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Why do we bring weight regulated duffel bags for the Inca Trail?
Why bring duffel bags? When hiking the Inca Trail, we need to be very careful with the amount of weight we are carrying. This is as per group as per government regulations.
Firstly, when you are trekking over a number of days, you need to bring a few essential items. This would include change of clothing, the weather is unpredictable and you need to be prepared. You also need items to freshen up, like soap, towels and so forth. A change of shoes, no one wants to wear heavy, dirty hiking boots while relaxing at camp. Remember the total weight entering the Inca Trail is not just personal Items, there is a substantial amount of camping equipment, including food, drinks, cutlery and cooking utensils, sleeping tents, cooking tents, dining tents and a portable toilet.
The government also placed some much needed regulations on the amount of weight our porters are allowed to carry. Realistically we are talking about actual humans and they could seriously injure themselves if the necessary steps are not taken to protect their health and safety.
Our Orange Machine Team are the hardest working people on those mountains and we do our best to treat them fairly and with dignity. The Inca Traill is the most famous trek in Peru and around the world and for exactly those reasons, it is strictly regulated, so we can continue to enjoy this Trail for generations to come. SAM Travel is a licensed tour operator, which means if we don’t follow the rules, we could possibly lose our license and that would also go against our core beliefs as a socially responsible 100% locally owned business.
Now, this is where 7Kg duffel bags rule comes in. Every client is only allowed to bring a maximum of 7kg in their duffel bag. We provide the duffel bags specifically because it’s the perfect size to carry items at around the 7kg mark. Duffel bags are a lot more comfortable for our porters to carry as opposed to a suitcase for example. If you have extra items, you have the option to place it inside the daypack you will be carrying on your person.
What does 7Kg duffel bag included in the price mean?
Not all companies include this in their price and have an extra charge for the 7Kgs duffle bag. If you cannot pay this extra fee, then your only option is to carry everything on your back. This is really not advisable because the trek is very challenging and risk of injury is a real possibility. This is supposed to be a once in a lifetime experience, not one that ends your life as you know it. At SAM Travel Peru we include this in the price so you don’t have to stress about it and we also hire more porters in order for them to distribute the weight better and to make their jobs easier.
How big are your duffel bags?
Our duffel bags are 66cm x 33 cm (25.9 x 12.9 inches)
Remember: Your sleeping bag and Air mattress are included in the weight. If you are renting these items from us you need to know that our Sleeping bag and Air Mattress are a total of 3 Kilo, leaving you 4 kilos for your belongings which is more than enough.
Will the porter walk next to me?
No, the system along the Inca Trail is a little bit different than other treks. While on the Inca Trail you will only have access to your duffel bag at the campsites. The porters don’t walk along the hikers. They set everything up at camp for the clients to enjoy their meals at the end of each trekking day. Our porters will trek ahead of you to your lunch spot, set everything up and wait for you to finish your meal. Once you finish, they pack everything up and head off to the next campsite, arriving before you and setting everything up for you once again.
Extra Porter
We can also totally understand that 7 kilos may not be enough based on your needs. You can hire an extra porter to carry one extra duffel bag which means another 7 kilos for you. This needs to be arranged with our sales representative based on availability in order to make it happen for you. The same rules that apply to a normal duffel bag apply to this. You can only have access to these duffel bags at the end of the day at your campsites. The cost for an extra porter is $140.
When will I get my duffel bag?
Your duffel bag will be provided after your briefing session. Our guide will explain every single detail about how to use it and how to pack your belongings. After the briefing session you will be able to bring your duffel bag back to your hotel to start packing. If you can’t get to your briefing session or need to be rescheduled. Just let our team know so we can provide all the assistance needed.
What should I pack in my duffel bag?
As mentioned above. You will only have access to your duffel bag at the campsite. For that reason, we advise that you pack all the things you will need along the trek such as: Water, Sun Glasses, snacks, change of T-shirt, some medication, a jacket for the afternoon, etc. in your daypack. Everything else such as: clothes, change of shoes, medication, more snacks and the rest of your belongings in your duffel bag.
