{"id":203,"date":"2019-07-13T14:12:02","date_gmt":"2019-07-13T14:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expeditionbe.com\/?p=203"},"modified":"2019-07-13T14:44:23","modified_gmt":"2019-07-13T14:44:23","slug":"packing-for-the-unknown-what-to-bring-for-climbing-mount-kinabalu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expeditionbe.com\/?p=203","title":{"rendered":"Packing for the Unknown \u2013 What to Bring for Climbing Mount Kinabalu"},"content":{"rendered":"

While climbing Mount Kinabalu may only be a two-day endeavor, there are still plenty of items you\u2019ll need on the hike, including several non-negotiable essentials. As I mentioned in my earlier post<\/a> (which provides details on booking a climb, what to expect, and my overall experience), I was not necessarily physically prepared for the arduous challenge ahead, but I was<\/i> materially prepared and packed for success.<\/p>\n

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Having some idea of the terrain and climate is certainly helpful in preparing for Kinabalu, and I\u2019d watched YouTube videos and read a lot<\/i> of articles\/posts to give me an idea of how to best pack. Adequate preparation can make for a much more enjoyable (and safe) trek, and involves bringing clothes appropriate for hot and colder temperatures, insect\/mosquito repellent (a must-have), a headlamp, and snacks, among other important items.<\/p>\n

To begin with, I wanted to get a new backpack for this trip which would have more compartments and one that wasn\u2019t simply a top-loader. My first pack which I\u2019d used for my nearly two-month solo Europe trip had been okay, but the top-loading became frustrating over time and I needed something a bit more versatile. Upon searching with one of my best friends at Sierra Trading Post, I came across this gem and was quite pleased with the ample space, dual-access points, and large pocket on the bottom (which I like to use for flip-flops and dirty clothes to keep them separate from everything else!).<\/p>\n

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This Vaude Asymmetric 48 + 8 liter pack was probably the best purchase I made, and it worked marvelously while traveling up and down the mountain, through Bali and Australia, and on subsequent trips. Other major selling points included its well-padded hip belt with pocket and adjustable straps and back. This allowed for properly fitting the pack to my frame\/torso for maximum comfort, and I didn\u2019t have any issues with it on the trail.<\/p>\n

As a side note, I did have a store associate help me with fitting the pack as I still did not really know the best adjustments to make, and most gear\/outdoor shops should be able to assist with this. As you can also see, the straps on the pack are quite long and it was suggested by several people that I shorten them. As with many things in life, while it was certainly a good idea, time flew by and I didn\u2019t get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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As the photo above shows, I went into this prepared. Did I maybe over<\/em>-pack? A bit. Did I have everything I needed? Absolutely. While there are quite a few items pictured here and below, some of the more important include the insect repellent, good socks, smaller day-pack (which you\u2019ll need for the morning of the final ascent), water purification tablets and\/or filter, water container or bottled water (an absolute must!), headlamp, heavier but easy-to-roll jacket, and warm clothing\/layers (for the colder temperatures at higher altitude). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of items pictured above (Clockwise from top left) <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n