In a previous article about sun damage at high altitudes, I touched upon the importance of wearing sunglasses when trekking in the snow. But in doing so, I realised that I had left out one group of trekkers: those who wear eyeglasses/spectacles.

In this article, I will share how people who wear contact lenses or eyeglasses can protect their eyes from UV damage on high-altitude treks.

But first, let’s have a quick recap of why you need to wear sunglasses on a high-altitude trek, especially when trekking in the snow:

Our eyes are prone to sunburns as much as our skin is. The sunburn of the eye is called photokeratitis (also called snow blindness). This condition is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, a component of sunlight. Too much UV exposure can damage the eye’s cornea and cause a burning, gritty sensation in the eyes and temporary blindness.

Now, snow is a very reflective surface. This means that it is very efficient at reflecting UV rays. When you trek in the snow, your eyes are constantly bombarded by these UV rays, putting you at a high risk of snow blindness.

So we know that we need sunglasses when trekking in snow. People who don’t wear spectacles (or are contact lens users) can simply put on UV-protected sunglasses. But what are the options available for bespectacled trekkers? Let’s have a look.

Sunglasses over spectacles

There are a few options for people who use spectacles to protect their eyes from UV rays:

This is an old hack in the books of many trekkers. Indiahikes in-house doctor Sreelakshmi went with this style on her Kashmir Great Lakes trek. “I carried my contact lenses with me but it was too much of a hassle to keep wearing and removing them daily. In the end, I just ended up wearing sunglasses over my spectacles. Although it was a bit tight around my ears and nose, it was not that big of an issue. I was able to complete the whole trek quite comfortably”.

Sunglasses with power lenses

Custom-made sunglasses with corrective power are the most comfortable option for trekkers with spectacles. However, such custom sunglasses are expensive, costing anywhere between Rs 3000 to Rs 7,000 for a good frame with scratch resistance. 

Frankly, we don’t recommend this unless you’re trekking in snow 7-8 times a year. If you’re trekking just once a year or so, this is not an economical option.

A trekker wearing Sunglasses with power lenses, passing the bamboo forest of the Sandakphu Phalut trek. 

Clip-ons over prescription glasses

Clip-on glasses are glasses that you can attach on top of your regular spectacles. They do a pretty decent job and can be attached or removed easily. Clip-on glasses are a much more economical alternative to custom sunglasses with power.

Clip-on glasses are available easily in most trekking stores. Additionally, you can also find clip-ons in local spectacle shops easily. Check this out at Decathlon.

Fit-over-sunglasses

Fit-over sunglasses work on the same idea as clip-on glasses but instead of fixing only a set of lenses over your spectacles, fit-over sunglasses are whole sunglasses that you wear on top of the spectacles.

They look like regular sunglasses but are built like a light-weight shell so that they can fit snugly over most styles of spectacles.

Fit-over sunglasses sit comfortably over your regular spectacles and are quite convenient to trek with. Photo by Deep Thakkar

One of our trekkers who is a regular user of these fit-over sunglasses had brought one to our Bangalore office. We tried it out ourselves and the sunglasses fit comfortably over our spectacles. Those were so comfortable that we didn’t notice that we were wearing another set of glasses over our spectacles.

These fit-over sunglasses are found at local spectacle stores, lenskart, and other brand outlets.

A trekker wearing fit-over sunglasses on the Dayara Bugyal trek. Notice that the sunglasses are covered on the sides as well thereby preventing any glare or UV rays from reaching the eyes. Photo by Harikrishnan

Photochromic lenses

Photochromic glasses are spectacles that can transition from clear glass to dark shades that are anti-glare, depending on exposure to the sun. However, there are some things that you must consider before using these glasses on a trek:

Ensure that you get these lenses in a full-frame spectacle. Frameless glasses are fragile and can easily break on a trek.

Because photochromic lenses change colour automatically depending on light exposure, some people find it uncomfortable to use.

These types of lenses are expensive and might not be worth spending your money on.

There are a good number of eye protection options available for bespectacled trekkers. From our experience, fit-over and clip-on sunglasses are affordable and work pretty well. However, fit-over sunglasses should be preferred in snow conditions since they can cut off the side glare which a clip-on lens will not be able to do.

If you wear glasses, your best option is to get clip-on sunglasses. It is hassle-free and economical. 

However, if you’re a trekker who is in snow several times a year, then you could go for sunglasses that are tuned to your power. That’s the most convenient option. 

I hope this article helped you with a lot of questions about what to use & how to use sunglasses with your spectacles. Additionally, if you are confused about whether to wear spectacles or contact lenses on a trek: Head over to this article which discusses the pros and cons of using either of them on a trek. 

Sunglasses for trekkers who wear spectacles. Different options for eye protection. Need for wearing sunglasses on a high altitude or snow trek.

How To Use Sunglasses With Spectacles

Trekking shoes help you complete a trek as much as your willpower. While it's a must to work on mental and physical strength every time you plan a trek, a robust pair of shoes can work wonders on every trek. All you have to do is do a little maintenance after choosing the right pair for all your trekking needs.

A good pair—be it Quechua trekking shoes or shoes from Woodland—can feel like an extension of your feet. Similarly, an ill-fitting pair with a thoughtless design can slow you down and even halt your trek. So, how do you choose the best trekking shoes in India?

Different shoes are suitable for different kinds of treks. Does that mean snow trekking shoes can only be used on snow? Not really. The best trekking shoes are versatile. They work well in all kinds of weather conditions.

This brings us to the next question: which are the best trekking shoes for men and women in India? And how do you make this choice?

Many trekkers write to us asking about what trekking boots to buy. And because this is a crucial choice, we have put together a complete guide that covers all topics, right from how to buy trekking shoes, the best mountain trekking shoes available in India and how to maintain them.

So, if you’re looking for information on trekking shoes, search no more. This guide contains everything you need to know about how to choose the best.

How to choose the best trekking shoes

How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoes in India

There is no dearth of options in the trekking shoes for women or trekking boots for men sections of a Decathlon, Woodland, or any other sports store. If you choose to shop online, the options are infinite. However, a plethora of options can sometimes lead to confusion. 

Don’t worry. We are here to help. Below are five factors that will help you choose the right pair of trekking shoes.

1. Check for good grip in the trekking shoe

The best way to recognise a trekking shoe with good grip is to look at the grooves. They will be deep. A shoe with good grip will have mud, slush and dirt getting stuck in its grooves. That’s a sign of deep grooves that are gripping the mud. Make sure your shoes have deep grooves and good grip.

2. Look for softness and flexibility in the shoe sole

You will be walking on different kinds of terrain, and your shoes need to adapt to it. A soft and flexible sole is great at doing this. But how do you check for that?

Take a hard, metallic object, say a key, and just tap on the sole. Listen to the noise it makes. A soft sole makes a dull sound. If you hear a sharp sound, know that it’s too hard, and such a sole will not work on a trek. 

3. Go for ankle support in the trekking shoe

A lot of walking-hiking shoes come with a lot of flexibility and good grip. But what they lack is ankle support. In the Himalayas, you will be walking on rough terrain. You will be climbing up and down, and your ankle is prone to twisting at unusual angles. And that’s when your trek can end. And you don’t really want that to happen. To prevent this, you need good ankle support and make sure your trekking shoes provide good ankle support.

Always test the shoes for the right fit and prefer the most breathable hiking shoes. Ideally, you should buy trekking shoes one size larger than your normal size. Without the extra space, you’d develop shoe bites due to the constant rubbing of the toe against the shoe wall.

A shoe that is a size larger than your normal size will protect you from shoe bites and give your feet enough space to breathe.

A Himalayan trek or a monsoon trek in the Ghats requires water-resistant shoes. This is because trekkers will be trekking through snow, rain, water bodies, or other regions where their feet can get wet. If your shoe is not water-resistant, chances are that you will develop shoe bites or some form of callus due to wet feet. Additionally, it’s uncomfortable to trek long distances in wet socks and flooded shoes.

Therefore, it’s best to buy shoes that are water-resistant (remember, you want water-resistant shoes and not waterproof trekking shoes).

An added layer of leather or resin will really help. It ensures that when you step into a puddle for 3–4 seconds, your shoe does not get wet or water doesn’t seep in. So, water resistance is important.

Note: Make sure it’s not waterproof because your feet won’t be able to breathe in waterproof trekking shoes. And it will get sweaty and stinky. There’s a chance your trek mates will not let you inside the tent if your feet are stinking 🙂

Also, wear your shoes for about two weeks or so to break them in.

Things to Look at While Choosing your Trekking Shoe

What are the types of trekking shoes available?

There are various types of trekking shoes. Some are meant for short hikes, while others are suitable for treks and expeditions. Similarly, there are trekking shoes for female trekkers and some specifically meant for men, based on size, design and colours.

These are similar to sports shoes but with a stronger grip. They are also more robust.

These are lightweight shoes that have flexible soles. They are ideal for short treks when you don’t have to carry heavy loads on your back. You may use them for the following treks:

Treks on dry terrain (not suitable for rainy season)

Some of the popular and recommended hiking shoe brands are Forclaz Fresh, Woodland and Weinbrenner (associate company in Bata Corporation) low ankle series. You can also find plenty of options in the Decathlon hiking shoes section on their website and in stores.

Trekking boots or shoes are a grade above hiking shoes. They are usually shoes with good ankle support.

These shoes are made for trekking in various seasons and on different gradients. They are ideal for:

Treks that involve carrying 7kg+ backpacks

Water resistance: The upper part of the trek boots is usually made of leather, suede or a synthetic material like Gore-tex (GTX) or Nova Dry.

Deep grooves: This ensures a strong grip.

Ankle support: This saves you from painful ankle twists on uneven trails. But this also makes it heavier. And you need to get used to wearing it—break it in—a couple of weeks before your trek starts.

Some of the popular and recommended brands are Forclaz and Quechua. They are generally priced between Rs. 3000 and Rs. 8000. Decathlon trekking shoes are most popular and preferred by experienced trekking enthusiasts, while some prefer Woodland trekking shoes.

These are also called expedition boots. They aren’t required on usual treks or for any of the treks that Indiahikes is presently running.

Mountaineering boots are needed on ice, rocks, crevasses, and glaciers. They are crafted to grip these lofty surfaces.

These boots are more expensive, with prices starting at upwards of Rs. 10,000. Few of the most popular and recommended expedition boots can be found on Decathlon. Other brands can be considered as well, but they are not easily available in India.

Trekking shoes for women

Trekking shoes for women sections on various websites and sports stores offer shoes that are specifically designed for women’s feet.

The heel-to-ball length, as well as the width of the in-step and heel, is larger in trekking shoes for men. So, shoe companies began designing slimmer shoes that cater specifically to women’s feet.

Special material at the in-sole and mid-sole for Q-angle

Some great shoes in this category are the Trek 100 and MH100 for women by Decathlon. Apart from that, you may opt for brands like Merrell and Salomon. 

Best trekking shoes in India

To narrow down the best trekking shoes from the infinite options available on the market, Indiahikes conducted an Instagram Survey.

Trekker’s Choice: Top 3 Trekking Shoes Recommended By Trekkers

Talking about the top choice, a representative of Decathlon trekking shoes confirmed that the Forclaz Trek 100 is their highest-selling product, and now they are aiming to come out with a new variant.

“We are introducing Trek 100 Textile boots in India. It is a beginner trekker's boots focused mostly on the comfort of the trekker and is eco-friendly, which is made up of 100% natural rubber outsole. It also has 100% recycled outer and black lining is dope dyed, reducing water consumption and CO2 emission during the process.”

And coming to a variety close to the fifth option—Salomon Quest 4 Gore Tex—we think it is great for seasoned trekkers. The model has been upgraded over the years.

Also Read: Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX: All-Terrain Hiking Shoes for Seasoned Trekkers

Best budget trekking shoes under INR 4000

Top 5 Budget-Friendly, Affordable Trekking Shoes In India Under INR 4,000

Here’s a list of trekking shoes that our trekkers swear by! We know because we conducted a survey and listed the top trekking shoes that showed up in the responses. But before we get to the list, here are two things you must keep in mind:

These are the shoes recommended by trekkers after at least one trek experience.

Most of these shoes are perfectly suited for local treks and easy-moderate Himalayan treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. But for a very long, difficult Himalayan trek, I would choose wisely from these.

Shoes that are affordable and budget-friendly.

Also Read: Forclaz 500 High / Trek 100: Excellent Hiking Shoes For Rough Himalayan Terrain

The Quecha NH100 trekking shoes are perfectly fine for trekking in the Western Ghats, though. They have ankle support and are pretty sturdy. But they don’t have any water resistance. So, you cannot use them for trekking in snow or rain. They are good shoes for light and mostly dry hikes.

Trekking Shoes Review: “Pros: (1) High quality build. (2) Abuse friendly, can take rough usage with a lot of ease. (2) Good traction/grip. (3) Pocket friendly price. (4) Comfortable wear. Cons: (1) Not water resistant. (2) Not suitable slippery ice-trek trails.” – Zulfi

The Quechua NH150 trekking shoes are a grade higher than the NH100 because it is water-resistant. It can last up to 2 hours in water as it has a water-resistant coating and a water-proof membrane. It is one of the best waterproof trekking shoes for men.

It has a good cross-contact sole with mid-ankle support. This one is suitable even for Himalayan treks, but not for very difficult terrain like Pin Bhaba Pass or Kanamo Peak.

Trekking Shoes Review: “The shoes are comfortable, dry off easily and provide great grip even on wet, slippery stones. Great shoes for the given price point.” – Vashisht

The Quechua MH100 trekking shoes, falls within a good budget and ticks all the right boxes—the sole has good grip, it has ankle support, a flexible sole and water resistance.

For most of our easy, moderate and even moderate-difficult Himalayan treks, like Rupin Pass, these shoes will work. They are slightly on the higher end of budget trekking shoes, though, costing around Rs. 3,500.

Trekking Shoes Review: “I have used the shoes on several Sahyadri treks in winter and rainy as well and also used them at Buran Ghati in snow as well. It’s been almost a year since I bought it, and these shoes are in great condition. They are helpful in all kind of terrain, also they are zero maintenance, and easily washable.” – Raj Shah

Surprisingly, you can find plenty of “budget” Wildcraft trekking shoes in its stores and online. They are never known to “budget” anything. And there is a loophole too.

These shoes cost Rs. 2,500 on portals like Flipkart, but they are well over that (~ Rs 4,000) on the official site. You are never going to get a nice pair of trekking shoes under 1000. So, getting this at a budget price depends on your luck.

The shoes, on the other hand, are pretty decent for Himalayan treks. They score high in the traction department. But certain reviews suggest the water resistance is very basic. So, we wouldn’t recommend it for a monsoon trek. If you’re an occasional trekker, these shoes would suit you. On its website, one can find useful options for Wildcraft waterproof shoes and Wildcraft hiking shoes.

Trekking Shoes Review: “It worked pretty well during my Sandakphu trek! But I cant say whether it will last long or not as I used that only for one trek and also haven’t used it in snow.” - Utpal Gogoi

Trekking shoes from Woodland are as sturdy and durable as any trekking shoe, but they have the same issue as most Woodland shoes: they are heavier than other brands’ trekking shoes and also don’t work well in the rain. And at around Rs. 3,500, they aren’t too budget friendly.

But this review brought it under the spotlight.

Trekking Shoes Review: “Contrary to popular opinion about woodland shoes, I found these shoes to be an excellent fit, utility and buy and they are affordable too. These shoes give an excellent grip on snow, gravel and boulders..they are lightweight, have good ankle support and are pretty durable as well..I have been using them for the last three years, though I have done only about 6 treks, I have used them extensively for my workouts including running.” – Abhishek Vaddadi

Also Read: Forclaz 500 Warm: Pocket-friendly Hiking Shoes for all Weather Conditions

| Note: If you have used any of these budget trekking shoes or other than the ones recommended above, share your experience here:

Top 5 Budget Friendly Affordable Trekking Shoes In India Under INR 4,000

How to clean and maintain your trekking shoes

How To Clean And Maintain Your Trekking Shoes

Buying trekking shoes is expensive. So if you buy a pair, make sure to maintain them well. Here are five things you must do to keep your trekking shoes in good shape after a gruelling trek:

The thumb rule is to clean your trekking shoes every time you return from a trek.

Don’t leave them dirty. The accumulation of mud and grime on the upper fabric of the trekking shoes adversely affects the waterproofing. This reduces the breathable nature of your boot. So, always clean your shoes after a trek to remove dirt residues.

Also Read: 8 Hacks to Maintain Your Personal Hygiene on a Trek

You need a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) or sponge and lukewarm water.

Before cleaning the uppers, bang the soles of your shoes against each other in order to get rid of any remaining dust and mud.

Then, lightly soak the brush in water and clean the exteriors to remove all dirt stains.

Use lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush to scrub out the outer dirt from trekking shoes.

It’s evident that you need to dry your shoes after cleaning them. But even if you skip cleaning, you still should not skip drying your shoes.

Trekking shoes get exposed to a lot of moisture, like sweat and rain. So, it’s necessary to dry your shoes before storing them, even if you bought them from the Decathlon trekking shoes waterproof section. Storing damp or wet shoes causes mould growth, which can affect the quality of their breathability. So, let your trekking shoes air dry for at least 24 hours.

Also Read: 10 Tips to Trek Like a Pro During Monsoon

Remove the insole and undo the laces so that the shoes can breathe and dry faster. 

Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature. 

Don’t expose the shoes to a direct source of heat like fire, dryers, blow dryers or direct sun because this could crack them up and damage the waterproofing. It may lead to discolouration and weakening of adhesives as well, or premature ageing in leather shoes. 

Instead, leave your shoes under a fan to dry.

With usage, a lot of shoes lose their waterproofing ability. This feature is restored using sprays that aid water in slipping off easily without entering the shoe. After cleaning and drying, you may treat your shoes with re-waterproofing sprays to maintain their water resistance. You will find re-waterproofing sprays and greases in all major online stores or market sports stores.

Also Read: Why Trekking During Monsoon is Not a Bad Idea

Note: None of the treatments promise fool-proof water-resistance.

How to use re-waterproofing sprays on trekking shoes:

The treatment is required only once or twice a year.

Follow the standard application rules for such sprays. 

Spray the product evenly all over your shoe. Pay more attention to the seam and joint areas, since most of the water enters from here. 

Leave them for a full day to dry and absorb the spray. Caution: Don’t try to increase the speed of drying by using an external heat source (hairdryers, sun, etc.).

How to use re-waterproofing grease on trekking shoes:

This product is specifically applied to leather boots to prevent premature ageing and cracking of the leather by making it water repellent.

Contrary to popular belief, it does not diminish the shoe’s breathability. It can also be used on membrane-type shoes. You may follow the above steps. But instead of spraying, apply the grease using a cloth.

Inspect your trekking shoes after you get back from the trek. Check for any loose stitches or a torn inner sole. And get it repaired before your next trek.

A damaged trekking shoe can lead to blisters and a loss of balance on a trek. So, do not take this risk and keep your trekking shoes in good shape. 

Also Read: How to fix your trekking shoe if the sole comes off

Always make sure that your shoes are perfectly dry before storing them. 

Store them in a dry and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. 

If you do not plan to use them for a long period of time, stuff them with newspaper so that they keep their shape. You can also put dehumidifiers like teabags and silica gels in the shoe odour-free.

Trekking shoes can indeed make or break your trek. This is why we put together this extensive guide of information collected over the years.

Now, you need not repeat the cliched mistakes while selecting a trekking shoe.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or recommendations on the best trekking boots, snow hiking shoes, budget shoes for trekking, which trekking shoe to purchase, or how to take care of your trekking shoes, please drop them in the comments below, and someone from the Indiahikes team will address them.

Bonus Tip: Here’s a video on the topic that is often overlooked by most trekkers, How to tie your shoelaces so that they don’t come off?

FAQs

1. What is the difference between hiking and trekking shoes? 

Hiking shoes are lightweight and meant for short hikes. They are not as durable as trekking sneakers or shoes and work well on less demanding terrain. So, what are trekking shoes? These shoes are meant for trekking and are thus manufactured using sturdy materials. These shoes are designed in such a manner that they provide maximum support on difficult terrain.

2. What are the best trekking shoes for men?

While Wildcraft trekking shoes are as good as brands available in Decathlon’s store and website, one must check factors like shoe grip, flexibility, ankle support, comfortable fit, and water resistance. Our abovementioned guide on how to choose the right trekking shoes will be of great help.

3. What are the best trekking shoes for women?

The best trekking shoes for women must have a slimmer structure in comparison to the ones for men. It should comfortably fit women's feet. Most sports stores have a dedicated trekking boots women section. Try at your convenience and choose the most suitable pair for your trek.

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Trekking shoes determine the comfort and success of your trek. Here's a comprehensive guide on the best trekking shoes, how to choose them and their maintainence.

Trekking Shoes Guide: How To Choose, Types, Budget, Maintenance

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The past month has been fraught with snowfall. The snow is so deep that our tents are almost buried to the top. 

Take a look at this picture, for instance: 

Bhojadhadi campsite on the Kedarkantha trek. Picture by Sanjay Mistry. 

This is not a mountaineering expedition. It is our easy-moderate Kedarkantha trek. While some snow will melt, we expect high snow conditions to remain until mid-April.

But the reality is this: This kind of beauty needs preparation before you step into it. 

I sat down with Ravi Ranjan, a senior member at Indiahikes, who has spent several winters in the wilderness of the Himalayas. He has some excellent tips for you to follow. Despite trekking for eight years, many of these were eye-openers for me. They are so simple to follow, yet so effective.

We’ll go from bottom to top, feet to head: the wetness-prone parts to the driest parts. 

“If only waterproof socks existed five years ago, a lot of frostbites and chilblains could have been avoided,” ruminates Ravi Ranjan, remembering the case of one of our trek leaders, who had to stop all physical activity for six months after getting a bad case of frostbite in the snow. 

We all know that trekking in the snow is fun. The not-so-fun part is when the snow gets into your shoes. In 3–4 hours of walking on snow, the water seeps in through the shoe's fabric to its inner layer, wetting your socks and, eventually, your feet. That’s when the misery starts. 

Even though modern trekking shoes are water-resistant, they do not prevent water from seeping in. Very soon, your feet get painfully cold and numb. Worse, thanks to your cold feet, your core body temperature drops even without your knowledge. When that happens, you shiver all night, cocooned in a warm sleeping bag. The next day, you are tired, unable to trek much, and your body does not cope. You wonder why. But this is the reality of trekking in snow.

This is where waterproof socks can change the way you trek in snow. They keep your feet dry. You can wear these socks and walk around in a tub of water. With these socks, you can step on wet snow without shoes (our staff do this to clear out snow at our camps). They will remain dry. Your feet won’t feel a thing.

Yet, these socks are breathable. In addition to keeping you warm, they have the same comfortable feel as standard socks and do not produce odour. 

We imported these socks last year, and trekkers have loved using them. If you’re trekking in snow, it’s a very good investment. It will last you for years. 

Put on these socks the day you touch the snow line. Keep them on until you leave the snowline. Wear these socks whenever you are in the snow.

The socks will keep your feet from getting damp, dramatically changing how you trek. Even if your shoes are soaked, your feet will stay dry (and remain warmer).

Effectively, these socks remove most chances of chilblains, frost nips, or frostbites. 

2. Carry at least one pair of sports socks for each day

If you cannot buy waterproof socks, because, I must admit, they are quite expensive, then this is a must-do: carrying many pairs of socks.

“At the end of the day’s trek, your socks will get wet despite gaiters, water-resistant shoes, and waterproof pants. So the first thing you do when you reach the campsite is change into a dry pair of socks. You must repeat this every time you get to camp on a snow trek,” stresses Ravi. 

Why is this so important? Cold weather and moisture are a nightmare combination. Your body loses heat much quicker when wet than when you are dry, accelerating the possibility of frostbite and hypothermia. 

That’s why you need to carry more socks for a snow trek than on a regular one. 

3. Carry newspaper to stuff into your shoes at night 

After a long day’s trek, shoes tend to have a good amount of moisture. This moisture usually freezes overnight inside the shoe, making it as hard as a rock in the morning. 

This is where it helps to carry newspapers, which you can stuff into your shoes at night. The newspapers absorb water, drying out your shoes as much as possible. 

While it doesn’t suck out all the moisture, it goes a long way towards keeping your shoes flexible in the mornings. 

4. Use only dry-fit layers while trekking

This goes in line with avoiding the cold and moisture-killer combination. Cotton layers tend to get wet with sweat and refuse to dry. A moisture-wicking fabric helps for both your top and bottom layers.

Use dry-fit layers or modern fabrics like merino wool, which wick moisture away when wet. 

Even then, once you reach the campsite, make it a point to change into dry clothes immediately. 

5. Use at least two layers for your lower half, even while trekking

Carrying five warm layers for the upper body is normal in Indian trekking. However, trekkers often need clarification about their bottom layers. Should I layer up? Is it required? Should I trek while wearing layers? 

In such deep snow, the answer is yes. You must carry at least two layers of pants and even wear them while trekking. 

But what kind of layers should these be? 

Use light, moisture-wicking fabric even for your lower. The top layer must be good trekking pants with some level of water resistance. The inner layer can be a pair of dry-fit tights. Avoid cotton at all costs in such snowy conditions. 

To trek wearing thermals or not to? “I once trekked wearing thermals, and it was a nightmare,” recalls Ravi, recollecting his younger days. “I got severely dehydrated and struggled throughout the day.” Thermals are heavy materials that get soaked with sweat. Avoid thermals while trekking at all costs. Keep them dry and save them for the night. 

6. Wear your rain pants while sliding in snow

One of the most fun parts of snow treks is sliding on snow during your descent. However, your pants are the first to get wet. Given that you always have your rainwear with you, it’s a good idea to pull out your rain pants quickly and put them on for your slide. 

We wouldn’t recommend wearing ponchos on your slide because you could completely lose control of it, but rain pants are a good idea. 

7. Two layers of gloves are a must: first, a fitting layer and then a waterproof synthetic layer

Given that the cold affects your extremities first, it is crucial to safeguard them at all costs. This is a good practice not just to avoid cold hands but also to avoid post-trek issues like numb and painful fingers. 

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