Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [163]
Tennis or running shoes are good, even for long treks, provided you won’t be walking in snow. There are numerous brands of lightweight trekking shoes that have stiffer lug soles and are available in both low- and high-top models. High-top shoes provide ankle protection, but low-cut shoes are cooler to walk in. Most trekking shoes are made of a leather-and-nylon combination and many have Gore-Tex waterproofing, but they are expensive.
MOUNTAIN TREKKING BOOTS
Wherever there is snow (likely anywhere above 4000m), proper waterproof boots can become an absolute necessity. Since animals are carrying all your gear, you have the luxury of carrying two sets of shoes and swapping them from time to time.
SOCKS
Nylon-wool blend socks are fine, but polypropylene hiking socks (which cost astronomical prices) are the best. Several manufacturers make special hiking socks designed to prevent blisters by wicking moisture away from your feet. Bring more socks than you think you will need because it’s sometimes difficult to wash clothes on a trek.
DOWN BOOTIES
Many people consider these excess baggage, but they are great to have and weigh little. If they have a thick sole, preferably with Ensolite insulation, they can serve as camp shoes at high elevations. They’re also good for midnight trips outside in the cold.
Other Equipment
BACKPACK
A backpack should have a light internal frame to stiffen the bag and a padded waistband to keep it from bouncing around and to take some weight off your shoulders. Bring a small pack so you won’t try to carry too much during the day and the pack will fit easily inside your tent at night.
SLEEPING BAG
Buy the best sleeping bag you can afford and be sure it is large enough. Nights are quite cold during trekking season, so a warm sleeping bag is a very worthwhile investment.
WATER BOTTLE
By day your bottle provides the only completely safe source of cold drinking water. If you use iodine, fill your water bottle from streams, add the iodine and have cold, safe water 30 minutes later.
TORCH (FLASHLIGHT)
Almost any torch will do, although many people prefer a headlamp – which is particularly useful for reading or when using a toilet. Spare batteries are almost impossible to find during a trek, so bring a supply with you.
DUFFEL BAG
You will need a strong duffel bag in which to pack your gear. Get one with a zip along the side for easy entry. This is not an item to economise on; get a bag that is durable and has a strong zip. A duffel 35cm in diameter and about 75cm long is large enough to carry your gear and will usually meet the weight limit of pack animals – typically 15kg.
Your duffel bag will sit on the back of a horse or yak all day; when it rains, it will get wet. Pack it in such a way that important items stay dry during rainstorms. It is unlikely that you will be able to find a completely waterproof duffel bag or backpack, so you might want to pack your gear in a waterproof river bag. Use coated nylon stuff bags to separate your gear, or you can also use plastic garbage bags, but these are much more fragile.
Use a small padlock that will fit through the zip pull and fasten to a ring sewn to the bag. The lock will protect the contents from pilferage during the flight to and from Bhutan and will help protect the contents on your trek.
EXTRA DUFFEL BAG OR SUITCASE
When starting a trek, you will leave your city clothes and other items in the storeroom of your hotel or travel agent. Bring a small suitcase or extra duffel bag with a lock for this purpose.
SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES
The sun reflects brilliantly off snow, making good goggles or sunglasses with side protection essential. At high altitude they are so essential you should have an extra pair in case of breakage or loss. A pair of regular sunglasses can serve as a spare if you rig a side shield to them. The lenses should be as dark as possible. At 5000m, the sun is intense and ultraviolet rays can severely damage unprotected eyes. Store your goggles in a metal case as, even in your backpack, it is easy to crush