopper fleece is less warm than regular fleece, but it provides better wind protection.
3. Outer Layer (Shell) Windproof and rainproof
There are two types:
3.1. Soft Shell Windproof and rainproof
The hard shell provides better protection against rain and wind but has lower breathability compared to the soft shell. Both jackets feature breathable technology to help with ventilation, preventing overheating during walks. Additionally, zippers under the arms can be opened for further ventilation if needed. Importantly, both jackets are lightweight, foldable, and compact. With a few shakes, water droplets fall off easily, making them space-saving and convenient. These jackets are suitable for everyday use, eliminating the need to carry an umbrella and freeing your hands.
!!!Walking in Thailand!!!
- I only use a hiking shirt and a soft-shell raincoat.
You will see me wearing it in…
Video of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
20. Raincoat / Soft Shell
Please read the details from point 19 first.
This shirt is an outer layer garment. Previously, I used a 20 baht raincoat from 7-Eleven, but I found that walking in the rain with a raincoat on made me sweat so much that I had to take it off because I was as wet from sweat as I would have been from walking in the rain. This shirt is a soft shell that is waterproof, windproof, and warm. It has breathable technology that helps with ventilation, so you don't get too hot while walking. If you're still too hot, there are zippers under the arms that you can open to let out more air. And most importantly, it's light, foldable, very small, and you can shake off the water 2-3 times and it's gone. It's not heavy and doesn't take up much space. You can use it in your daily life so you don't have to hold an umbrella and get tired hands. Haha. I've walked through hailstones with this shirt on, and it's more than enough.
I will see my hair put in.
ABC Nepal Clip
Benefits:
✔️ Rainproof and windproof
✔️ While walking, we will not feel too hot compared to ordinary raincoats.
✔️ Features underarm zippers for additional ventilation.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Exorbitantly expensive
This shirt is a mid-layer garment. In Thailand, a fleece shirt would suffice. However, for those who are sensitive to cold, this shirt can be used worldwide.
For long journeys, we will not use all-in-one clothing, such as a single garment that provides rain, wind, and cold protection, because it will be heavy and bulky.
You will see me wear it in.
ABC Nepal Clip
Advantages:
✔️ Light
✔️ Folded small
✔️ Very hot
✔️ Ready to face all weather conditions
Keep it cool.
If exposed to humid environments, the down feathers will lose their fluffiness, reducing their ability to retain heat.
✖️ The higher the number, the warmer it is, and the higher the price.
22. Wool sweater / Polar fleece
There are two types:
- Polar fleece has a similar numerical rating system to down, but it is less warm and less expensive. However, it is bulkier when folded and takes up more space.
You will see me wearing it while playing in the snow.
ABC Nepal Clip
✔️ Warm when worn, suitable for Thailand.
✔️ Can be applied in daily life.
Please read the details from point 19 first.
This base layer shirt is my go-to for hiking. I also use it for sleeping in my sleeping bag, as it adds an extra layer of insulation.
The primary function of base layers is to keep the body dry by wicking away moisture and allowing for efficient evaporation. This is crucial because dampness, such as from cotton clothing, can lead to chills when exposed to wind. These chills cause fluctuations in body temperature, making one susceptible to illness and hindering enjoyment during outdoor activities. Base layers come in various thicknesses, with thicker options providing more warmth and being suitable for sleeping, while thinner ones are ideal for sports and extensive walking. Different brands may use different names for these layers, such as Flashdry, Thermal, Long Johns, and Heattech.
Khao Luang Sukhothai Clip
✔️ Perfect for use with a sleeping bag.
✔️ One set can be used for a week.
✔️ Can be used in everyday life.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Slow drying after water exposure
24. Quick-drying pants
Source: www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mountain/the-north-face-h...
I will see you put it in.
Video of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Advantages:
Please translate:
✔️ Light
✔️ Effective sun protection
✔️ Well-ventilated
✔️ Quick-drying
✖️ Limited number of washes
25. Hiking Socks
I use four pairs of socks for 100 baht at the market. I choose the thick ones. But actually, you should choose cotton socks. Choose the ones that say Cotton 70%, Nylon 25%, Spandex 5%, or you can choose the ones with more than 70% cotton. It makes your feet more comfortable. Socks made from polyester fibers and should not have seams to prevent friction with the feet.
According to experienced porters, the best way to minimize leech encounters is to walk ahead of the group. Leeches are attracted to human scent, and after two or three people have passed, they will begin to gather at the spot where the first hikers walked. From there, they will actively jump onto the next person who comes along.
Therefore, it is best to be one of the first to arrive.
The fabric should be made of tightly woven nylon cotton for comfort, softness, and non-irritating properties. It should also be flexible, durable, lightweight, and quick-drying.
The most effective method for preventing land leech infestation.
2. Tuck your shirt into your pants.
3. When a leech enters your shoe, do not bend down to remove it. (The lower you bend, the more you lose focus while walking, which will make the leech climb faster. It may even come from behind you.)
He got bitten by a leech too.
Author: Wittawat Kittiwarabud
Advantages:
✔️ To prevent leeches (on the legs), other parts of the body can also be affected.
Disadvantages:
✖️ Slightly bulky when worn
Source: REI.com
26. Trekking pole
Trekking poles are not widely used in Thailand. In my opinion, they may appear to be associated with the elderly. However, after trekking in Nepal's Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), I discovered that trekking poles significantly reduce physical strain, especially on routes with frequent ascents and descents or for individuals with knee problems. Trekking poles can be lifesavers in such situations. They are lightweight and typically made from two types of materials: aluminum, the most popular choice, and carbon fiber, a synthetic material that is lighter than aluminum but less flexible. Trekking poles can be broadly categorized into three main types:
1. Telescopic or sliding: A classic and widely used cane storage method.
2. Z-Fold, a tent-pole-like folding mechanism, is a novel design adopted by leading trekking pole manufacturers to achieve a more compact folded size compared to the traditional telescopic design.
3. Hybrid clubs combine the advantages of both types of clubs.
Source: www.pathwild.com
You will see me use it.
Advantages:
✔️ Increase walking speed.
✔️ Life-saving
✔️ Lightweight option available.
Disadvantages:
Let's learn to hike together. Feel free to say hello!
https://www.facebook.com/gowentgonetrip
Thank you.
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Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:29 AM
