1. Clothing
Clothing is divided into two types: inner lining and outer layer. The inner lining is the most important layer, you can use compression clothes or clothes made from fleece; both of these types dry easily, avoiding odor.
Compression clothing is especially suitable for driving motorbikes and cars, not only because of its quick-drying properties and good fabric quality, but also because of its ability to prevent muscle fatigue. Clothing woven from sheep's wool does not constrict the muscles, so wearing it for a long time does not cause discomfort. However, the disadvantage is that it is easy to stretch and tear, but the price is therefore "softer".
You should buy clothes with a zipper at the chest so you can pull it down when it gets too hot.
For the outer layer, fleece and goose down can be used, and then the outer layer should be snow and windproof.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:CompressSport Vietnam, Ortovox, Smartwool (inner layer); Fjallraven, Hardshel (outer layer)
2. All
Similar to clothes, compression socks are often not thick enough to insulate, so Giang chooses socks woven from fleece.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Smartwool
3. Hat
Hats are one of the most important items to keep the body warm, because 40% of body heat is lost through the head. Giang chooses a quilted hat, which can cover both ears and part of the face and is able to protect against wind and snow. In addition, you can use leather hats, which are thinner, not as warm as quilted hats but cheaper.
Some products HLG always carries on its journey (Source: Facebook)
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Fjallraven
4. Gloves
Because his fingers are often coldest, Giang pays special attention to wearing gloves. He often uses mittens (baseball gloves), which are warmer than fingerless gloves, but can be inconvenient when working.
To withstand the cold down to -35oDuring his recent stay in Norway, he used thin, sweat-absorbent cloth gloves as an inner lining before wearing mittens on the outside. For those who have sweaty hands, it is recommended to sprinkle the antiperspirant powder (mentioned above) before wearing gloves.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Outdoor Research, Mitten Mammut
5. Glasses
Glasses play a very important role because snow reflects light strongly, going to the Arctic or high mountains without glasses or without UV protection can lead to eye damage. Hoang Le Giang currently prefers sports glasses to hug the face. In addition, glasses for off-road motorcyclists or skiers also have good shielding ability, suitable for mountain climbing or going to the Arctic.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Giant, Julbo
6. Headlamp
According to Hoang Le Giang, the most essential safety device is a headlamp, both for finding directions and for signaling. He currently uses a LedLenser MH10, which has 3 brightness levels (but he never needs to use the brightest level because it is… too bright), and the battery can last for 12-120 hours depending on the brightness. The advantage of this type of lamp is that it has a strong battery, can be charged by a backup charger or solar panel, and is also resistant to rain and snow.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:LedLenser, Petzl, Black Diamond
7. Travel bag
A travel bag will help you organize your belongings more neatly and easily find them. In addition, Giang always carries a sleeping bag because she can put some clothes in the bag and then compress it, helping to save space.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:IKEA
8. Deodorant and skin soother
During his recent trip to Norway, Giang used a powder deodorant, the kind used by athletes, whose main function is to absorb sweat, cool down, and disinfect. This product not only helps him keep his body clean and fragrant, but also prevents rashes and can be used on oily feet and scalp.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Gold Bond
9. Multipurpose cream to help heal skin
This product will help your skin quickly recover from environmental impacts such as sunburn, dry skin, or burns... Giang also uses this product to heal skin when bitten by bedbugs.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Lucas Papaw
10. Shampoo
Being outdoors for long periods of time can easily cause the scalp to get dirty, leading to dryness, itchiness, or greasy hair. However, instead of shampoos with a chemical-heavy ingredient list, Giang suggests using products with natural, benign extracts, with the main function of cleaning the scalp.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:Himalaya
11. Water
In addition to using clean water, Giang brings a Hydration pack on every trip, each pack can be mixed with 500-600 ml of water, helping to replenish electrolytes, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin C and Manganese. This is a very useful product in replenishing energy for the body.
12. Knife
A knife is an essential tool to help you increase your survival ability when going into the wilderness. When representing Vietnam to join the Arctic exploration team in 2017, Giang was given a knife by the Organizing Committee and since then, he has brought it with him on all his journeys. This brand is long-standing and is sold in many places in Vietnam.
Hoang Le Giang brand uses:MoraKniv
