GoClimbUp

The beauty of a Himalayan trek can be spellbinding. It motivates some and captivates others. Whatever the reason may be, Trekking is becoming increasingly popular with the advent of a more connected world. More and more trekking routes are documented digitally, and the information is readily available. Winter Treks have become immensely popular, and more trekkers are turning toward high-altitude treks.
However, A trekker is usually exposed to harsh weather conditions, with extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather, and layering your clothes can make or break a trek. Today we’ll discuss the importance of layering, types of layers, and the right products to pack for your next venture so that you are well prepared for this time !!
Proper planning and preparation are necessary anytime you venture into the great outdoors. GoClimbUp checklist is a great way of helping you to prepare for your hike while helping to make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Of course, the hiking gear you’ll need will vary according to the type of hiking you’ve planned: the length of your hike, the time of year, as well as the destination, and the terrain you’ll be traveling over.

Clothing

Waterproof/Breathable jacket
Waterproof/Breathable pants
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Fleece pants (optional)
Waterproof gaiters
Synthetic hiking pants
Synthetic shorts

Layers

Layering” is a widely understood concept in the mountaineering world. The concept essentially divides the clothing into 3 different categories or layers, with each layer serving a different purpose.

First Layer or Base Layer: A quick-dry T-Shirt or a Warmer made of hydrophobic fabrics such as Polyester or Nylon are the best choices available. For those conscious of synthetic materials, fine wools such as “merino” will be the appropriate choice. In no conditions should you opt for Cotton layers, as cotton absorbs moisture (hydrophilic) to a great extent and is thus counterproductive to the very purpose of a base layer
Second Layer or Insulating Layer: A woollen sweater, a padded or down jacket, a fleece, these all comprise the “insulating layer”. For the Insulating layer, you can always add or reduce the number of Clothes that do this job, For example, you can be wearing a fleece and a down jacket on top of it and these both serve the same purpose, i.e. “Insulation” and thus make up the Second Layer collectively. It is always recommended to carry multiple light clothes that serve this purpose, as by doing so you can easily adjust the amount of warmth you may need in different weather conditions, rather than a single bulky jacket which may not work for all situations
Weather in the mountains can change spontaneously. It is thus crucial to be able to protect oneself, while on the trail. A shell layer can protect you from weather conditions such as rain, snowfall, excessive wind etc. A good waterproof jacket is the best bet to safeguard against such conditions, as it can work both for wind and snow as well. However, use them when the weather really calls for it. The downside is that these waterproof layers are generally not breathable, i.e. they can trap the perspiration from the body. Any clothes that you may be wearing under it may get wet. A few quick-drying Shirts or T-Shirts depending on the number of days, a couple of synthetic/woolen warmers, along with a pair of fleece, a lightly padded jacket, and a good breathable Waterproof Jacket can complete all the components of this “Layering” system and can help you sustain in all kinds of weather.

Hiking Boots (Shoes)

A hiking boot provides a supportive and protective platform for you to traverse this terrain variation with good traction/grip,Hiking boots have more rigid soles with firmer rubber compared to running shoes, which gives your foot a lot more protection from the constant pounding they take from rocky trails. Both the firmer soles and the higher tops provide greater ankle support, which greatly reduces your risk of twisting an ankle on uneven terrain. These two things (foot shielding from rocks, and ankle stability) are the two main benefits of hiking boots.
Hiking boots are also better than shoes at keeping small rocks, pebbles, and dirt out of your shoes, so you make fewer stops to take a shoe off and empty it out. Some hiking boots also are waterproof, and keep your feet dryer on muddy trails.
The tradeoffs for these benefits are greater weight and reduced ability to run.

Headwear

It is essential to protect your head against the strong Himalayan winds and from the Frozen bites, it’s very necessary to cover your head and hands while trekking and during the strong winds.

Woolen cap (best for colder weather)
Balaclava (to protect the face and head against the harsh cold wind)
The scarf around the neck
Sunglasses to protect eyes against sun rays and snow blindness

Medication

Customize your kit according to your personal needs. Be sure you’re familiar with everything in your kit and remember to keep items up-to-date and replenished. It’s also important to keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container.

Diamox tablets (for altitude sickness)
Band-Aids
Electrol/ORS
Hand sanitizer
Blister plasters (a LOT)
Painkillers (particularly for altitude-induced headaches)
Diarrhea tablets (for obvious reasons…)
Tissues
Scissors
Paracetamol

Gear

Trekking poles (you can hire these before you start your trek, but it’s usually cheaper to buy them, then give them to a porter to keep when you’ve finished)
Towel
High quality sleeping bag
Thermal sleep sheet
Water sterilizing tablets (Micropub is a good brand)
Daypack
Camera
Sunglasses
Hydration sack or drink bottles (2 × 1L metal bottles – a hot water bottle will also come in handy at night)
Waterproof sack

Toiletries

Toilet paper
Baby wipes
Talcum powder
Travel-sized shampoo (there aren’t many opportunities to shower when you’re trekking, but when a hot tap presents itself, you’ll be thankful for shampoo!)
Hand sanitizer
30+ SPF sunscreen
30+ SPF lip balm
Travel clothes wash
Tweezers

Bags

Sleeping bag: sleeping bags are required during camping treks. Although you are provided the sleeping mats and pillows in your package, you will have to carry your own sleeping bag. These banks can be rented in a local trekking shop in Paro town. Buy sleeping bags rated 32-degree Fahrenheit/ 0 degree Celsius or colder.

Duffle Bag: In the duffle bags you will place all the essentials needed during the evenings and nights. In addition, you can attach sacks for your dirty laundry and shoes. Don’t forget to cover the duffle bag with waterproof and use small locks for them. It will be carried by the horsemen who will take it to your night stop.

Other Accessories

Synthetic liner gloves
Waterproof Boot
Camp footwear (optional)
Wool or synthetic socks (3)
Liner socks (2)
Sun Cap
Sport bra
Micro Spike