What I pack: Mark Inglis

Mark Inglis. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

Heavy but light. Sounds dumb but I never want to be in a position where my legs compromise a trip, hence I carry enough stuff to rebuild them, though it is mostly light. I think I only use about 20 per cent of the stuff I take, and the one thing I need I have always left at home, so the lesson is, take bugger all and you can always buy what you need.

Cattle or first class?

First please, please, please. As pleading rarely works and finances never are enough, it is often cattle class, though I must say the quality of that varies hugely these days. The premium economy idea is great when the budget is tight.

What type of suitcase do you carry?

Lowe Alpine camera roll bag for carry-on (my office is in it) and a Dakine Clam roll bag or else my Mountain Design Trekking bags for all the extra stuff that I don't need but take anyway.

What's always in your hand luggage?

Spare undies, Wet Ones (for my stumps) and enough stuff to do my talk if my main bag doesn't arrive.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a business trip?

The bell from around the neck of the yak I rode from ABC to Base Camp on the way home from Everest. It now hangs at the back door, ringing (actually, donging) in the wind, the sound of Tibet, calling you to another adventure.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

Kathmandu, always the start of a great adventure.

Best packing tip?

You are unlikely to need it so don't pack it! Passport, credit card with some cash wrapped around it, and you can go anywhere.

Are you a planner or a last-minute packer?

Both: plan, list, plan and then pack it at the last minute

Your most memorable trip?

I probably should say Everest, though every trip has its highlights, its memories. Taking Anne back to Kathmandu and the Khumbu was more like an enjoyable Everest. Hopefully the Gokyo Lakes in March will be the new standard.

Mark Inglis, a mountaineer, paralympic medallist and author, will be trekking around Nepal's Gokyo Lakes in the Himalayas from March 21 to help raise funds for Limbs4Al. For more information visit: worldexpeditions.com.