Top Gear

Getting ready for the great outdoors can be adventure in itself. Leela Alvares takes out the shopping cart…

The chattering teeth remind you that you should have packed an extra jacket, the sun beats down hard telling you about the sun glasses that you forgot to carry, the aching heels admonish you about the shoes not fitting your feet or the terrain, the darkness makes you wish for a better torch…an adventure can lead to many misadventures. But with the right gear and an intrepid spirit, you can come away happy, at no loss to your adrenaline. So here are some handy tips when you fill your shopping cart before getting ready for the great outdoors…

1. SHOES

On a trek, you're going to walk on uneven terrain for anywhere between three to 12 hours in a day. Naturally, shoes are the most important investment you'll make. Look for trekking boots with a stiff, grooved sole and padded ankle protection. Also, check for waterproofing. Salomon from Adidas, Woodlands (white or yellow soles only), Weinbrenner or Nike ACGs are good brands to choose from.

Important: Shoes should be broken in several days before the trek.

2. TENTS

Before buying a tent, ask yourself: What time of the year do I intend to use it? Your answer will determine whether you opt for a three-season or a four-season tent. Three-season tents offer protection from wind and rain, but not from heavy snow. Hence, they're ideal for general backpacking. A four-season tent is built for extreme weather. It's heavier (due to extra poles), has tougher fabric and is reinforced at stress points. Tents are also classified according to sleeping capacity - solo tents, two-person, three-person etc. Choose a tent that allows you a bit of flexibility in terms of group size and space. Check with Avi Industries, Mumbai, (www.aviindustries.com) for your requirements.

3. BACKPACKS

A good backpack takes the load off your back and shoulders. Where does the weight go then, you may ask? On your hips of course! That's where the body can carry it most efficiently and comfortably. Look for a backpack with well-padded hip-belts, padded backing and adjustable shoulder straps. Try out a few backpacks until you find one that fits snugly along the length of your torso. What's quite trendy, not to mention convenient, is a backpack with a hydration system (a water reservoir connected to a long sipping hose). This enables you to take a drink without unhitching your pack each time. In terms of size, a 40-50 litre pack should suffice for a week's walk. Anything more will be cumbersome, and will only increase the tendency to carry 'unnecessaries'.

4. FLASHLIGHTS /HEADLAMPS

Reading a map? Lighting up a trail? Wondering what's on your dinner plate? Yes, a flashlight can be handy. But a battery-powered headlamp can be convenient, especially when you need to free your hands for other activity. LED headlamps are now available at Avi Industries, Mumbai. Petzl, Princeton and Maglites are notable international brands.

Important: Spare batteries! Spare batteries!

5. WATERBOTTLE /HIP FLASK

An ordinary plastic bottle is fine on a weekend jaunt. But on a longer trip, you might want to consider a durable, spill-proof bottle, which doesn't retain odours or leave a plastic taste. Adidas, Nike and Reebok sport bottles are easily available. Aluminium-wrought bottles, such as those by Swiss manufacturer, Sigg, are fantastic, because they're tough yet lightweight, and have an interior coating which is resistant to fruit juices and acids, alcohol and isotonic drinks. And speaking of alcohol, a hip flask with brandy might not be a bad idea on a wretchedly cold and wet night.

6. SUNGLASSES

Got a pair of sleek, designer sunglasses? Chances are, they might be totally unsuitable for the trek. So, consider investing in a sturdy pair with the following features.

A) UV protection: Invisible UV rays can seriously damage your eyes.

B) Wrap-around feature: Wrap-around sunglasses block the light hitting your eyes from the side and also cut down on wind that can dry your eyes out.

C) Lens coating: A dark or mirrored coating, which reflects the light, works optimally.

D) Material: Acrylic is sturdy and lightweight and hence a better alternative to glass.

7. SLEEPING BAGS

Sleep can sometimes prove elusive at high altitudes, but it shouldn't be on account of an uncomfortable sleeping bag. Synthetic fill bags are easily available, but nothing quite beats down insulation. Down-insulated bags are warmer, lighter and more durable. The shape of the bag also provides a subtle difference; mummy-styled bags offer more effective insulation, whereas rectangular bags have more legroom.

Important: Consider using a foam sleeping mat as a buffer between the bag and the cold ground.

8. SWISS KNIFE

Robinson Crusoe had his Man Friday. You, of course, have a Swiss knife. Victorinox, Wenger and Leatherman offer a mind-boggling range of options. Choose one, which combines most of the features you want, but isn't too unwieldy to lug around. Buck knives or Nepali khukris are handy if you're expecting to hack through thick undergrowth.

9. TWO-WAY RADIOS

You've found the ideal campsite. How do you relay this information to your group that's gone ahead? Simple, pull out your two-way radio! Powerful, compact and light-weight, two-way radios are unbelievably convenient, especially when the group is large. And unlike a cell phone, you don't need to worry about 'coverage'. Check for radios with a range of at least three kilometres, and for battery life. Motorola is quite sturdy, as also Kenwood.

Important: Spare batteries! Spare batteries!

10. SUNSCREEN

Most people realise the importance of sunscreen but just can't figure out the blather about SPF. SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a sunscreen's ability to keep out the sun for a certain duration. For e.g., using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 means that your skin can tolerate sun exposure 15 times longer than it can in an unprotected state. Your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30. Remember, the threat of UV rays is greater at higher elevations where the atmosphere is thinner and less able to filter harmful rays. Reapply more frequently if you tend to sweat profusely. A lip balm with SPF is also a must. Most Indian cosmetic brands - Lakme, Garnier, Lotus - offer a sunscreen, but watch out for those which turn watery in excessive heat.

11. JACKETS/INNER WEAR

As any experienced trekker will tell you, when it comes to clothing, 'layering' works best. Layering refers to using three-four lightweight layers of clothing instead of just one or two heavier layers. It not only eases the load on your luggage but also is effective in extreme day-night temperatures. Thermal inner wear works well as an inner layer. US manufacturer, Sara Lee Apparel, has recently launched Hanes thermal inner wear in cotton-rich, no-pill Jacquard fabric. For the outer layer, you might find fleece jackets warmer, lightweight and more comfortable than wool. Look for

'Gore-tex' material in international brands for breath-ability, wash-ability and ease of maintenance.

Finally, a word about 'ponchos'. A poncho is a single sheet of plastic with a hood attached, and is very handy in case of sudden showers in the mountain. Currently available at Avi Industries, Mumbai.

All of this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to trekking equipment. These are just a few tips to get started. So go ahead, happy shopping, and climb every mountain!