Trekking in the Monsoon Season

If you're trekking in monsoon, you must use plastic bags for wrapping items like phones, cameras, and watches. Even if you're carrying a waterproof bag, there are chances that moisture can seep in and ruin your electronic items and other valuables. So wrap all the important items in a plastic bag and then put them in your waterproof bag. This way, you can keep your gear and all other important items dry and save them from getting ruined. It will also keep your items from spilling out in case your waterproof bag opens up while traveling. You can also use plastic wrap to compartmentalize your accessories and clothes in your backpack.

You should always carry spare socks and underwear as they can get wet in heavy rain, and if you continue wearing them, you can get hyperthermia. If there are streams or puddles along the trek, your socks can easily become wet, and you must change them to avoid catching coughs and colds. Using wet underwear for a longer duration can lead to fungal infections. So it's important to carry multiple underwear and keep a few of them aside for the return journey. You can even dry them up once you reach the homestay/campsite.

Another important tip is to avoid wearing cotton clothing while trekking in monsoon as they are hard to dry, and if you wear them wet for a longer time, it can cause hyperthermia. It is best to wear quick-dry Gore-Tex and lightweight clothes for trekking in rainy season. These are ideal clothes for trekking in rainy season as they don't absorb moisture like cotton clothing and take less time to dry. You can also wear nylon clothes if Gore-Tex is expensive for you.

Ponchos and raincoats are essential monsoon trekking gears without which you should not travel as mountain weather is unpredictable, and the last thing you would want is to be caught unaware by a storm. In case of rainfall, ponchos and raincoats will keep you dry and warm and will also protect you from the wind. The great thing about rain jackets and ponchos is that they are lightweight and compact enough and won't take up much space in your rucksack. You can also sit on a wet surface wearing a poncho as it covers up to the mid-thigh section.

In monsoons, the stagnant water in the puddles and streams becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You should carry mosquito repellent while trekking in monsoon to repel mosquitos and nasty bugs. These tiny insects can be a huge annoyance during your trekking expedition and can even transmit dangerous diseases like the West Nile virus and malaria, making it important for hikers to take appropriate steps to avoid them. You can carry chemical mosquito repellent and even opt for organic options like cinnamon oil, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or lavender oil.

Staying hydrated is extremely important while trekking in monsoon at high altitudes. But due to rains, the water streams might get muddled with sludge and dirt, and finding a portable, clean water source might become difficult on the hills. Therefore, carrying a small portable water filter with you in monsoons is important. It will enable you to filter the water, even if it looks clean, so you don't drink contaminated water and fall sick. The best thing is that it is lightweight and easily fits in your backpack, and with it, you'll not have to face the problem of water scarcity.

Dry bags come in handy for trekkers during monsoon treks as they can be used to store electronic devices and other valuables. You can keep your cell phone and camera in your dry bag to prevent them from getting wet during rain showers. These bags are also ultralight and can easily slide into your rucksack. They can also be used as a packing organizer to keep things protected and compartmentalized. The best thing is that they are difficult to tear and last for a long time, even in the most adverse conditions.

Avoid camping near the banks of rivers and areas prone to flooding, as water may pool during heavy precipitation in these areas leading to hazards. Try to find high ground where water is running off well because it won't get flooded overnight, keeping you safe from any kind of unexpected hazard. You should also pitch your tent in a way that the door is away from the prevailing wind direction. This will ensure that the tent doesn't fill with rain if you climb in and out. If you're camping close to watercourses, you must set up the tent above the high watermark.

One of the most important things to keep in mind while camping in the monsoon is to keep wet items in the balcony area of the tent. If you bring wet boots or clothes inside the tent, it can cause condensation, and your tent will start getting wet. To reduce the level of moisture inside your tent, you should take all the wet clothes on the balcony and hang them somewhere so that the wind can dry them. You can also store your clothes in dry bags to reduce the moisture level inside the tent.

Trekking in monsoons can take a toll on your feet and cause fungal infections and allergies due to prolonged exposure to water. Wear waterproof trekking shoes or boots if you're hiking during the rainy season. Waterproof shoes will prevent your feet from getting wet, ensuring all-day-long comfort. The shoes should have a good grip and aid you in walking on slippery surfaces. You should also ensure that the shoes fit you well, or else you will be uncomfortable all day long. If it is raining heavily, you can also wear floaters with good grip, as they take less time to dry.