What kind of clothing should I take with? I expect to see a lot of rain, cool temperatures, and a lot of walking. I already have some great boots and a backpack.
I have literally no experience in this field, so any info would be great. Things like materials, what to avoid, what to expect to pay, how many pairs, etc. Thank you everyone!
For weather you can google averages in those areas but the gear list below should cover all conditions one might experience. For prices and material choices google or visit shops in our home country or where ever you are, second hand used good condition items can be very cheap also. You don’t need to buy very expensive items but quality does generally cost more, lighter and last longer. It will depend on whether this is the one and only trek or you want to keep doing for the next 10-20yrs and quality expensive gear will last longer.
Trekking gear list based on 7 Nepal treks and others over the years with expected 8-10kg pack weight.
Clothes-
Layered clothing to add or remove according to temperature.
Rain/wind proof jacket long length generous fit (treated nylon, pertex or similar, gortex etc)
Down feather or fibre fill puffy jacket (winter conditions November - March)
Fleece top (heavy to medium fleece outside winter conditions)
2 long thin tops (shirt or thermal)
3 T-shirts (trekking in warm weather and base layer)
1 long trekking pants, 1 long thermal bottom or similar pants
1 shorts for trekking in warm conditions
3 under pants, 3 socks, handkerchief
Scarf for winter trek (optional)
Light hand gloves, sun hat, warm head cap
Shoes waterproof ankle or low with good sole grip
Light sandals (optional)
Poncho if rain expected or umbrella medium size collapsible (optional)
Complete list on what else to take:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/asia-indian-subcontinent/nepal/trekking-gear-list
Perhaps do more reading on gear and come back with your own choices for us to comment further as the options are too many to describe.
Not much to add, but the fact is that you are going to get wet. Meaning that the temperatures will be mostly so high that you can not wear a waterproof shell jacket (and forget about pants) because you would be drowning in sweat. So all your clothes will be wet down to the undies. Take only shirts and pants (take 2 pairs of hiking shorts) which dry fast, i.e. not cotton. Wool takes long to dry also, but at least it is warm when wet. Take waterproof stuff sacks (SeaToSummit silnylon or similar) and ALWAYS have one set of dry clothes in your pack.
In those conditions it is a good idea to have everything in your pack wrapped in watertight stuff sacks, even if you have a pack cover.
Ladakh is in the monsoon shadow -or was rains have started to appear over the last ten-fifteen years often enough ( including one major event eight years ago ) to change how houses are built. Chances of rain peak in August , and short time visitors rarely see anything beyond a few gray days and some drizzle. Your most important piece of clothing is still a hat to protect against the fierce midday sun.
All underwear should be black , dries a lot quicker in the sun. I prefer silk base layer both in the warm season and in the winter -costs about the same as technical fabrics , and never gets that funky smell.
Yes, you will get wet. As noted, even with waterproof gear, you'll sweat and get soaked. An umbrella can be very useful.
SO, keep a set of dry clothes only for wearing at end of day in lodges. Bring easy to dry clothes g- cotton very poor.
Up high it can still get cold. We had snow in August (Thorung La).
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