• Clothes (2+1 pairs)
• Fleece Jacket/Down jacket/Shell (must be suited to temperatures of 0–7 degrees Celsius/32-45 Fahrenheit )
• Raingear (Rain jacket/ Poncho; or makeshift, like a garbage bag)
• Trekking Pants/Jogging Pants (Preferably waterproof, must also keep you warm)
• Extra socks
• Trekking Shoes/Hiking Shoes (Make sure you've test-worn them days before the trip. If using rubber shoes, make sure to bring another pair or at least sandals as a backup. In our experience, rubber shoes tend to give up easily, esp. those that have not been worn for months then suddenly worn for hiking. Trust us, we've seen it too often.)
• Gloves (that actually work)
• Bonnet/Beanies/Head gear/Scarf/malong
• Plastic bags (for water proofing of your bags, clothes, cameras and other items)
• Sleeping bag (a must to be truly comfortable)
• Earth pad (this is insulator for the ground you will sleep on; another must!)
• Earth pad (this is insulator for the ground you will sleep on; another must!)
• Large Garbage bags (at least 2 pcs)
• Flashlight/Headlamp (plus, extra batteries)
• Personal whistle (in case you get lost in the mountains, a whistle is a better chance for us to hear you)
• Personal meds and First Aid Kit
• Tissue Paper (there is only an open pit for number 2 while we are at Camp 2)
• Toiletries (esp. toilet paper/wet wipes)
• Water bottle (at least 3 liters if you're sensitive to unfamiliar water; or just a 1-2 liter container, easily refillable with cool, fresh, clean and potable mountain water)
• Personal Trail food (candies, chocolates, cookies; to share!)
• Camera (for photo ops!)
• Happy Disposition, An Attitude of Gratitude, Sense of Adventure ☺(this is the most important!)
NOTE: You can buy most of these outdoor gear online!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Individuals with special medication are advised to bring sufficient amount of their medicines.
- Those with special diets/diet restrictions should inform ClubTravelNOW.org Travel Buddies of their restrictions so we can ensure you'll have something to eat. While we will do our best to provide your food, if your restrictions are prohibitive in terms of cost, we will have ask you to prepare food for yourself or to pay extra. (Hope you understand!)
- For mobility and ease of trekking, the use of backpacks is recommended. Rule is to make sure your hands are free, so that you can support yourself (or your companions) in case you slip, fall or have to ward off mountain lions. (just kidding on the last one). (Read: No umbrellas, handbags/purses, or anything else that will restrain your hands. If you can keep them in your backpack, then you can bring them.)
- It is also advisable that your things in your bag are packed in a big plastic bag to ensure your stuff remains dry in case of rain.
- The activity will take at least 2 days of actual hike (please refer to itinerary). As long as the hike is not your first physical activity for the year, you would be fit and capable to summit Mt Pulag. Make sure you have your doctor's clearance too if you know you may be in a delicate state of health.
- If you exercise at least 2 weeks from the hike, with perhaps a 3 times a week 30-minute walk, then you're alright. More than anything, the exercise serves to help you have a better experience of the trip. (Hard to enjoy if you're catching your breath all the time instead of admiring the view or exchanging stories with your travel buddies.)
- Please try to minimize the weight of your backpack. In life as in the mountain, it is best to travel light. Don't bring along a book! (You won't have time to read it.) :)
- To minimize impact of the activity to the area, it is mandatory that we follow the "Leave No Trace" principle. Read about it here.
- Trash and litter have no place in the wilderness. Campfires will not be allowed. Picking, gathering, hunting, or bringing down of whatever flora and fauna is strictly prohibited.
- Temperature at Mt. Pulag may drop to 2 degrees or less, so prepare necessary clothing for the camp.
- Make sure your loved-ones/friends know where you are going. Have at least one person know where you will be going, with whom, and when you are expected to come back. Leave them also the contact numbers of ClubTravelNOW.org Travel Buddies so that they can reach us in case they are not able to reach you. Take it from Aron Ralston of the movie 127 Hours.
- Attend the pre-climb meeting so your expectations about the trip are set, your questions are answered, and you get to meet the cool folks who will be with you on the trip. The pre-climb meeting will typically be a week to 3 days prior to the trip. Make sure to ask us about the schedule if you have not been informed.
To join this tour, contact your ClubTravelNOW.org Buddy:
Tristan Mirasol @ 0906.005.7928
Email @ info[at]clubtravelnow[dot]org.