Hey there! Ever caught yourself daydreaming about going on an awesome snow trekking adventure? Just picture it: stunning snow-covered landscapes, conquering towering peaks, and making unforgettable memories in a winter wonderland. But hey, before you jump headfirst into that frosty wilderness, you gotta make sure you’ve got all the right gear and essentials for a safe and downright amazing time. Trust me, it’s worth it!
So, I just finished this amazing snow trek called the Sar Pass Trek. It was my first time doing something like this, and let me tell you, I did a ton of internet research on what to bring and what to leave behind. The idea was to keep my trekking bag as light as possible (mine weighed around 10 kg, like most of the guys). But guess what? I still ended up lugging around some useless stuff and completely forgot to bring some super important things. Can you believe it?
So before you hit those icy trails, I’ve got a list of must-haves to ensure you’re well-prepared and totally stoked for your snow trek.
Polythene bags : I get it, they may not be the most environmentally friendly option, but trust me, when it starts pouring or snowing heavily, that so-called “waterproof” cover on your trekking bag won’t always keep everything dry. Moisture has a sneaky way of seeping in and getting your stuff wet. So, here’s a little secret to keep your gear nice and dry: pack it in good old polythene bags. Seriously, it works like magic! Make sure you seal each item separately in its own bag, like one for socks, another for undergarments, and so on. This way, you’ll outsmart the moisture and keep your things safe and dry throughout your adventure. Also, keep some extra polythene bags to stash your wet clothes.
Utensils : Let’s talk about your mealtime essentials. You’ll want to pack one trusty mug that’ll be your go-to for those soothing morning and evening teas. And hey, don’t forget a lunch box to keep your midday meal nice and fresh. For breakfast and dinner, a plate, two bowls (or a plate with compartments ) and a spoon will have you covered. Now, here’s the deal – the water up there in the snowy wonderland is pretty chilly (for obvious reasons). So, after each meal, you’ll need to wash your utensils. Some folks prefer the convenience of disposable plates, and that’s totally cool. It’s all about your personal preference.
Hydration is key, so make sure to pack two lightweight plastic 1L water bottles. You don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking views and exhilarating trails because you’re thirsty, right? Stay hydrated and keep those energy levels up as you conquer those snow-capped peaks.
Raincoat / Rain poncho : No need to tell its necessity. They say “Weather can change every 15 minutes on the mountains”. So one minute, there can be sun shining and the other minute, it may be raining heavily. Now, you can wear a proper Rain Pant and Rain Jacket but for me, the pants got too stretched and got torn while climbing. With rain poncho, the bottom of your trekking pants (just above the shoes) gets wet because it does not cover everything. Although it adds an extra waterproof layering on your trekking bag. Plus poncho is breathable which is a boon since you will be sweating a lot. But I will still prefer Rain Pant and Rain Jacket coz I dont want my trekking pants to get wet with rain.
Layering : Now, as you pack for your snowy adventure, don’t forget to consider the essentials for staying warm and cozy. Layering is the name of the game. Picture this: base layers to wick away moisture, insulating mid-layers to trap that precious body heat, and a trusty outerwear to shield you from the elements. Oh, and don’t forget about those toasty inner thermals! They’re not only great for snoozing but also a lifesaver on the summit day. And speaking of lifesavers, a killer -5 degree Decathlon jacket did wonders for me (you can rent or bring your own). Bonus points if it’s waterproof to handle those light snowflakes. So, in total, a pair of inner thermals, a windcheater for day time trekking, a down jacket for campsite and summit climb are enough. Topping it all off, a snuggly woolen cap, a cozy muffler, and a pair of trusty waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry and warm. These are must-haves, my friend. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Clothes : Opt for breathable clothing since you’ll be working up a sweat while trekking. One pair of clothes you will be wearing, it’s smart to pack two other pair of lower and t-shirts. You can keep one extra set for emergencies. Trust me, you’ll appreciate having those backups, especially if water sneaks into your raincoat and dampens your clothes. You don’t want that!
Jeans are a big no-no during the trek. They get heavy when wet and take ages to dry. Instead, go for quick-drying pants or thermal leggings that keep you warm without the hassle. Your legs will thank you! Now, let’s talk about undergarments. It’s your call, but I highly recommend changing them daily. So pack a fresh pair for each day of the trek. Freshness is the key to happy trekkers ! If you want to avoid getting those annoying rashes from your polyester t-shirt, here’s a simple tip for you: wear a cotton t-shirt or wear a vest underneath.
Don’t forget a small, quick-dry hand towel. No need to lug around a big bathing towel. You won’t be showering on the trek, so a hand towel will do just fine. Oh, and grab a bandana too! It’ll protect your face from the sun and prevent tanning. Plus, those white arm sleeves are a bonus tip to keep your arms protected from tanning as well.
Now, let’s talk about socks. Expect your socks to get wet every day. So, pack a pair for each day of the trek. When you get back to the cozy tent, slip into a dry pair to keep your feet warm at night. You can wear those same socks the next day. It’s a good idea to have 2-3 pairs of woolen socks and the rest can be comfy cotton ones.
Footwears : Having the right footwear for your snow trek is absolutely crucial. Trust me, you don’t want to mess around with this one! Skip those sport shoes because they’re just too slippery and downright risky. Invest in a good pair of trekking shoes that offer the traction and stability you need to conquer the snowy trails. Now, I get it – trekking shoes can be a bit of an investment. But trust me, it’s worth it. You can either rent them if you’re not sure about committing to a purchase, or go all out and buy a pair that will accompany you on many more adventures to come.
Oh, and don’t forget to pack a cozy pair of slippers for the campsite. After a long day of conquering those peaks, you’ll want to slip out of your trekking shoes and give your feet some well-deserved comfort. Trust me, your tired feet will thank you for it.
Food Items : While you’ll be provided with meals four times a day, it’s always a good idea to have some extra snacks on hand for that instant energy boost (but don’t go overboard and pack too much). Chocolate bars, dry fruits, and biscuits—perfect pick-me-ups to keep you going when you need that extra oomph.
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t forget to pack some Glucon D or Electrol to mix with your water. It’s like a secret weapon that can really come in handy during your trek. So, make sure you’ve got those little packets stashed away in your backpack. Some chewing gums will be pretty useful if you are too lazy to brush your teeth with cold water on a chilly morning.
Cosmetics / Toiletries : Don’t forget a high-quality SPF 40+ sunscreen. The sunlight up in the mountains can be harsher than what you’re used to at lower altitudes. So, lather up and protect your skin from those intense rays. Nobody wants to come back from a snow trek looking like a bronzed snowman!
Now, when nature calls, you’ll need wet wipes in your backpack. Why, you ask? Well, there won’t be any running water available up there, so these wipes will be your best friend for using the toilets and keeping yourself fresh. Oh, and guess what? They’re also great for wiping your face in the morning to give yourself a refreshing boost.
In the spirit of staying clean and germ-free, make sure you have a handy sanitizer with you. It’s essential, especially before chowing down on those delicious mountain meals. Keeping those hands squeaky clean means you can enjoy your food without any worries.
Here’s a little tip for keeping your lips hydrated in the dry mountain air: pack a small lip balm. It may seem like a tiny detail, but trust me, those chilly winds can really chap your lips. So, keep them moisturized and pucker up for those amazing snow trek selfies!
Last but not least, consider bringing along a small bottle of moisturizer. Now, I’ve got a secret weapon for you – mustard oil (Sarso ka tel). This golden elixir works wonders as a moisturizer, nourishing your skin in the cold, harsh weather. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it.
Power bank : You won’t have network coverage for a few days, so it’s best to keep your phone on Airplane mode and battery saver mode. This way, you’ll save a ton of battery life. Speaking from experience, I lugged around a hefty 2000 mAh power bank that ended up feeling like dead weight. Instead, opt for a smaller power bank with around 1000 mAh capacity—it’ll be more than enough. Remember, the goal is to immerse yourself in nature, not spend time glued to your phone, except for capturing those epic photos and videos, of course!
Other Accessories : Safety first, adventurers! While the snowy wonderland may seem like a dream, it’s important to be prepared for anything. A reliable headlamp / torch will be your guiding light during summit climb at 3 am (this will also be useful at camsite at night, make sure you keep an extra set of batteries), while a trusty trekking pole will provide stability and help you navigate icy terrains. Keep a few medicines handy for common ailments like Acute Mountain Sickness, stomach pain, headaches, and diarrhea, but remember to pack only the essentials. Don’t overlook the importance of a crepe bandage and a handful of regular band-aids to address minor injuries along the way. Electrol / ORS will keep you hydrated during the trek. Lastly, shield your eyes from the intense glare of the sun on the snow by wearing a sun cap and a good pair of sunglasses. It’s always great to have some entertainment along the way. You can consider bringing a lightweight bluetooth speaker to play music and enjoy some tunes during your journey. Additionally, having a pair of earphones handy inside your tents can be quite convenient.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that wearing your earphones while trekking may not be the best idea. When you’re trekking, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards. Being able to hear what’s happening around you allows you to react quickly and make better decisions, ensuring your safety throughout the trek. So, be sure to avoid wearing earphones while you’re actively trekking. Safety first, folks! Also, keep in mind that during treks, there is usually no internet connectivity. So, before heading out, make sure you have your music downloaded and saved on your device
With these items in your pack, you’ll be ready to conquer the snow-covered landscapes while keeping safety a top priority. Happy trekking!
Some tips : When it comes to staying warm on your snow trek, a nifty trick is to keep the clothes you plan to wear the next day inside your sleeping bag overnight. The cozy confines of your sleeping bag will work their magic, ensuring that your clothes are warm and ready to go when you wake up in the morning. No more chilly starts to the day!
In the frosty winter weather, your electronic devices can suffer from decreased battery life. To prevent this, stash your power bank and phone inside your sleeping bag as well. The insulation will help maintain their battery levels and keep them functioning optimally, ensuring you can capture stunning snowy landscapes and stay connected throughout your adventure.
While the allure of exploring the snowy wilderness may be enticing, it’s important to stick with your guide. They possess invaluable knowledge and experience, making sure you navigate safely and discover the best spots along the way. Their guidance will not only enhance your trekking experience but also provide peace of mind knowing that you’re in capable hands.
So there you have it, my ultimate guide to packing for a snow trek comes to an end. I’ve covered everything from dressing warm and cozy in layers to choosing the right footwear and essential gear. Remember to pack nourishing snacks and stay hydrated along the way. Oh, and safety first! Don’t forget to carry the necessary safety gears and stick with your trusty guide.
Now it’s time to put these tips into action and embark on your snowy adventure. Embrace the breathtaking beauty of snow-covered landscapes, conquer those majestic peaks, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time explorer, the snowy wilderness awaits your exploration.
So gather your gear, double-check your checklist, and get ready to experience the magic of a snow trek. Pack smart, be prepared, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature’s winter wonderland. Stay warm, stay safe, and let the thrill of the snow trek ignite your adventurous spirit.
Happy trekking !
The Unspoken Words 