5 essential trekking accessories for The Himalayas
For some a break from their busy and mundane routine means spending the whole time in their bed, for others, it will be going for a trip to the scenic place where they can relax and chill. But there are few for which the break means adventure, the action – like a trek to the Himalayas. For Himalayan trek apart from physical and mental fitness, you need to backpack with proper trekking accessories and gear to make it a success.
So, here we have shortlisted 5 essential trekking accessories to expedite the Himalayas.
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Trekking Clothes
In mountains, the weather is notorious. Temperature changes drastically during the course of the day, especially at high altitudes. Suddenly it gets windy and chilly even after being sunny. So, it is better to be equipped and clothed than to get sick. We recommend having certain layers while hiking the Himalayas.
The base layer is which you wear next to your skin. Choose a lightweight thermal “wicking” apparel means those apparels which can wick the sweat and moisture away from your body. In layman terms, these wicking apparels won’t let your clothes get wet, even though you may be sweating. This clothing also keeps you warm during the cold and cools during hot. Avoid cotton clothing as they cling to skin when wet and doesn’t dry out easily.
Mid Layer is one which keeps you warm. Choose fleece tops, vests, %CODE2% and keep them handy so they can be worn whenever required while trekking. Look for the vents in fleece jackets as they help to regulate body temperature. Also, add trekking trousers with pockets to your trekking accessories lots. These trousers act as wind cheaters and they dry quickly when wet. Avoid wearing jeans while trekking as they become heavy and give side rashes when wet.
Top Layer keeps you dry when it rain, and snow. The outer layer is just like a shell that protects you from all the harsh elements. Wear Gore-Tex, jackets/ membranes that are water resistant, dry easily, and breathable. You can choose from brands like North face , Roxy snow etc. Also, make sure that top layer fits well over base and mid layer.
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Trekking Shoes & Boots
Shoes are the most important part of your hiking essentials. They either make your trip easy or tough. Long hikes can also result in sore feet and blisters if shoes are uncomfortable. Choose shoes which are waterproof, and dry easily. I personally favour Garmont Nagevi shoes. Preferably one can also look for mid-ankle or high ankle boot as they will support ankle too. Do carry a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear in the evenings or when you need a break from your shoes.
For Blister prevention
- Make sure your shoes fit properly
- Wear double layer of socks and inner layer should be one which wicks moisture from the feet
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Trekking Socks
Inner Layer – Invest in good liner socks. Liner socks are thin socks made up of wool, silk or synthetic. Say complete no to cotton socks as they retain moisture rather than wicking and doesn’t dry completely.
Outer layer – Wear thick socks (woollen or synthetic) that provide insulation and cushion. For summer hikes, wear thin hiking socks; thicker when your feet need more cushion and super thick mountaineering socks when its snow mountain hiking.
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Headband or Cap
Wear headband or cap to protect your face and neck from scorching sun heat. Also, carry a woollen cap to protect yourself from the cold.
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Gloves
Carry a pair of gloves which can keep you warm in dipped temperatures and which too act as wind cheaters when it’s windy and chilly.
Read ahead my next post for Trekking Gears.
16 thoughts on “5 essential trekking accessories for The Himalayas”
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Good tips about the socks. I will be trekking to the gokyo lakes in november.Will try the liner socks
Thanks ellis veen. We would love to hear your experiences.
Nice and informative
Thanks!!
Nice blog post. I haven’t yet been on a trek in the Himalayas but I wish to do it so very soon. These tips will surely be looked into. Just one doubt… Does the material to be carried changes with higher altitude ?
Hi Shaunak! Thanks for your Comment!! Depends on the weather conditions too. A summer hike to higher altitudes, say Mantalai Trek, can be done with 2-3 layers but in cold months (say Oct) you will of course need top layer thick jackets like ones from NorthFace. Same goes of socks / caps too.. also it depends on ones ability to bear cold 🙂 🙂 Do read my other post too on must carry list of trekking gear – http://www.allgudthings.com/trekking-gears-for-himalayas
Great list, so usegul tips. The shoes are Sooo essential ! I went hiking inis Serbia , it was a spontaneous trip, unplanned, i had bad shoes and it was so bad. My knees hurted, and the shoes got fu#ked up 😢
Layers, layers, layers! Yes! Not only with trekking but most outdoor activities. It;s the best way to stay warm and comfortable, and as the day goes on if it gets too hot then you can take some off! Also, the comfortable shoes are a must. If they blister your feet or make the trek harder, you’ll regret every decision haha.
I would love to have this adventure one day. Great tips on the layers. I’m sure it gets frigid!
This is something beyond my travels, haha but I look up to you who are courageous and experienced in this kind of adventurous!
Great tips! I’ll never forget the beauty of the Himalayas – I wish I was prepared a bit more as the rain fought us unexpectedly. The layers – that’s the way to go 🙂
I’m yet to trek the Himalayas and its high up on my wishlist! So thanks for this essentials list. Will come back to this post when I plan my trip. Great tip that the lining socks shouldn’t be cotton!
These all seem like useful pieces for going trekking. I hadn’t thought of the gloves but of course in the Himalayas they would be important. And it would be worth it to go trekking in such a beautiful setting! What majestic mountains!
Trekking the Hymalayas is definitely on my bucket list, so all these great recommendations will be handy for sure when I get the chance to visit!
A very useful Post.I am reminded of the two trunks of winter clothes lying in the cellar after our two years of stay in Himachal!Hope I use them soon again 🙂
This is extremely useful for those who are just starting off their trekking journey. The terrain of the Himalayas is so different from the rest of India that some of your advice is bound to be handy , especially that bit about different layers of clothing. well done