Trekking gear - tell me how to chose the best

I will be going trekking in Yunnan for 10 days. Might be cold and steppy. Let me know the best trekking gear you would recommend.

thanks, will be appreciated, see ya, James.

I have been on a couple of treks like the one you will be going on (a 37 day trip in Alberta Canada was the one that sticks out the most in my mind) and the most important gear/clothes I can pack are the ones that keep me dry.

What comes to mind first is a good pair of socks. I know it doesn?t sound like much but having a good pair of socks can either make or break the whole trip. Flipping through my sock drawer I have some old Columbia ones that I have worn down to the point my big toe is sticking out. A wool blend or they have some new synthetics that work well for insulating when wet.

Another thing I guard with my life is my sleeping bag. It wasn?t cheap, but I have an obscene North Face yellow one that I?ve had for 6 years, wouldn?t trade it for the world!

What do you have planned? I know Yunnan has some killer rock climbing?

Depending on your experience level you might want to think about a trekking pole or two. If you are not used to longer walks when loaded up, it can help with balance on ascents and descents.

Consider your water sources too. Will you be near villages all the time? That will help but you'll still want to filter/treat their water I suspect. Will habitation around you'll want to be cautious about using natural streams too for fear of them being fouled by humans or livestock.

Here's the list that we provide to guests: http://www.itreknepal.com/clothing-equipment.html

In addition to what's there. I would suggest a water bottle with a filter. You can find one at puregowater.com. They're great because you don't have to mess with pumping water. One filter lasts about 30 days of trekking by my calculations.

The thing that I find most important though are the shoes. I like light weight, ankle high, and with a great sole to cushion the thousands and thousands of steps you take. Good shoes have a real effect on how your knees, hips and back feel.


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