If you're new to multi-day trekking then the concept of having your bags carried for you will feel a bit alien. This blog will give you an indication on what you should expect to be carrying yourself day to day, and what you can pack into your duffel. This applies to our EBC, Manaslu and Langtang treks. It also applies to the bulk of the Mera Peak trek.
Andy and his daybag approaching Namche
Why do we have our duffel bags carried?
As highlighted in our fitness for EBC blog, and our Altitude sickness blog, the demands on your fitness day to day are moderate, but the physiological changes your body is going through day to day will add to your overall required output.
For this reason, we provide employment for local Jopkey (like a Yak) herders, or porters to transport the bulk of your luggage.
When you wake up you'll pack away everything you don't need during the day into your duffel and leave it outside your bedroom. The trek team will gather them up and pop them onto the Jopkeys and off they'll go. Generally, by the time you get to our accommodation for the evening your duffel bag will be waiting for you.
For ease of identification for the trek team, and to save your own bag getting potentially ruined throughout the trek, we will provide everyone who comes on the trek with us an identical duffel bag. So, you do not need to get your own duffel bag for the trek.
Please note that any kit you are bringing to Nepal that you do not need on the trek can be stored securely at our hotel in your own suitcase / luggage bag.
What will you carry from day to day?
You will carry everything you may need for the day. This will include:
-Waterproofs.
As listed in the Kit Blog these are unlikely to be used for rain, but should we get caught out with some strong winds or a squally shower you'll want them handy. Make these as lightweight as you can.
- Insulating Layer(s)
Take your down / synthetic jacket with you during the day to pop on when you stop. You will also need room in your bag for your mid-layer as it's quite likely you'll be down to a T-shirt at some point most days.
-Lightweight Gloves & Wooley Hat
-Sunhat, sunglasses, suncream and lip balm
- Camera, Phone, Charger (Powerbank, Solar)
-Water and purification system. This should be the heaviest thing in your pack. We highly recommend the use of a water bladder so you can sip away all day. A 3 litre bladder is ideal. You'll also have your additional 1 litre Nalgene Bottle with you. More info on this subject can be found in the 'Getting Drinking Water' blog
-Walking Poles
-Personal medication and First Aid
So what does all this weigh?
Well that will vary on what kit you have, but including water you'll be looking at about 7-8kg's maximum.
What size pack is ideal?
A 25l-30l pack will be a great size for the trek. Make sure the pack is comfortable and fitted for your back size. A pack with a hip belt (featured on most hiking packs anyway) is recommended to help distribute the weight of the pack.
Jopkeys - Let these guys take the strain
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