Trekking gear & clothing information

Weight allowance for trekking trips
At the start of the trek, you will be carrying your day pack of around 2500 to 3200 cubic inches / 40 to 50 liters loaded with just the items you will need during the day of hiking. Your packed trek bag/duffle bag will be carried by either human porters or pack animals and should weigh no more than 33 pounds (27.5 pounds for Pakistan treks). Please contact us with any questions.

Footwear: This is the most important of your gear considerations. We recommend that you take a pair of broken in lightweight trekking boots that have proven to be comfortable on your long day hikes. For walking the easier sections of trail cross-trainers are fine. At night in camp, we suggest warm socks and sandals.

Mountaineering Footwear (climbing trips only): Plastic or the new technology leather mountaineering boots are required for our climbing trips or treks that cross high, snow-covered passes. Temperatures and snow conditions just do not allow the use of hiking boots for these trips, which may take us up to and over 20,000 feet / 6000 meters. Mountaineering boots are also designed to securely work with step-in crampons.

Gaiters: Gaiters are an important piece of equipment, which will help to keep your feet warm and dry in wet and snowy conditions. A simple "alpine" style of gaiter which hooks onto the bootlaces and is held under the instep by a strap or lace is fine for trekking trips.

Socks: Ideally you should wear two pairs of socks. Your inner sock liners should be a thin first layer and over them you should wear single pair of thicker socks. Bring 3 pairs of each type of sock. Typically, you'll be wearing one pair, another will be drying and you'll have a fresh clean pair to put on at the end of the day at camp.

Clothing: Your clothing needs to be adaptable for a wide variety of conditions. The layering principle continues to be the best approach when it comes to clothing (i.e. using a combination of several thin layers of thermally efficient clothing). When it is warm enough you can trek in either shorts or lightweight trekking pants and a long or short-sleeved synthetic T-shirt. For colder conditions, you can add layers of thermal clothing. Patagonia Capilene thermal clothing for men and women is very good and comes in three weights - lightweight, midweight and expedition weight. On top of these thermals you can add layers of fleece. A breathable rain jacket and pants should be used if it starts to rain or snow. In very cold temperatures, we suggest a down jacket and recommend a down jacket for the autumn trips.

Extremities: It is important to keep your extremities warm and dry! Please do not neglect your head and hands when selecting the equipment for your trip.

Sleeping bag: For any of our treks, you will need a 4-season sleeping bag rated to at least zero degrees F. A mattress is needed to insulate you from the cold ground, and we recommend a full-length, self-inflating Thermarest pad.

Sun protection: Sun protection is to be taken seriously! A wide-brimmed sunhat is needed to keep the sun off your head. To protect your eyes from the sun's rays at high altitude, please pack a pair (or two) of sunglasses with dark lenses. You should, of course, bring a plenty of suncream for your skin and lips.

Daypacks for trekking: A daypack with 2500 to 3200 cubic inches of capacity should be large enough to carry the following items on trek. a) shell jacket and pants. b) fleece jacket c) hat, gloves and extra pair of socks. d) Two one-liter waterbottles. e) camera plus accessories, binoculars, etc. f) first aid kit.

Clothing Franchises

Children tend to grow out of their clothes extremely quickly. This, tailored with the fact that many people simply cannot help themselves but buy the latest designer outfits and "adorably tiny clothes" for their youngsters, means the market for children's clothes is huge.

Of course, clothing is generally a particularly large market, but it is one in which sales are high and many areas, including used and brand name clothing and accessories, can produce high returns. markAnd anybody looking to capitalize on the strong clothing market by way of franchising has a wealth of opportunities and choice open to them.

The clothing sector covers a huge range, with everyone from babies to the elderly needing specific types of garments, accessories and other items. Add areas such as sportswear, office wear and seasonal clothing and you have a mind-boggling selection to consider.

But the blossoming entrepreneur looking to invest in a business within the clothing industry not only needs to be able to decide on a market audience, but also on what kind of franchise they are hoping to take on.

Second-hand clothing franchises are becoming extremely popular, as well as designer name clothes obtained from retail outlets. Children's clothing stores are in particular demand, with the $200 billion market currently bigger than the fast food industry.

And, with around 200,000 more children born each year all needing clothes, there is a steady stream of consumers propelling the annual growth rate in the resale sector at between five and ten per cent.

With great margins on the resale clothing sector, franchisers have obviously taken this on board, meaning there are hundreds of retailers looking for potential franchisees to help expand their business.

And those hoping to take advantage of this sector will need a fair amount of liquid capital as well as personal net worth of around $200,000 in order to start a business, although this can be true of many franchises.

This fee often covers training, support from the franchisor, marketing, equipment, leaseholds on properties, supplies and other necessary extras to help you get on your feet. But with the support and guidance of the franchiser, it can make the prospect much more inviting than taking the plunge on your own.

Franchisees need to be marketing and business-minded in order to succeed in any kind of franchising, and clothing franchises are no different. Locating your outlet in the ideal place is also a key move, but the main tricks and skills needed by any entrepreneur in the franchising world is a savvy sense of the relevant market, a strong business attitude and the will to get stuck in.

Clothing

Clothing is very important for humans because it protects them from weather. Different clothes are used in different countries and cultures but the basic purpose of clothes is same. In past leaves were used as clothes but with the development of civilization changes occur in clothes. High quality fabric and vast variety of cloths are being used for the dresses of human beings. Various types of dresses are popular in different situations. Some people work in organizations and wear specific dress only to protect them. There is a variety of clothes such as air conditioned clothing, diving suit, armor, space suit, motorcycle leathers and protecting clothes.

The importance of dress is increased when people wear them in parties. They use makeup and jewelry to look beautiful. They use stylish shoes with their dress which form them very attractive and beautiful for others. In past the clothes were not woven at large scales because they were woven with hands. But now there are textile mills which form clothes at large scale. Clothes are sewed in latest fashions which make them beautiful for the users. Tailors are the master of clothing designs and to sew them.

The type of dress varies from culture to culture and from country to country. In some countries pent shirt is the common dress but in others Tehmad, shalwar kameeez, skirts are used. The design, color and style of clothes vary according to the age of the people. The religious impact is also very heavy on the dressing habits of people. They use clothes according to their religious and society because they feel a kind of comfort in such clothing.

The dresses of employees at work places can vary from the dressing of normal life. They can wear uniform according to the rules and regulation of the organization. Similarly specific kinds of clothing are used in sport events. Players feel comfort and ease in such dresses. For example players wear shorts, shirts and tracksuits.

Different types of clothes are worn at different occasions. For example the clothes of individuals at wedding ceremony will be different from that of parties or other events. There is a variety of materials used for clothes. Some important and common material in the use of clothing are cotton, wool, silk, fur, leather, denim and nylon etc. The clothes of different material are worn at different occasions. There are many other material types of which clothes are made.

Different types of laundry, ironing and storage are needed for different clothes. Individuals should be careful in such activities because carelessness can spoil your clothing. Some dresses are cleaned by washing machines and some are cleaned through dry cleaning. Similarly different speed of ironing is needed for different types of clothes. The storing of clothes is also an important activity because some clothes are folded and some are not.

Different clothes have different life cycles because the care and life is different from clothe to clothe. The fashion and style of clothing is changed from time to time. People bring innovation in their shirts, pents, skirts and other dresses to look smart and attractive. The culture, religion and environment of people have strong impact on the clothes of people. People of different regions use different kinds of dresses.

Clothing is necessary for every individual to live in society. Every society has its own habits of style and fashion of clothes. The dresses of men are different in style and design from that of women. Dresses play an important role in the personality of an individual. One should be careful in his selection of clothing because it reflects your culture, taste and moods.

Bicycle clothing

As a kid, you probably just wore jeans and a T-shirt when you rode your bike. While you certainly can wear the same things as an adult, you will be safer and more comfortable if you wear specially designed cycling clothing. The more comfortable your workouts are, the more likely you are to continue with your fitness regimen.

Shorts

 

Perhaps the area of your body that will benefit most from proper cycling clothing is your groin. The saddle of the bicycle places considerable pressure on this part of your body, usually resulting in mild to moderate soreness, but occasionally progressing to painful boils in extreme cases. Your body will toughen up some over a period of weeks, but even experienced cyclists wear padded bicycle shorts. Traditionally made from chamois, many modern shorts utilize bacteria-resistant synthetics that wick moisture from the area. Most manufacturers offer specific men's and women's versions and full-length tights for cooler temperatures.

Gloves

Another of your body's contact points with the bicycle is your hands. Although the handlebar grips do provide some protection, padded bicycle gloves offer greater comfort. Riding a significant distance without cycling gloves can result in numb hands. Additionally, should you crash, the gloves help protect your hands from abrasion. While most cycling gloves are of the half-finger variety, mountain bikers may appreciate full-fingered versions that protect their hands from trailside brush.

Shoes

Given that you press them continuously against the pedals, your feet deserve special protection as well. Unlike general athletic shoes, cycling shoes are very stiff to protect your feet from pressure and transfer energy efficiently from your leg muscles to the pedals. Very lightweight and breathable, cycling shoes also feature attachment points on the sole for metal cleats, which are required if you use clipless pedals.

Jersey

Although less essential than the other items, a good cycling jersey can enhance your workout. Generally made from a lightweight, synthetic material, a jersey absorbs less sweat than a cotton T-shirt, leaving you dryer and more comfortable, especially if the weather cools off during your ride. Additionally, the rear hem of a bicycle jersey is cut longer to avoid exposing your lower back while you are leaning over to reach the handlebars. Most jerseys also feature two or three pockets above the rear hem to store keys or energy bars.

Helmet

While you may be tempted to avoid it, a bicycle helmet is essential for protecting your head should you crash. Modern helmets are lightweight, highly breathable and comfortable. Improvements in design over the past decade have resulted in models that are easier to adjust. Many even feature built-in sun visors. Be sure you adjust the helmet properly. Make sure it is not too loose or tipped back so that your forehead is exposed.

Industry Information

Nature of the Industry

Clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores are some of the most visited establishments in the country. Whether shopping for an item of clothing, a piece of jewelry, a household appliance, or even food, you will likely go to one of these stores to make your purchase or compare selections with other retail outlets. Composed of department stores (including discount department stores), supercenters, and warehouse club stores, general merchandise stores in particular sell a large assortment of items. Also included among general merchandise stores are dollar stores that sell a wide variety of inexpensive merchandise.

Department stores sell an extensive selection of merchandise, with no one line predominating. As the name suggests, these stores generally are arranged into departments, each headed by a manager. The various departments can sell apparel, furniture, appliances, home furnishings, cosmetics, jewelry, paint and hardware, electronics, and sporting goods. They also may sell services such as optical, photography, and pharmacy services. Discount department stores typically have fewer sales workers, relying more on self-service features, and have centrally located cashiers. Department stores that sell bulk items, like major appliances, usually provide delivery and installation services. Upscale department stores may offer tailoring for their clothing lines and more personal service.

Warehouse club stores and supercenters, the fastest growing segment of this industry, sell an even more eclectic mix of products and services, in fixed quantities and at low prices. These stores typically include an assortment of food items, often sold in bulk, along with an array of household and automotive goods, clothing, and services that may vary over time. Often, such stores require that shoppers purchase a membership that entitles them to shop there. They offer very little service and usually require the customer to take home the item.

Compared with department stores, clothing and accessory stores sell a much narrower group of items that include apparel for all members of the family, as well as shoes, luggage, leather goods, lingerie, jewelry, uniforms, and bridal gowns. Stores in this sector may sell a relatively broad range of these items or concentrate on a few. They often are staffed with knowledgeable salespersons who can help in the selection of sizes, styles, and accessories. Many of these stores are located in shopping malls across the country and have significantly fewer workers than department stores.

Working Conditions

 Most employees in clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores work under clean, well-lighted conditions. Many jobs are part time, with the most employees working during peak selling times, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Because weekends are busy days in retailing, almost all employees work at least one of these days and have a weekday off. During busy periods, such as holidays and the back-to-school season, longer than normal hours may be scheduled, and vacation time is limited for most workers, including buyers and managers.

Retail salespersons and cashiers often stand for long periods, and stock clerks may perform strenuous tasks, such as moving heavy, cumbersome boxes. Sales representatives and buyers often travel to visit clients and may be away from home for several days or weeks at a time. Those who work for large manufacturers and retailers may travel outside of the country.

The incidence of work-related illnesses and injuries varies greatly among segments of the industry. In 2003, workers in clothing and accessory stores had 2.8 cases of injury and illness per 100 full-time workers, while those in general merchandise stores had 7.2 cases per 100 full-time workers. These figures compare with an average of 5.0 throughout private industry.

 Employment

 Clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores—one of the largest employers in the Nation—had about 4.2 million wage and salary jobs in 2004. Department stores accounted for most jobs in the industry, but only about 7 percent of establishments. In 2004, about 7 of 10 workers were employed in clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores having more than 50 workers (chart 1). In contrast to many industries, this industry employs workers in all sections of the country, from the largest cities to the smallest towns.

Many of the industry?s workers are young—31 percent were under 24 years old in 2004, compared with 14 percent for all industries. About 29 percent of the workers were employed part time.

Clothing

Clothing is very important for humans because it protects them from weather. Different clothes are used in different countries and cultures but the basic purpose of clothes is same. In past leaves were used as clothes but with the development of civilization changes occur in clothes. High quality fabric and vast variety of cloths are being used for the dresses of human beings. Various types of dresses are popular in different situations. Some people work in organizations and wear specific dress only to protect them. There is a variety of clothes such as air conditioned clothing, diving suit, armor, space suit, motorcycle leathers and protecting clothes.

The importance of dress is increased when people wear them in parties. They use makeup and jewelry to look beautiful. They use stylish shoes with their dress which form them very attractive and beautiful for others. In past the clothes were not woven at large scales because they were woven with hands. But now there are textile mills which form clothes at large scale. Clothes are sewed in latest fashions which make them beautiful for the users. Tailors are the master of clothing designs and to sew them.

The type of dress varies from culture to culture and from country to country. In some countries pent shirt is the common dress but in others Tehmad, shalwar kameeez, skirts are used. The design, color and style of clothes vary according to the age of the people. The religious impact is also very heavy on the dressing habits of people. They use clothes according to their religious and society because they feel a kind of comfort in such clothing.

The dresses of employees at work places can vary from the dressing of normal life. They can wear uniform according to the rules and regulation of the organization. Similarly specific kinds of clothing are used in sport events. Players feel comfort and ease in such dresses. For example players wear shorts, shirts and tracksuits.

Different types of clothes are worn at different occasions. For example the clothes of individuals at wedding ceremony will be different from that of parties or other events. There is a variety of materials used for clothes. Some important and common material in the use of clothing are cotton, wool, silk, fur, leather, denim and nylon etc. The clothes of different material are worn at different occasions. There are many other material types of which clothes are made.

Different types of laundry, ironing and storage are needed for different clothes. Individuals should be careful in such activities because carelessness can spoil your clothing. Some dresses are cleaned by washing machines and some are cleaned through dry cleaning. Similarly different speed of ironing is needed for different types of clothes. The storing of clothes is also an important activity because some clothes are folded and some are not.

Different clothes have different life cycles because the care and life is different from clothe to clothe. The fashion and style of clothing is changed from time to time. People bring innovation in their shirts, pents, skirts and other dresses to look smart and attractive. The culture, religion and environment of people have strong impact on the clothes of people. People of different regions use different kinds of dresses.

Clothing is necessary for every individual to live in society. Every society has its own habits of style and fashion of clothes. The dresses of men are different in style and design from that of women. Dresses play an important role in the personality of an individual. One should be careful in his selection of clothing because it reflects your culture, taste and moods.

How to Fix Clothes With Synthetic Dye

Stains and spills happen to the best of us and our favorite shirts. Fixing a new splotch with synthetic dye is a good DIY project with results that you control.

Instructions

• Spot Dyeing

Prepare your workspace. Lay your clothing item on a flat surface. 

 Mix dye per manufacturer instructions. For powder dyes or concentrated liquids, this may involve adding water and boiling. Wear rubber gloves.

Dip your applicator into the dye well and apply gently and evenly to your spots or stains. Let the dye set per manufacturer instructions.

Rinse the item under cool water, or blot with a wet sponge until clear, and allow to air dry. Repeat on the spot until desired color saturation is reached. If you do not get the results you are seeking, consider dyeing the entire item lighter or darker.

• Full Soak Dyeing

Mix dye or color remover in a large stove-top pot or top-loading washing machine per manufacturer instructions. Use the hottest water possible.

Place the clothing in the dye well and stir or agitate. Once you are satisfied with the saturation of the piece, let soak per manufacturer instructions.

Rinse the item in cool water until the water runs clear. When using a washing machine, let the cycle continue. Lay clothing flat or hang to air dry.

What Are Moleskin Pants?

Moleskin pants are made for men, women or children from a sturdy cotton fabric with a distinctive smooth pile surface. It feels velvety but wears well, making it useful for work and outdoor clothing. Although durable, moleskin pants are comfortable from the time they are new.

• History

·         Moleskin fabric was created in 17th century England by weaving cotton wefts, or nap, onto a linen warp, or underlying vertical-and-horizontal grid. Its fabric relatives include corduroy and velveteen. Popular with hunters, moleskin trousers quickly were named for the fabric: “moleskins.” British mills, among others, still produce all-cotton moleskin fabric for fabrication into pants, tops and hats.

• Other Names

·         A fabric woven as moleskin, but from synthetic materials, also is called moleskin. The term “suedecloth” sometimes replaces or augments “moleskin” as a fabric or clothing descriptor. Generally, suedecloth refers to moleskin of synthetic composition.

• Selecting

·         Moleskin pants drape beautifully and move attractively. They present an unstructured, as opposed to a crisply pressed look. If the fabric is called cotton moleskin or English moleskin, it will last a long time. Choose pants constructed with heavy-duty seams and closures.

• Coordinating

·         Because of the pile, moleskin pants combine with smooth or silky fabrics, including patterns. Moleskins also look well with sweaters and blazers. As they wear, moleskin trousers acquire an attractive weathered look.

• Care

·         Cotton moleskin is machine washable in cool water and may be pressed with a cool iron from the wrong side. Pants also may be dry cleaned. To avoid shrinkage, it is best to line-dry cotton moleskin pants. Synthetic moleskin trousers must be laundered appropriately for their fabric content.

Natural Vs. Synthetic Clothing

Today's fabrics come from a variety of sources--different animals, plants, minerals or artificial processes--sources which can be grouped into two basic categories: natural and synthetic. Most of the time, we wear one, the other or a combination of both types of fabric without noticing the difference, but in certain situations, it's good to know your fabrics.

• Natural Clothes

·         Natural clothes are clothes made of fabrics from material that occurs in nature: wools, hair, fur or silk from animals, or threads made from plants like cotton and hemp. Leather is also considered a natural fabric.

• Synthetic Clothes

·         Synthetic clothes are clothes made from fabric that is the result of a chemical process. Synthetic polymers are woven into fibers which are then used to weave the synthetic cloth. Clothing made from these fabrics include nylon stockings and spandex shorts, as well as the iconic polyester leisure suit.

• Biodegradeability

·         One of the major differences between the two types of clothing is how long the fabric lasts. Unless the natural clothing is treated with some kind of preservative, it will disintegrate and decompose over several years. On the other hand synthetic clothes tend to last longer. As an example, it takes nylon up to 40 years to decompose in a landfill.

• Flammability

·         Unless treated with flame retardant, synthetic clothes are relatively more flammable than natural clothes. Both types of clothes burn, and the rate of burn largely depends on the density of the material, but a synthetic material like acrylic, for instance, will burn faster than wool. Additionally, synthetic clothing may melt and meld to the wearer, causing more damage than the flames alone.

• Performance

·         When considering factors like extreme weather or temperatures or athletic exertion, synthetic clothes have the advantage of materials that can be engineered specific to their purpose. Thus, popular waterproof, weatherproof clothing that is light, durable and dries fast tends to be made of some kind of synthetic fiber.

Natural fibers on the other hand, can vary in their effectiveness outdoors, although some of the higher end clothing can be just as, or even more effective than its synthetic counterparts.

• Style

·         It's a largely subjective notion, but natural fibers are often associated with better quality clothing and a more sophisticated style. The wool suit, for instance, is seen as a classic while the polyester suit is often seen as tacky. As style and fabrics evolve, with synthetics and synthetic blends coming closer to the look and feel of natural fabrics, the gap will likely narrow.

cotton clothing

Cotton is a versatile, comfortable fabric. It is made of all-natural fibers and is a popular mainstay of the "green" organic clothing movement. Cotton was worn throughout early civilizations worldwide, and it has played an important role in the economic development of the Western world.

History of Cotton

·         Cotton was harvested for cloth over 7,000 years ago, as evidenced by bits of fabric found in Mexican caves. Historians believe that cotton farming originated in India. Ancient Egyptians cultivated cotton, and other civilizations harvested native crops of wild cotton. Cotton spread in popularity across the world and into modern history. Cotton plants were brought to the United States by early settlers. Southern climates are favorable for growing large cotton crops.

Mass Production of Cotton

·         In order to use the fluff-balls of the cotton plant, seeds had to be removed from the lint fibers by hand. Removing the seeds from cotton was difficult and labor-intensive. Eli Whitney, an American, invented the cotton gin in 1792. The cotton gin (short for engine) automated the tedious process of seed plucking. Whitney's invention was a major breakthrough in technology for the time period.

In Colonial America, cotton was "carded" like wool into soft fibers that were spun into yarn or thread. The yarn was knitted or woven into fabric for use in clothing and household textiles. Mass production of the fabric was made possible by Samuel Slater, a young English mill worker, who built the first cotton mill on American soil in 1790. Invention of the cotton gin and the construction of the first fabric mill marked the beginning of the American textile and garment industries.

The Evolution of Cotton Blends

·         Many have tried, with little success, to improve upon cotton. Some of cotton's best features are also its biggest downfalls. Cotton is very absorbent. Absorbency is an advantage in clothing, as it takes perspiration away from the body. On the other hand, absorbency also causes 100 percent cotton clothing to wrinkle and shrink as it dries. In modern times, textile makers have tried to work out the kinks of cotton by inventing man-made fibers like polyester and rayon. These manufactured fibers may not have some of the problems cotton does, but they have problems of their own. Polyester "pills" when added to cotton. It is not as soft and supple as cotton when woven alone. It does not "breathe" like cotton does, so it feels uncomfortable in warm weather. Rayon does not withstand washing very well, and usually requires dry cleaning.

Permanent Press

·         Permanent press cotton was invented in the 1950s by chemist Ruth Benerito, to eliminate the need for ironing. The permanent press finish is applied to the cloth before it is cut and sewn into clothing. Perma-press is vulnerable to the hotter settings on clothes dryers. Washing machines offer low-heat, perma-press cycles, and dryer makers offer an option that protects the finish on permanent press fabrics.

Caring for Cotton Clothing

·         Cotton is very durable and withstands a lot of punishment. However, cotton clothing will last longer and look better with gentle care. Although stains can be bleached out of white cotton with chlorine bleach, there are newer and better alternatives. Pre-treating clothing with stain-remover sticks or concentrated detergent, or adding oxygen bleach produces good results with minimal damage to cotton fibers.
If you have ever emptied the lint filter after drying cotton clothing, you've probably been amazed at the amount of lint accumulated from one washed load. Washing clothes inside out in cold water with a mild detergent, and hanging the pieces up to dry, reduces the loss of cotton fibers in the laundry process and lengthens the lifespan of cotton clothing.