The mistake most first-time cold-weather trekkers make isn't packing too little — it's packing too much of the wrong thing. Warmth on the trail is about layering, not bulk.
Build from a thin merino base, a fleece or light down mid-layer and a genuinely waterproof shell. Three smart layers beat one heavy coat because you can dump heat fast on the climbs.
Your extremities decide your comfort: spare dry socks, liner gloves under shells, and a warm hat weigh almost nothing and change everything. Skip the cotton entirely; once wet it stays wet.
Leave the spare boots, the third book and the just-in-case gadgets. Every kilo on your back is a kilo you carry uphill — ruthless packing is a kindness to your future self.
Good to know
- Build three layers: a merino base, light insulation and a waterproof shell.
- Prioritise spare dry socks, liner gloves and a warm hat.
- Leave the cotton, the spare boots and the just-in-case gadgets at home.
