Golden Gate Bridge-ness
(Photo Source: Authors Own)
Recently I have come back from a two-week trip along the west coast of America (Westerner 2 FYI) with tour company Trek America.
Before I went I spent a while busy googling what I need to pack. Bizarrely considering the number of people that have done Trek America there are not many posts on what to pack so I have added my thoughts below:
Head torches
An idea I got off one of the blogs and I did find the torch extremely useful at night in the tents when I was getting changed or trying to find something (usually my glasses!). An addition to the head torch was a small light that you could hook to the loop at the top of the tent. This provided enough light for the whole tent which was perfect for being able to look at the other person without blinding them in the face with the head torch!
Extension Cable
Genius idea from the other half. Perfect for charging numerous appliances at once at the campsite. All the Brits used ours.
Decent sleeping bags
My last sleeping bag being a purple one from Woolworths circa 2004 wasn't going to cut it in America. On the Trek America website, there are instructions on what type of sleeping bag you should take. James brought extra large versions which were so big that we both managed to fit into one with loads of room to spare. Not only did we have extra room but we were more comfortable than some others on the trip who had summer sleeping bags.
Normal sized toiletry bottles
Considering you will be sleeping in tents for the majority of the holiday and will be here there and everywhere. You will definitely shower so often that you will save money by buying just normal sized bottles. A toiletry bag that you can hang up is also a plus. I just bought a cheap one from Morrisons.
Baby wipes
An item I nearly didn't bother to bring and I am so glad that I had. I used baby wipes all the time as they came in handy with all the dust that was around at the campsites. Also at certain stops where there was nowhere to wash your hands hand sanitiser comes in handy.
Walking Shoes
Walking shoes were a must in Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Normal trainers just don't cut it especially in Yosemite where depending on what walk you do ( I went to Nevada Falls) it is so rocky and parts so steep with no handrail that is safer with sturdy shoes.
Paracetamol, plasters and cold and flu tablets.
I had a horrendous cold and felt rotten on the second week of my trek. I actually used all the cold and flu tablets up and in CVS I found medication to be so expensive so it's worth taking some from home.
A bag with wheels
My bag was so heavy that there was no way I would be able to carry it in my hands. It just takes all the hassle away from lugging it around.
A pillow
I brought this in Walmart once we arrived in LA. The pillow really helps get the best night sleep you can in the tent.
A battery charging unit for your phone
I forgot to take mine and although there was ample opportunity to get your phone charged at the campsites they are always handy as long days in the van listening to music drains the battery pretty quickly.
There we go all the little extras you wouldn't think about buying. Has anyone been on a Trek America trip or is thinking about going on one?
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