What basic items should I have in my pack?
There are some items that go into everyone’s pack, no matter the trip, whether hiking or mountain biking. We discuss this in our FAQ section, but some of our favorites are listed here.
A pack specific to your activity
Athara Adventures requires activity-specific packs for each tour. Your pack has the ability to distribute weight to avoid shoulder, hip, and knee pain. There are a variety of good options available at a multitude of price points. For hiking, our tour leaders like the Osprey and Gossamer Gear ultralight backpacks, and for mountain/e-mountain biking they prefer the EVOC Sports FR Trail series.
Bivy bag or emergency blanket
Although bivy bags are often thought of as gear for serious climbers and mountaineers, they are an important addition to your pack, even for day hikes. Bivy bags are part of your emergency kit and are useful if there is an injury on the mountain that requires rescue. Additional information about bivy bags and how to use them can be found here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bivy-sack.html.
Hat and gloves
Weather can change very quickly in the mountains, and temperatures can vary widely. Most heat is lost from the head, then the hands and feet, so keeping those areas warm will keep the core warm as well. In the summer, it’s important to have a sun hat – on the trails, there are areas with unrelenting sun. Serious sunburn can ruin a trip.
Extra dry socks
See above. Cold wet feet can mean a cold body.
Extra layer
In the summer this could be a rain jacket. In the winter, this could be a down puffy jacket or mid-weight fleece. Look for something packable.
Personal first aid kit
A standard first aid kit is usually sufficient, but we suggest including blister dressings and any additional items you may need for your comfort in the event of illness or minor injury.
Water bottle(s) and water filtration system
There are times in the backcountry where refilling your water bottle from a natural water source is the only option, so it's important to be prepared with a filtration system. While some hiking sites suggest using iodine tablets, there are a few compact filtration options that avoid adding anything to your water while eliminating most contaminants. Our staff like the 1-liter HydraPak Flux Collapsible Backpacking Water Bottle with Katadyn BeFree Cartridge. There are many different hiking and backpacking water bottles and filtration systems available. No matter which one you choose, make sure you are comfortable with it before bringing it on a tour.
Trail snacks
No one makes good decisions on the mountain when they’re hangry. Don’t skimp on the snacks!
We hope you found this basic list helpful. Each person has individual preferences based on their body’s needs, so remember to practice with all your gear before heading out on a big adventure.