Our equipment recommendations for trekking in Jordan
Basic Equipment
Waterproof duffle bag:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 80-90L duffle bag.
Daypack:
Your main gear will be transferred by vehicle. You will need to carry your own daypack. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
Sleeping bag:
You will need a 2-season sleeping bag and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags.
Trekking poles:
Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for all of the stepped paths around Petra! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Alpkit trekking poles.
Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water.
Head
Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover if you aren't going to be using a neck gaiter.
Warm beanie style hat:
Go for a version of beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth.
Neck gaiter or balaclava:
It can get surprisingly chilly in the evenings and at night. We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. The most versatile options are made by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear.
Sunglasses:
Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice.
Headlamp:
You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys or early morning wake up calls. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps.
Hands and Feet
Lightweight gloves:
For daily use we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves.
Socks:
3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing a minimum of 1 x thick thermal socks for cold nights. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks.
Training shoes:
To wear around camp after a day's trek we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals.
Trekking boots:
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell.
Gaiters:
Help keep your boots sand free.
Upper Body
Cotton walking shirt:
A lightweight cotton shirt is perfect for keeping you cool in the sun.
Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour.
Fleece or Soft shell jacket:
A mid-weight Polartec fleece jacket is ideal. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces.
Hard shell outer jacket:
A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Berghaus and Mountain Equipment.
Insulated jacket:
A good quality, warm, down or Primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab and Mountain Equipment.
Swimsuit
A swim in the Dead Sea will be exactly what you want after spending a week in the desert. Make sure to come prepared!
Legs
Trekking Shorts:
'Lightweight' shorts for your legs. We recommend Craghoppers, Rab or Mountain Equipment.
Trekking trousers:
Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia.
Hard shell trousers:
A good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Rab make good outer trousers.
Odds and Sods
Sun and lip screen:
High SPF sunscreen and lip protection balm. SPF 40 or higher.
Toothbrush and toothpaste:
Ideally travel size.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer:
Staying clean on any long trek can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help.
Personal medicines and medical kit:
We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum.
Pee bottle (optional):
Useful for late night toilet needs when it is cold outside.
Ear plugs:
For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad in camp.
Personal snacks:
Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout.
Dry bag:
Only required if your main duffle bag or rucksack is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help to keep your kit dry.
Camera and spare batteries:
Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix.
Plug adapter:
A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the climb. See Jordan Travel Guide for advice on which plug adapter you will need.
Microfibre Towel:
Perfect for washing hands and face each day, especially if you don't want to carry enough wet wipes for the entire trip.
