Experience is the best teacher...
In Blue - Seasonal/ Optional items only
1. Good Ruck Sac or back pack. (Worse case a travel handbag with good broad & padded straps). Fill up the sack & check for loading.
a) The straps should stand to the weight.
b) Straps should not cut into the shoulders.
c) A seat belt type strap around waist (tying the sack or bag to the waist) would restrict the bags swaying movement.
2. Shoes (Action Trekking shoes or Hunters). In monsoon when traction is crucial, rainy shoes with PVC sole would be excellent. The feet must be familiar to the shoes to avoid nasty & painful shoe bites. In dry season other sports shoes would do fine.
Thick socks would act as good shock absorbers. Carrying an extra pair may be considered.
3. Chappals (for return journey)
4. Water Pet bottles. (I lit during monsoons or 2 lits separate during dry season).
5. Lunch (substantial) & snacks. Plate. Spoon. Mug.
6. T' shirt. Heat & light reflective. Trousers (track pant) or Cotton gabardines. AVOID JEANS they tend to get heavy with water & may start dragging u. (besides if u fall in a water chances are that u will drown because of the weight before we can rescue u. HHAHA, no kidding that's a fact & a very common mistake).
7. Specks/ Goggles (protects eyes in strong winds & glare).
8. Extra set of clothes (for return) (monsoon)
9. Thermal or woolens (winter)
10. Wind Cheater or umbrella. (monsoon)
11. Cap
12. Odomos ,only during treks involving over night stopovers (Karjat Stn., Safale Station, Kalyan ST stand & some other caves)
13. Compact sleeping bag or Carry Matt (the ones used for insulating car floors. (only during treks involving over night stopovers.)(winter & monsoon)
14. Towel & extra set of clothes, undergarments.
15. Personal medication required if any. A few Band-Aid strips may be useful for cuts & padding.
All of the above mentioned things must fit in that sac (apart from shoes, umbrella or wind cheater).
Hands free climbing is preferred (gives u the freedom to catch hold of anything that would give purchase if u r falling!)
During monsoon all the items clothes, money, etc. must be carried in plastic to be protected from rain.
Avoid wearing bright clothes (grays, whites preferred) & strong deodorants & perfumes.
Cut hand & toe nails before starting (helps during descends).
DO NOT OVERLOAD.
Climbing the staircase a few times with the sack fully loaded will give u a rough sense of the weight, limits, etc. Corrections can be made after that. For Pros this is routine & the list is always at the back of their minds, but this list helps beginners.
Keep in mind that comfort during treks is very crucial. U will get more time to appreciate the outdoors rather than concentrate on stupid inanities like shoe bites, broken straps, etc. The following list would aid u gear up to preempt the trouble spots & help u enjoy nature during the actual trek.
LITERING IS BANNED ON GIRIVIHAR TREKS. ALL LITTER ESPECIALLY PLASTIC MUST BE CARRIED BY INDIVIDUAL USERS BACK TO THE NEAREST DUST BIN FOR DISSPOSAL.
HAVE A SAFE & PLEASANT TREK.