Monsoon Trek Essentials
It’s that time of the year again for those Monsoon Weekend Treks. Thrilling & rejuvenating as they are, they leave us rich with experience and spell-bound with the beauty. Tucked away from the humdrum of the city, let’s marvel at the awe-inspiring view of hills and hills of lush emerald green hues.
Now let’s not just be honeyed by the idea. While the basics and skillsets like physical fitness along with being mindful of your surroundings remain the same, hiking in the monsoons has its own set of challenges. So, before heading to the hills for some thrill, rustle up your travel inventory and include all your trekking basics. Along with these essentials, we suggest a few monsoon ‘must-take-care-ofs’:
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Pack-wise
We all know that a wet pack = heavy pack. Waterproof backpack/rucksack are water-resistant and a must have on a trekking expedition. Available in a variety of sizes, these bags can be a little expensive, but it is worth every penny if you consider how many valuables they’ll save from water damage. Opt for a double shoulder water-resistant bag big enough to accommodate your stuff. Loading frequently used items on the outer-side, as every time you open your sack, chances are that bit-by-bit the rain will get in, building moisture that will probably stay with you for the rest of the trip.
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Seal your water-sensitive gears such as mobile, camera, wallets, etc in dry bags or Ziplocks. Yes, your touch-screens don’t work when wet, so carry enough micro-fibre rags to wipe the screen and your fingers. It is also necessary to pack additional plastic bags for separating your wet clothes from the rest of your kit. Carry as light as possible, as too much weight will make your trek a laborious one.
Dress Smart
Smart monsoon dressing on a trek means you wear few yet more appropriate clothes. Appropriate clothing keeps you better equipped for emergencies and unpredictable weather conditions. Appropriate clothing also means you carry less weight on your back.
To choose the right attire for your trek, first do an extensive research of your route. Restrain from using cotton apparels. Ditch those jeans and cotton t-shirts for a synthetic one as a synthetic layer wicks perspiration, dries quickly without drawing away body heat, thus reducing the risk of any dramatic swings in body temperature. Also, synthetic clothing is more stretchable and so better at retaining shape in stress, making it a preferred option for an arduous activity like trekking.
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Full sleeve t-shirts and pants provide better protection from stinging nettles, thorns, sunburns, etc. Also, they act as shields against mosquitoes and other critters on a monsoon trek. Your regular repellent cream won’t work due to rain. We suggest wearing a fitted top and trousers, as a fitted base layer helps wick sweat better and does not snag in branches. Also, it always comes in handy to carry an extra pair of clothes and a towel with you if you cannot stay wet for too long.
Outer Coats
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Trail Resistant Feet
A trekker is only as good as his feet. Yes! You got it right! Shoes are the most important piece of gear on a wet and slippery monsoon trek. Do not wear Floaters or Sandals for the trek, unless you have a pair of specialised trekking sandals. Remember a broken sandal can effectively wreck a trek and it can possibly create a painful, slow and potentially dangerous hobble, back to the base camp.
Quality & Comfort are the indispensable elements to keep in mind while choosing your correct monsoon trekking shoes. The best is to look for a blend of lightweight and a size big shoe. The lightweight prevents your feet from pressing into the puddles and is comfortable to walk. Shoe size, bigger than your usual one, allows your feet to breathe and prevents stress. Also, every trek demands good grip ankle height shoes and more so for the monsoons, as the terrains are more slippery and minor sprains could become a paramount while marching. A pair of waterproof shoes along with these features will be just the right pick! Know that most of them are actually not fully waterproof and your shoes are bound to get wet. But good waterproof shoes (like GORE-TEX & NOVADRY) give the best weather protection and are tough and will provide to you a grip that won’t give up on you while climbing wet terrains.
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Also when our feet are kept wet due to rain or humidity, chances are the outer layer of feet skin may feel sore, itchy and succumb to blisters easily. Prevent it by using a thin pair of socks (as thicker socks hold moisture) and changing socks at least once during the day. Also, you can use anti-slip soles, which add to the reliability of the boots. Do not wear brand new shoes, as they can leave you with blisters.
Hydration & First aid
One big side effect of hiking in the monsoon is that we tend to forget that we need to hydrate our body. So make sure to pack some H2O and consuming it at regular intervals. We suggest carry extra water, since high humidity means you will sweat more than usual.
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The humid conditions, during the rainy days, make it ideal for the growth of various fungi. Bacteria and other germs also breed when the air is humid. These infections usually cause inflammations and itching. Carrying an anti-fungal cream can be a saviour in case you are infected during the trek. Also make sure to always carry all basic first aids and toiletries like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, moisturiser etc.
Eyewear & Headgears
Most of us tend to think that sunglasses aren’t a necessary element during the monsoon season. Well, it’s untrue, especially if you are trekking on high altitudes and mountains. When the sky clears, the sun can strain your eyes, ending up by giving you a headache. Your sunnies are a must.
Grab a visor or baseball cap. On a sunny day this shall keep the sun off your face and on a rainy day it keeps the rain off your eyes. Look for a cap with a longer than normal sunshade, because it will provide better protection.
One of the few items, where cotton fabric is preferable on your hike is a bandana. A versatile piece of clothing, it can be used as a scarf to protect the back of your neck from sunburn or over your mouth at higher altitudes, which means that you inhale moist air and it prevents from a sore throat.
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Once you are set with these essentials, do keep in mind to start your trek earlier in the mornings and make your days shorter in wetter areas as it typically rains more in the afternoons than in the mornings. For night trekkers double check your essentials like sleeping bags, headlamps, matchsticks, pocket knife, etc. Most importantly, you shouldn’t mark your territory with litter. Respect nature and the local knowledge. Heavy rains are known to cause landslides in the mountain ranges so if you are trekking in an unknown territory it is recommended to hire a local guide. If you are unsure, it is best to observe and do what the locals do. If they are not outside or they are taking precautions on certain trails, you should follow suit.
And as it is said “It’s not about the perfect destination, it’s all about the journey”, the most important factors for having a good time during a monsoon trekking trip is having a positive attitude. If it rains for an extended period of time on your trip, you’re going to get wet, and there’s really no avoiding it. However, if you are mentally prepared to be wet and still have fun, you will be rewarded with some magnificent views of lush greenery, mist and numerous waterfalls.
Now that you are rain ready and all set, just work out a super plan, explore and enjoy the beauty of nature! Happy trekking!
