How to Pack Light Under 10 kg for Trekking: Women's Guide to Backpacking

We all know the pain of packing a backpack and tend to go overboard with all the items, mentally making up scenarios where we might use them. But let’s be realistic we won’t use them. Packing is even harder for women because we use so many items on a daily basis from toiletries to cosmetics, clothes and shoes, and whatnot. While we are super confused about what to wear every morning, it’s only natural that we tend to get carried away while packing and end up with a huge bag.  Unless you are hiring a donkey or a porter to carry your luggage, keep it light as possible. Here, I discuss all the items which you must have or ditch while packing for a trekking

Why under 10 kg? Because your back will thank you. Whilst you’re trekking on a high-altitude Himalayan trail even a gram of weight is enough to pull you down so the idea of successful trekking is keeping the luggage light and minimalistic.

Clothes

Even though the weather in Kathmandu might be pleasant, the Mountains are keen to surprise you, and the weather changes drastically. It can be sunny at one hour and can be shivering cold in another so better be mentally prepared and also make sure the bags have all the right items to address the situation. Personally, the clothes I bring along are:

• 2 Cotton T-shirts
• 2 Tank tops 2 Trekking pants with lots of pockets
• 1 wind stopper jacket (Waterproof)
• 1 Lightweight down jacket (Waterproof )
• Comfortable Undergarments for a week Hell lot of socks, okay make it 4
• A pair of Thermal top and bottom
• 1 windproof glove
• 1 linen gloves
• 1 woolen scarf Pajama or sleeping pants (Yoga pants works just as good ;))
• Lightweight trekking towel
• 1 woolen cap
• 1 pair of good quality trekking shoes (Good shoes take you places, Invest in it)
• 1 River shoe (To give your feet break and let it breathe mountain air)

Cosmetics/Toiletries

Now comes the hardest part, if you’re like me who is acne-prone or have dry skin you simply cannot ditch your daily routine items. Try not to bulk every cosmetic item you own in the bag but take the most essential goods for your proper hygiene. These are something I don’t give up even after going low maintenance.

• Sunblock (Undoubtedly, duh?)
• Travel size shampoo and conditioner
• Soap Bar
• Small toothpaste and brush
• Deodorant
• Face moisturizer
• Travel Body lotion
• Astringents/Acne Cream
• Cotton pads/Tampons
• Medicines (Band-aids, Rehydration packet, altitude medicine, water purification)
• Toilet paper
• Sanitizer
• Muscle pain relief (Believe me you’ll need this)
• Makeup (Ah-Uh, You can pull off make up free look at least while trekking)
• Other Essentials
• Some of the Trekking Gears
• which you’ll absolutely need at some point in time.  So make sure to have some space for these items;
• Head Torch
• Sleeping bag (Even though you’ll get fairly sleepable beds in Teahouses)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Camelback water bladder
• Swiss knife
• Portable multi plugs to charge your electronics at once
• Snacks loaded with energy
• Luxury Items

Have some space or you want to take your favorite item on the trek? Wisely choose the things that will make your travel fruitful. Some of my favorites are:

• Camera
• Mobile Phone (Slim chances of having the signal though)
• Portable battery charger (You’ll be charged money for recharging the battery)
• iPod
• Book

These are the things I swear by to work for you in high mountains at least it has for me. Since everyone is different, you can include items you want to carry and leave behind those you think won’t be much of a use. After all, trekking is all about having fun and connecting to nature and mingling with locals. Make sure to drink a lot of water and walk slowly and steadily. So ladies, pack your bags and march to the mountains. Hike mode on!!!!