The necessary trekking supplies vary depending on the location and scheduling of each trip. For example, some trekking trips include stays at hotels in between different destinations. Other trips include travel by car and day treks. The supplies need to be especially compact and lightweight for backpacking trips. Both personal and shared items are necessary for group treks with horses or crew carrying trekking supplies.
Tents, stoves, tables and latrine supplies are used by a group on a trek. Meals are usually included so cooking supplies are carried by the crew and/or horses. Villagers in the area of the trek are usually knowledgeable in what trekking supplies are absolutely necessary in the region.
Even on large group treks, individuals are required to bring their own personal supplies such as toiletries and clothing as well as some medical supplies. Items such as antacids, anti-diarrhea medicine, sunblock, cough lozenges, antiseptic cream and bandages are often brought by individuals on treks. The necessary clothing for a trek depends greatly on the climate. In many mountainous areas, the days are warm but the nights are freezing. Layers of clothing are usually the best wearable trekking supplies for individuals to bring on a trek.
A trekker may bring both a down-filled ski jacket and a light windbreaker. He or she may also have lightweight T-shirts to layer under heavier fleece tops. Cotton socks and wool socks can be worn separately or layered together. Shorts may be worn under pants. Thermal underwear makes a good first layer in cold temperatures.
Good boots and shoes are necessary trekking supplies. A hat, gloves and scarf are also needed on most treks. Trekkers often bring a few small personal items such as a camera or a small sketch book and pencils. Each trekker has his or her own sleeping bag. He or she may also bring individual trekking equipment such as a ski pole.
Personal paperwork and money are also necessary trekking supplies. A trekker may carry a large bill to purchase any needed emergency supplies, but usually he or she will bring traveler's checks rather than cash for routine spending. It's a good idea for trekkers to bring their required original visa, passport, permits and proof of vaccinations as well as photocopies of these stored in a different location. This way, if important papers become lost, there will be a second set to work from — it's crucial to check ahead of time to find out what exact paperwork is needed for each specific country and trekking area.
For example, if the trek is in Nepal as well as other regions, a double entry type of passport may be required. Extra money is always a good idea to bring on a trek as some national parks and conservation areas have fees. Other important trekking supplies include water purification tablets and blister treatments.