What do I wear on a trek? Part 1 : Appropriate clothing for a trek

 The right trek wear definitely makes your trekking experience a lot better. Trekking requires the right clothing and accessories to keep you comfortable and protected. Part 1 of this series will focus on clothing. 

Photo Credit: Arati Nair

Before you decide to purchase  trek wear, here are a few questions that you need to ask

What will the weather be like on the trek?

This is an important question and it is worth looking at the weather conditions along the trekking route. This will help us decide on the type of clothing. Do look at weather predictions for the area a few days prior to the trek and pack accordingly. If you  are travelling during the monsoon time, a waterproof jacket and dry fit clothes are a must. Winter treks require greater protection as the low temperatures plus the wind chill factor can ensure that readings plummet to the negatives. 

What is the kind of terrain I will hike in?

During the day, especially if the conditions are hot and humid, there are many trekkers who prefer to wear a short sleeved tee and shorts / three fourths  while they trek. However these are not appropriate and can leave you exposed to cuts and gashes from thorny bushes and insect and leech bites, which can get infected. Full sleeved T shirts and loose fitting full length pants will  help under these conditions.

How do I react to variations in weather conditions?

Each person has an individual threshold in how they react to weather conditions. A windy day will have some trekkers reaching for an additional layer while others may decide to brave the weather in a single layered piece of clothing. You know your body best and while it is good to listen to advice from other trekkers, it is best to make a decision that you are comfortable with.

What clothing should I take along on my trek?

Before I get started, I want to emphasise the importance of layering. Heat is naturally produced by the body and also when we exercise. This needs to be retained when the weather is cold and dispelled when the weather is warm. The right trek wear therefore needs to be dual in its function.  Layering rather than one bulky jacket can help the trekker adjust to varying climatic conditions without compromising on his health, safety and comfort. 

Inner wear

The inner most layer of clothing, essentially undergarments, need to be comfortable and well fitting. Most trekkers will not recommend the use of cotton, as it has a tendency to retain sweat. Choose brands that are made of durable polyester fabric that is soft, quick drying and made of anti microbial microfiber. It should keep you cool, comfortable and will not chaff. Do not be stingy when it comes to underwear, carry extras. And do not use disposable underwear, as it is detrimental to the environment.

Thermals

Thermals are innerwear or base layers worn next to your body and they help trap body heat and is mostly used when temperatures are low. Thermals are very useful, especially  at nights or when the temperature is freezing and cold. However it is important to remember when the trekker is on the move, a base layer of thermals along with other outer layers can make the trekker feel very warm as it increases body temperature. I personally do not use it during the day and will wear them only at night, to keep my body warm. This is especially important if you are staying in a tent at high altitudes where nights can be exceptionally cold.

T shirts

These can be worn as the next inner layer over underwear or thermals. Please do not wear cotton T shirts as they retain moisture and can make your body feel sticky and wet. A dry fit T shirt available at Decathalon or other stores, is made of microfibres polyester fabric will take sweat away from your body and keep you cool and dry even in hot and humid conditions. It also dries very quickly and can be used multiple times by trekkers as it sweat and moisture dries far quicker on this materials as compared to others. 

Pants: Do remember to invest in atleast a couple of trekking pants specially designed for comfortable walking. These pants need to be light weight and most importantly dry quickly if one gets caught in an unexpected shower which is highly likely in the Himalayas. Yoga pants, tights or gym pants is not advisable for a trek as they are flimsy, can tear easily if they get caught on a branch and can weight you down if they get wet, as they do not dry easily. Also do find pants that contain pockets with zippers to store small items and with waist tie ups and Velcro. It is important that the pants have a comfortable fit and are not tight around the waist, thigh, hips or legs.

And finally a

Jacket

Trekking jackets need to serve multiple purposes of keeping away the cold and offering protection from rain, snow and the wind. It is important to put a lot of thought and research the various brands available and what they offer before investing in a jacket. It may make sense to buy a jacket with an inner removable fleece layer so that it can be used when there is a variation in temperatures. It is best to buy a jacket that is a little loose and allows the trekker to add an extra layer of clothing when required. It should permit ease of movement and should be restrictive during the trek. It should also have a detachable hood and should weigh under 400 gms so that It doesn’t add too much weight to your trekking bag. A good brand can be heavy on the pocket, so do think carefully and explore all options before making a decision.

What should I not wear on a trek?

Jeans

Jeans are an absolute no no on a trek.For one, jeans are heavy and do not dry easily when they get wet. they can also be tight and uncomfortable for a trek and can restrict movement.

Cotton tops and pants

Cotton pants may seem comfortable and ideal for a trek but they are not. They are not protective enough and can tear easily. They tend to retain moisture and will cool the body more than required , if they get wet. They cannot protect the body from wind, rain and snow.

Bulky jackets

These are often very heavy and can trap heat and make the body hot. When removed, they are often difficult to carry and do not easily fit into day packs. 

Tips that will help you dress like a trekking pro

Do your research before you buy trek wear. Ask friends who are trekkers and research brands on the internet before you make that purchase

Please remember to layer. Two or three layers of clothing can be removed or added depending on weather conditions. 

If you are not sure about trekking on a regular basis and just want to give it a try, borrow trekking essentials such as jackets from other trekkers, as investment in good trek wear can be expensive

Invest smart and buy brands that are reliable and long lasting. It is important that trekking clothes and jackets last over several treks.

Look at functionality, not style. Choose clothing that is not too tight or fitting and is comfortable during a trek.

Do a dry run in your trekking clothes before you go for a trek. Go for a day hike to test your trek wear and make sure it is comfortable, fits well and enables free movement.

I do hope you find the  right trek wear for your trek. Do let me know if you have any questions regarding clothing. And do remember to read my post next week on the right trekking shoes that go with your trek wear.