Here Are The Essentials To Pack For A Snow Trek

Going on a snow trek is an exhilarating adventure, but it has its share of difficulties, especially packing. Careful planning and the right equipment are necessary due to the bitter cold, erratic weather, and rugged terrain. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials to ensure you have all you need to hike in the snow and be warm. So read on and make sure that before you hit the snowy paths, you have all these necessities. 

Clothing

You need to pack layers to assist you in adapting to the weather at any given time because temperatures fluctuate day and night, and snowfall severity is unpredictable. We advise doing the following:

• Thermal shirts (that have the ability to wick)

• Thermal tights (keep these for chilly evenings and nights; if you wear them on the actual hike, they will get sweaty and take a while to dry).

• Waterproof trekking trousers for the winter

• Sweater with mid-weight fleece

• Soft shell jackets

• Padded waterproof jacket

• Long trekking socks made of wool (several pairs)

• Woollen cap (keep in mind that your head allows 40–60 per cent of your body heat to escape!)

• Waterproof gloves 

• Neckerchief or scarf 

• Multiple T-shirts

• Multiple undergarments

Backpack

Make sure your backpack fits well, neither too big nor too tiny, and that it has enough room inside it (60–70 litres) to accommodate everything you need for a week-long hike. Ensure your backpack is well-supported on your hips and shoulders and that the pockets are easily accessible.

Daypack

Remember that a daypack is essential for any trekker. Not only will it save you loads of trouble on your journey, but you won't have to take your backpack with you every day so you can use it for shorter hikes, day trips, and sightseeing. 

Waterproof Trekking Shoes 

In order to keep your feet dry, waterproof shoes are essential. Walking on damp socks can be quite painful, as anyone who has done it knows. It is possible for your feet to become wet from walking in snow or water, so ensure that your shoes are waterproof and reach your ankles. Additionally, ensure that there is no room for water to flow in and that your shoes are well sealed. Use waterproofing spray on the shoes if they are partially waterproof.

Sunglasses 

Wearing sunglasses helps avoid snow blindness. Even a brief overexposure to direct sunlight on snow, such as thirty minutes, might cause snow blindness on any Himalayan trip, particularly if you're going during the snowy season. This is because the fallen snow acts as hundreds of mirrors, reflecting UV light. Thus, you require UV-blocking sunglasses. 

➤ Wearing Tip: If the day is sunny and bright, wear sunglasses when trekking through open areas like meadows. You must always wait to remove your sunglasses until the entire snowy portion has been traversed.

➤Buying Tip: Steer clear of sunglasses with side apertures and go for wraparound styles instead. Exposure to even a small amount of UV radiation is not advised. 

First Aid Kit and Energy 

The common medications listed below are typically needed or used during an adventure trip; nevertheless, please see your doctor beforehand.

• Water syringe or antiseptic cloth (to wipe the wound)

• A butterfly bandage for minor cuts 

• Sterile gauze pad and bandages (elastic for bigger wounds, as well as cotton).

• Use latex gloves if the wound is bleeding. 

• Medication for upset stomach (diarrhoea) 

• Medication for fever, flu, and cold headaches

• Certain painkillers 

• ORS pouches

• Fast-acting pain relief spray (for external application)

• Any personal medication that your physician has prescribed 

• Dimox / Similar for high-altitude sickness 

• Insect Repellent

• Bring along some non-alcoholic beverages and nutria or energy bars. 

Note: Please consult your doctor before buying or using any medications. 

Other Necessities

Waterproof bag covers and a quick-dry travel towel will come in extremely handy. Walking sticks are especially helpful for parts of hikes that are downhill. While they are not required, some hikers have discovered that emergency blankets and sleeping bag liners are helpful. Above all, make a good (at least 30 litre) waterproof backpack purchase.