Trekking Essentials

Exploring the outdoors through a trek or a hike is one of the most stimulating experiences one can encounter. Being close to Mother Nature and experiencing its sights, smells, and sounds leaves a lasting impact on each traveler. To enjoy the outdoors to the fullest, one must be equipped with the right set of gear and equipment keeping in mind the weather conditions, terrain and duration of the trek. Here are some trekking essentials that one must gear up with for a perfect trekking experience in different conditions.

1. Sun Protection Gear:
As most of the trekking happens in the daylight, and the sun gets closer & harsher when the altitude increases, it’s advisable to carry clothing with UPF sun protection, wicking or cooling technologies that can protect you from direct rays, sunburns, and UV-related health risks and keep you cool when the elements of nature are at their strongest. Check out Columbia’s Silver ridge collection for your sunny adventures. It is equally important to carry good sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes. Covering your head, as you will be closer to the sun is something you need to take care of. Choose from our Silver Ridge range of booney hats that come with quick wicking, UPF 30 sun protection fabric that is certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Our Coolhead Cachalot has the same benefits as the booney additionally has the Omni-Freeze technology that lowers the fabric temperature when it interacts with body sweat.
2. Backpack:
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trek or a multi-day hike, always keep your backpack weight down for a better experience. Having a smart backpack can help you get through the trail with ease. Our Tested Tough backpacks are engineered with well thought out features that improve every aspect of your hike. The innovative technologies are apt for whatever adventure you throw at it. Have a perfect backpack to suit Mother Nature’s varying moods. Features like an aluminium frame, shoulder straps with superior cushioning, 3L hydration compatibility, rain cover, trekking pole attachments, and sleeping bag straps make it a must-have for your next trek.
3. Footwear:
Mountains can offer a variety of terrains, you’ll literally have the entire trek under your feet, be kind to your feet by giving them the best! The main purposes of good trekking shoes are to protect your feet against bruising from rough terrain, to cushion your soles, and to provide good traction on rough, steep, slippery, wet, and muddy terrain. While you hike up the trail of adventure, have a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes ready that let you enjoy the outdoors longer. Columbia’s feature-rich footwear have a waterproof seam-sealed construction, an upper of rich & rugged waterproof leather, gripping outsole and cushioned Techlite midsole to support your foot on uneven terrain. The varieties include low, mid and high ankle options for both men and women.
4. Multi-Functional Jacket:
The weather in the mountains is often unpredictable and different conditions need different gear. Make a correct choice when it comes to jackets. Always have a windproof jacket handy to keep yourself protected from strong blizzards. You can also opt for Columbia’s Interchangeable jackets that can be worn in wet, windy and cold conditions. The outer shell is waterproof breathable, with adjustability at the hood, hem, and cuffs, & the new zip-in fleece liner features thermal reflectivity, which reflects your body heat for warmth while maintaining a high level of breathability. The outer layer also doubles up as a windproof jacket. Each layer works as an outer layer on its own during moderate conditions, or wear them together when you need the jackets full storm-fighting power. If you plan a winter hike, it’s a must to grab a down jacket with goose fill, that is a fantastic insulator as the loft of down creates thousands of air pockets which trap & retain warm heat keeping the trekker warm in the conditions below freezing point.
5. Baselayer:
Wearing a baselayer will help you go through a wide variety of conditions, all thanks to the thermal reflective lining, wicking gusset and waistband for optimum fit and comfort. It will eliminate a few layers of clothing, which means more mobility on the trails. You will literally ‘feel the warmth’ once you put on the baselayer combo in chilly conditions.
6. Bottoms:
When you're enjoying the great outdoors, you want to wear gear that allows freedom of movement. You can be hassle-free if you pick the right kind of bottoms that offer maximum comfort. Choose from our wide range of durable, quick-wicking hiking pants that feature built-in sun protection & plentiful storage making them the perfect choice for active days. You can also opt for our Convertible pants that can be unzipped and converted to shorts when it gets hot.

The kind trekking gear you choose can make or break your experience in the outdoors. Have yourself covered, no matter what Mother Nature has to offer. Go ahead and choose from the gear that's built for the Tough.

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