Raihan Hawladar

Trekking apparel is a very important part of the Trekking gear and should not be compromised at any stage. Trekkers often neglect this aspect, but it becomes significant on mountain, especially during demanding treks on the Himalayas. The importance is felt during any trek and beginners or experienced ranging from easy to difficult need attention for selection of personal gears. Below are some guidelines to select Trekking apparel for the Himalayas in India:

Trekking shoes or boots - The trekkers should always try to buy new Trekking shoes well before the Trek. Make sure that they are comfortable, sturdy and waterproof for Himalayan Trekking.

Socks – Wear two pair of cotton socks over another woolen sock which keeps feet warm during cold days on mountain.

Maintain hygiene by wearing clean socks every day as dirty ones increase your chance of getting blisters and prevent rashes around ankle area. It is also advisable not to wear same sweaty socks again without changing them at night because you can develop fungal infection in this way if you sleep with wet feet inside boots. You may like to change entire outfit including your footwear, socks and Trekking clothes for the night.

Trekking pants – These should be made of windproof fabric but not waterproof as they need to dry quickly in case you slip into a stream or river during Trekking. The pant legs may extend over your boots because it is advisable that this area remains protected from water, cold weather and insects such as leeches at times. A good pair of trekkers will have multiple pockets so that you can keep things like guidebook, snacks etc., handy without having to take off pack every now and then.

Pants with zip closure also come very useful when nature calls on mountains where there are no toilets around! You might even want one or two extra personals if needed depending upon how long Trek you will be doing and how many days trekking in the Himalayas.

Trekking shirt – Always choose a good quality garment made of light weight breathable material so that it can absorb sweat and allow air to circulate around your body during Trekking on mountains. Polyester shirts are highly advised because they dry quickly after getting wet due to rain or river crossing. You may also like to carry another spare shirt just in case anything goes wrong with the first one! Also, don't forget sun protection cream as well.

Windproof jacket/shell layer for cold weather trekkers should ideally have hood attached which comes very useful in areas experiencing heavy snowfall such as Khardungla Pass (India). Trekkers must always try to buy new Trekking gear well before the Trek because this will give them enough time for getting used to it and ensuring that they are comfortable, sturdy and waterproof. It is also advisable not to wear same sweaty clothes again without changing at night as you can develop fungal infection in this way if you sleep with wet feet inside boots.

Trekking hat - This should be light weight but provide effective sun protection from strong rays of Sun during day on mountain. You must have a good quality hat which does not let your head perspire too much even when trekker is very active or climbing uphill!

Gloves – Leather gloves come very useful while doing any Trek on Himalayas where there may be snowfall or cold weather Trekkers should ideally have a good quality garment made of light weight breathable material so that it can absorb sweat and allow air to circulate around your body during Trekking on mountains.