Essential Survival Gear

jlThe two most-essential, basic items are a whistle and headlamp in the event of an emergency or becoming lost.

Every person must carry the following items in his/her own day pack at all times:

  • Personal identification: passport/KITAS/KTP/etc., emergency contacts, travel/medical insurance, etc. (in water-tight packet and accessible to others in the event of an emergency).

  • Cell phone numbers of leader/members: Java Lava provides these for each climb; carry with your ID papers in event of emergency.

  • Water: for one-night camp on a mountain without a water source, the rule-of-thumb is 2 x 1.5L up, 1.5L cooking, 1.5L down (divided between day and porter pack); leader will advise re water sources on the mountain; isotonic drinks are helpful on the ascent.

  • Food: always carry some extra energy bars/food in your day pack in case of an emergency

  • Rain protection: raincoat/parka/cape

  • Warm clothing: jersey/jacket/fleece (in waterproof bag).

  • Whistle: this is the cheapest, lightest and most effective life-saving device

  • Head lamp, with spare batteries

  • Lighter, for starting burners/fires in event of emergency

  • Sun hat

  • Basic medical: bites, sprains, abrasions, sore muscles/joints, etc.

  • Trekking boots or strong running shoes

  • Tube of super glue: for re-affixing soles that have a nasty habit of becoming detached half way up a mountain

  • Optional Extras: sunscreen, gloves, balaclava, walking sticks/poles, sun glasses, pocket knife, camera, hand phone, GPS