Weather conditions, especially in high mountains, can change very quickly, so it’s important to know what to wear and what types of materials and equipment are necessary for our safety.
In the mountains, we feel the need for protection from various factors, such as rain, sun, wind, cold, and heat, each of which can jeopardize our safety and our lives on its own.
In this section, I’ll break down what to wear by body part and explain what should be used for each area.
Neck/Head: On cold days, a wool hat should be worn; on sunny days, a cap with a visor to protect the face from the sun, sunglasses, and a helmet if necessary. For the neck, whether in hot or cold weather, we can and should use a Buff.
Torso: 5 layers of clothing:
- A synthetic shirt, as this material dries quickly in case of sweating, unlike other fabrics;
- A thermal shirt or fleece;
- A jacket, preferably with a zipper, to easily regulate body temperature;
- A warm down jacket;
- A windproof, waterproof layer.
Legs: For cold environments, thermal tights or pants should be used if necessary. Otherwise, opt for comfortable pants appropriate for the temperature. On rainy days, also carry windproof/waterproof pants.
Hands: Thin fleece gloves and thick ski-type or waterproof gloves.
Feet: Socks with at least 40% wool, semi-rigid or rigid boots depending on various factors.
In the next section, I will discuss the essential gear to carry in your backpack and how to use it more comfortably!
