Packing for the Mountains: A Practical Checklist

Mountain trips punish the under-packed and the over-packed equally. Here's a lean list that covers the Himalaya from Kashmir to Sikkim.

Layers, always

• A base thermal layer
• A warm mid-layer (fleece or down)
• A waterproof, windproof outer shell

Feet and hands

Waterproof shoes with grip, wool socks, and gloves — cold hands ruin a good viewpoint faster than anything.

The small stuff

Sunscreen and lip balm, a power bank, a reusable bottle, basic medicines, and cash — mountain ATMs are unreliable. Pack for the coldest hour, not the warmest.