Trekking in Georgia and the High Caucasus
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:
Daypack c.30 litres – 1800 cu in
Sleeping bag - comfort rating to zero degrees C
Sleeping bag liner
Hiking boots
Gaiters*
Trainers / sneakers for camp
Sandals for river crossings **
Technical walking socks (2 or 3 pairs)
Spare laces
Trekking trousers / pants *
Waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Underwear
Long johns (thermal underwear)
Thermal base layer shirts (2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve)
T-shirts / Long sleeved tops *
Headtorch / headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre / 2 pint (x2)
Eyewear - Sunglasses
Thermal or fleece gloves
A selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
Antibacterial handwash
Washbag and toiletries
Trekking towel
Sunhat
Fleece hat or balaclava
Headscarf for ladies (for church visits)
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Small padlock (to lock your KE kit bag)
Basic First Aid Kit including: Insect repellent (DEET); antiseptic cream; throat lozenges; diarrhoea treatment (Diocalm or Immodium); painkillers; plasters/band-aids and blister treatment; and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose sweets and vitamin tablets are a useful addition
The following items are optional:
Thermarest (a foam mat is provided)
Shorts* (shorts are not allowed in many church visits)
Travel clothes
Trekking poles
Camera, film, batteries
Pocket-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Notes
*Note that on some days you will have to walk through areas of undergrowth and full-length trousers & long sleeved tops will be necessary. You may also wish to wear gaiters on these days. Your trip leader will advise when this is necessary.
** There are several river crossings encountered on the trek. The most suitable footwear is a pair of open sandals that can be securely fastened and remain comfortable to walk in when wet. Crocs and flip flops are not suitable footwear for river crossings.
