Winter is here, and so is the rush of travelers to hop in for a trek. You’re also the one? Imagine yourself standing above a beautiful mountain. You’re so captivated that all you want to do is open your pack, set up camp there, right there, and sip hot coffee while admiring the stars. But then you remember that you left your flashlight at home. Imagine yourself in the middle of a snowstorm without an essential item. How would you feel? You don’t want to waste your trek in that way, do you? We’ve got your back, though! We are here to assist you with preparing the things you should carry for a trek in the winter season. Go till the end!
Things you should carry for a trek in the winter season
Winter trekking is a difficult task. Even the most simple treks through open slopes or mixed-terrain routes require careful planning. It is crucial to have the necessary winter trek basics to make the journey simple and well-prepared because there is so much to plan for when embarking on a trek and expecting the unexpected. So, to help you out, in this article, you will get to know about the winter trek essentials for you. Read till the end!
Here listed are some things you should carry for a trek in the winter season
Insulated-Waterproof hiking boots
Not sports shoes or lifestyle shoes, we’re here talking about good insulated- waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet warm and dry throughout the trek. If you don’t plan to have frostbite or cold feet throughout the trek, then you should invest in good pair of hiking boots. These hiking boots have considerably firmer midsoles, which offer superior support, and better ankle coverage, which helps prevent ankle sprains. When hiking, it’s risky to wear standard sneakers or tennis shoes because you run the risk of hurting yourself in addition to spraining your ankle.
Fleece Jackets and rain pants
This is the most important essential for a winter trek. These kinds of jackets and pants are relatively more breathable which makes them good layering pieces. If you want the first line of defense in keeping out the nasty moisture that can easily build up and not dry during winter months then this fleece jacket and rain pants are a perfect investment for you. Interesting thing is that this works as a windcheater as well.
A durable sleeping bag
For having a good night’s sleep, you absolutely need this. When it comes to sleeping bags, the sheer number of varieties available will have you in a fix. However, a basic waterproof, insulated sleeping bag should be enough for mountain treks without snow. But make sure to buy a waterproof sleeping bag that is well-suited for your height.
A pair of waterproof gloves
No, we’re not talking about the regular gloves we wear in winter. In winter trek you need a pair that will keep your hands warm as well as dry at the same time i.e waterproof and breathable. You can use your standard daily wear gloves but you’ll have to double the layer by pairing them with waterproof gloves. You can use this method for extra warmth. Keeping your hands warm to have a good grasp of trekking poles is crucial.
Head Lamp
This is something that the trek organizer will have to worry about but if you’re going for a solo trek without any guide carrying a headlamp will spare you the discomfort of the hand lamp. In addition, a headlamp is better than a flashlight, as it keeps your hands free.
Pocket Knife
After the notion of trekking, it’s the most significant. When you decide to go hiking, you need to buy a nice knife. Most people advise getting a pocket knife because it can come in handy more often than you might expect. This little gadget can save your life whether you’re eating outside, cutting wires, navigating dense vegetation, or even using it as a weapon.
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A waterproof bag back
Obviously, you require a dry place to store all of your belongings. Your walk will be made a whole lot easier if you have a waterproof bag with lots of accessible pockets. Many travelers long for the luxury of a waterproof backpack.
Headgears
Winter is incomplete without woolen caps and bandanas to cover your face and neck from the cold wind that follows you throughout the trek. This is sometimes forgotten when counting winter trek essentials. However, it is an equally fundamental and significant thing to pack for your Himalayan Trek. Woolen caps keep you warm and well-saved from the dizziness caused by the winter waves.
Thermos Flask
A Thermos Flask will save your life on a cold-weather hike since it will keep you warm. It is one of the little winter trip necessities that people frequently forget. By carrying your own flask, you may always have hot drinks nearby without adding to environmental pollution or raising your carbon footprint. Don’t forget to take water for your winter hikes because you need to keep yourself well-hydrated.
Snacks
This is the most basic 101 item to pack for your winter trek. Since trekking consumes a large portion of your energy, it is essential to take frequent, brief stops to eat snacks to keep your energy levels high. Chocolates, energy bars, nuts such as almonds, raisins, cashews, and powdered glucose are some options to keep.
Sunscreen and Petroleum Jelly
Even while sunbathing in the wintertime is enjoyable, it is still crucial and vital to protect oneself from UV radiation. If you want to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, a winter excursion requires that you bring sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. It seeps into your skin and offers longer-lasting sun protection, and even when you perspire, it won’t wash off. Similar to how your skin requires protection, your chapped lips and dry skin do too. When it comes to the winter trek essentials for dry skin, petroleum jelly is a top pick. It is versatile; you can use it to moisturize your body, treat chapped lips, style your hair, etc.
Health and safety kit
Don’t forget to carry a small First-Aid kit, any necessary medications, medical records, paper copies of emergency contact information, trail maps, toiletries, hand sanitizer, and insect repellent. Tablets for water purification are also helpful.
Other essentials
Besides the things listed above, some other essentials for winter trek are:
- Solar charger
- Ski goggles
- Long woolen hiking socks
- Trekking or hiking pole
- Cutlery
- Reusable water bottle
Is it safe to go for a trek in the winter season?
Even the most experienced hikers may find winter hiking to be exceedingly difficult and dangerous due to the risks of strong winds, blizzards, deep snow, and river crossings. A track that is considered to be easy or moderate during other times of the year may be significantly more challenging to go on in the winter. So, we need to keep this in mind before planning the time of trekking.
Summing up
Winter hiking isn’t for everyone. You cannot simply put on a pack and venture out into the cold unprepared since, in the event of an emergency, this could result in the loss of your life. You need to have all the necessary equipment, the right skills, and knowledge of winter travel. Nevertheless, after reading the list of winter trek necessities, I hope you feel better equipped for the journey. Try it!
Happy trekking!!!
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FAQs
What should you not bring in a trek?
Too many products with the same use, expensive electronics, or excessive medicines are some things that you avoid bringing on a trek.
Can I wear jeans while trekking?
No!!! Jeans are not ideal clothing for trekking. You should wear something comfortable and waterproof. Jeans are a big NO.
Are thermals essential for trekking?
Thermals are essential for keeping you warm on any high-altitude trek.
