A good quality backpack, tested and trusted by mountaineers, is essential.
It should be large enough to contain all necessary gear and provisions for the trip.
Boots:
Quality boots are an investment for a mountaineer.
They protect the hiker's feet from injury during treks.
Clothing:
The type and amount of clothing depend on the duration of stay and weather conditions.
Outdoor clothing should provide protection against the elements.
Windbreaker:
A light jacket without insulation.
Serves as a shield from wind and cold.
Earth Pad:
Ranges from simple rubber mats to high-tech inflatable ones.
Sleeping Bag:
Should be lightweight and not bulky.
Protects the mountaineer from the elements.
Dog Tag and Whistle:
Dog tag: For personal identification with blood type.
Whistle: For emergency signals.
First Aid Kit:
Essential for treating illnesses in case of emergency.
Should contain enough supplies.
Candles:
Serves as a cheap alternative light source.
Not effective during windy conditions and pose a fire hazard.
Flashlight:
A small, watertight flashlight with a bright bulb is a must.
Headlamps can also be handy.
Lighter and Matches:
Should be waterproofed.
Folding Knife:
For protection and an essential tool in the mountain.
Fuels for the Stove:
Pressurized gas, kerosene, and lighter fluid are standard camping stove fuels.
Water Containers:
Two kinds: non-collapsible and collapsible.
Trail Water:
For hiking consumption, around a liter or so.
Mess Kit and Drinking Cup:
Should be sturdy and lightweight.
Cup should have a handle for easier use with hot drinks or broth.
Notebook and Pencil:
For taking down details and information.
Plastic Bags and Trash Bags:
For waterproofing clothes, equipment, and other items.
Rain Gear/Poncho:
Mainly used in camp for moving around.
Sun Protection:
Sunblock lotion, caps, bandana for sunny conditions.
Rubber Bands / Garter:
For all-around use.
Tying Strings:
For lashing tent and other purposes.
Repair Kit:
Should contain thread, needle, extra buckles, quick-acting glue, duct tape, and other items for equipment repair.
Sandals / Slippers:
For relaxing feet after the hike and avoiding erosion in the campsite.
Packed Lunch:
Usually the first meal when climbing, something fast to eat.
Toiletries:
Contains toothbrush, small toothpaste, floss (can be used as thread in repair kit), small comb or hairbrush, and tissue paper.
Group Equipment
Bolo
Rope
Cook Set
Tent
Flag
Trowel
Groundsheet
Stove
Map and Compass
The Leave-No-Trace Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Consider your goals and the goals of the group.
Gather information, expectations, and get technical skills, knowledge in first aid, and equipment.
Pick an appropriate journey for your group and allow plenty of time to travel and camp.
Be prepared to sit tight or turn back if you sense danger or sustain an injury.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
Sticking to the tracks is best; they are specially made for walking on.
If there are no tracks, avoid non-durable ground such as soft plants, stream edges, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers.
Dispose of Waste Properly:
“Pack it in, pack it out.”
Any user of the outdoors has a responsibility to clean up before leaving.
Inspect your campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spoiled foods.
Pack out all rubbish and kitchen waste, including leftover food.
Lead by example; pick up any rubbish you see, not just your own.
Never miss an opportunity to use proper toilet facilities, and don’t dispose of your rubbish in them.
If there are no toilets, be prepared and know how and where to dig cat holes or when to carry them.
Leave What You Find:
When we leave rocks, shells, plants, feathers, fossils, artifacts, and other objects of interest as we find them, we pass the gift of discovery on to those who follow.
Leaving what you find should be your first thought when you find something interesting or attractive.
There may be times and places when it is okay to collect something. But remember, humans are very good at taking without thinking, and there should be places where we show self-control.
Mostly, it is better to hold back and leave what we find rather than have a shelf full of lifeless and dusty unvalued souvenirs.
Particularly, never disturb culturally sensitive sites.
Minimize Campfire Impacts (Be Careful with Fire):
Fires destroy important natural areas. Many of these fires are either carelessly or accidentally set by uninformed campers and travelers.
Large uncontrolled wildfires set unintentionally can spread rapidly and result in the critical loss of natural habitat, property, and human life.
First, check whether fires are permitted in the place you are going.
Respect Wildlife:
Encounters with wildlife inspire wonder. If wild animals are changing their behavior because of our actions, we are too close and interfering with their normal behavior.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
Today, we must consider the rights of traditional landowners, as well as share the wilderness with people of all recreational persuasions.
There is simply not enough country for every category of enthusiast to have exclusive use of land, wilderness, trails, bush, lakes, rivers, and campgrounds.
Consider others, and what they might be trying to get out of their outdoor experience.
Respect locals and their property.
Pass quietly through farmland and leave the gates as you found them.
Share the huts you stay in and welcome others who arrive after you.