Must-Have Winter Headwear for Manaslu: Battling Winds, Sun, and Snow 

18 Jul 2024 Chandra Gurung

After years of trekking, we have learned that essentials are key, and headwear gear is an unmissable packing item for the Manaslu adventure. Every now and then, we struggle to find the right packing material for our special days. Just like Happy Foot requires blister-proof trekking shoes; a warm hat, sunglasses, and a neck gaiter are complete essentials. 

If you talk about the weather in Manaslu, it is hot, windy, and cold (at different times of the day). We have come across the packing guide, which is inclusive of all protection from sun, snow, and wind. 

No sun hat can alone protect you from sunburn. SPF sunscreen is a must to pair with sun hats if you need absolute zero sunburn after long trekking days. If you ask, “What is the ideal headwear to beat Manaslu’s chill weather?” options are endless until you find your personal favorite.

Why do trekkers need headwear for Manaslu trekking? 

Whenever trekkers start their trek, they are unaware of what the actual challenges look like in Manaslu trekking. Unaware of how the sun is already beating you down mercilessly in the very first step, some don’t even use headwear. So, always have a brimmed hat, SPF cream, and sunglasses, to at least be grateful you packed right. 

Until midday, the glare of the mountain is absolute trouble. If you don’t have a slip of your wraparound glasses, you may zone out with the blinding effect you could potentially get. Without effective headwear, you can actually have pain in the eyes and head and unwanted dizziness. 

1. Sun protection

The higher the elevation in Manaslu, the higher the sun’s UV rays. These rays can put you at risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and wrinkles on your face prematurely. You should carry headwear like a brimmed sun hat, and a neck gaiter to protect the face, neck, and ears.

2. Cold protection

The weather climate of Manaslu can significantly drop the temperature from a minimum of -3 to a maximum of -20. Beanies or buffs can keep your head, ears, and neck warm from the cold.

3. Wind protection

Wind breezes with a strong cold blow make your hair blow and cause pain in your head. Headwear like a neck gaiter or scarf would keep your face and head warm and protect you from the wind.

4. Rain protection

Uncertain weather conditions bring rain or snow showers so carry water-resistant hats and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes and walk comfortably.

Real-time Experience with headwear urgency in April and November in Manaslu 

Throughout the trek, trekkers should constantly look to adjust their headwear according to the changing weather conditions in Manaslu. We are familiar with the fact that days are bright and sunny and nights are chill, but that’s not all. To clarify, we look at some of the best times that require headwear for specific cases. 

1. Weather in April (spring) in Manaslu needs wind protection too 

The weather is ideal for long hikes in April, with temperatures around 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. But this is the time when breezes and winds swirl the most in high-altitude regions. Even unexpected storms can potentially cause a break in your planned itinerary. The ideal headwear for such weather includes, 

• Sun/brimmed hat (to shield against harmful sun rays)
• A hat with a chin strap is ideal for windy conditions.
• Scarf (to prevent cold/wind to neck and head)
• Sunglasses with UV protection (shield against sun glare, snow, and harmful UV radiation)

2. Weather in November in Manaslu needs cold protection

The temperature remains stable, with the days still sunny and the nights cold. The temperature ranges from -2 to 10 °C; however, the nights are rather cold, and as the sun dawns, you need a woolen beanie to keep your head and ears functioning. 

The temperature continues to drop in late November, and even with the tiny chance that the weather gets any worse, we trekkers must have headwear that can make us feel good on the extremely cold night walks. Get the most out of your Manaslu adventure, when the real foes like sun, wind, and snow are battled with our headwear. 

7 Headwear Essentials for Trekking in Manaslu

 When Manaslu trekking throws you scorching sun and glare from ice and snow, you need a perfect pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. This intense Himalayan glare, from bone-chilling nights to scorching days under a hot, humid day, all want justice- that’s a comfortable trek. Find your answers to, “Which headwear should I pack for trekking in Nepal?”

1. Polarized Sunglasses 

Take your RayBan sunglasses to Manaslu trekking. You never know when you need it the most. your eyes need protection and sunglasses also work best during snowstorms or falls to keep your eyes safe from eye injury or mishap. 

To address this cause, we have come up with some must-have trekking and hiking sunglasses. Most trekkers add a filter and customize their glasses to cut the glare off with chrome iridium polarized lenses, which can be a little expensive.

• Look for sunglasses with UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
• Shades with the darkest tints in categories 3 to 4 can cut off unnecessary glare. 
• Look for an easy-to-wear feature with a better fit for your trekking experience. 

• Sunglasses used for trekking should be durable and impact-resistant. 
• Must have flexible frames for outdoor adventurous activities like trekking. 
• Sunglasses designed for best protection include wraparound frames, nose pads, and hiking sunglasses 

What are the best sunglasses for high-altitude trekking? 

The best brands of sunglasses for high-altitude trekking are Julbo Vermont and Julbo Camino. There are other Tim Hardy and Raybon glasses as well, with a matte black finish and chrome iridium polarized for the needed shades. Maui Jim sunglasses and Oakley are also some of the best hiking sunglasses you can consider bringing on your Manaslu trek in Nepal. 

Polarized lenses significantly reduce glare bouncing off of snow, water, and rocks, reducing eye strain during strenuous activities like trekking in Manaslu. Don’t compromise on sharp central and peripheral vision when you can get the best quality from high-end sunglasses. 

• The lenses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation
• polycarbonate or Trivex (NXT), which absorbs 100% of UV rays (thin and lightweight)
• Anti-fog coating 
• Wraparound style
• Removable side shields’ comfort and durability
• Scratch resistant coating 

Gray lenses are a good all-around choice for bright sunlight and offer good color perception. Brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, making them ideal for uneven terrain.

Don’t stop your hunt for high-quality mountaineering and trekking sunglasses, because, in the end, you need them. NXT lenses are popular, but you can also find some affordable, high-impact, and lightweight sunglasses with the features you are looking for too. 

2. Warm Hat

The nights in the Manaslu trekking region can drop to -3  degrees on normal days. Its coldest nights in January freeze to an average low temperature of -10 degrees Celsius. Here, cold protection becomes necessary due to the sudden rainfall chances in spring, and sometimes post-winter is seen; hence, this covering shield should be water-repellent. 

Manaslu Hats, hand-crafted ones made of wool available in an evergreen color combo of beige, blue, brown, and others, can be bought from Sherpa Adventure Gear. A classic pompom hat is a go that can be worn day and night. The best part is that it comes with polyester fleece to naturally wick away moisture, and this is light to pack for any winter travel, trek, or tour of your choice. 

Nepal-made winter caps cost between Rs 500 and Rs 1000 per item, but the margin amount is increasing. They go well with woolen sweaters, pullovers with fleece, and the cold weather in the Himalayan region of Nepal.

3. Brimmed Hat 

Brimmed hats are an essential piece of headwear needed for a high-altitude trek in Nepal. A good-brimmed hat gives protection to your face and scalp from the sun and winds. 

Brimmed hats are the American style, but these days they serve a purpose in hiking and trekking in Nepal. The classic Tilley Endurables hats are popular among trekkers in Nepal. No doubt, it has excellent durability, water resistance, sun protection, a wide brim, and ventilation to comfort trekkers at all altitudes. 

Sherpa Adventure4 Gear, Dolpo Gears, and Urban Yeti offer specialized sun hats and brimmed hats for durable head protection during trekking activities in Nepal. You can also get unique designs, affordability, and cultural authenticity from these quality trekking hats. 

There are top varieties of Nepali topi that can be best worn in cold weather. 

Shyamu/shyamung: It is a colorful unisex sherpa hat for both men and women to use in cold weather, and it is colorful. 

Thangsya: It is a brimmed hat with a stiff brim slightly curved on the sides. Also, it is a Sherpa hat, especially worn by men.  

Wool/knit hats keep your head and ears warm in chilly weather. You can also use a woolen or fleece beanie with merino wool to breathe and it is odor-resistant. 

4. Balaclava or Neck Gaiter

Balaclavas and neck gaiters are must-pack headwear for trekking in Manaslu. Look for tightly woven fabrics and windproof materials with breathable fabrics with style and flaps of your choice. 

5. Headlamp

For low-light emergencies, headlights are a complete rescue. Trekking is all about having fun. Headlamps allow visibility in low-light conditions, like when pre-dawn starts or in low-light situations. Choose one with a comfortable fit and a long battery life. Black Diamond, LED Lenser, and Sofirn are budget-friendly, brightness-wise competitive, durable, and water-resistant. A perfect fit for outdoor activities. 

Choose a headlamp with a comfortable fit, a long battery life, and a bright enough light source for navigating snowy trails. Some of our recommendations are, 

• Petzl IKO Headlamp
• Nepal Headlamp torch 
• Nature hike Tent Camp light 

Whenever picking a headlamp for trekking in Nepal, be considerate; Lumens of power, storm-resistant, and ultra-bright waterproof headlamps are the deal of the day.

6. Sun Hat with Wide Brim and Chin Strap

That’s all-time classic essential winter headwear. The sun’s glare can be at high intensity in winter too. Choose a hat with quick drying materials like nylon or straw to shield yourself from the sun, cold, and wind while trekking at high altitudes. Not that it goes differently; if it’s too snowy or windy, a winter balaclava (like a monkey cap) would just protect your head and neck completely. Investing in the right pair won’t make you regret it. 

7. Buff or Headscarf

Buff is a versatile piece of gear that is liked by many trekkers in Nepal. It is a multi-functional accessory used for sun protection and a winter shield, worn in various ways like a headband, neck scarf, or face mask. Choose a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric for lightweight and quick-drying properties; this also adds ease of use. 

A stylish turban scarf is one to consider that can be tied for full head coverage. Also, materials matter in headwear; they should be moisture-wicking good and prevent sweat buildup. Popular brands and options in Nepal for buffs include:

• Original Buff®: Known for quality and variety
• Local Nepalese brands offering traditional designs
• Sherpa Adventure Gear combines modern technology with local aesthetics

Synthetic materials like polyester fleece are quick-drying, have odor resistance, and are cotton blends for breathability. 

The most suitable materials would be wool and fur, rather than those with lightweight straws. One can buy a set of Neck Warmer Sets/Winter Caps for Men and Women, Black Fashion Beanies, and Unisex Plain Cotton Half Sun-Visor Caps/Hats from renowned trekking shops and outlets in Nepal. 

Conclusion

Here we help you pick up ideal headwear options to stay protected from winds, sun, and snow in the Manaslu trekking region in Nepal. In Nepal, trekkers tend to prioritize function over fashion regarding headwear. For any trekking-related queries, and Manaslu trekking packages, you can directly book our services.