Things To Pack For A Safe Monsoon Trek

By Author: cofsils
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Treks are always fun affairs that involve adventure, intrigue, and a lot of bonding with your fellow trek mates. If you live in the western part of the country, the monsoons are considered to be the prime season to go trekking up the mountainous areas of this region. People band together in little groups and set out for one or two day treks in the monsoons. These are generally considered to be safe as long as it doesn’t rain too much. But this also comes with a few health hazards and safety concerns, especially in the rainy season. Read on to discover how you can battle issues like dehydration, staying dry, and a throat infection while on a trek.

For starters, don’t underestimate mother nature. If this is your first time on a trek, most rookies make the mistake of taking things too lightly. You need to be well prepared not just for the climb but also against weather conditions. To start with, you will need a good, strong, and waterproof backpack to carry all your things. Go with something that you know can easily carry all the things you need and can properly repel water. The last ...
... thing you want is to be stranded on a mountainside with all your things drenched to the core. Also make sure that your backpack is not only lightweight but also sturdy and provides you with good support for your back and neck since you will be carrying it for a long long time. You can find specialized trekking backpacks that are perfect for the job. You will also need to carry a lot of dry food along with you along with your regular food. Dry food doesn’t spoil easily and can ensure you manage to nourish yourself even in the worst of circumstances. Carry water along but not too much since it can weigh you down a lot. Instead, read up on possible water sources that you may encounter during your trip. This will ensure that you know what to look for when you do run out of water. Also, whatever food you carry should be healthy and nutritious without placing too much of a strain on your tummy since you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing.

You will also need to pack certain things to protect you against the elements. If your trek route goes through a forest or a patch of trees, chances are the air will be filled with massive mosquitoes which will feast on you, particularly if you plan on spending the night out in the wild. Carry along mosquito repellant creams and sprays and use them liberally. You will also need some sunscreen on your trip even though it might not be particularly sunny out there during the trip. The sun’s UV rays can and always will affect your skin irrespective of the amount of cloud cover present so don’t underestimate the importance of a good sunscreen. If you plan on camping in the open you will also need a tent and maybe some sleeping bags. You will need to discuss with your teammates on how you plan on dividing up the luggage so that everyone is comfortable with their load. If you plan on doing some cooking out there, make sure to pack a portable burner as well.

Finally, you will also need a number of things as a precaution for your health and well being. We suggest carrying cough drops since the wet weather can cause anyone to develop a sore throat. It’s also a good idea to carry along some cough syrup maybe for more extreme circumstances. You should also pack diarrhoea medicine since the monsoons are also the prime season for upset tummies.

Not sure what to pack exactly? We recommend speaking with an experienced trekker and following their lead. A good trekker will always be armed with essentials that they know will come in useful in the wild. Things like medicines for an itchy throat may not occur to a first-timer so it is good to always confer with a regular trekker. It is also important not to over-pack for a trek since it can lead to unnecessarily heavy backpacks that are difficult to lug around. Plan wisely and account for every eventuality. A good first aid kit can also come in handy and make sure you are prepared for every eventuality without packing too much into your backpack. This is easier said than done but packing well for a trek can make all the difference to the kind of experience you finally have.