Egypt's White Desert Trek
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
You must bring the following items:
Hiking boots
Trainers / sneakers or sandals for sightseeing and camp use
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Lightweight waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
Underwear
At least 1 long sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)
T-shirts and/or casual shirts
Warm jacket (eg. Fleece)*
Lightweight windproof / waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat (for chilly evenings in the desert)
Scarf or face protection (although rare, sand storms can occur)
Eyewear – Sunglasses (wrap-around are recommended)
Daypack of approx. 25 - 30 litres
Headtorch / headlamp and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 litre / 1 quart (x2)
3 season sleeping bag (rated to 0ºC)*
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Travel towel
Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
Small padlock (to lock your KE kit bag)
Basic First Aid Kit, including: A broad spectrum antibiotic; insect repellent (DEET); antiseptic cream; throat lozenges; diarrhoea treatment (Diocalm or Immodium); painkillers; plasters and blister treatment; and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.
The following items are optional:
Spare laces
Shorts
Thermarest (a foam camping mattress is provided)
Sleeping bag liner
Trekking poles
Camera, media, spare, batteries
Binoculars
Travel clothes
Swimming costume (there may be opportunity to visit a hot spring)
Pocket-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Notes
*For the December trip when night-time temperatures can fall below freezing in the desert, we recommend a 4 season sleeping bag (rated to –10ºC) and a warmer layer such as a down-filled jacket
