Staying Warm
Many thin layers are lighter & warmer than 1 thick garment. Salcantay pass will likely be the coldest section.
If you get chilled, climb into your sleeping bag. Cuddle-up. Do anything you can to warm-up to prevent the start of hypothermia.
Fleece garments are warm, even when wet, & they dry quickly. A down vest doubles as a pillow.
Keeping Dry
Expect rain. A few suggestions:
- cotton is quick to get sweat soaked and slow to dry. Bring clothing made of quick-drying, wicking synthetic fabric.
- most hikers bring socks of wool, thick acrylic, or wool-acrylic blends. Most wear them over a thin wicking sock liner. Be aware that your socks will probably be the last clothing to dry.
Campsites do not have cook shelters. Be prepared to cook in the tent vestibule (a safety risk) if you do not have a tarp.
(You will pass many simple shops where you can buy drinks & snacks, but not dinner.)
Bring a backpack cover and / or pancho. Check that it fits your pack when fully loaded. Many XL (extra large) covers are too small for extra large backpacks.
Waterproof EVERYTHING inside your pack. Stuff sacs should be waterproof. Plastic bags are OK but they rip. Waterproof stuffsacs are only slightly heavier and far more reliable.
Consider stuffsacs normally used for kayaking. These are heavier than other waterproof stuffsacs, but not much.
Bring extra plastic bags & ziplocs.
Double-bag vulnerable valuables such as cameras.
Staying Fit on the Trail
Some hikers thrive on a difficult trip while others wear down quickly.
To survive & thrive, most importantly, avoid getting sick.
Be sure that standards of hygiene are maintained. Faecal contamination of any kind is the easiest way to get sick. Be sure to put alcohol-based antibacterial gel on your hands throughout the day, particularly before you stick your hands into a bag of GORP.
Al Brawn in Soaring with the Eagles cites a statistic from Tilton (Gut Reactions)
Viral syndromes & diarrhoea account for 60% of the illnesses and 45% of the illness evacuations (from wilderness programs)!
Proper food and safe, sufficient water are essential.
