A recent GTribe trek to Ratangad once again proved a simple truth —
Good trekking gear doesn’t just make your trek easier… it transforms the entire experience.
During this 579 m elevation climb, every participant who carried proper trek gear — trekking shoes, backpack, water bladder, poles, jackets and trek pants — clearly felt the difference. Their comfort, speed, stability and confidence were noticeably higher.
Here are the key learnings we want every trekker to know:
Right Trekking Shoes
Ratangad has rocky patches, jungle trails and steep descents like Trambak Steps.
Those with proper trekking shoes experienced:
- stronger grip on slippery & rocky surfaces
- better ankle support
- less foot fatigue
- higher confidence during descent
Running shoes failed at many spots, but trekking shoes didn’t.
Water Bladder: Stay Hydrated Without Stopping
A 4–6 hour trek demands continuous hydration.
Participants using hydration bladders:
- drank more water, more frequently
- avoided dehydration
- walked without stopping to remove bottles
This small upgrade gave them smoother momentum throughout the trek and continuity.
Trekking Poles: Must-Have for Steep Climbs & Descents
While climbing 579 metres and descending steep stone steps, trekking poles provided:
- balance
- reduced pressure on knees
- improved rhythm
- greater safety on uneven terrain
Those without poles struggled more, especially during the descent.
Comfortable Trek Pants & Jackets
Fast-dry trekking pants and lightweight windproof jackets helped participants:
- stay dry despite sweating
- move freely without friction
- stay warm at breezy viewpoints
- avoid heaviness caused by cotton clothing
Everyone who wore proper trekking apparel said,
“This made a huge difference — we didn’t realise comfort could be this good!”
Good Backpack Matters!
For the Ratangad Trek, participants who carried well-fitted 20–30L backpacks shared that they experienced:
- Better weight balance
- No shoulder pain
- Quick access to essentials
- Freedom to move hands while climbing
Backpacks with chest and waist straps made the biggest difference, especially on the steep rock patches.
Since Ratangad had winter winds and a chilled summit, we needed to pack jackets, woollens, rain cover, snacks, and water.
A proper backpack ensured that everything fit comfortably without burdening the body..
Final Insight: Better Gear = Better Trek
The Ratangad team clearly realised:
Trekking becomes safer
Energy lasts longer
Confidence increases
You enjoy the views instead of managing discomfort
This is why GTribe recommends investing in reliable, adventure-tested gear.
Planning your next trek?
Explore our curated collection of:
- Trekking Shoes
- Hydration Bladders
- Trekking Poles
- Backpacks
- Windproof Jackets
- Quick-Dry Pants
- Trek Accessories
Each product on GTribe Shop is handpicked by experienced trekkers — tried, tested and trusted on Sahyadri & Himalayan trails.
Gear up the right way. Experience the difference.