Essential Layers To Wear For An Himalayan Winter Trek (From Head to Toe)

Many times when I see trekkers struggling with the cold during the Himalayan winter trek. They’re not properly layered or they’re not wearing the appropriate gear or don’t have the right mindset.

This totally robs you of the excitement of a winter hike, that’s usually one-time adventure for the majority of trekkers.

This email is to provide you with an accurate image of what winter looks as it is in mountains and also how you can gear your body for the winter.

I don’t want to you be among those trekkers who don’t enjoy their winter trek due to the cold.

First, how cold can it will get on Trek?

Any of Himalayan trekking routes in winter, whether it’s Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Deoriatal – Chandrashila, Dayara Bugyal. The temperatures fall into negative figures.

They could drop down to -15 degC following sundown. After a rain or snowfall, the temperature is at its lowest (although it’s not as cold in the course ofa storm).

However when you go on a winter hike anticipate temperatures during the day to be between 8 between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius. This means that during the daytime, you will generally trek with just one layer or two layers.

The evening temperatures will likely to range from 3degC to 5degC. At any time after sunset you must have all of your layers on. At minimum, five layers of warmth.

Let’s look at the equipment we suggest for the Himalayan winter hike. We’ll talk all the essential equipment for winter, without making any mention of toilet kits as well as medical equipment. They’re all listed in the “What to bring” section of the page for your trek.

Be aware that we’ve compiled this list following a decade of trekking through winter, in thick snow, and with conditions as cold as -22 degrees Celsius and yet managing to stay warm. So , don’t miss one single part of the list.

The Mandatory Equipment You’ll Need for the Himalayan Winter Trek

Carry these it will cover you from head to foot.

Head Gear

Cap made of wool that is a head-cover and ears
Balclava made of fleece or wool for your mouth, neck and the nose
headlamps (For your evenings in the camp and for your pre-sunrise climbing to summit)
UV-protected and polarized glasses (use in the snow)
The suncap has flaps (winter sun can be quite harsh, so make sure you remember this)
If you have glasses you can purchase larger sunglasses that you can put on over ordinary frames (available from Decathlon). If you find that too cumbersome the photochromic lenses can work well.
Contact Lens users If you are using contact lenses, then you are able to wear them during the hike as well. The solution for your lenses will not stop freezing. It is also unlikely to have problems when you change the lens in your tent. Take sufficient cleaning solution to wash your hands thoroughly. Put your sunglasses on over your contact lens.

Upper Body (Put these on after a day’s walk)

Essential thermals (use only when you sleep) (Layer 1.)

Dry-fit collared full-sleeved T-shirt (Layer 2)
Fleece/woolen jacket (Layer 3)
Another fleece/woolen sweater (Layer 4)
Polyfill Padded jacket (must be windproof and water-resistant) (Layer 5,)
Hand-gloves that are waterproof (preferably with a fleece liner)

While trekking only

One dry-fit t-shirt
One fleece jacket
One jacket padded
Rainwear / the poncho (use for rain or snowfall)

Tip: Avoid bringing old grandma-knit woolen jackets. They’re typically heavy. You’ll need lightweight woolen as well as fleece-lined jackets, which fold up into compact rolls for your backpack.

Rental Jackets as well as rainwear:Padded jackets manufactured by Decathlon are available on rental from the Trekup India Rent Store. They are made specifically to fit Trekup India and trekkers will find them amazing, even in winter.

Cotton or synthetic T-shirts? As Indians like cotton, we are awestruck by it. When we are in the plains and the temperature is scorching 40 degrees, it is logical wearing cotton. It takes some time to dry after it is wet. When you’re in the mountains where it’s cold, dress in synthetic clothing. They are able to wick sweat quickly while you’re hiking and will keep you dry. (But they can stink quickly, so be sure to carry an anti-perspirant roll-on with you.)

The Down Jacket and the Polyfill Padded Jacket? We would suggest an insulated jacket made of polyfill. It’s more durable, you’ll have more easy to maintain and usually includes a water-resistant layer as well as an Hood. Down jackets are not often equipped with hoods, and they are extremely maintenance-intensive jackets. Take a look at this video to get additional information on the two layers.

Lower Body (Put everything on after your day’s Trek)

Essential thermals (use only for sleeping)

Trekking trouser
Polyester trekking socks
Wool socks (use only when you sleep)
While trekking, only
Trekking trousers
Polyester socks
Trekking shoes

Shopping Tips for Pants: Look for pants that have pockets that are zippered. They can be useful to store your handkerchief, phone or snack items in your pockets, but make sure that none fall out of your pockets when you climb.

Track Pants or Trek Pants? Flexible track pants are great backups and be used to be your thermal pants. However, they aren’t the same as trek pants. So do not use them for your primary outerwear. Use them for backup.

Cotton or Synthetic Pants? Again, steer clear of the cotton pants in winter. You’ll be hiking in the snow and possibly sliding through snow. If your pants are wet then they must dry fast. So synthetic materials work best.

Trekking Shoes / Snow Boots? Many trekkers have this question. However, normal trekking shoes can be used. Trekup India Trek Leader will give you gaiters and microspikes that you can attach to your footwear when there’s a large amount of snow.

Rent shoes There are the Trek series as well as the MH series from Decathlon available for rent at our Trekup India Store.

Additional useful accessories for Winter

Thermos flask (To keep your water warm)
A raincover for your backpack
Petroleum jelly is used to treat lips and dry skin

Conclusion

That’s all the clothing and gear to help you out on an adventure in winter.
Make sure you don’t skip all of them. They’re all useful at some moment in the day, or at the other.

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