Before you browse our long checklist of standard gear, let us add the usual warning that you should carry no more than 30% of your body weight.
Happily Misti is an easy trek. The first day slogging uphill is short. The last day long, but downhill.
Packing light
You cannot take pack animals on Misti. Suck it up.
Depending on your muscular strength and endurance, you may be able to carry more or less weight.
Do everything you can to keep the load light, but don’t scrimp on warm clothing. You may be shocked how cold it can get at night at camp. Take all your warm clothes to the summit, just in case.
If you really want to travel light, visit the website of Charles Lindsey, The 27-pound, 7-day Pack, for advice.
Check our list of best hiking guide books.
Hiking Poles
The jury is out on telescoping hiking poles.
Some hikers swear by them. They prevent falls & stabilize. We all agree they are great when nursing a sore ankle or knee.
They are not particularly needed on Misti.
Photography & Video
Most hikers take a light digital or point and shoot camera.
Die hard photographers lug an SLR (single lens reflex) camera and some heavy lenses in a padded, waterproof camera bag.
The big problem on Misti is that fine sand gets everywhere, regardless of what you try to do to prevent it. Our camera eye piece was clogged with volcanic dust for weeks after the hike.
