Peru Group Trip Packing List

ADJUSTING LAYERS FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY

Adjusting layers throughout the day is crucial for maintaining an optimal body temperature. Start out slightly cool to allow your body to warm into the layers as you begin your activity, preventing overheating early on. As you move, remove or add layers as needed to manage perspiration and prevent excessive sweating, which can lead to chills later. Always carry an emergency or backup layer beyond what you think you’ll need for the activity—when you stop to rest, eat, wait for a partner, or handle an unexpected situation, your body can lose heat rapidly. A dry, insulating layer on hand ensures you stay warm and protected in changing conditions. For example, your base layer and fleece may feel perfect while hiking, but the moment you stop for a short break, whether to eat a snack or let someone catch up, you may quickly need to throw on a lightweight jacket or wind shell to stay comfortable.

UNDERSTANDING LAYERING: A SYSTEM FOR ALL CLIMATES

Layering is the key to staying comfortable and protected in a variety of outdoor conditions, from high-altitude summits to humid forests. This adaptable system allows you to regulate body temperature by adding or removing layers as weather and exertion levels change. The three essential layers each serve a specific function:

• Base layer: Wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Middle layer: Provides insulation to retain body heat in cold conditions.
• Outer layer: Protects against wind, rain, and snow to keep the elements at bay.

Carrying all three layers on every trip ensures flexibility, even if you don’t wear them all at once. Conditions can shift quickly, especially when traversing multiple elevations, climates, or regions, making layering essential for comfort and safety.

LAYERING FOR DIFFERENT CONDITIONS

Your layering system should be tailored to your activity level, personal metabolism, and the environment you’re entering. Here’s how layering works in different conditions:

• Cold weather: A midweight base layer, an insulating jacket (synthetic or down), and a waterproof outer shell provide warmth and protection from wind and snow.
• Rainy weather: A lightweight base layer, breathable rain gear, and quick-drying hiking pants help manage moisture while keeping you dry.
• Hot weather: A moisture-wicking tee, convertible hiking pants, and a lightweight wind jacket protect against sun and sudden temperature drops.

Group Equipment

☑︎ Cooking & Camp Kitchen – provided by the guide company  

☑︎ Group First-Aid Kit – provided by the guide company  

☑︎ Portable Toilet – provided by the guide company (luxury item!!) 

☑︎ Emergency Communication – Satellite phone provided by the guide company 

Essentials 

❏ Passport & Identification cards

❏ Credit Cards

❏ Extra money (recommended soles)

❏ Personal medication

❏ Water bottles or CamelBak (2-3 liters of total capacity). Dave uses Smartwater Bottles which are readily available, cheap, durable and light. Check GGG for sport caps to use with the bottles. 

☑︎ Water purification – provided by the guide company (boiled & filtered) @ each meal

❏ Headlamp w/extra batteries 

❏ Sunblock

❏ Chapstick 

❏ Insect Repellent 

❏ Personal Care Products 

            ❏ Pee Cloth (ladies) – Recommend Kula Cloth

            ❏ Bidet, optional – Makes clean up on the trail easier (see options here)

❏ Personal First-aid Kit w/ Blister Kit

❏ Hand sanitizer; use often to help protect yourself and the group

❏ Camping Soap; they should provide you a small bar at the start but recommend having some for the duration of the trip. Dave personally cares this hand soap and body wash. 

❏ Cell phone, charging cable, & optional travel eSIM 
– We will use a group WhatsApp during the trip for updates & communication 

Equipment – Shelter

☑︎ Tent – provided by the guide company  

Equipment – Sleeping

❏ Sleeping Bag (-15^o C / 5^o F) – Available for rent for $35 in Cusco if paying with USD or Soles ($36.75 when paying by card); rental bags are roughly 2kg so take that into consideration when planning your duffle bag. 

❏ Foam Sleeping Pad, Optional – Dave carries the Nemo Switchback UL (R-value 2) and pairs it with his Nemo Tensor Extreme when sleeping on snow for the ultimate warmth.  

☑︎  Sleeping Mat, company provided—I recommend an inflatable pad for comfort. Look for pads with an R-value of 4+ for cold trips (Understand Why). Dave uses a Nemo Tensor Extreme in Cold Weather for comfort and warmth (R-value 8.5) and the Tensor Trail UL (R-value 2.8) for summer. When weight and size are not an issue, Dave’s go-to is always the Nemo Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress.
            – A Camp Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat is provided (R-Value 4.3). 

❏ Pillow, optional – Highly recommend this. Dave carries the Nemo Fillo Elite UL pillow for a great combination of weight and comfort. When weight isn’t an issue (porters or pack animals) Dave brings the Nemo Fillo King. And when weight and size are not issues, a real pillow because sleep is so important for recovery each day.

❏ Earplugs and sleep mask, optional 

Equipment – Pack & Travel

☑︎ Trek Duffle 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.4 x 8.7 in) – provided by the guide company. You can pack this duffle with up to 7 kg / 15.4 lbs of equipment for the horsemen and porters to transport to camp each day. You will not have access to this bag during the day. Recommend placing sleep wear, clothing, and personal items in the bag.   

❏ Duffle or Checked Suitcase, optional – Recommend a lockable large duffle with backpack straps that will fit all your travel clothes, trek gear/clothes, and other equipment for easy movement between hotels. You will leave this behind at Salkantay HQ during the trek.  

❏ Duffle Bag Liner, optional – Recommend contractor trash bag 

❏ Hiking Bag (15-30 liter) – Train with at home to ensure fit and capacity, will carry this on trail. You can also use this when sightseeing.  

❏ Pack Cover or Liner, optional – highly recommend a liner at a minimum

❏ Luggage locks

❏ Packable backpack, optional – highly recommended for daily carry. Dave carries the ultralight Sea to Summit Packable Backpack on expeditions where he will want a day bag while backpacking. For adventures from the hotel he carries a more robust Osprey version with external water bottle pocket.

Optional Misc. Gear 

❏ Trekking Poles, optional (rubber tips) – Available for rent for $35 

❏ Games, Cards, Books, optional 

❏ Power Pack / battery, optional

❏ Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Messenger (inReach)

❏ Camera w/extra batteries & SD Cards 

❏ Binoculars – for the Amazon River and Manu National Park 

❏ Camping Towel, recommend a small microfiber for easy packing/weight
            – These are great for drying gear, clothing, and use after personal hygiene 

❏ Water filter, recommend this for filtering water outside of the trek 

❏ Thermos or Insulated Bottle, highly recommend for having hot tea during cold mountain passes. After testing multiple brands in some of the harshest environments Dave personally uses a HydroFlask (Amazon).  

Clothing – Base Layer

When selecting base layers, prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, merino wool, or silk based on your personal preference. Each material varies slightly in drying speed, odor retention, and durability, but the key function remains the same—keeping you dry. Base layers come in different weights: ultralight, lightweight, midweight, heavyweight, and expedition with heavier fabrics providing more warmth while still allowing for moisture management.

In warm weather, a base layer helps maintain comfort by wicking sweat and keeping skin dry. Any summer shirt can function as a base layer, but look for fabrics that promote moisture evaporation to enhance cooling. Underwear, including bras and briefs, should also wick moisture for optimal comfort. For sun protection, consider UPF-rated base layers, and in extremely dry, hot conditions, lightweight cotton can sometimes be acceptable.

❏ Thermal Base Layer, Pants (lightweight to midweight)

❏ Thermal Base Layer, Shirt (lightweight to midweight)

❏ Sun Shirt, personal preference on how many to carry 

❏ T-Shirt, personal preference on how many to carry 

❏ Trekking Pants (recommend convertible pants), personal preference on how many to carry

❏ Trekking Shorts (or convertible trekking pants), personal preference on how many to carry 

❏ Underwear – (recommend synthetic or merino wool), personal preference on how many to carry 

Clothing – Middle (Insulating) Layer

The insulating layer traps body heat to keep you warm, with warmth depending on both thickness and material efficiency. Options include synthetic and natural materials, each with unique benefits.

• Polyester fleece (100, 200, or 300 weight) is breathable, dries quickly, and stays warm when damp. However, it allows wind to pass through, so pairing it with a shell layer is essential unless you opt for wind fleece, which has a built-in wind-blocking membrane.
• Down-insulated jackets provide the highest warmth-to-weight ratio and are highly compressible for packing. Fill power (450-900) indicates efficiency, but down loses insulation ability when wet.
• Synthetic insulated jackets mimic down’s warmth while retaining insulation when damp, making them ideal for wet conditions. Though they don’t compress as well as down, their built-in shell adds wind and water resistance.

Choosing the right middle layer depends on weather conditions and activity level. Layering with a shell ensures maximum warmth and protection.

❏ Lightweight Fleece

❏ Lightweight Jacket

❏ Midweight Jacket

Clothing – Outer (Shell) Layer

The outer layer, or shell, serves as your primary defense against wind, rain, and snow, preventing moisture and cold air from penetrating your insulation layers. A quality shell allows perspiration to escape while blocking external elements, helping you stay dry and warm in unpredictable weather. Most shells are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which causes water to bead and roll off the fabric.

Choosing the right shell depends on the conditions you expect to encounter:

• Waterproof/breathable jackets offer the highest level of protection for heavy rain and strong winds, making them ideal for stormy or extreme conditions.
• Water-resistant/breathable jackets provide moderate protection, working well in light rain and high-activity scenarios where breathability is key.
• Soft shell jackets balance breathability, flexibility, and light weather protection, often incorporating some insulation to function as both a middle and outer layer.
• Waterproof/nonbreathable shells are budget-friendly but best suited for low-activity situations, as they trap moisture inside and can lead to excessive sweating during exertion.

Carrying a reliable shell ensures you stay protected in changing conditions, especially at higher elevations or in exposed environments where wind and precipitation can intensify quickly.

❏ Rain Pants (great for blocking wind on cold mountain passes)

❏ Rain Jacket (great for blocking wind on cold mountain passes)

❏ Rain Poncho, optional – provides a breathable alternative in warm weather

❏ Wind Shirt, optional – provides a breathable alternative to the rain jacket 

Clothing – Head

❏ Warm Hat (wool or synthetic) 

❏ Ball Cap or Sun Hat, optional – highly recommend  

❏ Buff, optional – highly recommend for blocking dust on trail, wearing during cool weather, and improving sleep. 

❏ Sunglasses with UV protection (glacier glasses)

Clothing – Hands

❏ Lightweight Gloves (liner or softshell)  

❏ Midweight Insulated Gloves, wind and water resistant 

❏ Handwarmers, optional ***DO NOT DISCARD ON TRAIL / YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM FUTURE TRIPS***

Clothing – Feet

❏ Hiking Boots or Shoes (preferably waterproof) 

❏ Camp Shoes or Sandals (Sandals are also recommended for the Manu NP)

❏ Trekking Socks (recommend light and thick)

❏ Toe warmers, optional ***DO NOT DISCARD ON TRAIL / YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM FUTURE TRIPS***

Clothing – Misc

❏ Swimsuit 

❏ Towel (for Manu), recommend a medium or large microfiber for easy packing 

TRUSTED OUTDOOR GEAR 

• Adventure Medical Kits: Ready-made first aid kits that can serve as a solid base to customize before each trip. Dave pairs his with the following to his on every trip:
  • KT Tape – beats medical tape in numerous applications
  • GEAR AID Tape – this will patch almost anything. On Kilimanjaro Dave patched the guide’s puffy on summit morning. 
  • Swiss Army Classic – backpacking isn’t bushcraft. A small blade, scissors, file, and tweezers are all you need. 
  • 50ft 550 Paracord – from makeshift bear hangs to replacement boot laces, 550 has saved the day. 
  • Aqua Tabs: Water purification tablets Dave keeps in his first aid kit as a backup, especially on day hikes without a filter.
  • Titanium Emergency Whistle – small and light to save space.
  • SOL Emergency Bivvy – Dave recommends these for day hikes where you may not have a tent and sleeping bag.
    
• CNOC Outdoors: Their water bladders pair easily with threaded filters (like the Sawyer Squeeze) and are designed for easy refilling, drying, and transporting water.
  
• Darn Tough: A popular sock brand well-loved by most hikers including Triple Victor alumni Jessica Pekari and Marina Rodriguez. 
  
• EXPED: Known for high-quality sleeping pads. Dave has no firsthand experience but has heard great things over the years.
  
• Garage Grown Gear: An online marketplace for small, cottage-brand outdoor products. Dave’s favorite purchase here is the BoglerCo Shovel —“the best poo shovel out there.”
  
• Garmin inReach: Dave’s main satellite communicator for reliability, weight, and battery life. Coordinates rescues via Garmin Response with the ability to add Garmin SAR Insurance. More expensive than ZOLEO, but it can operate without a phone and has advanced options like photo and voice messages.
  
• Klymit: Offers budget-friendly although a little heavier sleeping pads. Good for summer use, but their quoted R-value’s were found to exceed the actual certified rating. Dave found them comfortable on a trip to Havasu Falls.
  
• La Sportiva: A gold standard in mountaineering boots. Dave has used them on some of his highest, coldest climbs.
  
• Mammut: Renowned for high-quality gear and apparel. Dave favors their all-in-one jacket systems for cold-weather sports like skiing and snowboarding, thanks to Mammut’s proven durability and performance in harsh conditions.
  
• MSR: Stoves for every adventure: from the Whisperlite International to the PocketRocket Deluxe. Dave has been a fan since his Boy Scout days.
  
• Nemo: Specializes in tents, pillows, and sleeping pads—all extremely high quality. After using pricier Dyneema tents, cheaper Klymit pads, and other brands of pillows, Dave ultimately switched to Nemo gear for its reliable performance and comfort. He recommends checking out their entire product line.
  
• Nitecore: Known for producing some of the lightest headlamps and battery packs on the market. Dave has relied on Nitecore gear worldwide, even in harsh environments, and continues to trust their reliability and performance.
  
• Nomatic: Camera bags, slings, and luggage that have traveled the world with Dave, keeping his gear safe and organized.
  
• Osprey: Dave’s top pick for packs—striking a balance between function, durability, comfort, weight, and price.
  
• Outdoor Research: Dave’s go to jackets, parkas, sun shirts, and shells. Their insulated booties have rubber soles—ideal for around-camp use. Marina and Dave tested the booties on Kilimanjaro and loved them.
  
• Outdoor Vitals: A direct-to-consumer ultralight gear brand. Known for down quilts, sleeping bags, down booties, and other gear. Dave hasn’t used their gear in the field personally but has heard positive reviews. The down booties and quilts seem the most tempting for those who get cold feet and move around in their sleep.
  
• Pistil Designs: At dinner one evening at the base of Mt. Rainier a fellow climber said “you know your beanie game is on point!” Dave’s go-to for stylish, functional beanies. He occasionally uses Smartwool for ultralight needs or local handmade beanies – alpaca anybody! 
  
• Sierra Designs: Decades of experience and often on sale, making them a cheaper alternative with generally good reviews. Dave has not tested this brand in the field. 
  
• Six Moons Designs: Produces trekking-pole tents without the Dyneema price tag. Popular among ultralight backpackers. Dave has played with these in the field, but has not had the chance to sleep in one yet.
  
• SnowPeak: High-performance titanium cookware and utensils. Dave’s top choice for ultralight, durable cooking gear.
  
• Therm-a-Rest: Consistently top-rated sleeping pads and recommended by Jessica Pekari. Can be a bit “crinkly” if you move a lot during sleep.
  
• Vargo Outdoors: Titanium gear with unique designs. Dave carries their Titanium Emergency Whistle in his Adventure Medical Kit.
  
• VSSL: Maker of a durable, portable coffee grinder. Dave often chooses this over his high-end at-home electric grinder even when he is at home.
  
• Zenbivy: Their sleep systems are praised for “bed-like” comfort. Dave hasn’t tried them personally but has heard excellent feedback from others like Triple Victor mechanic Brent Dittenber. 
  
• ZOLEO: A satellite communicator with a dedicated phone number for texting, offering a more budget-friendly, user-friendly alternative to Garmin inReach. Carried by Jessica Pekari during her record breaking PCT journey. Their SOS Emergency Response Team is Global Rescue. 

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