In light of the interest that some of our club members have in a Himalaya tour in 2020, I thought it pertinent that I scribe a little about what I consider necessary for this type of tour.
Major point of note: The Himalayas rise to a very high altitude and experiences extremes of weather. Both of these characteristics have the potential to cause 'death'. Do not take this lightly. Prepare well.
TIP 1.
CLOTHING OPTIONS
Weather proof gear should fit over the outside of your riding gear. This is invaluable against MONSOON RAIN, THE COLD and THE WIND.
Your fitment must include layers for the cold 'in the negative degC range'.
Bear in mind that it gets hot (30+ degC), the ability to shed layers is essential. No matter the temperature, protection from the sun (sunburn), wind (windburn), and altitude (increases the previously mentioned effects) are always your primary concerns.
Gear that has close-able vents will assist greatly in cooling and warming.
A fold-away hood in a funnel collar is most convenient for motorcycle use.
GORETEX OUTER SKIN JACKET
Unfortunately, GoreTex jackets with both a fold-away hood in funnel collar AND under-arm vents are not available at the time of writing?
I chose to have a fold-away hood in a funnel collar as I didn't want the hood flapping around behind my helmet all the time, nor the problem of re-fitting a removable hood when required.
AN EXAMPLE: The Mountain Design GoreTex jacket has a funnel collar so that you can fold away the hood. The collar fills the space between your shoulders and helmet.
https://www.mountaindesigns.com/mens-cl ... BP90146593
GORETEX OUTER SKIN TROUSER
Again: Wear all your riding gear to make sure that the jacket and trousers fit over everything, including your riding boots.
Remember wet feet gets wet from warm driving monsoon rain (on the Manali side) AND freezing glacier-melt water.
I've got the earlier model of the Kathmandu X series trouser. They are not cheap, but in the Himalayas the difference could mean NOT dying
That was how I approached my gear purchases.
These trousers zip up from the bottom and down from the top. This allows easy dressing/undressing with full gear. You will quickly discover that any exertion at high altitude is incredibly taxing on sea-level humans. You will be thankful for clothing that reduces exertion.
The ability to easily zip these trousers down from the top allows full air flow into your legs and boots when it's warm/hot.
The X-Series have extra-tough wear sections around the lower leg to prevent damage from scuffing on the bike.
They have press studs and Velcro fasteners that tighten around your boots to help prevent water entry while crossing freezing GLACIER-MELT water streams.
AN EXAMPLE:
https://www.kathmandu.com.au/xt-alopex- ... pants.html
Again: They are not cheap, but in the Himalayas the difference could mean not dying
That was how I approached my gear purchases.
HIGH GORETEX BOOTS (NOT ankle boots...)
Everything that you can do to prevent GLACIER-MELT stream water from mixing with your socks and feet is worth the effort, and to my mind, the cost.
I was lucky that my high BMW boots were GoreTex and didn't have to buy new ones. My boots are the street version, not enduro/MX style, therefore comfortable enough for walking.
By taking all the above precautions, I never experienced water on the wrong side of my clothing.
It must be said that everything dries quicker at high altitude than at sea level. BUT ONLY if it isn't frozen. Humans included!
BROAD-BRIMMED FOLD-ABLE HAT
The sunburn at high altitude is a big problem.
Take a broad-brimmed hat with neck protection and chin-strap.
SHOES
Always remember, you are in one of those places on Earth where breaking the seal that your skin provides your body (cuts) can have serious consequences, like death.
For Example: I'm referring to simply kicking your toe on a rock/concrete/wood.
Wear fully-enclosed footwear that protects your toes and feet. ie. No exposed toes, no thongs.
GLOVES
I carried and used my BMW GS gloves; AlpineStar DryStar GoreTex; and waterproof over-mittens. They all served their purposes well.
BACKPACK
It's great to have a backpack that is the 'standard safety green'.
One that is visible from a distance by people following you. My riding colleagues mentioned on several occasions that the coloured backpack was a beacon for them on the tour.
Money spent on this clothing will service your many motorcycling needs for years to come. I was kicking myself for not having quality gear like this before.
That's all for TIP 1.
Himalayas Royal Enfield Tour 2017; Camp Cook-Off Winner 2017; Kennedy Ranges; Three Oceans Tour Australia; Hyden-Norseman Breakaways; R1200 series final drive repair; Mt Augustus; Bimbijy Station; Around Oz
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Still wearing the club shirt 
