LOTUS FLOWER TRUST
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
A few pointers:
Dress Code----Jungle colours, greens, beiges, and brown are best in the jungle or deserts but bright colours are fine in the mountains
AVOID GETTING COLD---AVOID GETTING WET---wear the appropriate clothes
You could get your cloths very dirty----you will probably end up giving some of them away
Good footwear is essential---- but what footwear depends on where you are going----make sure walking boots are broken in properly----don't borrow other's boots
You should avoid carrying too much----but remember washing facilities for clothes are few and far between
Clothing can be expensive----borrow if you can----but not footwear
Base ball caps give poor protection from the sun----round wide brimmed headgear is best
Cycling shorts cause offence----rugby shorts are fine
No camouflage pattern clothes or military equipment should be worn in India
Ladies of all ages---be discreet about what you wear especially upper body clothing, midriffs and high cut shorts----we are sure you would not wish to cause offence
Don't wear body jewellery----the penetrated skin can become infected
Don't carry valuables----they could get stolen or more often lost
Airlines are sticklers for charging for overweight bags----you will have to pay
Everything is good value in India. You need little cash, £100 is enough (we will provide you with rupees) and bank cards can be used in major town shops and hotels
Passports etc are your responsibility. Carry a copy of main page and visa somewhere away from these key documents----if you lose them it can become a nightmare for you!!
Lotus Flower Trust requests that you stick as far as possible to our advice. It has been put together after many years of experience and if followed will ensure you have the right clothes or medicines for the right weather and minor sickness.
Topography:
You will be advised as to the type of countryside and weather through which you will be travelling
High Altitude----Foothills----Desert----Jungle

The basics apply to all areas but specialist clothing is listed specifically:-
Basic Needs:
Day Pack---1---25 to 35 litres for carrying basic day to day items including water, camera etc
Hold-All---1---65 litres Choose one with no straps hanging off (they get torn off) of a stout fabric with good strong zips. Please no ruck sacks they are a nightmare to handle on trek ponies, camels, coaches and trains, no cases. You are unlikely to have to carry your hold-all very far
Plastic Bags---Put your clothing into individual item bags, large freezer ones are good, i.e. one for shirts, one for underwear, it makes garments easy to find in the dark or tent, and if ever they are dropped in water they might have a chance of staying dry
Shirts or Blouses—2--Long sleeve button up giving protection from the sun or things that bite
T Shirts----4+----Be aware slogans can cause offence and loose fitting tops are best in hot environments
Trousers----3----1 for travelling and 2 ¾ length are OK, but no jeans, they retain water and can chaff if damp!
Shorts----2/3----Not too revealing and no cycling shorts
All Underwear----5+----Cotton is best and comfortable
Sarong----1----Great as an emergency garment, using to walk to the loo at night---and as a scarf---worn by boys and girls alike, men and women!
Work Gloves----1----Garden types are best
Neck Scarf----1----Large type----snoods are good but not very large
Pyjamas----1----Choose a pair that offers modesty
Water Proofs----1----It can rain where ever we go and you need tops and bottoms
Washing Bag----1---- To include mirror, nail brush, soap, flannel, towel (dark in colour) shaving brush and soap, and most importantly 2x ALCOHOL GEL or WET WIPES FOR PERSONAL
HYGENE
Toilet Roll----2----Flat pack are best (takes up less space) keep one pack in day sack
Repair Kit----1----Needles, threads, duck tape etc
Washing clothes----1---- Travel wash and elastic line
Whistle----1----To be kept on person for emergency
Pen Knife----1----At your choice but not in your day sack when travelling

Torch----2----1 head torch and 1 hand held with spare batteries and bulbs
Personal----Watch---Glasses----Camera----Binoculars (all these are fragile so choose cheap options
Comfort Food----as and what you need. Chocolate melts in high temperatures and sticky sweets get everywhere
Desert and Jungle:
Socks----5----Light weight
Fleece / Sweater----1----Medium weight
Sleeveless jacket---1----Light weight
Hat----1----With wide brim but not white, green is best
Water Bottle----2----Holding 1 litre each, avoid Platypus whose mouth piece can get dirty and be the cause of infection
Footwear----3---Light weight boots with ankle support and preferably with gortex lining, sandals
(teeva type) and a pair of trainers
Altitude and Foot Hills:
Socks----5----Strong made for trekking boots
Fleece----2----1 Medium weight and 1 heavy weight
Fleece lined Trousers----1---- Medium weight
Waterproofs----1----Wind proof jacket and trousers preferably of bright colour and strong fabric
Hat----1----Warm pull over ears
Gloves----1----Thermal
Underwear----1----Thermals, top and bottoms often used as pyjamas in the cold
Water Bottle----1----1 litre and no platypus please
Footwear----3----Boots trekking gortex heavy duty with vibram soles, 2 pairs of strong trainers.
Remember this is only a guide to clothing. You will no doubt wish to carry a diary (you must keep one) maps, books pens pencil etc. It is best to pack your bags yourselves. You can then find things and can't blame others if anything is missing!!
You may also want to carry presents for the local children.
You may want to carry a pillow case and a liner for personal comfort
John Hunt Up dated Nov 2013