Cold Winter Adventures

To experience the winter wonderlands of Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand or Ladakh one must gear up with the appropriate equipment. It is a world of beauty as well as danger in the event that you're not properly prepared. While it's not a situation one can live in, with the right gear and the proper knowledge, we can be successful even in the harshest conditions.

Winter treks can be difficult and satisfying. Lots of people trek & trek in the summer time, but getting out in the frigid winter air and snow is a matter of preparation and commitment.

Why Winter Adventures?

There are many advantages of embarking on an outdoor trek in winter.

Fewer Crowds - Most people are campers who enjoy fair weather, so you'll have the chance to choose of all the prime places.

Unlimited Calories - You need to eat lots of food to stay warm during the winter, which is why high-calorie foods, chocolate, and hot drinks are always available.

 

The absence of bugs means that instead of being eaten alive by insects, you are free of insects in the snowy ground. with snow. This alone is enough to justify it.

Lesser Wildlife - Winter's dead are when our furry friends take their time in a long nap. bears and other wildlife are not an issue.

Walking on Water - In winter, it is the one time you are able to be walking on water. Lakes that are frozen can be an option, however you should be aware of the safety precautions outlined below.

Winter Trekking Apparel Layering

If you are dressing for cold weather, it is best to consider choosing multiple layers rather than one heavy piece. This will be both warmer and easier to adjust the amount of clothing you put on based on the intensity of your activities. Start with a wicking layer made from synthetic material or merino wool. Add as many insulation layers as you require and finally cover it all with the shell which will cut the wind and prevent snow from getting in the way of your back.

Control Your Moisture - Use top layer of merino thermals and bottom. Merino wool-blend fabrics help to wick sweat and regulate your body temperature. On the lower body, a pant lined with fleece or a softshell pant that has reinforced knees and butt over that base layer. This will provide enough protection from the elements and warmth for almost any temperature. On the upper body it is a light fleece jacket that has a wind front as well as a Gore-Tex shell keeps me warm at nearly any temperature when I move. It's best to be just a little bit cooler than be soaked from sweat. I have a down puffy jacket in my bag to wear while stopping for a break to keep from getting cold after you've put down the hammer. You carry an additional fleece jacket that you can layer over the shell if temperatures aren't frigid enough.

Start off cool - If you are hiking you will benefit from starting by being a bit cool. This will help keep you from sweating during the process of warming up. If you're hot enough even when you're not moving you'll quickly get hot and sweat more, especially when you're hiking in the snow or climbing uphill.

Make sure you protect your extremities Hands and Heads must be shielded from the elements , too so you should carry a variety of options based on your working output and the environment. I have a light-insulated working glove and shell gloves and an extra pair of gauntlet style super warm mitts. I will also have an additional glove with a liner for an extra pair to sleep in the event of being particularly cold.

To protect your head, wear an easy beanie, the thermal headband that protects the ears, and the balaclava.

 

Staying Dry

Dryness is the first step in staying warm in the winter cold. Be sure to pay close attention to the temperature and remove layers prior to when you start to get sweaty.

If you are expecting to see a lot of falling snow be sure to protect your head with a scarf so you don't end up with wet hair. It will take a long time to dry out and lose much of the heat that is lost off your body. Bring a tent towel to dry your hair and other areas that have become wet, so that you don't become cold as a result of loss of heat due to evaporation.

Have a spare set dry clothing including socks and base layers to ensure you have something you can change into if you end up getting wet, be it from sweat or external moisture like snow or falling into the ice. Put these clothes into an airtight bag to prevent them from becoming wet.

Looking for world travel clothing in India? Get your Craghoppers gear today!