If you need one excuse to shop, the monsoon offers many! The market is flooded with gadgets that an average Keralite might never use. After all, one should be resourceful enough to use things available while traveling to make the experience vivid. **Tents** If you are someone who loves trekking mountain trails and forests, carry a tent along because hotels would either be not available or you might simply want to skip them. There are tents that can accommodate two to six people. They cost from Rs 1999 to Rs 19,999. _Tip_: The average Keralite knows that sleeping in the forest is akin to inviting trouble. So buy it if you need a small enclosure in your yard where you can spend time reading. You can also use it as a dog house, a waterproof shed or as a greenhouse for delicate plants. If you ever need to sleep in a forest, climb a tree, you would be much safer there. **Sleeping bag** There are two types of sleeping bags available; big bags and larger mummy bags. They are warm and offer comfort while traveling. They cost from Rs 500 to Rs 4399. _Tip_: Imagine sleeping in a bag and a dog coming to bite you. Sleep free, sleep tight. Use sleeping bags to store costly camera lenses and tripods at home. You can also use it to store delicate clothes from fungus. **Jacket** Jackets need no introduction to the yuppies and dandies of Kerala. Experts say that you need to wear at least three layers of clothes, including fleece, along with jackets to keep you warm. Cost: Rs 1499 to Rs 5000 _Tip_: Do not use it unless you want to feel like sitting inside a casserole. Fleece can invite allergies in dusty places like Kerala. Buy a good sweater instead, because most of the time you might use the jacket as one at home. **Tripods** Tripods are small chairs you can carry when you travel. You can fold and keep them in your backpack. Cost: Rs 499 to Rs 2699 _Tip_: Avoid one if you enjoy sitting on rocks, trees, crevices or on the footpath. Enjoy traveling and reduce your dependency on gadgets. **Tent lights** Tent lights last up to four hours and their small sizes make them easily transportable. They can also be recharged. Cost Rs 499 to Rs 1499 _Tip_: Buy a torch instead and use sparingly. Lights inside tents attract insects, animals, and worse - people. **Flint** You can use it to light a fire, the medieval way. Cost Rs 399 _Tip_: Buy a lighter for under Rs 20 or a matchbox which is cheaper. If you do not protect flint while traveling, you could have a flaming backpack, not good! **Thermal flask** For keeping you hot beverages hot and cold stuff cold, you are spoilt for choices. Rs 300 onwards Tip: If you can’t enjoy local food, why travel? Eat clean local food to know the culture and for striking up a good conversation. **Hiking poles** These help you to cross slush and mud, offering support. Cost: Rs 799 to Rs 2000 _Tip_: Sticks are available everywhere. Save Rs 2000. **Hunting Cap** The cap with a light can operate up to 25 hours. _Tip_: Avoid trekking at night, that too in unknown places. Travel safe. A torch is a much better option.
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