Personal equipment for trekking

To kick start my trekking adventures, I'm organising a trek to Perlepah Waterfalls this December, its a personal trip with some friends. I would be borrowing the stores from my company (as in my previous post) - but every individual has to bring some items up as well!

So what items are essential to bring along when doing an overnight trek? Here's my list to my friends! Of course, this is just a general guide - different treks will require different things, depending on the nature of the trail.

Essential Items

• Passport with at least six months validity and photocopy (For guys - make sure you get an exit-permit if required, for non-Singaporean – make sure you have a valid Visa to travel to West Malaysia)
• Hardy and sufficient big backpack
• Wallet (Cash should be kept to a minimal – RM50 should be more then enough for your meals)
• Clothing to wear during trek - t-shirt and shorts highly recommended. No jeans, unless you want to torture yourself. Loose nylon track pants are good.
• Trekking shoes, or at least shoes with good grip (sandals are okay, but absolutely NO SLIPPERS during the trek)
• At least one extra set of clothing to change into for the night and after the trek.
• Water bottles (At least two liters) for drinking and cooking. You can refill on the way up.
• Utensils
• Rainwear (Poncho or raincoat)
• Can opener
• Insect repellent / patches
• Powder (for dry bath)
• Small towel and toiletries
• Personal medication and first aid kit (Panadol, muscle rub, plasters)
• Torchlight with batteries
• Lighter
• Trash / plastic Bags
• Ziplock bags for waterproofing stuff

Optional Items

• Other food and titbits
• Sun cap / hat / shades
• Camera
• Sleeping bag, windbreaker and track pants (it could get cold at night)
• Slippers / sandals for use when not trekking (trekking footwear will be wet)
• Pocket Knife
• Notebook / Pen
• Playing Cards
• Mosquito Coil