Annapurna Base Camp trek is an amazing adventure; however, there must be something for success as well as your enjoyment, and that’s your carry. The most important thing for trekking in the Himalaya is also to travel light. Every extra kilo you have to carry is an additional load on your body, and a heavy pack can make a fantastic walk feel like one long trudge pretty quickly. In this guide, I will share the ultimate lowdown on how to pack light for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek so all your essentials are covered but without some of that obnoxious extra weight.
The Philosophy of Packing Light
Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp isn’t a lot, skipping on comfort and protection, however, making wise picks. The idea is simple: your system should be lightweight, adaptable, and prepared for the whole lot you may throw at it. Due to the distinction in topography along the way, you will additionally traverse numerous one-of-a-kind climate systems, starting with the first lush and tropical foothill, then cold and snowy up high at Annapurna Sanctuary. Packing in layers and selecting clothes that serve more than one purpose makes it possible to be organized for in reality something without sporting a ton of weight. And just to remind you: A lighter percent means less chance of damage and extra pleasure in your steps.
A Spanner in the Works
Even if you’re hauling your own gear, packing light is still essential, but with the recent implementation of guide and porter requirements, it benefits trekkers by making access to the region that much easier. Hiring a porter for yourself is going to change the way that you pack. Most of your gear: About 10-15 kg (≈22–33 lbs) in a duffel will be carried by a porter; way more than enough space for all of our trekking equipment. That means you walk with just a small daypack, which should contain whatever you want for “the day,” water, snacks, camera, first aid kit, poncho, or raincoat. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost of Porter: The price is nothing paid to the porter in exchange for relaxation and comfort.
Renting vs. Buying: When Do You Have Enough to Save Space and Money?
Pack as light as possible, a nd a load-carrying kit is cheaper to hire in Nepal than trying to accommodate everything from home. Kathmandu and Pokhara are packed with trekking shops that will rent you a pair of boots for typically just a few dollars each day — far less than you would pay to buy them. Items like a down jacket, four-season sleeping bag, and trekking poles are heavy and bulky when not in use in your day-to-day life — making them excellent rental candidates. You can hire a down jacket for as little as $2 per day, and roughly the same for a sleeping bag. You won’t be paying over-heavy baggage fees on your international flight, and you’ll have the correct gear for conditions on the ABC Trek without carrying all that heavy junk around.
The Science of Layers… It’s Your Ticket to Comfort
The primary clothing system on the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is the layering system. You want three distinct layers for your top half, and a picturesquely equivalent set-up below. The bottom layer must be moisture-wicking (assume merino wool or a synthetic blend); it’s going to keep you dry by pulling sweat far away from your body. Avoid cotton, as it tends to keep moisture and preserve your feeling bloodless. That middle layer is an insulated fleece or a lightweight down vest to preserve frame warmth close to the skin. The outer layer is a water-resistant, windproof shell jacket you can wear on its own to protect against rain, snow, and wind — while still being breathable. The right single easy-to-layer coat would make the transition from a snowfall to rain showers in minutes practically effortless.
The Shopping List: A Few Basics
Less is definitely more when it comes to packing for the Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 2020. 2-3 trekking pants or zip-off to shorts will be fine, with 3-4 moisture-wicking shirts and several pairs of hiking socks. Pack three pairs of undies, and for high altitudes stash a warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter. Remember that you can always hand-wash some clothes when it comes time to dry.FFootwearr: A pair of good, waterproof, well-used trekking boots is a must. Don’t pack a new pair, or you’ll be begging for blisters. Pack your favourite sandals or trainers to wear in the teahouses at night, it will be a welcome relief for your feet!
Health and Hygiene: You must bring a small personal first aid kit, to include the materials below,+ ensure plenty of plasters for blisters, analgesics, and any personal prescribed medicines. Go ultralight, bringing just a tiny travel-sized toiletry bag for going to the bathroom (fast wet wipes or hand sanitizer are along, too). You’ll probably want to take your own toilet paper, as it might not be provided.
Bonus Electronics and Gear: Headlamp with an extra set of batteries, as power can be unreliable. You would be turning your devices on using a power bank if you followed the best-case scenarios. Take along a water bottle and filtration pills to stay in control of your liquids. Sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen aren’t optional at altitude, not even if you think they are.
The Power of the Daypack
You’ll only have one bag on the trail, so your daypack needs to be as light as it can get. (Photo: The 6 best hiking snacks). Rain jacket or outer layer. Your personal first-aid kit. The key is to pack for the day hike, not the adventure. Everything else, like your sleeping bag and extra clothes, can be put in your duffel bag for the porter to carry. And it is the intelligent use of a daypack that can make the Annapurna Base Camp trek easy and fun.
Final Thoughts: Simplistic Escort, a Walk of Life
The Art of Packing Light for Your Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, which will make everything so much simpler and get you closer to the amazing sights there. And, if you can hire a porter, find gear to rent, or are smart enough to select only the necessities, you could even have a trek that is about Mother Nature’s hug and your physical prowess; rather than the ownership of all the weight you’re carrying. And nothing breaks the spell like clunking away on a keyboard or mouse while being fully in the game.
