Snowman Trek

Equipment for trekking

 

Kitbag/ duffle bag
For all the treks your gear that is carried by the porters or ponies is best packed in a strong kitbag. A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best.

Sleeping bag 
Down-filled bags are better(4 - 5 season), because nights at high altitude will be cold. Good down is fluffy, light and thick. A muff (an extra section around the neck) makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag. Alternatively add a fleece sleeping bag liner to add warmth to a 3 - 4 season bag. It also saves you from washing your sleeping bag. Used sleeping bags are cheaply available for rent in Thimphu.

Daypack -  should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends.

Boots /camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops 
For happy trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better  boots you need.
A luxury for your feet at the end of the day are sandals or running shoes. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Thimphu, are a necessity for showers during the trek.

Socks - in the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.

Clothing
*  Trekkers consider fleece jacket (or vest) essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket (or vest)
*  Wind/rain jacket should be waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack for warmer days.
*  Good thermal underwear, both tops and bottoms, are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expedition-weight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top or under pants on extremely cold days. Zip-up tops are great for changeable weather.
*  Mid-weight thermal nightwear is perfect. Great for warm nights in the sleeping bag!
*  T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two or three so you can swap damp for dry.
*  You will live in  trekking pants. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is best. You can survive with only one pair, although two is better. If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.
*  Underwear: 4 to 7 pairs.
*  Warm hat/balaclava is nice for the evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days.
*  A good pair of wind-proof gloves is essential. Available in Thimphu for cheap if you don't have a pair.

Trekking poles - poles are useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.

Sunglasses - dark sunglasses nr.4 (over 70%) are suitable.

Water bottle - should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles, are best. You need AT LEAST 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle IN ADDITION to a Camelback or hydration system. Naglene's are great.

Torch / Flashlight
Petzl Tikka's and other similar torches with LED bulbs rule. They are adequate for climbing although many people prefer a second torch. Most of the teahouses still don't have lights in the rooms, so headlamps are ideal for reading in bed. Also essential for trips to the toilet at night!

Towel
Bring only a small one for trekking, or a camp towel. In Thimphu the hotel supplies towels.

Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen
Sun is strong at the high altitude, especially after snow. Bring at least sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15, and better still SPF 30+. Because of the lasting exposure to dry air and harsh sun bring along a tube of moisturizer for sensitive skins.

First Aid Kit
We provide a standard set of first aid kit. You should bring any personal medicines that you need.

Water purification
Bring along a bottle of iodine tablets such as Potable Aqua, Polar Pur or Couglans. We mostly use water from the streams. The use of mineral water is discouraged from an environmental point of view, but is available in cities.

Money-pouch/belt/inside pocket
Most of people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The hotel has safety deposit boxes.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY COMPANY
On all our camping treks we provide all the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A frames and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables and stools, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent; all the main meals.