A packing list for your first trek: what to take and what to leave at home

For a one-day trek your pack should be 20–30 litres and should not weigh more than 5–7 kg when full. The list below covers a full day.

Essential (do not set off without these)

• Water — 2 litres. In summer 2.5–3 litres. Two small bottles are more practical than one large one.
• Food. A sandwich plus two quick-energy items (dried fruit, nuts, a bar).
• A rain jacket or windproof shell. Even if the sky is clear.
• A warm layer. Fleece or a light polar.
• A hat. Against the sun in summer, the wind in spring.
• Phone and power bank.
• ID card. It is checked in border regions.
• A small first-aid kit. Plasters, a bandage, personal medication.
• A rubbish bag.

Very useful

• Trekking poles (especially for the knees on the descent)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Spare socks
• Wet wipes
• A headlamp (in case the route runs long)

What many people carry for nothing

• A large thermos. Heavy, and on a one-day trek it often stays closed.
• A metal water bottle. Handsome, but 400–500 grams heavier than plastic.
• Three spare sets of clothes. One is enough.
• A book, a laptop, a drone (flying a drone in protected areas is also prohibited).
• A heavy camera — unless you genuinely plan to shoot.

How to pack

Heavy items belong close to your back and in the middle. Light things at the bottom (a jacket), frequently needed things on top (water, hat, rain jacket).

Do up the hip belt — most of the pack's weight is carried on the hips, not the shoulders. Many people leave the belt undone and their shoulders ache by evening.

Footwear

The most important item on this list is not in your pack, it is on your feet. We have a separate article: How to choose trekking boots.

Adjusting for the route

This list is for an easy day like Aghsu, Dilman waterfall. On water routes (Babadag canyon) add spare socks and a waterproof bag; on summit routes the warm layers double.

A rule: once the pack is loaded, put it on and walk around at home for 10 minutes. If it feels heavy there, it will feel twice as heavy on the mountain.