Suggested equipment checklist:
ATTIRE
Change of clothes and a long sleeve shirt
Warm sweater
Waterproof & windproof jacket & track pants (easy to put on/ take off, not too bulky. Weather may change suddenly. It¡¯s all about layering.)
Thermal underwear (if nec)
Extra pairs of thick, clean comfortable socks
Neck scarf
Warm hat/ balaclava (cover ears and face unless you want wind biting at your face)
Warm gloves (1 proper pair for warmth, layer it with another cheap pair for abuse when grabbing ropes)
Suitable trekking boots or strong shoes with a high-grip tread pattern (descent fr summit is steep, huge strain on ankles ¨C imagine Bt. Timah visitor slope non-stop for 3hr)
Shoes:
- Make sure you season them during the practice sessions to get used to them.
- For a description of the many types of hiking boots and brands in the market:
www.mec.ca/index.html.
- In Singapore, there are a few places to find outdoor equipment - Camper's Corner (Capital Building), Peninsula Plaza, Chinatown Point. If buying a new pair, try not to get Timberland (bad feedback).
- If you don't intend to trek in future, no need to invest in a pair of boots. Use mid-ankle sturdy walking shoes (eg. Merrills). Jogging shoes/ cross-trainers do not offer enough support and get wet easily.
Tip: Try to wear those sports shirts (eg. nylon, polyester) that are quick-drying.
Normal cotton T-shirts, when soaked in sweat or rain, are heavier and much harder to dry. You may catch a chill when the wind blows against the wet shirt or when you stop to rest.
EQUIPMENT
Torch with spare batteries (the types that can be strapped to forehead, for use during summit climb)
Drinking water (approx 1-2L)
High energy foods (chocolate, energy bars, gummy bear sweets ¨C you¡¯ll appreciate them along the way, esp on summit climb)
Backpack (daypack for trek, a bag/ trash-bag for storing non-essentials, small pouch for summit)
Ziploc bags to pack & waterproof everything (Esp clothes, passport, camera etc)
Raincoat (Large groundsheet/ poncho will suffice to cover you & backpack)
Toiletries, including any medication you normally take
Panadol & emergency kits
Tissue & toilet paper (none supplied)
Sunblock & shades, contact lenses (advisable for summit climb as spectacles will fog up)
Deep heat muscle rub (important)
Insect repellent (for lower mountain area)
Whistle (in case get lost in the mountains)
Camera/ binocular (Keep them waterproofed. Keep film and batteries warm under your jacket. A flash or tripod will come in useful.)
Sandals/ slippers
Tip: Travel as light as possible. Bring what you need, carry what you can.
Most equipment can be purchased at those stalls selling army supplies at Beach Road, opposite Golden Mile Complex.