Gear
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5. Sunglasses
6. Sleeping Mat
7. Cap
8. Sunscreen
Good UV-resistant sunglasses is another must carry round the year. The direct sun glare and can damage the eyes. Even a little snow on the ground, increases the amount of reflected light and glare, resulting sometimes in snow blindness. Wearing sunglasses throughout the day is highly recommended. The best sunglasses are either polarized, or reflective. Top Brands: Oakley and Native
A sleeping mat is not an essential part of the equipment, but helps to prevent a sore back. A mat is useful if you have to sleep out in the open – gravel or sand. Besides comfort, its actual objective is to provide thermal insulation and can be a life saver if you have to sleep on snow. While foam mats are popular and there are a inflatable mats too. Top Brands: BackCountry
A wide brimmed cap or hat is a must for all. It not only helps in shading your face from the sun, but also is quite helpful in protecting your head from sudden bursts of hot or cold wind. A good quality cap should be made of cotton and ideally should have an inbuilt bandana to protect your neck from the elements. Top Brands: Camp, Petzl and Black Diamond
At higher altitudes, the sun rays are not filtered as well by the atmosphere, as there is less amount of water vapour. The result is cooler temperatures, combined with increased light intensity. The combination is deceptive, and potentially dangerous. Thus, a good sunscreen is essential to avoid sun burns and harm to your skin. Top Brands: Lotus and Himalaya
MAY-JUNE 2012 | EXPLORE | THE UNEXPLORED
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