How does one pack for a trek? What should one carry? Several emails, conference calls and online queries won’t give you the best of answers.

Any traveler and adventure junkie will tell you there is an ‘absolute essentials’ list that you MUST carry. Not to scare anyone, but sometimes during tough times in serious treks, these can often make the difference between life and death. While most of us made some silly decisions in those early days, in the age of the internet you don’t have to. Your backpacks should be ready for just about any kind of climate or activity. There are always things like headgear that you can buy locally or rent, but whether you’re on a budget or think you can pull it off, don’t compromise on these essentials.

Backpack: You’ll be carrying yourself and your things through mountains and valleys. It’s absolutely essential that your backpack is comfortable and is a perfect fit. Aim for one that is big enough to house essentials, but not too big to weigh you down. The size depends on how many days your trek is. It also matters if you’ll camp or not. Get a rain cover too. You’ll need it during storms and snowfalls. TheMard Recommends Quechua Forclaz 50L Other brands: Quechua, Red Pillar, Senterlan

Water Purification: Most treks like the ones in Kilimanjaro and Markha Valley will offer you access to clean drinking water as part of the service. Some will offer you UV (ultraviolet) purified water in villages where you can refill your supply for a small fee. It’s worth it. However, on some treks it’s all up to you. The best you’ll have is mountain streams or village taps. Use a combination of a portable filter bottle and sterilization tablets or drops. The sterilization tablets or drops make the water taste funny, but at least it won’t make you sick. TheMard Recommends LifeStraw Go Personal  Other Brands: SteriPEN, AquaGuard

Sun Protection: Invest in a good hat, sunglass and the highest SPF sunscreen you can find in the market. The sun’s rays are very powerful at high altitude. You don’t need anything to fight it if there aren’t any clouds in the sky. Sunglass: Brands: Oakley, RayBan, Fastrack | Sunscreen: Brands: Dermalogica, La Roche-posay

Moisturizing Skin Cream and Lip Balm: These might seem superficial, but you’ll appreciate creams and moisturizers in the cold. They make a hell of a difference. Your skin and lips will dry and crack to discomfort if you don’t keep them moist. TheMard Recommends Nivea Essential Care Other Brands: Dermalogica, Wild Ferns. There are a lot of international brands, but way more expensive

Reusable Water Bottle: Get a reusable liter water bottle. Refill along the way as you can. A Camel Back type water bladder can do really well too. Don’t buy bottled water. Plastic bottle waste is a huge problem at elevation and in villages around the world.

Quick Dry Towel: Start and end your day with washing your hands and face. Don’t expect hot showers or running water on treks. This is a small face towel, that’s it. Brands like Naibiji etc.

Hiking Shoes: Shoes are the most important gear you bring. Invest in a solid comfortable pair of hiking shoes. These can make or break the deal. Ask yourself, do you need mid or high-cut hiking shoes? If you’re not a pro, more support is better. TheMard Recommends Quechua Forclaz 50 Other Brands: Wildcraft, Vasque Scree and Mantra GTX

Outerwear: As you head over through a rough blizzard, or make your way through the rain, you’d appreciate bring that fleece jacket, thin windbreaker and waterproof outer jacket. You can buy or rent waterproof pants from a local trekking agency. TheMard Recommends Quechua 3 in 1 Other Brands: Outdoor Research Helium II, Marmot Essence and Patagonia Torrentshell

Walking stick: Most recommended on most treks. More so if they include mountains. If you don’t bring a walking stick with you, keep your eye out for a tree branch or limb.TheMard Recommends Coleman Hiking Stick Other Brands: Quechua, Grand Harvest

Medicines: You’ll be miles away from civilization. Sinus infections and gut bacteria are common. You’ve got to deal with these medical issues immediately and keep going. You need band-aids, duct tape, Aspirin/Tylenol, Cipro, Amoxicillin and anti-flu powder.

Earplugs: Imagine insects crawling into your ear at night. Now you know the importance of a good night’s sleep on the trekking trail. It’s also supremely important for your health. Also, there will be noises from monkeys, birds and other animals. Shut this out. TheMard Recommends 3M EarPlugs  Other Brands: Mack's Ear Ammo, Bosch

Spare Batteries and Memory cards: Assume you won’t find electricity on your route. Also bring extra memory cards for your camera so you have ample space to click those awesome photos and videos. TheMard Recommends Sandisk Ultra