Checklist for One Day Treks

Basic Check List and preparation for One Day Trek. (Maharashtra or similar regions)

Note: All important items are typed in bold and mandatory.

Attire
  • Track Pants or leggings or loose comfortable trousers; (Fabric of the pants should be light, quick dry and having some stretch) Avoid heavy jeans.
  • You may carry spare ones (Shorts or Capri).
  • Wear a loose full sleeves shirt or T-shirt of material that can breathe, but does not retain liquid (dry fits).
  • Carry 1 pair of spare shirts / T-shirts. 
  • Cap or hat with good shade
  • Shoes – trekking shoes or tough Canvas Shoes with good grip. Avoid shoes with high heels or very thick soles or normal running shoes / GYM Shoe. (If you are wearing running shoes or gym shoes, carry a spare floater or slipper).
  • Carry Spare floaters, slippers, or light canvas shoes. (They come in handy in emergencies and also during the return journey home you can wear them).
  • Socks – carry one pair of spare socks. (Wearing socks is very important during trek as it prevents shoe bites)

Personal Food / Snacks

  • 3 water bottles (1 liter each). Carry 2 bottles on trek per person. One bottle you may leave back on the bus.
  • Snacks for the route – Dry Fruits; Fruits; Salad Items; chocolates; biscuits etc.
  • Applicable only if Lunch and breakfast are not organized by NatureKnights: 
    • Packed Lunch and Breakfast – Options (Bread Indian or white; Vegetables home cooked or canned; Idlis; Boiled Eggs; Theplas; Chatni; Puran Polli; etc).
    • Other ready parcels you can pick up during breakfast (Upma, Sheera, Bread Butter / Jam).

Personal medical Kit and Toiletries

  • Velbet Skin cream for ticks or insect bytes
  • Betnovate – C “Anti-Fungal Skin cream” (Useful against rash caused due to wetness and friction due to walking).
  • Bandages - Band aid, Crape Bandage, Gauze
  •  Anti-septic cream – Soframycine and Burnol
  •  Paracetamol – Crocin or your preferred brand.
  •  Hydration pack - Glucose D/C and electoral powder, Lemon Water...
  •  Anti Vomit / loose motions, Anti – Allergies (optional),
  •  Mosquito / Insect repellent
  •  Pain killers and / or any other personal medication recommended by your family doctor.
  • Your medical Kit should contain your blood group and emergency phone number.
  • Photo ID.
  • Your Personal medication of all chronic ailments (if you have any) with a small instruction note and background. Also inform the organizer about the same in advance.

Monsoon Special (Essentials)

  • Carry Poncho or light Rain Coat (Poncho is better as it can cover your bag too).
  • If you are into photography (Carry a small folding umbrella too, useful while taking pictures while its raining)
  • Cap or Hat (Made of Waterproof material)
  • Dry bag to protect your essential electronic items during monsoon.
  • Personal Garbage bag. (No littering in the forest trail; carry all your personal waste in your garbage bag).

Backpack or Rucksack

  • For a One Day Trek a 30 to 40 liters Backpack / Rucksack is more than enough to carry all your essential items.
  • Carry all your belongings in a backpack or rucksack with light items at the bottom and heavy stuff loaded around your shoulders level. If you have, compression straps in your bag use them to compress your luggage to make it well balanced.
    Goodies

Other essentials in your survival kit

Non-Essentials
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Small Torch / Flash Light
  • Pocket Knife (Optional)
  • Hand Towel (light)
Optional (Survival kit) - Not mandatory.
  • Small Plate (or simply use your tiffin)
  • Mug or steel glass or drink out of your bottle.
  • Thread and Needle (Carry one large needle and one small needle)
  • Trekking Pole or Walking Stick (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light) or a simple stick will do.
  • Basic Magnetic compass (Optional, just for fun).
  • Gaiters (Protects your trouser / shoes against mud and water splashes)


Other Optional Goodies

  • You may also carry goodies like camera; small - binoculars, magnifying glasses and pocket field guide to make most of the trip.
Special instructions during normal treks
  • Trekking involves walking through beautiful but rough country side sometimes even through jungles and/or climbing offbeat hills.
  • Rule number one, stick with the group and listen to all instructions given by group leader before start of the trek as, "do's and don'ts"; Protocols etc.
  • It is normal to be breathless as you start to ascend a hill, reduce your pace while climbing and observe how the trekkers ahead of you are climbing and what trail they are following.
  • Keep yourself hydrated at all times; carry water; fruit juicers; sports drinks in combination. It's a good idea to also add a few seasonal fruits; salad vegetables; dry fruits; and some energy bars.
  • Meals. Carry simple meals its better than spicy or oily food. It puts less strain on your body.
  • Maintain personal hygiene, especially while eating. Use hand sanitizers for keeping your palm clean or wash your hands properly in local stream.
  • Stick to the beaten trail, avoid wandering off the trail.  
  • Always ensure that you are in sight of the person ahead and behind you. Do not put your hand in cracks of Rocks/Boulders as these may have hidden insects, scorpions or snakes.
  • If you have any chronic illness kindly inform the group leader before starting the trek and procedures for first aid in case of emergency. 
  • During monsoon avoid wet spots on rocks that have green moss layer.
  • And last but not least enjoy the trek, countryside nature and good company of your friends.
  • And don't forget to add a small flashlight and personal first aid kit. It's always good to have a tiny survival kit of your own. 
  • Last but not least, do not carry items not essential for treks like music players; too many extra clothes; too many gadgets etc.
  • We follow Eco-Tourism (Do not litter in any place we visit and do not cause damage or disturbance to any flora or fauna).