I. Essential Items
As the name suggests, these are items you simply can’t do without. Also, when purchasing, it’s recommended to go for higher-quality options whenever possible.
1. Hiking boots
2. Backpack and rain cover for the backpack
3. Sleeping bag and a large plastic bag to store the sleeping bag: The plastic bag is an absolute must, no matter what the weather is like when you start. Otherwise, you’ll freeze if it rains.
4. Sleeping mat: I’ve actually seen people forget this—waking up the next morning with a stiff neck from the cold.
5. Personal utensils: I’ve even seen someone use tree branches to make chopsticks—haha.
6. Spare clothes and socks: Clothing needs vary between winter and summer, and you should know what works for you. The basic principle is: prioritize bringing more undergarments, and just one outer layer to protect against wind and rain.
7. Emergency supplies: Including compressed biscuits, a small bottle of water, and first aid medicine. No need to elaborate—there are plenty of people who recklessly head up the mountain these days. If something goes wrong, these items will come in handy. Knowing you won’t go hungry for two days will give you much peace of mind.
8. Compass: Any kind will do, but you absolutely must have one.
9. Lighting equipment: Headlamp or flashlight, with plenty of spare batteries.
II. Recommended Items
You can get by without these, but having them will make your trip much more convenient. These items aren’t big or heavy, so it’s advisable to bring them along.
1. Sleeping mat sleeve: Must bring if you’re hanging it outside your pack; optional if you’re packing it inside.
2. Short rope: Useful for hanging your backpack, setting up simple protection, bundling gear, substituting guylines, drying clothes, or even building an emergency stretcher. Ten meters is enough—nylon rope works fine and costs just a few yuan.
3. Multi-tool knife: Should include at least a knife, saw, and can opener. The Swiss Army Knife model at ¥125 is sufficient, and every part is useful.
4. Watch: For outdoor use, it should be waterproof, and preferably have a luminous display.
5. Binoculars: A compact pair with a bright field of view is enough; high magnification isn’t necessary. It comes in handy if you get lost—around ¥50.
6. Whistle: Should be sharp and loud, capable of carrying far. Wear it close to your body. Just a few yuan.
7. Elastic bandage: Can be used as a bandage or joint support, such as for knees or ankles. Available at sports stores for about ¥15 each.
8. Toilet paper: You never know when you might urgently need it… Also useful for wiping or cleaning tents and utensils.
9. Disinfectant wipes: For cleaning, and can be used to cover wounds to prevent infection if injured.
III. Advanced Gear
These items aren’t something everyone has—they’re on the luxurious side. But owning them can greatly enhance safety and the quality of your trip. I won’t say too much more about these.
1. Communication devices: Walkie-talkies or handheld radios. At minimum, they should allow internal communication, and external communication is even better.
2. Positioning devices: GPS. Users should have a deep understanding of terrain and geography, and it’s even better if you have maps or prior waypoint data.
There’s one thing more important than all of the above, and that’s your brain. Try your best to learn and reflect, accumulating experience is far more useful than rigid rules; knowing how to use your own gear and what it’s for is better than spending a lot on expensive items; paying attention to planning, memorizing the terrain, estimating speed, stamina, and time is better than crying after something goes wrong.
In short, physical strength and gear are the basics, but experience and technique are the deciding factors. Use your head more...