This list was mostly compiled from my previous trip, plus recommendations.
- Toilet roll (tube removed)
- Talcum powder, for sweaty feet
- Contact lens solution
- More contact lens solution (peroxide)
- Contact lens case
- Disposable eye drops
- Eye drops
- Spare contact lens
- Spare lens case
- Sunblock (SPF50)
- Lip balm (SPF50)
- Antihistamine - hydrocortisone (insect bites)
- Mosquito repellent (95% DEET)
- First aid kit (inc. paracetamol, 2 x AA batteries, 2 x AAA batteries)
- Shower gel (small travel size)
- Tubigrip bandage (see previous trip notes)
- Antibacterial Hand gel
- Ibuprofen
- Sewing kit
- Deep Heat (see previous trip notes)
- Antiseptic cream
- Ear plugs
- Swiss army knife
- Chlorine tablets (good for 144 liters of water)
- Nail clippers
- Diamox (altitude sickness)
- Immodium (diarrhea)
- Glasses
- Dioralyte (diarrhea)
- Malarone (malaria)
- Electrolyte tablets (water supplement)
- Baby wipes
- Toiletries bag
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
I’m missing a trekking towel here - not sure where mine has gone. I may need to buy a new one. I also could do with some way to store all of this. I used a Tupperware box last time (although it did tear a hole in my over-stuffed bag).
The more astute will notice I seem to have a shitload of contact lens and eyeball-related stuff. I personally hate wearing glasses outdoors, and because I’m so shortsighted, I’m in real trouble if anything happens to my contacts which means I can’t wear them. Having said that, I really should see if I can find smaller bottles of the solutions I’m taking (or at least, smaller containers to transfer them to).
The sewing kit will largely be unused I suspect, but I think I’ll leave behind the thread and use dental floss instead, if it comes to that. I was told on my last trip that dental floss is stronger anyway.
The tubigrip (tubular support bandage) and Deep Heat, came in handy last time when I developed knee strain in my left knee. I might get away without the tubigrip as I have trekking poles and an elasticated knee support this time round. I may take Deep Ice instead of Deep Heat - probably more appropriate for muscle strain.
Also still need to buy throat lozenges for those dusty trails …
Still to buy: trek towel, throat lozenges, small bottle contact lens solution
Afterthoughts:
The elasticated knee support I bought was shite - it kept sliding off my knee and down my leg. I borrowed one Jackie had which was miles better - she works in sport so it was a professional piece of equipment and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it on sale anywhere.