RECOMMENDED TREKKING EQUIPMENT LIST FOR A COLOMBIAN HOLIDAY
We’ve put together a ‘Recommended Trekking Equipment List’ for you to go through to check you have all the necessary kit for our Colombia trekking holidays. For our other type of holidays which include nature and adventure experiences, required equipment will be quite similar to the list below. Nevertheless, during the booking process we will send through a trip dossier that has a tour-specific recommended kit list to ensure that you are well informed as to what you will need to pack.
Remember, the clothes and equipment you need differ depending on the type of holiday that you’re going on, the areas you’ll be visiting, and the time of year that you’re travelling in.
For trips to mountain towns, cities, reserves and parks you have to take into account the local temperatures, altitude and activities that you’re looking to do. We’ll provide this information during and after the booking process.
FULL SERVICE TREKS
Our treks are full service which means we provide all camping kit such as tents, sleeping bags, therma-rests (sleeping mats) and camping-related accessories.
Our trek team ensures that you don’t have to carry anything (apart from your day pack), cook or build camp-sites during the trek itself. Mess and kitchen tents are provided along with various other implements to ensure that your camping trip is as comfortable as possible.
We believe in making sure that you are given every chance possible to take in your surroundings and connect with the local cultures and the exuberant nature that surrounds you.
TOP-END TREKKING AND CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Our equipment has been purchased recently and was selected in line with climatic requirements and terrain to ensure its suitability for each trek.
An uncomfortable sleeping mat or a sleeping bag without enough insulation is something that can ruin a trekking holiday. We know because we’ve been there – that’s why we ensure the right kit for the trip to guarantee maximum comfort.
ECOSYSTEMS AND CLIMATIC ZONES THAT WE VISIT
Our multi-day treks normally start in sub-Andean cloud forest and venture up into high-Andean forest, through sub-paramo and into the highland paramo at over 3,800 meters above sea-level or 12,540 feet so it’s essential that your personal kit is suitable for these conditions.
We’ll be staying in places where temperatures fall well below freezing at night and snowfall is not uncommon. Full details of what to expect are explained once you’ve booked with us.
WRAP UP – CORRECTLY
We recommend wearing multiple layers as opposed to just one or two bulky items of warm clothing such as jumpers or big jackets. This will make it much easier to adapt to the changing temperatures in the various ecosystems that we’ll trek through.
CLOTHING
Sheet sleeping bag – This can serve as a liner for your sleeping bag, though you may opt for a thermal or silk liner instead if you suffer from the cold.
Small day-pack – This is for general use, to keep your accessories and water bottle at hand during the day whether it be on trek or sight-seeing. It should be between 30-40 litres in size.
Trekking poles – These greatly reduce stress on joints and general muscle fatigue in your legs.
Money belt – Bumbags or Fanny Packs are advised against apart from on trek.
Assorted stuff bags – This can be a purpose-made dry bag to keep your electronic devices and accessories dry and organised during the trek – including a spare change of clothes.
Water bottle – Needs to be at least one litre and be made of metal or Nalgene (plastic type). Both can be used as a hot-water bottle at night.
Penknife – Swiss Army or Leatherman types are useful, preferably one with a bottle opener. This should be packed in your main/hold baggage.
Sunglasses & Glasses – Sunglasses are easily lost or broken so you may want to bring a cheap pair. If you wear glasses then bring a spare pair. Contact lenses are generally advised against due to the conditions and altitude, though we can talk this through with you.
Personal First Aid kit – We’ll give you a suggested list once you’ve booked with us.
Head torch – Very useful in camp/tent (hands-free).
Camera, Memory cards and spare batteries – We’ll be venturing into areas that do not have electricity for a number of days. The cold also affects battery life so spare batteries are essential if you want to be certain of capturing the abundant natural beauty you’ll see on the trip!
Traveller charger – for all of your electronic equipment.
Binoculars – To enhance views, spot birds and add another dimension to your experience. A pair of binoculars opens up another world entirely when on trek!
Wash bag – Containing shampoo, soap, flannel, toothbrush, paste (biodegradable), deodorant, floss etc.
Trekking towel – You are provided with warm washing water at camp.
Antibacterial hand gel – Essential for places with no running water.
Alarm clock – We have strict wake-up times to ensure smooth logistics. Check if your mobile/cell phone has one.
Free-time gear – iPod/MP3 player, games, writing material (remember to keep this dry), diary etc.
Blow-up pillow – Useful for long journeys.
Earplugs – Excellent to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Personal snacks – sweets, trail mix.
Mobile/cell phone
Good walking boots that fit well are without doubt the most important part of your kit on any given trekking or walking holiday. We recommend that you bring boots that you have worn in and are comfortable with. However, if you don’t have any or are looking to replace an old pair then we have a few tips to help you make your decision:
- Good quality walking boots range between 80 to 120 GBP or 120 to 180 USD. It is wise to invest here as uncomfortable boots or low quality footwear may ruin an entire trip.
- An all-leather boot is more hardwearing and more waterproof than synthetic material but now there are many boot makers that use a mixture of leather and synthetics.
- Boots with a Gore-Tex lining are recommended to keep your feet fresh and dry at the same time. Always check to see how far up the ankle the lining goes so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
- Take as much time as you need to choose boots that are comfortable and remember to take a spare pair of walking socks with you when buying to ensure an accurate fit in the shop.
- Make sure that the boots have good ankle support – trek trails are typically uneven.
- Buy your boots as soon as possible as you will need to wear them in – your feet need to get accustomed to your boots as much as possible prior to your trip, much better than trying out new, tough boots on difficult terrain.
- Research into hiking footwear by reading reviews and impartial advice. Choosing your footwear based on the fact they are a big brand doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be right for you.
- Make sure that your boot has a good quality sole. The shop should be able to advise you on this.
Although there are places in Colombia where you can hire equipment for the trek, they are few and far between and the equipment is typically limited. We always recommend that you bring your own clothing and equipment with you as detailed above.
If you have any questions regarding our information or suggestions regarding our recommended trekking equipment list, please let us know. Your feedback is of great importance to us!
