Beat The Winter Blues: Winter Hiking Tips
Winter is a great time for resting, but too much rest can make one restless. Cabin fever, winter blues.. Whatever name you call it, avoid it by getting outside! Going outside in winter is great for our physical and mental health, giving us endorphins from physical activity, Vitamin D from the sun (even on a cloudy day!), and fresh air in our lungs.
When venturing into the backcountry during winter, the cold temperatures make safety even more crucial. New dangers arise and icy roads may make it difficult for emergency services to reach you if any issue occurs.
Here are some of the most important winter hiking tips for staying safe while enjoying winter activities:
Stay Warm: Maintaining warmth in our extremities - hands, head, feet, and neck - is vital to the overall warmth of the body. If your body is cold, putting on a hat and gloves can make a world of difference. Dressing in layers is an effective strategy: start with a base layer, add a mid-layer, and top it off with an outer layer for your torso, while using a base and outer layer for your legs.
Stay Dry: Getting wet is one of the most hazardous conditions to face when in the backcountry because you lose the ability to stay warm. Be aware of how hot your body is getting while moving, and take any necessary steps to reduce sweating. Considering that you lose so much heat through your hands, head, and feet, the first step would to cooling down would be removing your gloves or hat. A headband can be a great alternative to a hat, keeping your ears warm while allowing the top of your head to release heat. While it can be annoying to constantly stop and de-layer when you get hot on the ascent, and then re-layer when you cool down on the descent, it is so important to avoid excessive, unnecessary sweating.
Stay Hydrated! Your body can effectively regulate its temperature when you are hydrated. Consider warming your water before leaving home and keeping it in a double-walled water bottle if it’s difficult for you to drink cold water.
The Right Gear: The best clothing choices for winter (and year-round) are merino wool or alpaca base layers, as they do an excellent job at wicking moisture and retaining warmth even if damp. For the midlayer, use merino because of its breathability and odor-reducing antimicrobial properties. If it’s moderately cold, you may want a light vest. If it’s very cold, windy, or rainy/snowy, bring a windbreaker or rain jacket as the top layer. For bottoms, use merino wool as the base layer and rain pants (with zip down sides for ventilation) as the top layer. Layering makes it easy to keep from getting too hot or too cold.
Be prepared and plan for worsening conditions. Know the weather where you’re going and make appropriate gear choices, then add an additional layer of protection. Heading into the backcountry in winter is no light-hearted feat. Always have the 10 Essentials in your pack, and share your location with friends or family before you go.
Do yourself a favor, and make a plan to get outside! Book a hike with us to learn more about these winter weather tips and how to put them into action.
