A tent, sleeping bag & a camping mat are indispensable when accommodation in 'cabana' (mountain hut) won't come as our main purpose. We'll provide the tent and the sleeping mat, but NOT the sleeping bag. We also reccommend good mountain boots and a salopete (consider you'll crowl in some caves :) ).
Backpack or rucksack - Since there is no rucksack being really totally waterproof, you should keep clothes and other stuff in plastic bags.
Since food in eastern Europe (incl. Romania) tends to come in heavy glass jars and cans you better consider taking the special 'adventure' food which is available in light packaging in your own country.
First-aid kit, extra food and extra clothing are to be considered for the paddling tours with accommodation in tents. A knife, spoon and mug or bowl are also pretty important as well as a spotlight. For cooking there will be a camping stove required but that will be supplied by us for the whole trip (one stove for 3-4 persons).
As far as clothing is concerned, you shouldn't forget the layering principle. In the mountains the weather can change suddenly, or you might finish a long hot climb by reaching a ridge and walking into a cutting cold wind. Modern lightweight breathable materials (such as Gore-Tex) makes this easier, but you can apply the principle almost as well with normal everyday clothes: a T-shirt to soak up sweat, then a shirt and thin pullovers for warmth topped by a jacket or cagoule to protect against both wind and rain (wicking, insulation and shell layers).
Waterproof trousers are as well to be considered. The jacket should have semi-waterproof pockets sealed by Velcro or a zip under a storm flap. Wearing jeans will be at your peril as they take days to dry. Good boots are essential for rough, rocky or wet terrain, or long cross-country routes; light boots or trainers might be acceptable for easy walks without a heavy load, and are kinder to sensitive terrain as well as being useful to change into at the end of the day.
