Guide · Gear

Winter Camping Packing List for Himachal: Staying Warm at −8 °C

By Troovle · Siddharth & Anshul

Being cold at night is the number one reason people hate their first winter trek. It is almost always a packing problem, not a toughness problem. Here is what to bring for nights well below freezing in the Himalaya.

How layering works

Forget one giant jacket. Warmth in the mountains comes from layers you can add and remove:

• Base layer: thermal top and bottoms, synthetic or merino. It sits against your skin and moves sweat away. Avoid cotton: it stays wet and makes you cold.
• Mid layer: a fleece or light wool jumper for walking in the cold.
• Insulation: a down or synthetic puffer jacket for camp, evenings and the summit morning.
• Shell: a waterproof, windproof jacket and over-trousers for snow and wind.

You walk in base plus mid, and the puffer goes on the moment you stop.

The packing list

Clothing

• 2 thermal tops and 1 thermal bottom
• 1 fleece or wool mid layer
• 1 down or synthetic puffer jacket
• 1 waterproof shell jacket and waterproof over-trousers
• 2 trekking trousers (not jeans)
• 3–4 pairs of wool or trekking socks, plus 1 thick pair kept only for sleeping
• Warm beanie, buff or neck gaiter, sun cap
• Inner gloves plus waterproof outer gloves

Footwear

• Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and good grip
• Camp shoes or sandals for the evening
• Gaiters if you have them (useful in snow)

Sleeping

On many group treks the tent and sleeping bag are provided. On Troovle Trip 001 you get a four-season tent, a sleeping bag rated to −15 °C, an insulated mat and a hot water bottle. Bring a sleeping bag liner if you run cold: it adds a few degrees and keeps the bag clean.

Day pack (30–40 litres)

• 2 water bottles (at least one insulated), 2 litres total
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Sunglasses (snow glare is serious) and SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm
• Snacks: nuts, dry fruit, chocolate, energy bars
• Small personal first-aid kit and your own medicines
• Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the descent)

Sleeping warm: five tricks

1. Eat before bed. Your body burns food to make heat.
2. Change into dry clothes for sleeping, including the dedicated sleeping socks.
3. Hot water bottle at your feet or inside your jacket on your chest.
4. Keep tomorrow’s clothes and batteries inside the bag so they are warm in the morning.
5. Pee before you sleep. Your body wastes heat keeping a full bladder warm.

What to leave at home

Jeans, cotton hoodies, heavy cameras you will not use, perfume, a huge suitcase. Keep your total pack around 10–12 kg.

Before you buy everything

You do not need expensive brands for a four-day trek. Rental shops in Manali cover boots and jackets, and our trip price does not include personal gear rental, so plan for it. After you sign up we send a full packing list with the trip brief. Heading out in November? Read what to expect on Patalsu in November.