Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Goa Netravali Forest trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Essentials:

Trekking Shoes:

The Goa Netravali Forest Trek requires trekking shoes that are sturdy, have good grip, have ankle support. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.  

| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There really isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.

And learn the difference between a trekking shoe and a sports shoe here. 

Backpack:

For a trek like Goa Netravali Forest Trek, you need a 30-40 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.

| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.

Clothes

On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.

1. One layer of warm cloth: Carry one fleece sweater/jacket. The evening at Netravali Forest or while camping at the beach can get chilly. 
2. Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One trek pant while trekking and an another pant inside the backpack. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
3. Three t-shirts: You will wear one t-shirt while trekking and the rest two t-shirt inside your backpack. Carry light, full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day.

Crocs/Sandals/Aquashoes

You need a pair of either sandals or floaters with straps, or even Crocs will be good. You can use an existing one itself. These will be helpful around the campsites and also when you are walking on the beach or travelling in between. 

Alternatively, you can even think of getting the Aquashoes from Decathlon, which are very light and easy to carry. Trekkers have found this good during treks where you walk on the beach or have some stream crossings. 

Accessories:

1. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. This is to protect you from the harsh sun.
2. Sun Cap: In the jungles, even though there is heavy tree cover, the harsh sun can dehydrate you very quickly. A sun cap comes in handy to prevent the moisture to escape when you are sweating.
3. Socks (4 pairs): Your normal cotton/ sport socks are good, but make sure they are all high ankle socks
4. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory + extra Batteries.
5. Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole. 
6. Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at any time, and hence it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet.
7. Umbrella: To protect yourself from the sun

Others

1. Toiletries: Sunscreen, light towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.
2. Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the mountains.
3. Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.
4. Two water bottles: 1 litre each.
5. Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
6. Odomos or any other insect repellant

Note: We strongly recommend not carrying trolley bags. Our campsite is not very close to the roadhead, and it becomes a hustle to carry trolley bags. A duffle bag or backpack is recommended.