Monsoon Trekking Tips: If you’re planning a road trip to a hill station or trekking in the mountains this monsoon, simply preparing for beautiful views isn’t enough. During the rainy season, challenges like slippery roads, sudden weather changes, mud, low visibility, and network issues can make a journey difficult. In such a situation, proper packing ensures a safe, comfortable, and stress-free trip. Let’s explore the essential items you should include in your backpack before embarking on a monsoon trip.
Why are waterproof bags and rain gear so important?
Keeping your belongings safe from rain is essential during monsoon travel. Choose a waterproof backpack or a bag with a good-quality rain cover to protect your clothes, camera, laptop, and other essentials. A raincoat or poncho is considered more useful than an umbrella, as it allows you to keep both hands free while trekking. Also, carry a waterproof pouch or zip-lock bag for your mobile phone, camera, wallet, passport, and other documents. This will keep your belongings safe even during a sudden heavy downpour.
Strong grip shoes will make your journey safer
Mountain trails can be extremely slippery during the monsoon. Therefore, wearing trekking shoes or water-resistant sports shoes with a strong grip is the best option. The right shoes not only prevent slipping but also provide comfort to your feet on long treks. Always pack extra socks in your bag so you can change them immediately if they get wet. If you’re on a multi-day trip, also pack light slippers or sandals to rest your feet once you reach the hotel or camp.
Dress appropriately and prepare for the weather
Quick-drying Dri-Fit or synthetic clothing is more comfortable during the monsoon season than heavy cotton. These are lightweight and wick away moisture quickly. Pack a light jacket, a warm sweatshirt, extra T-shirts, and track pants in your bag. Temperatures can drop suddenly in the evenings in mountainous areas. Storing clothes in separate packing cubes or plastic bags protects them from moisture and dampness.
Keep first aid, gadgets and essentials with you
Always carry a small first aid kit on your monsoon trip. Include bandages, antiseptic cream, pain reliever, ORS, cold medicine, mosquito repellent, and your regular medications. Also pack a power bank, charging cable, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra batteries. Electricity and mobile network are limited in many mountainous areas, so downloading offline maps before your trip is extremely helpful.
If you are going on a road trip, vehicle preparation is also important.
If you’re traveling by car or bike, be sure to have your vehicle serviced before your trip. Check your tires, brakes, wipers, headlights, and fog lights, as these play a crucial role in the rain. Keep a tire inflator, puncture repair kit, tow rope, extra water, dry snacks, a power bank, and a flashlight in your car. Petrol pumps are often far apart on mountainous routes, so fill your fuel tank in advance. Also, check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey.
Keep these things in mind for a safe journey.
Avoid unnecessary risks during your monsoon trip. Avoid going near fast-flowing waterfalls or rivers, avoid taking selfies on slippery rocks, and follow local authorities’ warnings. Inform family and friends about your trip in advance, and instead of littering with plastic, help keep nature clean. Proper preparation, weather-appropriate packing, and a little caution can make your monsoon trek or road trip memorable and completely safe.
FAQ
What are the best clothes for monsoon trekking?
In monsoon, synthetic or dry-fit clothes should be worn instead of cotton clothes, because these dry very quickly after getting wet.
Is it okay to carry an umbrella while trekking in the rain?
While trekking, it is better to use a raincoat or poncho instead of an umbrella, because this keeps 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 your vehicle’s wipers, brakes, and tires. Keep your headlights on during fog or heavy rain, and avoid stopping in areas prone to landslides.
How to protect your trekking bag from getting wet?
Get a good waterproof rain cover for your backpack and pack the contents inside the backpack in a zip-lock plastic bag.
Why is it important to carry cash on a monsoon trip?
Heavy rains often cause mobile network outages in hilly and rural areas, making online payments (UPI) ineffective. So, carry plenty of cash.