We have compiled this information sheet using our experience as active gear ‘users’, travellers and outdoor lovers. We hope it helps you select the right gear for your needs and your budget.

We have compiled this information sheet using our experience as active gear ‘users’, travellers and outdoor lovers. We hope it helps you select the right gear for your needs and your budget.
Remember our staff are travellers and hikers, having done some great trips. They are here to give you the best advise and to help to provide the right and necessary gear for the right job.
From all the staff here at Globe Trekker – safe adventurings & travels.

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Baselayer:
Polyproperline (Synthetic): Polyproperline is warm, quick-drying and is excellent for high perspiration activities.

Icebreaker (Wool): 
This extremely popular merino wool baselayer from New Zealand is a soft, warm, versitile and comfortable layer. It is naturally anti-bacterial which allows it to be worn for days (even weeks) without odour building up. It’s natural ability to breathe means that it can be worn all year round

Beanie, Scarf & Gloves:
A large percentage of body heat is lost through the head so whether you are hiking or traveling these low bulk items will add much warmth. Don’t forget glove liners allow you to still feel what you are doing while still keeping warm.

Binoculars:
Coming in two different magnifications, these small item can add much excitment to a trip by being able to study the wildlife just the little more closer. Remember the higher the magnification the shaker the image.

Biodegradable Soap:
Wilderness Wash is a concentrate that can be used on anything that can be washed. Whether it is yourself, your clothes or your cutlery, this soap will not polute the environment while the smallest drop goes a long way.

Buff Neck Scarf:
Maybe the most versitile item you can own, this seamless sleeve can be a hat, headband, balaclava, hairband, sweatband, bandana, eye mask & so much more.

Compass & Map:
A compass & map are a must for hiking or trekking holidays. If you are travelling in the northern hemisphere you need an all zone compass to give you an accurate reading.

DVT/Flight Socks:
A must for any long range flight, these socks will dramatically help reduce the risk of clots in the legs by increasing the bloodflow.

Dry Bags:
Whether you are hiking, canoeing, cycling or just traveling these bags not only keep your gear dry but are a great way of organising your pack (socks & jocks in the red, warm gear in the blue etc).

Energy Food:
Is essential on any hike to help increase your performance. Please ask about our range of Endurana products.

Electrolyte Replacement Crystals:
When ‘Dehli-Belly’ sets in, rehydration salts will save you. These satchels provide the sugars & salts lost during exercise & illness, so to avoid becoming dehydrated these are a must for any hiker or traveller.

First Aid Kits:
There are basic first aid kits that contain equipment in case of minor accidents and more comprehensive kits which provide sterile needles and bandages for use by medical professionals. The latter is very important in areas where primary health care is basic. Remember to get a letter from your doctor if you are carrying prescription drugs.

Footwear:
When choosing your footwear make sure they fit well- I know this sounds obvious, but many people buy ill-fitting boots as they rush the buying process. Please allow an hour to get your boots fitted properly and also buy them well in advance so that you can wear them in and work out all your quirks.

TIPS TO GET THE BEST FIT:
The heel should fit- you shouldn’t experience heel slip, there needs to be enough room in the toe box for your feet to ‘splay’ when you walk (not feel tight & constricting) and there needs to be room at the end of the boot – generally we say about the width of your thumb. This is important as you do not want your toes to hit the end when you walk downhill- ouch!

Boots & Shoes- for lower level walking:
Lightweight walking shoes or boots offer more support than trainers. Your feet will be more comfortable and you will be able to carry your backpack for longer periods of time. You do not need waterproof shoes unless you are going to be travelling to a temperate or mountain climate. Please don’t take waterproof shoes to the jungle your feet will get hot and your shoes will not dry out.

Boots- stiffer for high altitude trekking like climbing Kilimanjaro:
Stiffer boots offer more support than more flexible options so your feet will stay more comfortable as the day wears on. We recommend taking waterproof boots as the weather will be unpredictable.However, if you are travelling for an extended period of time, we suggest you compromise and take shoes instead of boots. You can trek in shoes- we have done it- it isn’t ideal but it is better than carrying a pair of boots with you that you will use for a few weeks. Do invest in some stiffer walking shoes- not soft flexible shoes.

Sandals:
In hotter climates you will spend most of your time in sandals so it is worth getting a decent pair that you can use in most conditions. You can walk miles in sandals that fit your feet. Ones with adjustable straps will give you the most customisable fit. If you are spending a lot of time in the water it is better to go for synthetic rather than leather.

Socks: 
These can make a real difference to how your feet feel at the end of the day. Our brand of choice is SmartWool with several different levels of cushioning to choose from. Go for a lightly cushioned pair (Adrenaline range) if you are walking on even ground and are not carrying a heavy pack. If you are carrying a heavy pack choose a pair that gives you the maximum amount of cushioning and try them on with your boots/shoes.
I love the SmartWool Expedition Trekking socks.They give you a lot of padding and support. Your feet will be warmer in these socks but for me the comfort factor way outweighs this.
Avoid getting- bitten wear socks with sandals: Although the fashion police will be after you, wearing socks in sandals will help you avoid getting demolished by mosquitoes.

Hand Sanitizer:
When you have finished using the dodgest toilet in the world or you are about to grab some finger food, hand sanitizer, which requires no water will kill those nasties that spoil your trip.

Insect Repellent:
DEET-based insect repellents are the longest lasting and most effective. 80% DEET give a good strength while not being too oily for the skin. Just remember that it can react with plastics while wet.

Gaffa/Duck Tape:
This can save your trip! If you can think of it, duck tape will be able to do it.

Lightweight Fleece:
Really useful as a lightweight ‘jumper’ or as a layer in the cold. There are many different types of lightweight fleece- ask us if you are going to be really active- as we can talk to you about the ‘performance lightweight fleeces’.

Lighteight Travel Towel:
Don’t leave home without this one. This small investment saves not only a large amount of space but save on time as well. The soft microfibre means that while still being the size of a small bath towel it packs up to less than half the size. It’s quick drying time ensures ease but should you have to pack it away wet this is no worry, just pull it out for your next shower and wash it with you. Once wringed out it will still dry you (if not almost). Don’t forget girls, if you have long hair consider taking a smaller one as well for your hair.

Long-Sleeved Shirt:
Travel shirts are particularly useful as they are loose-cut, quick-drying and offer protection from sunburn and insect bites. They can also be used in more formal situations if you need to be smarter. To keep cool when trekking, wear a long sleeved travel shirt as the air then moves around your body.

Luggage:
Duffle bags are a cost-effective means of carrying your gear and work really well if you are not going to be carrying your own equipment for any distance. Some, like the Osprey Porters, have backpack straps and a waist belt which significantly increase the comfort when carrying the bag. Some, like the North Face Base Camp Duffle, are very strong and highly water-resistant.

Trekking packs are designed to carry heavier loads more comfortably. They are generally taller and narrower than travel packs and their back system is more sophisticated – thus offering you more micro-adjustments and comfort. Most, but not all, open at the top and are called ‘top loaders’. Our personal opinion is that this is a ‘pain’ for packing and retrieving your gear but the comfort of carrying your gear in this design overrides any hassle. Some do now come with a front panel opening as well making it much easier to access your gear. Trekking packs are the pack of choice if you are carrying your own gear up mountains or for long periods.

Travel packs are front opening packs and generally include a day pack and a method for stowing away the back pack straps & waist belt (useful for going in the hold on planes). Travel packs are much more suitable for general travel as you can access your gear more easily and they are more easily transported. We recommend them for all forms of travel unless you are trekking or backcountry camping.

Wheeled luggage comes with or without a back system and with or without an attachable daybag. Great for intercity travel and for carrying heavy ski/winter gear. The ability to carry it on your back increases versatility as you can then negotiate stairs, cobbles and rough terrain.

Mosquito Click:
This small but brillant device actually do work. They break down the enzyme that causes the histamine reaction. They do not pierce the skin so you can use them on a number of people but remember they don’t stop you from being bitten.

Mosquito Nets:
There are three different shapes of mosquito nets: the Box, Wedge or Bell. The Wedge is the easiest to put up and generally the most compact. All our nets are treated with long-lasting insecticide (no need for re-treatment up to two years) which helps protect you from insectborne diseases like malaria.

Safety Whistle:
Whether you are hiking or travelling a whistle can help save your life in times of distress.

Short-Sleeve ‘Wicking’ T-Shirt:
A lightweight t-shirt that is ‘technical’ in that the material helps keep you dry during activities… the material ‘wicks’, moves the moisture, i.e sweat away, from the body. Small & quick drying they make a fantastic addition to anyone’s kit.

Sleeping Mat:
If you are going camping, you will need to take some form of mat with you. Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mats are the most comfortable and compact option. Closed-cell mats are thermally insulating and immune from puncture, but are bulky and not particularly comfortable.

Sleeping Bag Liners:
Can help add warmth to your sleeping bag (2-3 degrees for silk and 5-8 degrees for thermal), and make washing easier (certainly easy than washing your bag). Available in cotton (cheaper but bigger & heavier), silk (smallest & most lightweight) and thermal (a small option to add warmth to your bag).

Stoves:
A multi-fuel stove is easier for worldwide travel as you won’t have to worry about buying gas canisters in the market in, say Arusha or Cusco. But buy the best quality fuel you can otherwise your stove can be temperamental due to particles (i.e dirt) in the fuel. We stock a range of canister and multi-fuel stoves- ask us for advice.

Sun Hat:
The sun can be very strong and hot in Pacific, Africa, South America, anywhere really. Take a hat for protection.

Trekking Poles:
These really make a difference to how your knees and feet feel after a days walking/trekking. We do recommend a pair as it distributes the weight much more easily than a single pole. When walking the Inca Trail you need protective tips on the end.

Torch:
LEDs are much more efficient than traditional bulbs as they don’t use much power. Head torches are excellent as you are hands free when you walk around (especially going to the loo at night). The Princeton Tec Quad is small, compact, lightweight, and bright (it has four light settings). You can also tie it around your arm when you walk at night this stops the moths and insects flying into your face. You may need a more powerful head torch if you are doing night ascents. Ask us for advice.

Travel Trousers:
Convertible (with a zip): Great for travel as they cut your packing requirements in half and give you the flexibility of adjusting your layers according to the temperature. Fantastic for hiking as you can regulate your temperature throughout the day.
Straight leg (no zip): Choose between lightweight quick drying, travel trousers with a high sun protection factor to heavier weight, winter walking, softshell trousers. These stretchy, water repellent trousers are excellent for hiking in Scotland, Wales, the Alps- anywhere you are going really.

Waterproof trousers: 
They fold down small in your bag and can offer you that extra protection just when you need it.

Warm, Insulated Jacket:
When travelling in cold or mountain climates it is essential you take warm layers with you as the weather can change unexpectantly. There are two types of insulation: Synthetic and Down. Synthetic is great if you are standing still as it has fantastic insulating properties. The best synthetic fill is Primaloft as this is the closest to down. If you are going to be active and your budget can stretch to it- take a down jacket with you. It is more breathable than synthetic, offers more warmth per weight and it is more comfortable to wear.

Warm Jumper/Fleece:
Polartec Fleece is the most thermally efficient fabric you can take with you for midlayer warmth. Another option is Icebreaker Sport320 weight – very comfortable to wear.

Water Bottles:
Camelbaks are considerably more compact than anything else on the market. When walking, use a camelbak bladder so that you drink more fluid and stay better hydrated. Rigid bottles i.e. Nalgene bottles are not only unbreakable (practically), compatiable with fitration unit but can be used as hot water bottles to heat your sleeping bag as well.

Water Filter and Purifier:
Filtration is the most cost efficient way of having clean water on your travels. It is an investment but it is worth it. Plus you protect the environment by stopping the massive pile up of used plastic water bottles in countries without recycling facilities. Should you go for the tablets the silver based tablets not only kill the nasties quickly but also tastes sweet. If you decide to use iodine to purify your tap water, take neutralising tablets as they significantly improve the taste.

Waterproof Jacket:
For general travel a lightweight jacket is really useful as they are breathable and compact. However if you are going to be trekking in more adverse conditions you will need to invest in a more substantial jacket. Ask us for advice.

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