Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [162]
RAIN GEAR
It is almost certain to rain at some time during your trek. The condensation inside a waterproof jacket can make you even wetter than standing out in the rain. Gore-Tex jackets are supposed to keep you dry by allowing the jacket to breathe, but in Bhutan you’ll sweat a lot on the steep hills and jackets don’t always work as advertised.
One way to keep dry while hiking in the rain is to use a poncho – a large, hooded tarp with a hole in the centre for your head.
Another way of keeping dry is an umbrella. This is an excellent substitute for a poncho (except on windy days) and can serve as a sunshade, a walking stick, an emergency toilet shelter and a dog deterrent.
T-SHIRTS OR BLOUSES
You’ll spend a lot of time walking in short sleeves – what the equipment catalogues call the first layer. Cotton garments are fine, but if you can afford (and find) a synthetic T-shirt, you will be much more comfortable. You will perspire excessively, and a polypropylene shirt (with brand names such as Capilene and Thermax) wicks the moisture away from your skin.
SWIMWEAR
The only reasonable places to bathe on a trek are in hot springs. Skinny dipping is taboo if you are more than 10 years old. Bring along swimwear or use shorts or a skirt when you go into the hot spring.
High-Altitude Clothing
INSULATED PANTS
Insulated pants are a real asset on a trek that goes above 4000m. You can bring pile pants, ski warm-up pants or down pants and put them on over your hiking pants or under a skirt when you stop. You can also wear them to bed for extra warmth when the nights become particularly cold.
NYLON WINDBREAKER
Strong winds are rare in the places most treks visit, but a windbreaker is helpful in light wind, light rain and drizzle, when a poncho is not necessary. If you already have a waterproof jacket as your ‘outer layer’, you don’t need another shell garment. Your windbreaker should breathe, otherwise perspiration cannot evaporate and you will become soaked. A windbreaker is more in the line of emergency gear. If there is a strong wind, you must have it, otherwise you will probably not use it. If you can afford it, or spend a lot of time in the outdoors, a Gore-Tex parka is a good investment.
NYLON WIND PANTS
If you prefer to hike in shorts wear a pair of wind pants over your shorts or under your skirt in the morning, then remove them to hike in lighter gear during the day. Most wind pants have special cuffs that allow you to remove them without taking off your shoes.
You can substitute ski warm-up pants, or even cotton jogging pants, for both wind pants and down-filled pants. The cost will be lower and there is hardly any sacrifice in versatility or comfort.
LONG UNDERWEAR
Long johns are useful. A complete set makes a good, warm pair of pyjamas and is also useful during late-night emergency trips outside your tent. You can bring only the bottoms and use a woollen shirt for a pyjama top. Cotton underwear is OK, although wool or polyester is warmer.
WOOLLEN HAT OR BALACLAVA
A balaclava is ideal because it can serve as a warm hat or you can roll it down to cover most of your face and neck. You may even need to wear it to bed on cold nights. Because much of your body heat is lost through your head, a warm hat helps keep your entire body warm.
GLOVES
Warm ski gloves are suitable for a trek. You might also consider taking along a pair of woollen mittens, in case your gloves get wet.
GAITERS
There is an enormous amount of mud on Bhutan’s trails, and a pair of high gaiters is a must to help keep your boots and socks clean and dry.
Footwear
Proper footwear is the most important item. Your choice will depend on the length of the trek and the terrain.
TREKKING OR RUNNING