It’s a load of pants… literally! For as long as I can remember I’ve chosen the knickers that I will wear for the day based on what I’ll be doing but more importantly based on how I’m feeling. Why? Because I believe,
“If your knickers are right, everything goes right!”
The knickers’ philosophy is a nod to getting the small stuff sorted, because the small stuff becomes the big stuff and that’s what makes up your life.
When I began to climb mountains, I learnt that kit, more specifically, the weight of your kit, is crucial. Everything must be kept to a minimum. Therefore, it is widely accepted that you take 3-5 pairs of underwear. Not all advice is good advice and just because that’s how it’s done definitely doesn’t mean that’s how it has to continue to be done.
When I climbed Mustagata, a 28-day trip, I took an equal number of knickers to the number of days I was away! And did the same on a few other trips.
I realised along with taking enough pairs of knickers there were other small but significant things I could do on an expedition that just made me feel better. When we feel better, we not only perform better but we are often better team mates too. The whole experience of what we’re doing can be changed through a seemingly small thing.
Here are just a few other small things I have done on expeditions that have made a big difference to me.
- I take wet wipes and wash my face and body morning and night inside the comfort of my tent.
- I take at least one pair of luxury socks. I wear these only at night in my sleeping bag (after I’ve cleaned my feet).
- I take my favourite toothpaste.
- I take a good moisturising cream and treat my face every evening.
- I take a body lotion and treat my body a few times too.
- I take my favourite shampoo and conditioner (which I decant into smaller practical travel size bottles).
- I have a shower every few days, even if I’m limited to a bowl or my water bottles – I feel so much better for it.
And one last thing, throw away your old, worn-out knickers and invest in some really lovely new ones!