SOME PEOPLE HATE having to pack for a trip. I on the other hand, absolutely adore the process.

Because it means rummaging through the store room for gears that see daylight only a couple of times per year. And a chance to put on my hiking boots, yay! 

The Black Diamond Bolt 22-litre Pack is an ultimate doll. I absolutely love its features – top-loader, side zippers (where I store snacks and my jacket for easy access) and trekking pole loops. The back panel is sort of mesh so its very airy, and comes with a waistbelt to offset loads. There is an external hydration sleeve which is pretty convenient but getting the hydration pack in when its filled is no easy feat… the only downside of the daypack. I usually stash my daypack in a larger Deuters 50-litre backpack when travelling. 

My Timberland waterproof chukkas pretty much goes with me whenever I am overseas, best investment ever! It has lasted me 3 years now and counting. And not to forget my trusty hiking poles though I only usually use one instead of a pair.

Simply cannot get enough of gearpacks. (1) Vanquest PPM-SLIM pouch stores my mini gadgets and its back loops make it handy to be attached; (2) Deuter Lite wash bag for toiletries; (3) Gregory padded case for keeping my camera, easily attachable to my waistbelt with its back loops; (4) Pelican sport wallet for protecting my credit card and cash with its crushproof/water-resistant features; (5) aLOKSAK pouch to safeguard my iPhone; (6) CamelBak Antidote reservoir because it makes hydrating so much easier without having to take bottles out of bags

And here are a few of my favourite things! (1) N-rit campack towel to clip onto my shoulder strap for facewiping (extremely useful when climbing); (2) SteriPEN when water quality is doubtful, just a little magic and I don’t have to wait hours like with chlorine tablets; (3) Compass (I like to be prepared for getting lost); (4) LED LENSER mini flashlight; (5) Black Diamond 130-lumen headlamp, only for overnight camping usually; (6) Ever-trusting Victorinox SAK though I think I need a bottle-opener feature now; (7) Survival whistle (like I said I like to be prepared); (8) S-Biner carabiner; (9) Paracord for tying up anything or making a laundry line; (10) Emergency blanket; (11) Olympus TG-630 camera with its tough features that is 5m-waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof

Having said that, I am currently eyeing a Leatherman multi-tool but am afraid it will scare off the boys haha.

Always be mindful of layers when packing clothes. Get the right material for a comfortable trek! As a baselayer, I love Uniqlo’s HEATTECH series… lightweight and its scoop-neck design is a bonus. It’s made of synthetic polyester/acrylic/rayon, though some people would prefer to have merino wool as a first layer for added warmth. Never pick cotton as a baselayer as it is a poor wicking material retaining moisture, and leaves you feeling all wet when you sweat. I find layering the best way when dealing with different weather conditions and altitudes during a trek.

• When warm/humid: DriFit t-shirt
• When rainy: DriFit t-shirt + waterproof/windproof jacket
• When cold/windy: DriFit + fleece jacket + waterproof/windproof jacket +/- synthetic baselayer

Of course if the trek involves that in the alpine or subzero temperatures, additional layers are required. That would typically include a down layer and a hard outershell like a parka.

Don’t forget the same principle applies when choosing socks, gloves, hats and pants… material is key! I always have my Lorpen midweight merino socks during treks and Northface E-tip denali fleece gloves for cold.

Happy packing!