Planning a monsoon trek? Here's your complete guide to fully enjoy the experience

Representation pic

Backpack: A 20 to 30 litre backpack with a rain cover is essential, but not enough during heavy Sahyadri downpours. Always keep valuables inside dry bags or waterproof pouches or plastic.

Lower Body: Jeans can restrict movement and make your trek miserable. Quick-dry hiking pants are ideal. Some experienced trekkers prefer shorts because they dry faster after stream crossings and muddy sections.

Illustration Courtesy/Istock

Footwear: The black basalt rock in the Western Ghats becomes extremely slippery during monsoon. Choose shoes with aggressive tread and reliable traction. If water enters waterproof shoes, it can take hours to dry. Breathable shoes that drain water are practical.

Head: An umbrella occupies one hand, and can be dangerous on exposed sections during strong winds. A lightweight cap combined with the hood of a good rain jacket works much better.

Torso: Forget cotton. The moment cotton gets wet, it becomes heavy, and remains wet throughout the day. Instead, wear a quick-dry shirt. Invest in a waterproof jacket; don't rely on street shops near trekking sites.

Information courtesy: Chirag Dhabalia, founder, Mount Me

Pole: During monsoon descents, especially on muddy trails, a pole made from aluminium acts as an additional point of contact and dramatically improves balance.

Where to buy?

Online

>> Gokyo
Lace up your durable anti-skid boots.
LOG ON TO gokyo.in
COST Rs 1799 onwards

>> Trek Kit
Choose from waterproof bags and sacks for your valuables.
LOG ON TO trekkit.in
COST Rs 1710 onwards

>> Columbia Sportswear
The rain jackets at this store get our expert's nod.
LOG ON TO columbiasportswear.co.in
COST Rs 2599

>> Tripole Gears
Find trekking poles and headlamps.
LOG ON TO tripole.in
COST Rs 590 (headlamp) Rs 1399 onwards (trekking pole)

Offline

>> Mountain Sports Academy
Grab all mountaineering essentials like tents, torches, and sleeping bags.
AT Road 32, Sahyog Society, Borivli West.

>> ClimbOn Adventure Store
Source all your safety equipment like carabiners, descenders and harnesses.
AT Zaveri Road, near Punjab National Bank, Mulund West.

>> Adventure Worx
Hydration is vital in the humid monsoon.
Grab a Hydrapak soft flask for convenient hydration on the go.
AT Popatlal Niwas, Ranade Road, Dadar West.

>> Add-venture India
Find waterproof pants and hoodies to beat the rain.
AT Sector 2, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai.

Ready, set, trek

Rajgad
Join a guided exploration of this former capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha empire.
ON June 6
LOG ON TO @konkandusk_adventure

Pataleshwar Caves
Explore the Pataleshwar caves that were carved out of a single basalt rock in the 8th century
ON June 6 CALL 8369913918
LOG ON TO @bombaygezgin

Kalu
Traverse lush green forests in Malshej, to find this lesser known oasis, Kalu waterfalls.
FROM June 26
LOG ON TO mischieftreks.com

Aadrai
Observe natural rock formations and misty mountains on a trek through the Adrai forest.
FROM June 6
LOG ON TO logout.world

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
>> Carry an emergency whistle and a fully charged torch. Visibility can drop at high altitudes.
>> Follow your trek leader; they can tell a slippery patch from a safe one.
>> Pack an extra set of clothes for the descent. You'll feel lighter.

Don'ts
>> Don't ignore signs of dehydration on monsoon treks. Humidity can lead to loss of electrolytes.
>> Avoid leaning over barricades outside areas that are cordoned off by locals and authorities.
>> Don't rush on steep climbs. Pace yourself.