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

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 plasticLower Body Jeans can restrict movement and make your trek miserable Quickdry hiking pants are ideal Some experienced trekkers prefer shorts because they dry faster after stream crossings and muddy sectionsIllustration CourtesyIstockFootwear 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 practicalHead 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 betterTorso Forget cotton The moment cotton gets wet it becomes heavy and remains wet throughout the day Instead wear a quickdry shirt Invest in a waterproof jacket donrsquot rely on street shops near trekking sitesInformation courtesy Chirag Dhabalia founder Mount MePole During monsoon descents especially on muddy trails a pole made from aluminium acts as an additional point of contact and dramatically improves balanceWhere to buyOnlinegtgt GokyoLace up your durable antiskid bootsLOG ON TO gokyoinCOST Rs 1799 onwardsgtgt Trek KitChoose from waterproof bags and sacks for your valuablesLOG ON TO trekkitinCOST Rs 1710 onwardsgtgt Columbia SportswearThe rain jackets at this store get our expertrsquos nodLOG ON TO columbiasportswearcoinCOST Rs 2599gtgt Tripole GearsFind trekking poles and headlampsLOG ON TO tripoleinCOST Rs 590 headlamp Rs 1399 onwards trekking poleOfflinegtgt Mountain Sports AcademyGrab all mountaineering essentials like tents torches and sleeping bagsAT Road 32 Sahyog Society Borivli Westgtgt ClimbOn Adventure StoreSource all your safety equipment like carabiners descenders and harnessesAT Zaveri Road near Punjab National Bank Mulund Westgtgt Adventure WorxHydration is vital in the humid monsoonGrab a Hydrapak soft flask for convenient hydration on the goAT Popatlal Niwas Ranade Road Dadar Westgtgt Addventure IndiaFind waterproof pants and hoodies to beat the rainAT Sector 2 CBD Belapur Navi MumbaiReady set trekRajgadJoin a guided exploration of this former capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajrsquos Maratha empireON June 6LOG ON TO konkandusk_adventurePataleshwar CavesExplore the Pataleshwar caves that were carved out of a single basalt rock in the 8th centuryON June 6 CALL 8369913918LOG ON TO bombaygezginKaluTraverse lush green forests in Malshej to find this lesser known oasis Kalu waterfallsFROM June 26LOG ON TO mischieftrekscomAadraiObserve natural rock formations and misty mountains on a trek through the Adrai forestFROM June 6LOG ON TO logoutworldDos and DonrsquotsDosgtgt Carry an emergency whistle and a fully charged torch Visibility can drop at high altitudesgtgt Follow your trek leader they can tell a slippery patch from a safe onegtgt Pack an extra set of clothes for the descent Yoursquoll feel lighterDonrsquotsgtgt Donrsquot ignore signs of dehydration on monsoon treks Humidity can lead to loss of electrolytesgtgt Avoid leaning over barricades outside areas that are cordoned off by locals and authoritiesgtgt Donrsquot rush on steep climbs Pace yourself