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How to comfortably hike in the winter

Posted - Mon, 01/30/2012 - 00:25

Dressing the right way for winter trekking honestly just comes down to using more than one layer of clothing. This is essential because it gives you pretty much complete control over your body’s overall temperature. You may be wondering how exactly it can work in such a way. The main method for doing this is simply removing and replacing your layers as you need to. That means that even hats and gloves are important for controlling your temperature. Do not forget to bring those along with you since they can truly help you out.

Depending on the conditions, use these layers:
 
  • Bottom: moisture-wicking breathable shirt or thermal layer
  • Mid: insulating layer like a fleece jacket
  • Outer: water/wind proof layer
  • Hat and gloves
  • Good socks; waterproof boots
Various layering items that you can use (not necessarily all at once!):
 
  • REI OXT long-sleeved wicking tee
  • Under Armour long-sleeve and Under Armour Bottoms
  • REI fleece jacket
  • PacTech packable wind/rain shell
  • Columbia Vertex jacket w/zip-out lining
  • EMS Brand gloves
  • Mountain Hardwear Hat with ear flaps
  • Polar Buff headwear
  • Smartwool Hiking Socks
A great thing that you can do in order to keep yourself from being uncomfortable later on is resist the urge to dress really warm for your hike. This usually is not only unnecessary; it also exposes you to a lot of trouble later on. Right when you begin your hike, you will probably feel as if you actually need more clothing than is truly helpful for you. Even though the first fifteen minutes of your walk will probably be a little bit chilly, that will gradually transition into a pretty intense amount of warmth which will make you want to remove a few layers. Therefore, it is best to simply wear a little less than what you might feel inclined to use. This is especially important since the use of too many layers can often lead to sweating which in turn leads to hypothermia. 
 
If you tend to run cold and always find yourself shivering for the first 15 minutes of a hike... try jogging in place for a few seconds at the trailhead, or do a couple of jumping jacks to kick start your body a bit. 
 
YakTrax or Kahtoola MICROspikes can be helpful for traction in the snow. Snowshoes can be used for deeper snowy conditions; Crampons may be better in very icy conditions. Gaiters can be worn around your lower leg and over your boot to keep deeper snow out and your pants from getting wet. Ones for snow are water repellant and usually go up above the calf. There are other lower models that are meant more for sandy/desert conditions.
 
Trekking Poles add stability in slippery conditions. Even if you don't normally use them, you may want them for hiking in snow or ice. Very helpful with snowshoes.
 
There are some bonus uses for winter gear.  For instance, YakTrax are great for dog walking and snow shoveling. Gaiters can be useful for a few deep snowfalls; to shovel out the driveway for instance. 
 
Daylight hours are limited; know when sunset is. Start early and pack a headlamp in case you get caught out in darkness. A small, lightweight one can be had for around $20 and is easier to hike with than a flashlight. We have a little Petzl Headlamp that barely weighs anything.
 
Know and watch for signs of hypothermia. In under 20 degree weather try breathing in through your nose, out through your mouth to warm up the air before it gets into your system.
 
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