During winter everyone chooses to stay indoor especially if you had not an arrangement for a trip in warmer places. Working in the cold weather left as with boredom, stress and burnouts. You can choose to kill this burnout and boredom as well as avoid staying indoors by taking a hiking winter adventure. Hiking in the winter is awesome experience if you have never had one. Walking on top of a snow blanket, seeing the animal tracks ahead of you, and viewing frozen rivers and waterfalls all present memorable experiences. Winter is a great time that will help you hit the trail that you have never come across because, the crowds that usually see is gone, many parks show off their true beauty after a fresh snowfall. For you to have this enjoyable moment be sure to think ahead and prepare for unexpected conditions. In this article we have rounded up some tips and other helpful knowledge for cold-weather hiking.
1. Dress in layer like an onion.
Proper dressing is mandatory especially when hiking in colder weather. 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. Clothing like light fleece or soft shell jacket, and waterproof pants, insulated jacket fleece pants, and a waterproof shell jacket will be a great option to deal with cold weather.
2. Beware of hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition where by the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat leading to a dangerously low body temperature. The remedy to hypothermia is dressing in layers and having extra dry, warm clothes in your backpack as we have talked about in tip 1. Sweating from exertion and getting wet is a danger in cold temperature thus pay attention to avoid hypothermia scenario.
3. Stay and keep hydrated
In the cold weather while hiking ensure you are well hydrated. Be sure to take sips of water when you stop. This will help your body boost and maintain water and electrolytes levels in your body. When it’s cold everyone is tempted to drink as much fluids as possible. Coffee and especially hot coffee made from best espresso machine under 200 will serve you better. This will ensure you stay hydrated, warm and enthusiastic in your hiking adventure.
4. Remember to carry safety gear.
There are a few basic items that every winter hiker should carry in case of emergency. You should always have a trail map, a first aid kit, a compass, a pocket knife or multi-tool, hand warming packets, and a headlamp. Be prepared should be prepared to spend the night in an emergency. “Every member of the group usually carries some emergency gear like a bevy sack or sleeping bag, down parka, cell phone, sleeping pad (for laying someone down if he is hurt), etc.” While it may mean that your backpack is a bit heavier, it may also mean that you avoid frostbite if you have to stay on the mountain overnight.
5. Plan and stick to your schedule.
Plan in advance what you want to do during you winter adventure. Stick to your plan and avoid any interference with your schedule. Daylight hours are limited so you should know when sunset is. Start early and pack a headlamp in case you get caught out in darkness before you return home.