Tips on what essentials to pack:

I would like to think that I packed smarter for this trip compared to my previous overnighters. On day 1, my pack weighed 14kg, which included 2.5L of water for the first day’s descent. I made an effort to pack as lightly as possible since we were expecting a lot of steep ascents and descents.

Backpack:

When it comes to overnight hikes, I rely on my Osprey Ariel 55L backpack, which is size M. It’s important to choose a pack size based on your torso length, and in the link provided, you can find a guide to help you select the perfect size for you. The adjustable design of Osprey packs allows for a customized fit, ensuring optimal carry performance on the trail.

Tent:

I always bring my trusty Coleman Ridgeline Adventure Tent on my trips – it’s a 3-season, 2-person tent that weighs just 1.7 kg, making it perfect for backpacking. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while its easy-to-set-up structure ensures that I can set up camp quickly and efficiently. I opted for a 2-person tent to ensure that I have enough space for myself and my gear inside the tent. This tent has never let me down, even during heavy rain. It’s a reliable and durable option that has kept me safe and dry no matter the weather. 

Sleeping Bag and mattress:

I absolutely love my Sea to Summit Journey Dawn sleeping bag – it keeps me warm and cozy all night long, even in chilly temperatures. The best part is that it’s incredibly lightweight and packs down to a very small size, making it easy to carry on multi-day hikes. With this sleeping bag, I can rest easy knowing that I’ll be comfortable and warm no matter where my adventures take me. I use the Forclaz Trek 700 Long Trekking Air mattress for my overnight hikes. It’s compact and has silicone patches on the top to prevent my sleeping bag from sliding around during the night.

Liner:

I also bring along a Sea to Summit liner on my trips – not only does it keep my sleeping bag clean, but it also adds an extra layer of warmth when I need it. Plus, on hot nights, I can use it on its own as a lightweight and breathable sleeping option. It’s a versatile addition to my gear that I never leave home without.

Jetboil:

My Jetboil has become a staple item in my gear collection – I even bring it along on day hikes! It can boil water in under 2 minutes, making it perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee next to a waterfall, or quickly preparing a hot meal from freeze-dried ingredients. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and has quickly become one of my go-to items for any outdoor adventure.

Food:

On this hike we relied on Backcountry freeze-dried meals. I packed 4 main meals (2 dinners and 2 lunches), 2 breakfasts, and one banana smoothie. My main meals were Roast Lamb and Vegetables, Nasi goreng, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Moroccan Lamb. Backcountry Cuisine offers a great selection of breakfast, mains, desserts, snacks, and smoothies, making it a fantastic option with something for everyone. There are two sizes of small and regular. I also brought trail mix and protein bars for snacks.

My other gears included Merino base layer leggings and tops, rashies, extra socks and undies, quick-dry shorts, a microfiber towel, Reefwalkers (water shoes), dry bags for my electronic gear and sleeping bag, power bank and camera gear, water purification tablets, first aid kit, a headlamp, hydration bladder, an extra water bottle, a cup, cutlery, paper plates, PLB, GPS, Jetboil gas, trekking poles, sanitary pack, toilet pack, tea bags, painkillers, and personal medications.