Chadar gear discussion

The crux of knowing what to take is knowing what to expect. Please discuss with us anything you are not sure about.

In Delhi

In January and February in Delhi the days are pleasantly warm and sometimes sunny, sometimes grey and foggy. Long pants and shirt with a sweater or light jacket cover it. In the evenings it is cool enough not to use AC in the hotel rooms.

In Leh

The temperature in the daytime maximum hovers around zero centigrade, depending on how clear the sky is. Around town down jackets are essential, along with gloves and hat and thicker pants. Visiting the monasteries it is necessary to take your shoes off... thick socks that you don't mind getting dirty are vital to have!

While trekking

On our Chadar treks we have seen the whole range of Ladakh winter conditions. You must plan for getting wet feet, and dealing with that in sub zero conditions and cover yourself for extreme conditions such as -25C with a light breeze, as well as more pleasant conditions. Normally we found that we would start the day in down jacket, wind or soft shell pants, fleece hat and heavier gloves. By mid morning, both through exercise and sun, we would be in shell jacket with light layers under it, and sun hat. At the campsite we would quickly change into the down jacket, insulated pants and down booties.

Who carries what

You carry a day pack with your camera, jacket, down jacket, water and snacks. The porters carry everything else. If you don't ahve a large duffel (kit bag without wheels) then we can provide. Note the 15kg/33lb kit bag weight guideline for the trek (this doesn't include your daypack).

The Chadar trek - what you are planning for

Basically you should plan with 5 specific climates/functions in mind:

+ warm weather in Delhi

+ cool-cold weather around Leh

+ walking on ice and snow in sub zero temperatures

+ difficult conditions on tricky ice, wading in 6 inches/15cms of water on ice

+ rock scrambling

+ evenings that can go down to -25ºC (warmer in your tent!)

Obviously, much of your gear will fulfill multiple roles.

Chadar gear discussion

Sleeping bag

A down-filled 4 season bag with a DryLoft or similar outer is better. The nights will be down to -15/20ºC in your tent, so your bag must be comfortable down to minus 25ºC or colder. We can provide a suitable sleeping bag for you, or a warm outer bag; ask.

Sleeping bag liner

Silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth.

Inflatable sleeping pad

Thermarest or similar. We provide a closed cell foam mat for under your thermarest.  

Large daypack

This should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, down jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends, so will probably be 40+ litres.

Boots

The best solution is boots that we buy in Leh, however the maximum readily available size is probably a UK11. In the past we have used high altitude mountaineering boots, great for when you break through a foot or more of ice, but not, even then, totally waterproof, and they are also heavy. But warm!

Fleece top

Essential, adds versatility. A thick thermal top is an alternative. With a hood is even better, try the Patagonia R1 hoody.

Down jacket

Essential, could be down or synthetic. You need a real hooded parka, big and long, not a lightweight 'sweater'.

Wind/rain jacket

Waterproof and breathable shell. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable.

Thermal underwear top and bottom

Expedition weight.

Nightwear thermal top

Mid-weight or expedition-weight, and this is your second top in case the first gets wet.

Insulated pants

Synthetic (not down) and essential for the evenings; Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face and all the US outdoor brands make them.

Day wear tops

Different layering combinations work for different people. Jamie uses a capilene mid-weight long sleeve top, a zip tee in 100 weight fleece, and an insulated soft shell. Joel used to use a hard shell, and added add another fleece layer, and for our lunch stop, a big down jacket.

Daywear bottoms

The best is some sort of soft shell pant, a good combo of partly waterproof and windproof, and warm and flexible, with thermals beneath. In addition to these you need a light windproof/waterproof shell, ie what the Brits call breathable rain pants.

Underwear

4 to 7 pairs; at least one set of merino wool underpants (and wool sports bra) would be nice.

Warm hat or balaclava

A good fleece hat, preferably windproof. Also a balaclava and a neck gaiter/buff (preferably the winter ones that also have fleece).

Gloves

Bring at least three pairs, light gloves, windstopper fleece gloves and either a shell to go over those or better, a separate pair of insulated gloves or mittens (if you already have). You really do need a variety.

Trekking poles

Essential, we recommend Black Diamond or Leki and avoid cheap Chinese-made models.

Sunglasses

Essential, with side pieces or wrap around. You need sun glasses for bright sun on snow, and you could bring a second lighter pair for a flatter light glare.

Water bottle

Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. You need two liters total, and if you have an insulated cover, even better. Camelbaks and other drinking systems, even with insulated tubes, are no good. You must have bottles.

Pee bottle

This is used while you are in your tent. For the ladies, look into the Whiz, Freshette or similar to use for your pee bottle. The best pee bottle we have found is the Nalgene wide mouth rollup version (big and stows easily).

LED head torch

Essential, and ideal for reading in the tent and night toilet trips, bring an extra set of batteries. Black Diamond torches tend to be better than Petzl.

Toiletries and odds and ends

Essentials for the month only. The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper, for the toilet; not for cosmetic or nose blowing! Please bring your own tissues. Nasal gel is nice to bring for sore noses (sold in most drug stores). Roll-on deodorant can spare you grief with your tent partner.

Towel

Bring only a small one trekking, or better, a face cloth.

Sun screen and lip care with sun protection

Essential. The sun is very strong at altitude. Absolutely the best lip balm is Banana Boat's sports, Aloe Vera or Vitamin E.

Moisturizer

A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.

Sunhat

Essential, we hope!

First aid kit

We carry a comprehensive kit. You must bring any personal medicines that you need.

Camera

Bring three sets of batteries, preferably original batteries rather than copies. We will discuss techniques on the ice.

Video camera

Ask. While trekking there is nowhere to recharge batteries.

Novel

Bring one or two with high swap ability.

Money pouch/belt/inside pocket

Most people find wearing one while trekking a hassle and keep it buried in their daypack.

Down booties

One of the ultimate luxuries that isn't a luxury, but a necessity on this expedition. Shoes and boots are not allowed in the dining tent.

Evening camp wear

Around camp you can wear

+ a down jacket, thick and warm

+ insulated pants

+ warm hat, gloves

+ thick socks

Snacks and nutrition

You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water, but the last two ingredients are wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate and chocolate bars are readily available in Leh but Clif bars, Power bars and the like are not available. Bring multi-vitamins from home.

What is available in India

Very little, so bring everything apart from chocolate bars from home.

Gear list

What we provide

Our camping trips are full-service, with tents, sleeping pads, dining tent, cook tent, all supplies and food, porters and a fantastic staff and guides provided. You just need to bring your personal gear and your happy spirit!

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