Hiking the Pekoe Trail taught me that having the right gear isn’t just important—it’s everything. I’ve put together a set of essentials that I always rely on for four-day hikes, plus a few extras for when I camp.
I fine-tuned what I needed and what I could leave behind when I completed the trail in four separate hikes, each lasting around 3 to 4 days. The real test came when I camped from stages 8 to 12, soaking in those peaceful, star-filled nights.
In this post, I’ll share my go-to gear list and the extra camping items that made those nights unforgettable.
Four-day packing list for the Pekoe Trail without camping gear
Wearable – On Body
- 20-30L Backpack
- Hiking Shoes
- Socks
- Leech Socks
- Hiking Pants/Shorts
- Quick Drying and Moisture Wicking Shirt Long Sleeve or Short
- Sunhat/Hat
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Neck Gaiter
Backpack – Quechua NH 500 with Rain Cover
This 20L backpack has been a staple for many non-camping hikes for me. It has plenty of rooms and pockets for organization. It is compatible with a water bladder and has loops to hang my trekking poles.
Shoes – Hoka Speedgoats 5
I mainly used trail runners due to their lightweight and quick-drying features. However, you can use hiking boots or shoes if you are not used to trail runners and need more support.
Leech Socks and Socks
The Pekoe Trail goes through hill country which is known for having leeches. So leech protection is important. I used Scan Alpine Leech Socks. I think this is a must-have item in your packing list for the Pekoe trail.
I used double-padded decathlon socks to avoid getting blisters or hotspots. You can use any pair of socks if are not doing anything more than 15km a day. It is wise to look for proper hiking socks for around 24km + day hikes.
Wearable – Packed for 4 Days
I used one set of clothes for the night while swapping the daytime clothes when they got dirty with a new set. Overall I carry one set for the night, one set for the daytime, and an extra two sets for a four-day hike. I can wash one-day set and dry them since all the clothes I carry are quick drying.
Layers for Warmth
- Quechua Fleece
- Scan Alpine Rain Coat
Night Time Wear
- Icebreaker Merino baselayer bottom (Not Important) or Short
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Sandles or Slippers
Daytime Extras
- 4 Pair of Socks
- 4 Athletics Underwear (Moisture Wicking and Quick Dry)
- Tops – One Long Sleeve, One Short Sleeve
- Bottoms – One Long Hiking Pants, Two Shorts
Raincoat
I used this raincoat by Scan Alpine. It has been one of the best purchases for the Pekoe Trail. Sri Lankan hill country can have sudden rains. I recommend taking a good raincoat as a core item in your packing list for the Pekoe trail.
Toiletry Kit
I have the following items in my toiletry kit.
- Small Size Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Small Clear Mens Shampoo
- Dettol Cool Soap
- Chapstick/Lip Balm – Vaseline Lip Therapy Travel Size
- Microfibre Towel
Electronics
Phone and Essentials
- 65W Fast Charger
- Apple Cable
- iPhone 13
Camera Items
- Fujifilm XH1
- USB Camera Charger
- FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
- Peakdesign Camera Clip
- Pedco Mini Tripod
Other Electronics
- Headlamp – Nitecore NU25
- 20000mAh Anker Power Bank
- Universal Power Adapter
Other – Misc Stuff
- Foldable Cup
- Spork
- Pocket Knife
- Hand Sanitizer
- Trekking Poles – I love my trekking poles!!!
- Neck Gaiter
- Needle and Thread
- Duck Tape
- Waterbottle
- Water Bladder
First Aid Kit
- Panadol – For Headaches/ as a painkiller
- Vitamin C
- ORS – Rehydration ( Locally Jeewani)
- Axe Oil
- Dettol Plasters
- Sunscreen
- Personal Medication
- Soframycin – for small cuts
- Bandage
- KT Tape
- Leukotape – for blisters
Add-On Items for Camping
There are a few campsites along the Pekoe trail. I did 4 days starting from Norwood and Ending at Idalgsinna. I camped at Haritha Kanda Campsite and Acacia Inn Campsite. Other campsites available on the trail are Idalgasinna and Horton Plains National Park(needs to be booked in advance from the Forest Department at Battaramulla)
I would recommend adding the following items to your packing list for the pekoe trail if you decide to camp at the designated campsites.
Backpack – Osprey Exos 58L
I can swear by this backpack. This is the bag I used for Hiking 4200km on the Pacific Crest Trail, US. Since then this bag has been my go-to backpack for overnight hiking trips. It has plenty of space, accessible side pockets, and a mesh pocket to stash stuff in.
I would recommend a bag with a 50L capacity if you are going to camp along the Pekoe trail on above mentioned campsites.
Tent – Queshua MH100 – 3-Person – Fresh&Black
This tent is bulky in my opinion with a weight of 4kg with trekking poles, ground sheet, tent stakes, and rain fly. However, it is rated for 3 seasons and held up well against rain.
Since I wasn’t alone I happily divided the tent among us. There are lighter options out there for sure.
Sleeping Bag – Decathlon Sleeping Bag 20C
One thing that caught me by surprise on the Pekoe Trail was how cold it gets at night, especially in stages 8 to 11 where the elevation kicks in.
Having a solid sleeping bag is a no-brainer for staying comfortable and getting enough rest. I bring along my 20-degree Celsius-rated sleeping bag, which does a great job most of the time, but when the temperature drops even more, I pair it with a lightweight fleece jumper. This combo adds an extra layer of warmth that’s perfect for the chillier nights in the hill country. It’s the difference between tossing and turning all night and waking up refreshed and ready for another long day on the trail.
Cooking System
I use a very simple cooking system that fits my style of cooking. I usually opt for food items that can be cooked using hot water like ramen noodles. Apart from that I love to have a hot coffee or hot chocolate along the trail!
- Gas Canister
- Screw on Stove – MSR Pocket Rocket
- Lighter – BIC Lighter
- Single Pot – TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 450ml
- Foldable Cup
- Spork
Don’t forget to pack some snacks too!
That’s It.
There’s a saying: “We pack our fears.”
As an experienced hiker, I know what works for me and what I can leave behind. Use this gear list as a starting point—a blueprint to build on—and adapt it to suit your own needs, experience, and skill set.
The only advice I’ll leave you with is this: be mindful of what you pack and try not to let your fears fill your backpack. Traveling lighter, with confidence in your choices, will make your journey all the more rewarding.
