Winter Hiking in 7 Tips
I am a child of warm weather. The hotter and more humid it is, the happier I am. I want air that I can swim through. But ever since I left Florida at age 11, I have only lived in places where the weather stubbornly remains cold for 4-6 months every year. I like New York, so I’ll stay here, but I do get just a touch grumpy as soon as the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
I used to hibernate during the winter months, only venturing outdoors for as long as it took me to get from my house to my car and then from my car to the front door of the office/bookstore/restaurant/my final destination. Of course, the winter months are harder when you can’t (or in my case, refused) to go outside. So I made myself spend more time outside, even when the weather became chilly and snowy, and now I’m less grumpy. Spending time in the Catskill mountains during the winter months is rewarding. The mountains are beautiful, the air is crisp, and Obi loves the snow. When it comes to hitting the trails, however, I have to prepare a bit more than if I were just going into my backyard. I have a few tips to share!
1. Wear layers
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” is a Scandinavian mantra that I’m sure many a mother has repeated to her children. And they’re 100% correct. Here is a basic layering philosophy:
Base layer: a moisture-wicking layer on your top and bottom. Wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are best.
Mid-layer: an insulation layer, such as a puffy jacket or fleece.
Outer layer: a layer that protects you from snow, rain, and wind. Whatever fabric you choose, make sure it is fully water-proof and wind-proof.
I highly recommend choosing water-proof layers, instead of just water-resistant. Avoid cotton in the winter. Cotton retains moisture and stays wet, so if you start sweating or get stuck in rain, the cotton layer will keep you colder and more prone to hypothermia.
Choose socks that are also made of wool or polyester and carry an extra pair just in case. A wool hat and thick, water-proof gloves are also a good idea. You can always take off a layer, but you can’t put a layer on that you didn’t bring.
If you are craving more information on layering, fabrics, and more, REI has a great article on layering basics.
2. Water
Bring plenty of water. It may seem counterintuitive, but when hiking during the winter, we need to stay hydrated to ward off hypothermia. Take little sips often. If you’re using a water bladder (I love water bladders), keep the tube warm to prevent water from freezing in it. You can buy an insulated tube cover, make one yourself, or stick it down your coat like I do when I forget to cover it.
3. Food
Bring extra snacks and snack often. We burn a lot of calories on the trail and even more so when it’s cold. Always a good excuse to eat a little more chocolate.
4. Keep an eye on the weather
Check your favorite weather app—or however you find the weather report—the day before your planned hike. Make note of any temperature drops, possible precipitation, etc. and plan accordingly. Maybe bring an extra layer or make adjustments to your plan if there will be a big snowfall. Check again in the morning before you leave your house in case anything new developed overnight. While you’re on the trail, keep an eye on the sky, the wind, or any other weather indicators. Weather can change quickly and we don’t want to get stuck out there. Also, keep in mind that winter days are shorter, so plan accordingly and always bring a headlamp.
Along these same lines, find the hike you want to do on All Trails (or another app) and read the reviews section. People often leave comments in their reviews about the condition of the trails. This is super helpful if you live in an area where it snows, so you can better prepare for ice, powdery snow, etc.
5. Bring microspikes or other foot traction
This is specific to snowy areas. Even if you don’t think you’ll need your microspikes, it’s a good idea to bring them anyway. Slipping and sliding isn’t much fun and the extra traction could help prevent a fall.
6. Pack your ten essentials
We touched on this briefly in the blog post about hiking alone, but the ten essentials that you should always pack are:
Navigation: map, compass, GPS, All Trails, etc. If you plan on using your phone for navigation, bring a backup charger
Headlamp and extra batteries
Sun protection: sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, etc.
First aid kit
Knife and/or multi-tool
Fire: lighter, matches, tinder, flint and steel. I always bring two options with me (usually a lighter and my flint and steel)
Shelter: a tarp is a good option, but I also include rain gear in this category
Extra food
Extra water
Extra pair of socks
7. Hike with a friend or tell someone where you’re going
Trails are trickier in snowy conditions, so it’s best to hike with a friend or group, especially if you’re not fully comfortable in the area you’re exploring. Whether you’re with a friend or by yourself, also leave an itinerary with another person just in case.
That’s all for today! If you’re a cold weather grump like myself, I hope this post inspires you a bit to get outside. It’s worth it.