What’s the difference between a cocktail diver and someone ready for strong currents? Between couch potato and confident trekker? Here’s how we define skill levels — plus a personal story about why mindset matters more than muscle.

Trekking in Southeast Asia? You don’t need much—and definitely not a huge hiking pack. This guide breaks down exactly what to bring (and what to leave behind), based on years of experience across Indonesia, Vietnam, and beyond.