|
by Cassandra Romanawski, KTA Intern
Winter weather is upon us, and for animals and people alike, that means hibernation. If you love hiking, don’t let the winter months deter you from enjoying all the beauty the season has to offer. Many trails transform into solitary, snow-covered landscapes with breathtaking scenery, overwhelming silence, and glimpses of wildlife that are not present in during warmer months. The lack of leaves on the trees makes distant views possible from even low elevation vistas.
Winter creates a whole new set of challenges, so never overestimate your ability even on familiar hikes. Take the appropriate precautions by following these tips, and you won’t have to miss out!
LAYERS
Hiking in winter can be deceiving as increased blood circulation naturally warms your body. You many not realize how cold the temperature actually is until you’ve stopped moving. This is especially important when the hike gains elevation, as temperatures can vary at the bottom of the trail and on the summit of the mountain. Having a variety of insulating clothing will help you regulate your body temperature and stay comfortable.
- You will be much more comfortable if you dress in many layers of light clothing instead of one bulky layer (i.e. heavy winter coat). Lighter layers also tend to be more form-fitting, making it easier for you to move about (plus, they’re easier to store when not being worn).
- Lean towards breathable fabrics, especially ones that repel water rather than absorb it. Synthetics fibers will wick moisture away from your skin, will dry quickly, and do not absorb water. Cotton is a particularly ill-suited material for winter hiking, because it absorbs moisture and does not dry quickly, putting you at risk for hypothermia.
- Your outermost layer should be a light, synthetic shell with a hood, often known as a windbreaker. It should be waterproof, but should also “breathe," and allow moisture to escape.
- Your feet and head are the two primary places where heat escapes the body, so a hat and synthetic wicking socks are particularly important. Two layers of gloves or mittens are beneficial: one for insulation, and one for waterproofing. Hand-warmers are not a bad idea either, and can be found at any outdoors store.
BOOTS
During winter you will need hiking boots that are both waterproof and warm. Choose an insulated, waterproof boot that is made of a plastic and rubber combination, not leather. Leather freezes in winter weather, while plastic and rubber will not. You can make your already broken-in leather boots waterproof by spraying them with chemicals, but you might want to add plastic gaiters to add moisture resistance to your footwear. Boots above the ankle will help keep you dry while trekking through snow or over frigid streams. Tread is also important to hike through slicker conditions. Even the best hiking boots can be beaten by winter weather, so a few spare pairs of dry socks are important. Pack them in a sealed Ziploc bag; not only will it keep them dry, but you will also have a place to put your used wet/ frozen socks.
FOOD & WATER
In colder weather, your body burns more calories to keep you warm. By generating a great deal of body heat, you also lose a lot of water via perspiration. Furthermore, the drier weather can make you more susceptible to dehydration, which is turn accelerates the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Consequently, food and water are still extremely important.
- Bring snacks high in carbohydrates and protein. Consider bringing food that is easy to eat with gloves on, such as protein bars.
- A minimum of two quarts of water per person per day is recommended. Carry your canteen upside down on winter hikes. Water freezes in a bottle from the top down, and if you carry the canteen upside down, it is actually the bottom where the water freezes, not the mouth of the canteen.
- Consider bringing along a hot beverage in a well-insulated container. There’s nothing like hot cocoa, hot tea, coffee, or hot soup to pick up your spirits if the day is really chilly!
BE SAFE
- Just as fallen leaves tend to clog even the most manicured trails in autumn, snow can be just as or even more disorienting to tell whether you are still on the trail, especially if you are the first party to traverse after a fresh snowfall. In this situation, looking for blazes and trail signs is more important than ever. For added insurance against getting lost, carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Also, it’s never a bad idea to bring a small first-aid kit, whistle, and a lighter or other flame source for starting an emergency fire.
- The sun sets earlier during the shorter winter months and so it is important to start the hike as early as possible and have a clear idea of how long the trek will take. For a really short hike, early afternoon might be best, as that will likely be the warmest part of the day; just be sure you will be back before dark. Bringing a flashlight or headlamp is recommended, just in case.
- Never leave without telling someone your planned route and the estimated times of departure and return. Bring a fully-charged cell phone in a sealable plastic bag. Colder weather can drain the battery, so consider keeping it off until you need it.
- Walking sticks or hiking poles are especially beneficial in winter to help steady yourself while climbing or staying upright in slippery conditions. They also help add an upper-body and increased respiratory workout to your hike.
- When around water, never assume that ice is thick enough to walk on. Rocks and stepping-stones can shift at any time, but in winter take extra caution as they may be icy or slick.
BRING A FRIEND
Going with groups is not only a wonderful way to bond, but can act as a great support for safety. Gear can be spread out evenly, and more memories can be shared.
TIPS FOR HIKING WITH KIDS
- Shorter hikers through relatively flat terrain are advised. Loop hikes may be better than out-and-back hikes so that in case of emergency, you’re never that far from your central starting point. A good rule of thumb: the younger your kids, the shorter the hike should be.
- Small bodies tend to lose heat rapidly, and therefore children may be more susceptible to hypothermia than grownups. Just like adults, layers are highly recommended: a wicking synthetic for the base (underwear) layer; a wool or synthetic middle (pants and torso) layer; and a breathable, wind and water repellent outer shell. Top off each outfit with warm wool or synthetic fleece hat and mittens. Add a scarf or facemask for comfort on especially cold or windy days.
- For greater ease when nature calls, skip the one-piece snowsuits in favor of a winter jacket and snow pants.
- Discourage children from eating snow. Aside from the probability that it contains contaminants, snow sucks away a tremendous amount of body heat to covert from solid to liquid. Snow is not an acceptable substitute for drinking water.
- Keep it fun! Who can find animal tracks or scat? Build a campfire (if permitted) and make s’mores. Build a snowman, or stop in a snowy field for a game of snow tag to make forest time fun.
TIPS FOR HIKING WITH DOGS
- Check your canine friend’s paws before and after leaving the house. Longer-haired dogs in particular will accumulate snow and ice-balls that cling to their paws. To minimize this, first make sure their nails and the fur between the paws are trimmed to reduce the accumulation of snow. You can also spray their paws with a light application of olive oil, cooking spray, or a special de-icing solution.
- Dogs can also lose their keen sense of smell in extreme cold and may get lost more easily, so extra caution should be used if you allow your dog off-lead.
|