While winter is a beautiful season, the cold temperatures can make it hard to enjoy. But you don’t have to freeze every time you hike or resign yourself to staying indoors all winter. Use these five tips to stay warm and safe on all your winter hikes.
Understand proper cold-weather clothing layers
The most important thing is to make sure you’re dressed warmly. You need three layers for proper winter clothing:
- Baselayer
- Insulator
- Shell
Your baselayer is the layer right next to your skin. It’s responsible for wicking away moisture such as sweat and keeping you dry as you hike. Why is this so important? Because when you’re wet, it’s harder for your body to stay warm, meaning you have a miserable hike. When I head out for some cold-weather adventuring, my Terramar Thermawool Half-Zip is the first thing I grab.
The insulator layer keeps you warm and holds your body heat in. This is often a fleece or jacket typically made of polyester or a polyester blend. Without this layer, you’re going to be cold.
The shell layer keeps the wind and water out. It’s your defense against the outside elements and keeps your own body heat safe. Looking for a high-quality, lightweight shell layer? Check out Ashli’s review of the Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer!
Know what hypothermia looks like
Hypothermia can be prevalent in all seasons, but winter makes treating it harder than ever. Keep your eyes open for these signs:
- uncontrollable shaking or shivering
- slurred speech
- clumsiness
- low energy or trying to fall asleep
If you see these signs in yourself or in someone you’re hiking with, take action immediately and get them warmed up.
- Are they wet? Did they sweat through their layers or step into water somewhere? If so, remove all the wet clothing and help them find warm, dry clothing or blankets.
- Get them out of the wind or elements and help them build body heat back up by covering them in blankets or extra layers.
- Give them something hot to drink or eat if the option is available.
Taking quick action can keep your winter hike a fun, safe activity for everyone involved!
Note the winter wind
It’s easy to think that something’s not that cold from the weather report, only to step outside and realize that the “feels like” temperature is bitter. It’s never fun to be halfway up an incline without windbreak, wishing that you were anywhere but there.
When you decide what layers you need, consider what the wind will be like at the different places you’re hiking. If you’re going to a windy area, make sure your shell layer will protect you, and you have the proper protection for your face, neck, and hands.
Eat. A lot. All hike long.
When you’re out in the cold, your body is burning a lot of calories to keep you warm. That’s why it’s important to keep yourself fueled up through the entire hike! By taking along snacks that you can eat on the go, you’re maintaining your body’s ability to stay warm and ensuring your winter hike will be a memorable one.
Bring a hot drink to sip on
Nothing quite hits the spot like having a quick sip of warm cocoa or coffee as you pause for a breathtaking view. Not only does it help put some warmth into your body, it just tastes good and is the perfect “ahhh” feeling to complement any situation you may find yourself in. Many cups have the insulation to keep your drinks hot for an entire winter hike. My favorite? The Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle.
Bonus tip: Pee
Have you ever considered how much liquid you store inside your body that you have to keep warm? By peeing before you go on your hike or on the trail, it allows your body to stop keeping that extra baggage warm and focus on keeping you warm instead!
Don’t let winter freeze you out
With a little extra planning, winter can be the perfect hiking season. Choose the right layers, go explore, and find your next adventure! You may discover that winter hikes become some of your favorites. Where will you go next?
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