Trekking is a thrilling activity that takes you within inches of nature, tests your body and mind. Whether you’re climbing lofty mountains, trekking through the forest, or simply out walking your dog on a snow day, you need to be prepared. For a trek, preparation is the key element. One of the most crucial preparations is taking along basic medicines for each and every trekker. In TrekYaari, we insist every trekker to carry a basic medical kit so that they should be safe & enjoy without any tension.
Even if you are in good physical shape, trekking can take your body out of its comfort zone in terms of high altitudes or rapid changes in weather or sustaining minor ailments. The right medicines can stop small problems from becoming big ones. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to pack.
Essential Medicines for Every Trekker:
Pain Relievers and Fever Medicines
Body ache is often among the first problem faced with by trekkers. Muscles can become sore and the joints may ache after long walks, steep climbs, or on uneven ground. It is advisable to take pain killers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol with you in your baggage. They are must-have medicines for you as a trekker because they can relieve pain and fever which will help you continue with the trek comfortably.
You can expect to get mild headaches if you are trekking in higher region. Pain medications do tend to decrease the pain and also limit the progression of headache. Ensure they’re packed in the right quantities, and check for any personal allergies before you set out on your trek.
Medicines for Digestive Issues
You are eating food on the go or local food but your weak belly is not used to. This, in turn, can lead to digestive issues including acidity, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation. Keep antacid tablets, anti-diarrhoeal / rehydration medication (ORS) in hand amongst other drugs.
These are the must have medicines for every trekker, especially when you are in remote areas and sometimes medical store will not be available there. Maintaining your digestive health will maximise the enjoyment of your trek.
Cold, Cough, and Allergy Medicines
Trek weather can be volatile. We may have sun in the morning and a chill at night. Abrupt weather changes can cause colds, coughs or allergies. Antihistamines, cough syrup and nasal sprays can be a lifesaver.
These all are among the best medicines a trekker must have because even a little illness can hamper your experience of trekking. They’re always packed in tiny, travel-sized pouches which is perfect for your back pack.
Basic Treatment of Cuts and Scrapes
It’s a tough and slippery trail. There may be minor injuries like a cut, blister or insect bite. Be sure to have a first-aid kit handy with antiseptic cream, band-aids, gauze and disinfectant wipes.
Blisters on your feet can make walking painful, while infected cuts can create larger health issues. Thus, the First-Aid supplies are medications for any trekkers to control but less serious injuries immediately.
Medicines for Motion Sickness
If you need to be on the road before reaching the trailhead, then motion sickness will be felt. It will also keep you fresh and free from dizziness, vomiting or nausea on your journey to the hill station.
Having them in your kit is a good idea, as they are often forgotten – but one of the all important medicines for every trekker and particularly those who suffer travel sickness.
Altitude Sickness Medicines
For those trekking at high-altitude, altitude sickness will be one of the main concerns. The symptoms include headache, nausea fatigue and breathlessness. A few over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs — including acetazolamide (Diamox) — can help prevent or alleviate the symptoms.
We, at TrekYaari do emphasize on one thing: never ignore altitude sickness. Packing these drugs is included in the list of essential medicines for every trekker who planning to embark on high-altitude excursions.
Hydration and Electrolyte Solutions
Dehydration is a major concern among trekkers, as you can imagine. Fluid loss can also occur as a result of sweating during prolonged hikes and exposure to dry or cold air. ORS and electrolyte solution are the key.
They are such crucial medicines to every trekker as they help to keep the energy balanced, they prevent cramps and you do not become dehydrated – so that you can trek even more and safely.
Personal Prescription Medicines
Everyone has unique health needs. If you take any prescription medications on a regular basis, be sure to bring enough for the whole hike. That even includes chronic medications like for diabetes, asthma or heart-related issues.
From health perspective, they should be the essential medicines even trekkers do not need to forget and ran out of them in remote trekking area which could obviously lower their healthy risk while trekking.
How to Pack Medicines for a Trek
How to pack meds is as important as having them. Here are some tips:
Your small, water-resistant and compact pouch containing all the medicines together.
Such medicines should be taken in original packets to avoid confusion and retain labels.
Have a written copy of prescriptions for any prescription medicines.
Check expiry dates before packing.
For each medication, throw in a basic instruction sheet in case somebody else on the trip is going to end up using it.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can have peace of mind that your must-have meds for all trekkers are readily available and potent throughout your excursion.
Hence, recommended by TrekYaari to carry essential medicines.
At TrekYaari, we consider safety the top most priority. Trek is meant to be fun and exciting; however, unexpected illness or injury can easily ruin your trip. If you pack some must have medicines for every trekker, then you are armed up for every day health issue or emergency.
When you’re proactive about your health, you can keep the peak views of alpine treks, thrilling trails and trekking bliss on your active mind instead of letting stress take over. It’s all about the preparation for a successful trek Remember — It’s all about the preparation!
Conclusion
Hiking is an amazing way to get out in nature and test yourself and make some memories. But even the most exhilarating adventures have an element of risk. Packing medications that everyone might need is a basic way of safeguarding yourself as well as the other members of the trek.
From analgesic and stomach medicine for first aid to anti-allergy and altitude sickness prevention, the medical kit makes sure you are armed in most minor health problems along our path. We recommend all our trekkers plan, prepare & prioritize for safety.
When you have the correct medications packed, you not only protect your health, but also ensure that your trek is easy and fun. So, before your next venture have a list of all vital medications for all trekkers and pack them strategically. Your body and your adventure will thank you!
