Top 10 Things to Pack When Traveling to a Hill Station
Isn’t it exciting to travel and explore the beauty of snow-capped mountains? To cherish the fun of trekking in the hills? And to get mesmerized with the enchanting flora and fauna that surrounds?
Well, there is no denying that traveling is super fun. But what about packing?
For most people, the process of packing is quite hectic and time-consuming. It gets worse when after hours of packing bags, you reach the destination only to find you forgot to pack some essential stuff.
To save yourself from this panic situation, you can prepare a list of things you must carry whenever you are on a trip to a new place. And then pack your backpack accordingly.
Moreover, while planning a trip, you should consider only those items that are handy. For example, it’s better to carry tissue paper in place of soap since you cannot assure the availability of water when traveling to places like the Himalayas, Leh-Ladakh, etc.
So, keep in mind factors like how many days you are traveling for, the climate of the place, distance, mode of transport, etc., while you pack.
Does that seem like a lot of work? Not to worry, we have put together a list for you!
Here’re Ten Things You Must Carry on Your Trip to Any Hill Station
- Tent
While going camping or hiking, take a small dome-shaped tent along with you.
Such a tent is lightweight and takes less time for pitching and repacking.
As mother nature is full of surprises, and the weather is completely unpredictable, you may get blessed with a cold shower at any time. In that case, tents are a perfect place to take shelter.
Make sure your tent is water-resistant and can handle harsh weather involving rain and chilly winds. Experts mostly recommend polyester-based fabric tents for hiking and camping.
2. Torchlight
You need to use torchlight especially when you are camping outside on the mountain tops or between the jungle or at the place where there is no one within your reach for help.
Also, it protects you from darkness by showing you the way and helping you see billboards/signboards when you are hiking at night. You can also use it for giving signals to people in case you need help.
Use LED camping flashlights that last longer than ordinary flashlights. They are also rechargeable.
3. Thermal Water bottle : Carrying a thermal sipper along with you on a hill station is always recommended. It will keep you hydrated while hiking.
You can fill it with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or water that will keep you warm during the hike on snow-laden hills. Make sure the sipper is leak-proof, or else the drinks inside will spoil all the other items you may carry.
4. Toiletries :
No matter where you go to travel, taking care of your sanitation is necessary. Thus, the importance of carrying toiletries. These items save you from getting sick and infected. Plus, they make you feel refreshed after a long tiring hike.
The must-have toiletries are toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitizers, toilet paper or tissue paper, deodorants, dry shampoo, moisturizing cream, face wash, comb, and a small mirror. If you have any women on the trip, make sure to include sanitary napkins or tampons as well.
Deodorants will keep you fresh. Dry shampoos will keep your hair clean by removing the dirt without getting them wet. They also help to make the hair look bouncy and shiny
5. Woolens :
While traveling to a hill station, you need clothes that are cozy and keep you warm. So, your backpack must have a leather jacket, sweaters, mufflers, windcheater, 2-3 pairs of woolen socks, gloves, and a thermal suit that will save you from wearing multiple layers of clothing.
If you are going to extremely cold regions then mittens are a better option than gloves.
Your backpack must also contain a sleeping bag that will keep you covered from wind chills and precipitation. Moreover, it also has a sleeping pad that acts like a cushion.
6. Raincoat :
Rain showers or sometimes snowfall is not uncommon in hill stations.
While you can carry a small and handy umbrella in your backpack, a raincoat can be a much better option as it covers you whole. Make sure you choose one that’s breathable plus waterproof.
It should be a two-way zipper, with mesh ventilation, and lining under or on arm-pits. It is better to have back or inside pockets. Also, ensure it is comfortable enough, or else it will be difficult for you to walk after wearing it.
7. Rope and walking stick :
A rope and walking stick can help you in climbing a mountain. But not any rope will do. Expert climbers use mainly two types of ropes.
The first type is dynamic ropes. These absorb the stretch caused by a falling climber. The other type is static ropes. These stretch very little and help in lowering down a climber who gets injured. It can be useful for loading the things that you are taking with you. So, your backpack must have these two types of ropes.
A walking stick can be useful in clearing the thick bushes that become an obstacle in your trail. It also helps as support while going uphill or as a brake while going downhill.
You will find some sticks available in the market that are adjustable in size. Such sticks take very little space in the backpack.
8. Lighter
While traveling to extremely cold regions, you must keep a lighter with you. It will help you light a fire quickly which will keep you safe from freezing in winter. It will keep your fingers, head, and feet warm.
Lighter is a great alternative to the matchbox as matches are of no use if your bag gets wet. Plus, it is very portable and occupies very little space in your backpack.
9. First-aid kit
A medical kit is the most crucial item on this list.
It should include items like bandages, pain killers, pain-relieving spray, and Ibuprofen for joint pains. Band-aid for covering wounds or cuts and cough syrup in case you catch a cold or cough are necessary too.
Make sure to include Savlon/ Dettol for cleansing the infected area, scissors for cutting bandages, and duct- tape to fix the bandage in a place, in case you get injured.
An insect repellent or an antibiotic ointment will save you from insect bites or mosquitoes.
10. Electronic items
No trip is complete without getting good pictures. So, your backpack must have a camera with a memory card for capturing great memories. Don’t forget to take extra batteries with you.
You may also need a power bank for charging your phone because finding a charging point in the mountains is not easy.
With that, it is a wrap to this list of 10 most essential items you must pack before heading over to any trip to a hill station.
What else do you think is necessary? Drop it down in the comments below!
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