Monsoon Trekking Tips: If you are planning a road trip to a hill station or trekking in the mountains this monsoon, then just preparing for the beautiful views is not enough. During the rainy season, challenges like slipping, sudden weather change, mud, low visibility and network problems can make the journey difficult. In such a situation, proper packing makes your journey safe, comfortable and stress-free. Let us know which important things should be included in your bag before going on a monsoon trip.
Why are waterproof bags and rain gear most important?
During monsoon travel, first of all it is important to keep your luggage safe from rain. For this, choose a waterproof backpack or a bag with a good quality rain cover. This protects clothes, cameras, laptops and other important items from getting wet. Raincoat or poncho is considered more useful than an umbrella, as both hands remain open during trekking. Also carry a waterproof pouch or zip-lock bag for mobile, camera, purse, passport and other documents. This will keep your belongings safe even in case of sudden heavy rain.
Strong grip shoes will make the journey safe
Hill roads can be extremely slippery during monsoon. Therefore, wearing trekking shoes or water-resistant sports shoes with strong grip is the best option. The right shoes not only prevent slipping but also provide comfort to the feet on long treks. Keep extra socks in your bag so that you can change them immediately if they get wet. If you are on a trip of several days, then also carry light slippers or sandals, so that your feet can get rest after reaching the hotel or camp.
Proper clothing and preparation according to the weather
In monsoon, dry-fit or synthetic clothes that dry quickly are more convenient than heavy cotton clothes. These are light and release moisture quickly. Keep a light jacket, a warm sweatshirt, extra T-shirt and track pants in your bag. In hilly areas the temperature may drop suddenly in the evening. Keeping clothes in separate packing cubes or plastic bags keeps them protected from moisture and dampness.
Keep first aid, gadgets and essential items with you
Always carry a small first aid kit with you on monsoon trips. This should include bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, ORS, cold medicine, mosquito repellent cream and your regular medicines. Also carry a power bank, charging cable, torch or headlamp and extra batteries. In many hilly areas, electricity and mobile networks are limited, so it is very useful to download offline maps before travelling.
If you are going on a road trip, preparation of the vehicle is also important.
If you are traveling by car or bike, then get the vehicle serviced before travelling. Check tyres, brakes, wipers, headlights and fog lights as they play the most important role in rain. Keep a tire inflator, puncture repair kit, tow-rope, extra water, dry snacks, power bank and torch in the car. Sometimes petrol pumps are far away on hilly roads, so fill the fuel tank well in advance. Also, start the journey only after seeing the weather forecast and road conditions.
Keep these things in mind for a safe journey
Avoid taking unnecessary risks during monsoon trips. Do not go near waterfalls or rivers with fast flowing water, avoid taking selfies on slippery rocks and follow warnings from local authorities. Inform your family or friends about your trip in advance and help keep nature clean instead of spreading plastic waste. Proper preparation, packing according to the season and a little caution can make your monsoon trekking or road trip memorable and completely safe.
FAQ
What is the best clothing for monsoon trekking?
In monsoon, one should wear synthetic or dry-fit clothes instead of cotton clothes, because they dry very quickly when they get wet.
Is it advisable to carry an umbrella while trekking in the rain?
It is better to use a raincoat or poncho instead of an umbrella while trekking, because this leaves both your hands free to hold the trekking pole or maintain balance.
What precautions should be taken while driving in the mountains during monsoon?
Check the wipers, brakes and tires of the vehicle. Keep headlights on in fog or heavy rain and avoid stopping the vehicle in landslide prone areas.
How to keep a trekking bag from getting wet?
Get a good waterproof rain cover for your backpack and pack the items inside the bag in a zip-lock plastic bag.
Why is it important to carry cash on a monsoon trip?
Due to heavy rains, mobile networks often get disrupted in hilly and rural areas, due to which online payment (UPI) does not work. So keep enough cash with you.
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