Monsoon is the perfect timing for spending a weekend out of your busy schedule and go on trekking because it’s not just about reaching your destination, it is about the time spent with your friends, family or if you are on a solo trip then yourself and knowing your inner strength and as we say that it’s not about perfect destination it’s all about the journey!
Your trek can turn into a memorable experience only if you’ve done all your homework beforehand. Basic tips and hacks can make your monsoon trek experience more comfortable and effortless, so you can enjoy the journey and the destination by the same token. So here are some of the things which are important to carry if going on trekking:
- Right pair of shoes
There are two points to keep in mind while buying your trekking shoes for a monsoon trek – from quality to comfort. The best combinations to look for are lightweight and size bigger shoes. The light weight prevents your feet from pressing into the puddles and makes it comfortable to walk. Sometimes while trekking your feet tend to swell. Shoe size, bigger than your usual one, will allow your feet to breathe during this time and prevent from stress. Also, while every trek demands good grip shoes with optimal ankle height this is especially true for the monsoons as the terrain is slippery than ever and minor sprains can become a big challenge during treks. If you can manage a pair of waterproof shoes with all these features, you’ve got to pick them.
2. Lightweight- Waterproof backpack and Poncho
One of the most common mistakes people make during their treks is carrying a heavy bag pack. This not only hinders with the trekking but also causes discomfort to your backbone. Opting for a lightweight- waterproof backpack is ideal for a monsoon trek. A lightweight poncho or raincoat that you can easily slip into as it can pour unannounced in the season and you wouldn’t want to get wet with the budgeted set of clothing. Cotton clothing should be avoided as they take longer to dry. A spare set of plastic bags to separate wet clothes from dry ones.
3. Sunglasses
One may tend to think that sunglasses aren’t a necessary element during the monsoon season. This is untrue, especially if you are trekking on high altitudes and mountains. When the sky clears, the sun can strain your eyes and squinting can end up giving you a headache.
4. Flip-Flops
One of the most comfortable inputs into you’re your bag pack can be a pair of flip-flops. You will always want to camp at locations during your trek and these flip-flops will give your feet the breathing space after a long trek. Since most flip-flops are waterproof, it is one thing less to worry about while moving around your camp.
5. Anti-Fungal Cream
The humid conditions, during the rainy days, make it ideal for the growth of various fungi. So, fungal infections are very common during the rainy season. Bacteria and other germs also breed best when the air is humid. Fungal infections usually cause inflammations and itching. Carrying an anti-fungal cream can be a saviour in case you are infected during the trek.
6. Salt
Paying attention to smallest of details and being prepared is the concoction for a successful trek. With leeches galore in the season, salt is a quick way to get rid of them should you get one on yourself. Lemon and salt mixture is also said to work as a deterrent for leeches.
Monsoons are a good time for trekkers to satiate their love for exploring places and testing their endurance levels. The heat is less and the winters haven’t set in yet for the extra clothing to add to your baggage.