Only a perfect itinerary is not enough if you want to experience the best trekking experience. You also need to select the right outfit. If you don’t have the suitable trekking clothes, you can never complete the trek, irrespective of your commitment and ideal itinerary.
Trekking is not a beauty or fashion show to show fancy dress. Rather, it is a journey of exploring the purity and beauty of nature and creating a lasting memory. For that, you must grab the apt adventure costume.
Choosing the wrong attire can keep you uncomfortable on the trekking trails, and it can diminish your thrill and ruin your entire journey. In addition, you may face various challenges on your adventure. So, you should select your attire for trekking smartly.
One step in planning this is to research your trekking destination, its weather, and the type of apparel you will need during the journey. Only then can you pick the right trekking outfit, depending on the environment of your destination. The attire you choose for spring and autumn treks may differ from the monsoon and winter trips. At the same time, the clothes required for lower elevations vary from those needed for higher elevations. Meanwhile, layering is an important aspect to consider during a trek, regardless of the season or destination.
Therefore, you should begin your trek with clothing suited to your journey, destination, and the prevailing weather conditions.
Why the Outfit Matters in Trek?
Choosing the right outfit for a trek helps keep the trekkers safe from injuries and environmental factors such as frostbite, sunburn, and insect bites. On the other hand, the wrong choice of clothes causes discomfort. You may even suffer from health issues like altitude sickness, dehydration, hypothermia, blisters and chaffing.
The lower temperature at higher altitudes during the trek can cause winter-related health problems and injuries. So, wearing woolen clothes to adapt to the weather and stay safe is a must. And if you are trekking to places with higher temperatures, wearing thin layers of clothes helps you adapt to the environment quickly.
Only physical and mental stability and endurance are not enough for an exciting and thrilling adventure. But arranging for a proper trek kit is also very important. You can only get fun and satisfaction if you adjust to the trekking conditions in terms of clothing as well.
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Layering System: The Golden Rule For Trekking
The mountain weather can change suddenly, especially at higher altitudes. The warm atmosphere might turn windy, cold, or rainy in a very short time. So, according to the weather and season, you should choose your trekking clothes wisely.
Instead of relying on one thick outfit, choose layered clothes. Carry three layers of attire and follow the principle of layering:
Base Layers
The base layer is the inner layer of the clothing that you wear. The good control of moisture and sweat in your body is one of the most important things you should have for a good trekking experience. For that, you should wear the clothes that keep your body temperature normal and dry, wicking your sweat and moisture away. This makes you comfortable as you hike for hours every day.
Outfits made of materials like merino wool, synthetic fabrics, or polyester are suggested for the base layers. They keep your body dry by wicking sweat and moisture. On the other hand, cotton clothes should be strictly avoided, as they trap moisture and sweat, which makes you feel cold and uncomfortable.
The dresses, like t-shirts, thermals, shorts, and leggings, can make you comfortable and make it easy to walk for a long time. The lightweight, base layer under pants is perfect, especially in colder and high-altitude treks. Also, your lightweight hiking pants and shorts can be good for the summer treks.
You can mostly use 2 to 3 t-shirts or thermals, and 1 to 2 leggings or long johns for your trek.
Mid Layers
The mid-layer acts as the insulation and warmth layer. The apparel choices of lightweight fleece jackets or down insulated jackets are the best during hiking the steep lands as you are exposed to cold weather. They trap the warm air while allowing the sweat to go out, which makes you feel cozy.
You can choose the convertible trekking pants as mid layers, as they are flexible and help you on long walks. And bring 1 to 2 fleece or down jackets and 1 pair of fleece leggings or thermal pants.
Outer Layers
Your outer layers are the armor against the attack of the sun, wind, rain, and snow. The clothes, like waterproof, windproof, and breathable jackets, are especially useful during winter and monsoon seasons. Mostly, they become important when you are trekking in the high-altitude regions. They help you face sudden weather changes and the low temperatures.
Clothes made of materials like Gore-Tex and other synthetic fabrics, and nylon should not be missed at any cost. Add to that a piece of a waterproof jacket and a pair of pants.
Footwear
The correct footwear is a must for trekking, as you should walk for multiple hours every day on your long journey. For that, waterproof shoes and boots, along with good socks, are needed.
A pair of trekking boots is required to keep your feet safe from injuries and provide ankle support. Make sure the boots are broken in and comfortable for you to walk in. Get ones that support you in the muddy, wet places and uneven trails.
A pair of waterproof hiking boots is needed, especially for the monsoon and during the trek on the snowy and icy trails. And you need the insulated boots for winter as they give you warmth and protect you from frostbite.
Furthermore, you should carry lightweight moisture-wicking socks and trail runners for a comfortable trek and to reduce fatigue. Also, light sandals and camp shoes are important for relaxing in the teahouses and for a short walk around.
In addition, make sure your shoes are lightweight and socks wick moisture. They help you to avoid blisters and pain when walking.
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Accesories
Many accessories might be optional, but they provide a sense of comfort and safety on the trails. The accessories, like hats or caps, protect you from the direct sunlight. And UV protection sunglasses guard your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the scorching sun.
Moreover, gloves and scarves are always necessary when trekking to high-altitude regions. While the gaiters are useful as a shield for the lower legs, they mostly protect your feet and legs from moisture and dust.
Seasonal Dressing Tips
Not all seasons demand the same outfit. Every trek has its different challenges in different seasons. So, you should be ready with appropriate clothing according to the season to face its related challenge:
Summer and Monsoon Trek Tips
- In the summer season, utilize accessories like hats, caps, and UV protection glasses to stay away from the harsh sunlight and dust.
- Using shorts, moisture-wicking tops, and lightweight shoes is best for trekking in summer, since the temperature is high during this season.
- Use waterproof and gripping boots and shoes, along with gaiters, to avoid blisters and mud on your legs.
- Carrying a few more pairs of socks can be helpful if you are on a monsoon trek.
Winter Trek Tips
- Carry gloves, Gore-Tex, EVA midsole, and snowy boots for your icy and snowy routes.
- You should choose thick woolen and warm clothes for winter as they give you insulation.
Spring and Autumn Trek Tips
The spring and autumn seasons are considered the best trekking seasons. Even though you might not face big problems as in other seasons, you should know some tips before you start the trek:
- Trek with the accessories like sunglasses, hats and scarves to be safe from the dust and harsh sunlight.
- Always be ready for sudden weather changes and health issues. For that carry a light rain jacket and other suitable clothes with you.
Conclusion
The trekking outfit does not mean a piece of clothing only. It is a key to unlock a new, memorable journey. A good and proper trekking suit gives an unforgettable, smooth journey. In addition, your right clothing choice makes your trekking experience a truly thrilling and rewarding adventure. So, before you begin the trek, choose the right costume and accessories for your trek.
Finally, you should remember that a trekking outfit is your quiet friend who becomes a protector during your journey. It saves you from many hurdles you face during the trek. It also provides you with a comfortable experience, making the trek a pleasant experience.
