The complete travel checklist: packing your bags for a trip
Travel | August 24, 2023
SAIL
November 19, 2015
Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the cold nights that you will spend in the Andes during your hike to the Incra Trail (or the alternative Lares or Salkantay treks).
Temperatures can reach and fall below the freezing point. Unless you plan on dragging a heat pump with you, a “standard” sleeping bag with a 0 degree rating will fail to keep you warm. Aim for a model between -10 and -20. You don’t want to spend a 7-hour day walking after a bad night’s sleep.
The most treacherous part of this type of mountain trek, is the temperature change. In broad daylight and under the sun, you will feel great knowing that you’re not too far from the equator. It’s very hot!
When in the shade or in the evening, you will be stunned by how cold and windy it could get thanks to the high altitude (the Inca trail is up to 4200 m high).
So, there’s no way around it. The multi-layer strategy is the one to try. Remove a layer or put one on to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions.
Here’s a small list of basics:
See our article on good travel shoes.
On most treks to Machu Picchu, porters will carry the bulk of your equipment from camp to camp. Your only responsibility? To get to the top and carry a small day bag to store your unused clothing (see point 2) and a few personal items.
Choose a model that is well ventilated everywhere – straps, belts, back, and that has some useful and practical elements: pocket for hydration port, sturdy zippers, a pocket to store a raincoat etc…
Have a good trip to Peru!