Vivek Saini
Whether you're climbing up a snow-covered ridge in Uttarakhand or camping beside a frozen alpine lake in Kashmir, the cold can make or break your experience. But here’s the truth:
There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad layering.
Most people avoid winter treks thinking they'll freeze. But with the right preparation and knowledge, cold-weather trekking can be magical:
Empty trails
Star-studded skies
Crisp mountain air
Here’s everything we at Odyssey recommend (and personally follow) to stay warm on the trail and at camp:
1. Stay Dry First, Stay Warm Later
In the cold, sweat is your enemy.
During a steep climb, your body sweats to cool down. But once you stop, that moisture clings to your skin, drawing heat away.
Rule #1: Don’t sweat too much. Don’t stay wet.
What to do:
- Wear layers you can peel off quickly.
- Change into dry clothes as soon as you reach camp.
- Carry a separate set of nightwear—dry, cozy, and only for camp use.
2. Cotton Kills. Wear the Right Fabric.
If you’ve ever worn jeans or a cotton t-shirt on a trek, you know what we mean. Cotton holds moisture and takes forever to dry.
In the mountains, it’s all about quick-dry and heat retention.
Choose:
- Base layers: Merino wool or synthetic blends
- Mid-layers: Fleece or light down/synthetic jackets
- Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof (like a good rain jacket or shell)
- Socks: Thin wool socks (carry 2–3 pairs)
- Avoid: Denim, cotton thermals, and bulky sweaters
3. Master the Layering Game
Layering isn’t just about piling on clothes. It’s about knowing what to wear, when.
Here’s the Odyssey-approved winter layering system:
- Base Layer (Next to skin): Synthetic or wool – keeps sweat off skin
- Mid Layer 1: Fleece or light sweater – traps body heat
- Mid Layer 2 (if cold): Down or synthetic insulated jacket – core warmth
- Outer Layer: Windproof/waterproof jacket – blocks rain, wind, snow
- Accessories: Gloves, beanie, balaclava/neck gaiter, and extra socks
Pro Tip: Loosen tight clothes—tight cuffs or socks cut off circulation and make you feel colder.
4. Drink Water—Even If You’re Not Thirsty
We don’t feel as thirsty in winter, but dehydration is a silent warmth-killer. The cold makes your body work harder, and dry mountain air speeds up water loss through your skin and breath.
Stay hydrated by:
- Sipping warm water, tea, or soups regularly
- Drinking even when you're not thirsty
- Target: 3–4 liters per day
- Avoid sugary sodas or overdoing caffeine
5. Food is Fuel. Eat Like a Furnace.
Your body burns more calories in the cold. Think of food as your internal firewood.
What helps:
- Frequent snacks: nuts, dry fruits, peanut butter, energy bars
- High-fat bedtime snack: cheese, ghee-based food, or dark chocolate
- Hot meals at camp to refuel your core
If you’re shivering, you probably need more food or movement—or both.
6. Move or Freeze. Literally.
It’s easy to stay warm while hiking. But at camp? That’s when cold creeps in.
Stay warm by staying active:
- Collect firewood, help pitch tents, do jumping jacks
- Don’t sit down for too long
- If you’re really cold, get moving instead of piling on more clothes
7. Sleeping Warm: The Cold Camper’s Survival Guide
Nights can get brutal. Here's how to fight back:
Odyssey’s Night Routine:
- Vent your tent: Avoid moisture buildup by keeping a tiny gap open
- Use a hot water bottle: Place it at your core or feet inside your sleeping bag
- Pee if you need to: Holding it in drains warmth
- Sleep with tomorrow’s clothes: Tuck them inside your sleeping bag so they’re warm in the morning
- Never sleep in sweaty clothes: Always change into your dry nightwear
Cold Weather Doesn’t Have to Mean Discomfort
When you understand how to manage your body, your clothes, and your environment—the cold becomes part of the charm.
You start to love that early morning chill, the crunch of frozen trails, and the way tea tastes better at 3,000 meters.
So the next time you think, “Maybe I’ll skip the winter trek”, remember this:
Winter is when the wild is quietest, and the mountains are truly yours.
