Cold Winter Adventures

To explore the winter wonderlands of Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand or Ladakh you need to be prepared using the proper equipment. There is a world full filled with beauty, but also danger in the event that you're not properly prepared. While it's not a situation one can live in without the right gear and knowledge we can thrive even in these extremities.

Winter treks are be both difficult and satisfying. Lots of people trek & walk in summer, however being out in cold and snow demands both the preparation and commitment.

Why Winter Adventures?

There are numerous benefits of taking on an adventure in winter.

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

Unlimited Calories - You have to eat a lot to stay warm in the cold , therefore high-calorie snacks, chocolate, and hot beverages are all on the menu.

 

No bugs - Instead of being eaten alive, you're safe from insects in the snowy ground. by snow. That alone is reason enough to consider it.

Lesser Wildlife - Winter's dead see our furry friends having their time in a long nap. there is no need to worry about bears or other animals. is not a problem.

Walking on Water Winter is the only time you're able to actually be walking on water. Frozen lakes can be part of your route however you should be aware of the safety guidelines below.

Winter Trekking Apparel Layering

If you are dressing for cold weather, you're best off picking multiple layers, rather than one heavy one. It will be more comfortable and will be easier to alter the amount of clothing you wear based on your level of physical activity. Start with a wicking base layer that is made of synthetic material or merino wool. Add as many insulating layers as needed and finally wrap it all in a shell that cut the winds and keep snow out of you.

Control Your Moisture Level - Use Merino thermal baselayers on top and bottom. Merino wool blended fabrics wick sweat and regulate body temperature. On the lower body, put on a pant lined with fleece, or a softshell pant that has reinforced knees , and then butt over the base layer. This gives enough weather protection and warmth to almost any temperature. On the upper body I wear a light fleece coat with a windfront and Gore-Tex outer shell keeps me warm at almost any temperatures when moving. It is better to be a little cooler than it is to get wet due to sweat. I always keep a puffy down jacket in your pack to wear while stopping for a break in order to protect yourself from getting cold when you've put down the hammer. In addition, you carry a fleece jacket to layer under the shell if temperatures aren't cold enough.

Begin Cool - When you're hiking, you'll benefit from starting off by being a bit cool. This helps you avoid sweating when you get warm. If you're not warm enough when you aren't moving you'll soon overheat and sweat, especially when going in deep snow or climbing uphill.

Guard Your Extremities - Your head and hands are required to be protected from elements too therefore, you must carry a variety of choices based on the job's demands and the conditions. I carry a lightly insulated hand glove for my work and shell glove and an extra pair of gauntlet style warm gloves. I also keep a lighter liner glove in my bag as an emergency and to sleep in when it's particularly cold.

To protect your head, wear a light beanie, a thermal headband that covers the ears, and an ear splint.

 

How to Stay Dry

Being dry is the initial step to stay warm in the winter cold. Make sure you pay attention to your temperature and strip off layers before you begin to sweat.

If you're expecting to see a lot of falling snow ensure that you protect your head with a scarf so you don't end up with wet hair. It can take a while to dry, and it can also lose much of the heat that is lost from your body. Bring a tent towel to dry your hair and any other areas that have become wet, so that you don't get cold because of the evaporated heat.

Bring a spare set of dry clothing including socks and base layers, so you have something you can change into if you do get wet from sweat or external moisture like snow, or even falling through the ice. Place these clothes in bags that are waterproof to guard the clothes from getting wet.

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