HAPPY TREKKING If
you are a nature lover looking for an adventure and have the will
to endure, then trekking is the activity for you. It is an activity
embarked on foot for a long duration hand in hand with nature. You
do not need to have previous experience or any special equipment to
enjoy a good trek. All you need are a good pair of boots, long socks,
a good waterproof backpack, a simple camping tent and a thin raincoat.
Some other essentials that would make the trek more comfortable include
a torchlight, a good length of strong rope, waterproof matches, some
candles, a body spray or an insect repellent and something to keep you
warm during winter or in the evenings.
Many people struggle and have a miserable trip because of the backpack
they carry during trekking. The weight should be distributed equally
over the shoulder pads. Adjust the straps in such a way that they
do not sag behind, but take care that they are not too taut either.
Always use a hip belt to stabilize the weight around the waist.
Never take off with a brand new pair of hiking boots however great
they feel. Use them regularly for a couple of weeks before embarking
upon any expedition. Any problems like blisters or sore feet can be
taken care off in the urban jungle itself.
You might have a Master of Geography degree, but there is no replacement
for a timely magnetic compass and a map. Many a time in the wilderness
or when lost, they are the best help at hand.
Always carry matches in waterproof zip lock bags. To be doubly sure,
coat the tip of the matches with a thin layer of candle wax. The coating
can be scraped off at the time of lighting.
It does not make sense wasting a complete matchbox to start a fire
during wet conditions. A handy candle can come to your rescue. Remember
to carry one.
If you are carrying a stove to prepare a warm meal, double-check it
to see if it is filled with fuel. Always carry some spare fuel. You
will never know when it might come handy.
Carry a light waterproof sleeping bag and a tent. Learn how to pitch
a tent and in good time. It does not help if it is raining hard and
you take all the time to set up the tent.
Carry a raincoat, big enough to cover you and the backpack from the
intermittent rains. Place it strategically at the top of the backpack
so that it can be worn in a flash.
Overestimate travel time. You might be fighting fit; the others might
not. Start out slowly and try not to set deadlines. Take everything
in good stride.
If you are travelling in groups, make sure there are enough supplies
for every one. Try not to go past feeding time. 'A horse is only as
good as his last feed.'
Talk to the locals and read information in guidebooks about the place
you are going to trek. Try to speak to people, who are experienced;
they might have some good pointers.
At times, everything takes longer than it should actually take. Longer
to cook, to build a shelter, or to even move around. Have patience.
If
you are a nature lover looking for an adventure and have the will
to endure, then trekking is the activity for you. It is an activity
embarked on foot for a long duration hand in hand with nature. You
do not need to have previous experience or any special equipment to
enjoy a good trek. All you need are a good pair of boots, long socks,
a good waterproof backpack, a simple camping tent and a thin raincoat.
Some other essentials that would make the trek more comfortable include
a torchlight, a good length of strong rope, waterproof matches, some
candles, a body spray or an insect repellent and something to keep you
warm during winter or in the evenings. 
