Staying hygienic on treks requires some effort, especially during Aunt Flow’s monthly visit. Yes, you won’t get to take a bath. And double yes, there won’t be the swanky city loos on the trail. But there are hacks and brilliant ones that will keep you fresh, tidy and hygienic. Ladies at Indiahikes jot down the list of hacks they swear by.

“It’s not as difficult to stay hygienic as it seems,” says Prathima Chhabria, Program Coordinator at the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSoul). Yet, it’s not that straightforward. It takes a couple of treks to figure out how to get the hygiene part right. More so, if you are having your periods during the trek.

“It’s a misconception that you shouldn’t trek during your periods. Periods are natural. Why should it stop you from travelling?” asks Sandhya, co-founder and COO at Indiahikes. “Instead, if you challenge yourself to trek or be out of your comfort zone during periods, it helps you discover how strong your body actually is.”

Choose tampons over pads for high levels of hygiene

Tampons are small, super-absorbent rolls. They soak up all the menstrual blood. As they are inserted inside, they do not get wet and can be safely worn during river crossings or rains. The biggest advantage of tampons is their volume. They hardly take up any space in the backpack. “But get used to wearing tampons before using them on a trek,” cautions Sandhya UC.

Don’t dispose of any sanitary waste on your trek. Bring it back to your city and dispose it.

If tampons are not your thing, you can always opt for sanitary napkins. 

While they are widely used and traditionally accepted, they could get a little cumbersome on treks. They are voluminous and are prone to leaks. But if sanitary napkins are what you are comfortable with, then just go with them!

However, our recommendation would be to use menstrual cups. Whatever you use, make sure you do not leave anything behind. Roll them up in newspaper, put them in ziplock bags and bring them back to your city. Do not bury them or dispose of them in dustbins in the mountains.

When it comes to maintaining hygiene during periods while trekking, using a bio-toilet is extremely convenient You can effectively manage using a bio-toilet, regardless of whether one opts for a tampon, pad, or menstrual cup. Utilizing a bio-toilet is akin to using a standard restroom. Lakshmi Selvakumaran, the Head of the Learning and Development team at Indiahikes, shares her experience: “I use a menstrual cup, and my routine remains the same even on a trek.” This highlights that with the right resources, women can comfortably manage their menstrual hygiene while enjoying outdoor activities.   

Watch this video with more tips to manage periods on a trek

What’s the best replacement for taking a bath on a trek?

“I wipe myself with a damp tissue, especially the sweaty areas before changing into fresh clothes,” says Prathima.

Wet wipes could be a rage on treks, but they are not biodegradable. We have banned them on our treks. Instead, we recommend soft handkerchiefs or normal scent-free tissue paper. Use it for wiping after dampening it. Always wipe yourself thoroughly before getting into a fresh set of clothes.

“Avoid wiping and changing in extreme temperatures, such as at night or early in the morning,” says Sandhya UC. The afternoon time, when the weather is a tad warm, is the best.

How many fresh clothes will you need on a trek?

A lot of women ask us if they need fresh clothes for each day. “You need three pairs of clothes for a trek of around 6-8 days,” says Sandhya UC, “one that you are wearing and two spares.”

Start your trek in one pair of clothes. When they get sweaty, wear a fresh pair on the inside and use the sweaty pair on the outside. If there is a water source nearby, rinse the sweaty pair, dry and re-use. As you go to higher altitudes, the need to change lessens as you don’t sweat much. During such times, change once in two days.

“Carry a fresh pair of undergarments for each day especially if you’re on your periods,” says Sandhya, “or carry reusable cloth panty-liners that can be changed every day. They are light and will not weigh you down.” 

Carry plastic bags for used undergarments. You can also use plastic bags for used socks so that they don’t get mixed with fresh clothes in your backpack. 

What you can do most easily on a trek is maintain basic hygiene. Brush your hair, wash your face, answer nature’s call and clean up. There will be water available at all campsites to brush and wash up. As for your toothpaste and soap, try your best to take toiletries without chemicals in them. Organic products will decompose more easily.

Ladies at IH spoke at length on what should or should not be done while on treks. While the discussion mostly revolved around the above four topics, many brilliant trekking hacks popped up. Out of them, the 4 best are written as below:

1. Cotton undergarments allow your skin to breathe. So opt for comfortable, cotton undergarments. Go for sports bras as they fit snugly and are more comfortable.

2. Apply petroleum jelly along all places where elastic touches your body. During a trek, friction with the elastic gives rise to chafing. Petroleum jelly will prevent this.

3. Clip your damp handkerchief or socks to your backpack when you trek. They will be dry by the time you reach the next campsite.

4. If you are using sanitary pads, roll them tightly into a tiny cylinder before putting them in the ziplock. This way it will hardly occupy any space in your bag.

If you liked what you read and want more such tips, check out all our Trekking Tips. They are put together by our experts who have years of experience trekking in the Himalayas.

Taking a shower during treks is out of the question. Then how do you maintain hygiene? Here, pro-trekkers give tips to stay clean as you scale mountains.

How To Stay Hygienic On Treks (Even During Your Periods)

Recently I reviewed the MT 100 Leather Waterproof Boots by Decathlon. This review focuses on the women’s version of the shoe, with a separate review planned for the men’s version.

I recently surveyed trekkers to find out which shoes they use. To my surprise, the majority mentioned these very shoes—the MT 100. Naturally, I was curious to understand why they were so popular. I tested them myself and compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide whether they are worth investing in.

Pros of the MT 100 Leather Waterproof Boots

One of the most important aspects of a trekking shoe is grip. This shoe performs exceptionally well in that area. It comes with a ‘contact sole,’ as Decathlon calls it, and features deep lugs, deeper than those found in many other shoes. I tested them on flat boulders while trekking around Bangalore, and I felt like Spider-Man—climbing up and down effortlessly. They also perform well in the snow, making them highly reliable.

The shoe has a thick midsole that provides excellent cushioning. A good trekking shoe should not be too hard or too soft but should maintain a balance. The MT 100 achieves this balance perfectly, offering flexibility when needed while still providing sturdy foot protection.

Twisting an ankle is a common concern for trekkers. These shoes provide solid ankle support, thanks to their high length, which helps prevent injuries. The sturdy design ensures your ankles are well protected on uneven terrain.

When trekking in rain, snow, or through puddles, water resistance becomes essential. Though I didn’t get a chance to test these shoes in snow myself, I consulted at least eight trek leaders who have used them extensively. They confirmed that water does not seep in through the sides or front. When paired with gaiters, these shoes offer excellent water resistance, making them ideal for wet conditions.

Cons of the MT 100 Leather Waterproof Boots

Some trekkers, including myself, experienced slight blisters on the ankle area or the back of the foot after prolonged use (around 12 hours of continuous wear). This can be managed by wearing thick, high-quality sports socks that extend above the shoes. Avoid ankle-length socks, as they may not provide sufficient protection. The issue appears to be caused by a stitch running down the middle of the shoe at the back.

Since the shoe is made entirely of leather and designed to be highly water-resistant, it has limited breathability. While this is not a major issue in colder climates like the Himalayas, it can be uncomfortable in warmer regions, where feet may sweat excessively. Those with naturally sweaty feet may find this aspect more noticeable.

My first recommendation for trekkers is to rent shoes, especially if you trek only once or twice a year. However, if you trek frequently—whether in your city or the Himalayas—investing in a personal pair of comfortable trekking shoes makes sense.

At ₹5,500, the MT 100 falls within the typical price range for trekking shoes (₹4,000-₹6,000). Interestingly, the women’s version is slightly less expensive than the men’s version—one of the few areas where we win! If you are a regular trekker, this is a worthy investment.

The Decathlon MT 100 Leather Waterproof Boots tick all the essential boxes: grip, flexibility, ankle support, and water resistance. However, trekkers should be mindful of potential blisters and limited breathability. Overall, these are great shoes for regular trekkers who need reliable footwear for various terrains.

We will soon be comparing the MT 100 with the Trek 100, as many of you have asked about the differences. 

Recently we surveyed trekkers to find out which shoes they use. The majority mentioned the MT 100. Swathi tested them herself and compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide whether they are worth investing in.

Review of the Decathlon MT 100 Leather Waterproof Boots

Trekkers always ask us to help them buy trekking shoes. They are confused about which brand and which model to go for. Of course, our first suggestion to them is to rent shoes and go the more sustainable and affordable way. But for those looking to buy, we do our best to guide them.

That said, while we’re familiar with some of the most popular trekking shoes in India, our own testing has been limited to a handful of models. This sometimes leaves us without enough references to confidently recommend the best options.

To bridge this gap, we conducted a survey to find out which trekking shoes Indian trekkers prefer—especially those trekking in the Himalayas. Around 200 trekkers from across the country took the survey. The results reveal a clear trend. 

Unsurprisingly, Decathlon is still the go-to brand for trekking shoes in India. But a few other brands are also making a mark: 

Trekkers using Decathlon shoes: 105 (52.76%)

Most common price range: ₹6,000 - ₹8,000 (25.63%), followed by ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 (23.62%)

Overall satisfaction with their trekking shoes: 49.2% rated their shoes 5/5, while 39.2% gave them 4/5.

Decathlon Trekking Shoes: The Top Choice Among Indian Trekkers

Decathlon’s trekking shoes dominate the survey results, with the Forclaz MT100, Trek 100, and Quechua SH500 being the most widely used models. Trekkers also praise these shoes for their affordability, water resistance, and durability.

Here are the top choices of trekking shoe models from Decathlon: 

Forclaz MT100 – Popular for its grip and performance on rocky and snowy Himalayan terrains. Rated highly for durability.

Trek 100 – Known for being lightweight and offering good ankle support, making it a great choice for moderate treks.

Quechua SH500 – Preferred for cold-weather treks, offering good insulation and waterproofing.

Most Decathlon trekking shoes fall within the ₹2,000 - ₹8,000 price bracket, making them accessible to a wide range of trekkers.

Pros: Affordable, good grip, water-resistant, widely available. 
Cons: Lack of availability. Some users reported durability issues over long-term use and limited options for women-specific fits.

Other Trekking Shoe Brands Recommended by Trekkers

While Decathlon dominates the market, our survey also revealed trekkers using and recommending other premium brands:

CTR Coasters – Known for superb grip, long-lasting durability, comfortable fit, and affordability, making them a reliable trekking option.

Adidas Terrex – Trekkers appreciate their superb grip, durability over multiple treks, comfortable fit, and budget-friendly pricing.

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator – Recommended for its breathability and comfort, particularly for Western Ghats treks.

Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX – Preferred by experienced trekkers for its superior grip and waterproofing.

Columbia Redmond Waterproof – Known for its versatility and durability across different terrains.

Hanwag Bunion Shoes – A specialized choice for trekkers with foot structure concerns, offering exceptional comfort.

These premium trekking shoes typically cost between ₹8,000 - ₹15,000+, with Salomon and Hanwag being on the higher end.

Pros: High durability, excellent grip, suitable for extreme terrains. 
Cons: Expensive, limited availability in India, and may require breaking in.

How Much are Trekkers Spending on Trekking Shoes? 

Our survey results show that most trekkers in India prefer trekking shoes within the ₹4,000 - ₹8,000 range, accounting for nearly half of the responses. 

The most common price bracket was ₹6,000 - ₹8,000, chosen by 25.63% of trekkers, followed closely by the ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 range at 23.62%. 

Budget-conscious trekkers often opt for Decathlon shoes, which dominate the ₹2,000 - ₹6,000 segment, while premium brands like Merrell, Columbia, and Salomon are more commonly found in the ₹8,000 - ₹15,000+ category. 

Trekkers investing in higher-priced shoes generally look for better durability, waterproofing, and advanced grip features, making them suitable for rugged terrain and high-altitude expeditions.

Decathlon remains the go-to brand for budget-friendly and reliable trekking shoes.

Trekkers looking for premium quality and advanced features often opt for Salomon, Columbia or Merrell.

Terrain matters – Himalayan trekkers prefer waterproof shoes, while Western Ghats trekkers prioritize breathability.

Durability is a key concern, with some budget shoes wearing out faster.

If you’re planning your next trek, choosing the right pair of shoes based on your terrain and needs can make all the difference. 

We hope this survey helps you make the right decision about your next shoes. 

We conducted a survey to find out which trekking shoes Indian trekkers prefer—especially those trekking in the Himalayas. The results reveal a clear trend. 

Best Trekking Shoes In India: Discoveries From a Trekker Survey

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For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have noticed many mountain terms being tossed around in conversations, sometimes correctly, but more times incorrectly. 

We are making The Trek Glossary series, breaking down terms relevant to trekking. These are quick reads with accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is acclimatisation to high altitude. 

Every year, thousands of trekkers step into the Himalayas touching altitudes as high as 20,000 feet and a concerning percentage of them get affected by altitude sickness. There’s a need for awareness. 

Understanding of this term is not just limited to the trekking world. It is relevant for everyone travelling to high-altitude regions. 

What is Acclimatisation to High Altitude?

In simple terms, acclimatisation to high altitude is the process of adaptation to the lesser atmospheric pressure (barometric pressure).

There’s a science behind acclimatisation. When individuals ascend to high altitudes, the air pressure decreases, resulting in oxygen molecules being spaced farther apart. So you’re getting lesser oxygen with every breath. While the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere remains constant at 20.8%, the body needs to adapt to the reduced air pressure. 

a. Increased heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) to improve oxygen intake.

b. The body expels excess bicarbonate (urine) as a response to imbalances caused by the decreased oxygen levels.

a. Increased production of red blood cells (RBCs) to carry more oxygen.

b. A rise in 2,3-DPG (2,3-diphospoglycerate), a compound aiding oxygen release to tissues.

a. Growth of additional blood capillaries to enhance oxygen transport.

At What Height Does Acclimatisation Become Necessary? 

Acclimatisation is a critical process for trekkers/travellers travelling to high altitudes. From what we have noticed, for most people, the effects of high altitude start becoming noticeable at elevations above 8,000 feet (approximately 2,400 meters). However, for individuals travelling from sea-level locations, acclimatisation may be necessary at altitudes as low as 5,000–6,000 feet (~1,500–1,800 meters). 

For instance, someone travelling from cities like Chennai or Mumbai to Mussoorie, which is at an elevation of 6,000 feet, could experience mild symptoms if they ascend too quickly, as the body has had insufficient time to adapt to lesser oxygen pressure.

In a conversation about acclimatisation, Diptarka Gupta, medical trainer at Indiahikes, categorically mentioned that the speed of ascent (altitude gain) plays a significant role in the need for acclimatisation. 

I will elaborate it through an example: A person travelling by air from Chennai or Mumbai (sea level locations) to Dehradun and then driving to Mussoorie within a few hours might be at risk of altitude-related issues due to the rapid altitude gain. Similarly, trekkers arriving in Manali directly from a sea-level city and heading to treks the same day are also vulnerable to altitude sickness. The ascent trajectory and origin location very much influence acclimatisation requirements.

If I go further in detail, you can compare two different treks. One instance is the Bhrigu Lake trek, where the altitude climbs rapidly—within just two days, trekkers reach Rola Kholi, which is at an altitude of approximately 12,500 feet. As a result, there more cases of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be seen on this route. In contrast, the Hampta Pass trek also ascends to 14,000 feet (approx), yet the occurrence of AMS is much lower. This clearly shows that the pace of ascent plays a crucial role in acclimatisation.

Similarly, our previous itinerary for Kuari Pass trek involved trekkers arriving at Joshimath, then driving to Auli the next day, followed by a trek to Padiyar. This route required an ascent from 6,000 to 9,000 feet (approx)—a steep 3,000-feet climb (approx) —which led to a higher number of AMS cases. One of the key reasons we switched to an alternate route was to enhance safety and improve acclimatisation. 

Taking the time and necessary steps to acclimatise to high altitude lowers the risk of altitude sickness, but it does not eliminate the risk completely. 

How Do We Define Altitude?

Below I am sharing a diagram that gives a better understanding of how we define altitude

What are the Natural Methods for Acclimatisation?

Following these five pointers can help your body acclimatise well to high altitude.

Rest Well: Adequate rest upon reaching high altitude is essential. For instance, travellers/trekkers flying directly to Leh (elevation: ~11,000 feet) must rest on arrival before engaging in any activities. Immediate exertion can heighten the risk of altitude-related problems.

Ascend Slowly: Gradual altitude gain is the safest approach. Trekkers/climbers are advised not to increase their sleeping altitude by more than 1,000 feet (~300 meters) per day. This practice significantly helps in acclimatisation and reduces the likelihood of altitude sickness.

Climb High, Sleep Low: It is a natural acclimatisation technique. Our most experienced trek leaders advise this. This strategy involves ascending to a higher elevation during the day and descending to a lower altitude to sleep. For example, mountaineers on expeditions often transport supplies to higher camps and then descend to lower camps for the night. This is again the reason why trek leaders take trekkers through the acclimatisation walk. When you hike (with the purpose of exploring) to a slightly higher altitude and then descend, your body is getting a chance to adjusting to the altitude. It is a simple yet effective way of acclimatisation.

Good Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial. Your body loses more water because of the increased rate of respiration. Water supports the efficiency of red blood cells to collect oxygen in the lungs.

A Carbohydrate-Rich Diet: A carbohydrate-rich diet is beneficial as carbohydrates are quickly metabolised and provide energy efficiently. We would never recommend High-protein and fatty foods, like meat, as the body takes longer to digest and requires more energy to break the high-protein diet.

How to Acclimatise with Diamox?

Over the years, we have noticed trekkers taking diamox (tablets) for better acclimatisation.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) helps speed up acclimatisation. Our experts have shared a note on how Diamox works as a preventive (helping acclimatisation) and curative measure.

What Happens When Your Body is Not Acclimatised? Or What Causes Altitude Sickness?

Essentially, failing to acclimatize means your body is unable to adapt to the altitude, leading to AMS symptoms

Anyone who ascends to high altitude becomes hypoxic. This is a condition which signals insufficient oxygen in the blood. 

Atmospheric pressure (barometric pressure) falls as the elevation increases. Normally, oxygen diffuses from the lung into the blood along a pressure differential. It diffuses from higher gas pressure in the lung to lower gas pressure in the blood. At high altitudes, the reduced barometric pressure lowers the oxygen pressure in the lungs, which in turn decreases the amount of oxygen that can diffuse into the bloodstream. 

To explain the point further, I will take the help of an example. Think about an average healthy individual: at sea level, the blood is about 95% saturated with oxygen. However, at 18,000 feet (5,400 meters), due to the drop in atmospheric pressure, their blood's oxygen saturation falls to just 71%. This means the blood carries 24% less oxygen. 

The reduced amount of oxygen in the blood is the main reason for altitude-related sickness.

The reason why some people are affected with altitude sickness and others don’t is still not fully known.

Indiahikes Trek Leaders and Medical Experts Recommend

Along with the above-mentioned ways of natural acclimatisation, our most experienced trek leaders recommend these two additional pointers.

Climb at Your Own Pace: Avoid overexertion. Trekkers and travellers must listen to their bodies and not yield to peer pressure or strict schedules.

DO NOT Ignore Symptoms: Early signs of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Descend immediately if severe symptoms occur. I would recommend you read these two pieces on AMS. What is Acute Mountain Sickness?  Following to it, read How To Treat Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

A key recommendation from Indiahikes trek leaders and medical experts. Take Diamox if you’re trekking to altitudes above 14,000 feet.

When asked about Sherpas, Diptarka shares: ”Studies indicate that the Sherpas of Nepal and communities in the Andes, have evolved unique genetic adaptations, enabling them to thrive in high-altitude environments. These populations have a higher density of capillaries and more efficient oxygen utilisation, which minimises the effects of low oxygen availability.”

That is all you need to know about acclimatisation to higher altitude. If you have any questions you’d like to ask, drop them in the comments section.

Please let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any specific trek term. I will cover it in my upcoming posts.

Acclimatisation to high altitude is the process of adaptation to the lesser atmospheric pressure (barometric pressure).

What is Acclimatisation? Definition and Meaning

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I recently talked about the best clothing material for trekking and hiking. We surveyed the members of our trekking club and our trek leaders and almost all of them voted for dri-fit as their prime choice. 

During that survey, we also heard people discussing and sharing information on merino wool. While talking to the trek leaders further, I discovered that awareness about merino wool in the outdoor world is slowly growing. 

This led me to research more about merino wool.

This post continues the article I linked above. Below, I will analyse this material in detail. By the end of this article, I will zero in on whether merino wool is worth buying.

What is merino wool? Where is it derived from? 

Merino wool is a material derived from the fleece of Merino sheep, which is known for its softness and fineness. It is a breed that is believed to have its origin in Spain, but is now spread across the world, to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, USA and elsewhere. 

The wool from the sheep is further processed and spun into a fabric, which is what we call merino wool. 

Over the past few years, merino wool has gained popularity in the sporting and travel world because of its adaptability to all kinds of weather and its quick-dry feature. The biggest plus point of them all is that it doesn’t smell even after a long, sweaty trek. 

Watch this video to get a quick summary of what is written in the article:

Benefits of trekking in merino wool

What makes it a special choice among trekkers?

In a gist, our most seasoned trek leaders say, “We like merino wool for its ability to regulate temperature. It works across seasons, keeping you warm in the cold winters and keeping you cool in the hottest summers.”  

But there are several other benefits to merino wool. Read through them:

Odour Resistance: This is one of the highlight points of using merino wool on treks. It resists odour exceptionally well, and even after wearing it for 10 to 12 days straight during a trek, you won’t find your merino wool sweater having unpleasant smells (which is the opposite of dri-fit clothing.)

Lightweight and Wrinkle-Free: A Merino wool sweater alone will keep you lightweight on treks. It is warm and replaces layers on winter treks. An additional benefit, it is completely wrinkle-free so you look fresh. 

Breathability and Temperature Control: Merino wool is extremely breathable. It comes with temperature control. Our in-house trainer, Diptarka Gupta, has used it at -10°C as well as 35°C. It has felt comfortable in both extremes. 

Moisture and Heat Retention: Merino wool retains warmth even when damp. It can hold up to 20-30% of its weight until it feels uncomfortable. So despite profusely sweating or exposure to wet conditions, it does not get uncomfortable. 

Sustainability: Pure merino wool is 100% biodegradable. (However, there’s a catch here. Most products in the market are a blend of merino + other materials. So this benefit is divided).

While I was observing my primary research, I asked experts about the challenges too.

What are the cons of merino wool? 

Indeed, merino wool is a material with a lot of benefits. But I would also want you to consider the challenges and make an informed choice.

The major concern our experts share is the delicacy of merino wool. It tends to wear out faster in the areas which are exposed to rubbing, like, elbows and knees. Soon you’ll begin to see holes in these areas if you’re not careful enough. 

Another challenge with merino wool is the cost. It is expensive. Mixed merino wool only (merino wool + synthetic material) comes on the premium side. The price of 100% pure Merino wool clothes goes even higher. 

Care is a major deciding factor in concluding if it is worth the investment.

How to care for merino wool?

Like any other wool garment, merino wool also asks for extra care. 

When it comes to washing, use very mild detergent and cold water. Since the material is odour-resistant, you can go longer between the wash. Don’t overwash it. Air dry it and avoid machine dryers. Do not machine-wash your merino wool garment.

A merino wool clothing would last for 2-3 years with proper care. But occasional trekkers will find it lasts much longer. It would also ask for a little extra care when it comes to storage. Protect it from moths and keep it packed when not in use.

How to layer up with merino wool?

We are asked this question very frequently. Below, I will explain the best layering formula for a merino wool t-shirt

For your trek in winter, you need at least 5 layers of clothing. Merino wool base layer + dri-fit + sweater + fleece + padded jacket (for outermost layering). This is the minimum requirement on a winter trek. 

Coming to trekking in summer, a single layer of merino wool + two layers above suffices.

Is merino wool worth the investment?

Though expensive, merino wool’s unmatched features make it an investment for regular and seasoned trekkers. 

But for occasional trekkers, I would still recommend going with something like dri-fit. 

Of late, I have also observed people using merino wool as activewear in urban city life setups, which is great. So, If you decide to invest in merino wool, make sure you juice the benefits completely.

Tips before you purchase: Make sure the wool is ethically sourced. Look for the relevant ZQ Merino certifications. It ensures humane practices.

This was all about merino wool. Write to me in the comments if you have observed any more qualities about this material. Drop in your queries in the comment box. I will write to you as soon as possible.

Sharing below the frequently asked questions. Read through if you have similar queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, requiring careful farming and labour-intensive production to preserve its fine, soft fibres. 

Moreover, It has a limited supply and is super versatile, making it a premium choice. It outperforms most fabrics, adding to its value. 

Merino wool is odour-resistant because of its natural chemical properties. Some of these substances like lanolin don’t allow the multiplication of odour-producing bacteria. 

Plus, merino wool is breathable and wicks off sweat quickly. This reduces the conditions that lead to odours.

3. What is the difference between cashmere and merino wool? 

People often compare merino wool with cashmere because of their premium quality. To strike out the confusion, below I will draw a comparison between the two. 

Cashmere is believed to be sourced from a certain breed of goat which is historically found in Kashmir. The wool is considered to be the most luxurious, premium and softest of all. 

While both merino wool and cashmere are premium fabrics, they serve different purposes. Merino wool regulates body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Cashmere, on the other hand, is heavier, warmer, and more suited for high-altitude living rather than outdoor activities like trekking. 

Unlike merino wool, cashmere is neither odour-resistant, nor lightweight, and even does not absorb sweat.

Therefore, in the context of trekking, merino wool outperforms cashmere.

merino wool has gained popularity in the sporting and travel world because of its adaptability to all kinds of weather and its quick-dry feature.

What is Merino Wool? Is it worth buying?

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Lots of trekkers write to us about what kind of material to wear while trekking, especially while trekking in the Himalayas. 

The debate always comes down to cotton versus dri-fit material, whereas a few other materials like linen and merino wool get a few mentions. 

So what is the best material to wear while trekking?

So, What Clothing Material is Best For Trekking and Hiking?

In October 2024, we surveyed trek leaders and our Indiahikes Trekking Club members, asking participants about their preference for the material. The goal was to understand what trekkers and trek leaders are choosing and why.

Our trek leaders, who trek day in and day out for months together overwhelmingly voted in favour of dri-fit clothing. A near-negligible minority chose cotton. We noticed the same among members of the Indiahikes Trekking Club, who trek regularly in the Himalayas as well as the Western Ghats.

Dri-fit works best in cold, high-altitude regions (like the Himalayas). It wicks away sweat very easily, keeping your skin dry, especially during cold weather conditions.

If wet, dri-fit dries quickly, preventing the fabric from sticking to your skin, which helps lower the risk of hypothermia.

Dri-fit is super lightweight, enabling you to layer easily. Additionally, it doesn't add much bulk to your backpack.

The downside of dri-fit: The challenge one faces with dry-fit is that it holds onto the odour. To overcome this, we recommend carrying a few more T-shirts than you normally would.

Buy the versions of dry-fit t-shirts where you get net or mesh cloth around the armpits which helps with sweat and odour.

Always choose dry-fit clothing with full sleeves. It keeps you from sun tanning. 

Dri-fit T-shirts with full sleeves and a collar are even better. Your neck gets protected too. 

For any trek in cold regions, we recommend going to the dri-fit. Even in hot weather, dri-fit wicks sweat better. But if you prefer cotton, it’s better to use it only in hot regions and not in cold regions. 

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