The winter season of trekking within the Himalayas poses problems that are often ignored from experienced trekkers. The most frequently encountered but critical problems is stopping drinking water away from freezing. At altitudes where temperatures often drop lower than zero degrees, bottles of water could be frozen in just a few hours, and sometimes prior to the first mile on the trek.
We at the TrekUp India We have seen repeatedly how freezing water causes fatigue, dehydration and higher health risks during winter treks. To stay hydrated in cold temperatures requires careful planning, proper storage techniques, as well as an understanding of the process by which freezing takes place.
The tips below are practiced in the field and that are used in winter by trek leaders to ensure that they have access to drinking water throughout the day.
1. Start with Warm Water
Begin the day by filling up bottles by filling them with boiling (not hot) hot water. The initial warmth slows the process of the freezing process and makes it possible to drink liquid for an extended duration particularly in the initial hours of your trek. Insulated bottles keep the warmth for longer, however even ordinary plastic containers benefit from this technique.
2. Make sure to use Insulated Covers for your bottles.
The foam or neoprene bottle covers dramatically decrease heat loss in cold conditions. If you don't have one, using improvised insulation techniques such wrapping the bottle with extra socks or clothes--can prove quite efficient.
3. Place bottles inside your backpack
External mesh pockets expose bottles exposed to the cold breeze. Instead, put them in your backpack in a warm clothing or sleeping equipment. This helps trap heat and reduces the freezing process considerably.
4. Keep Bottles Upside Down
The water freezes from the top downwards. By storing bottles upside down, you can ensure that the ice will form close to the base instead of blocking the bottle's mouth and allowing you to drink longer while freezing is in progress.
