Just because the weather has turned wet and cold, doesn’t mean you have to put hiking on hold until the summer. It just means you need to switch up a few things so you can stay warm and protected from the elements.
Wear layers
The most obvious thing to do when going out on a hike in the colder months is to wear lots of layers to stay warm. But knowing what layers to wear, can be difficult. Layering is a three-part system that is effective at helping you stay warm and dry when out in the snow, rain and cold.
Your first layer should be a base layer that is able to wick any moisture away from the skin. This will help you stay warm as the moisture on your skin isn’t cooling you down. Your second layer should be a mid-layer that insulates you from the cold. A fleece is a great option for this as they are breathable and lightweight but still keeps you warm.
Your final layer should be a shell layer. This tends to be a waterproof coat or jacket to protect you from the rain and wind.
No cotton
When looking for hiking gear, try to stay away from cotton as much as possible. Once wet, cotton takes a long time to fully dry which will make you cold, damp and miserable – not what you want on a hike.
Instead, you should look for clothes that are made from synthetic or wool materials. These types of materials tend to dry quicker and help move sweat and moisture away from the skin.
Cover your skin
Your feet, hands, ears, and nose are the first things to go cold, so make sure you wrap them up and keep them covered. For your hands, you should invest in a pair of lightweight wool gloves and a pair of waterproof gloves to wear over the top. Layering your gloves like this will help insulate your hands and keep them dry. Wearing a hat or headband will also help you retain body heat, something you lose most of through your head.
A part of your body you might not think about covering is you neck and face. I mean, how are you meant to cover your face whilst hiking? Simple answer, a neck gaiter. Neck gaiters are a perfect way to mask and shield the lower half of your face from the cold.
Keep the wet out
If you are out in heavy rain and want to keep your feet as dry as possible, gaiters for your trousers are a good way to go. Trouser gaiters are a great idea if you want to keep the thick snow and rain out of your shoes and keep your feet dry. If you do invest in a pair of gaiters, make sure they are waterproof and breathable. That way, you are fully protected, and they won’t feel uncomfortable
Protect your eyes
When hiking in heavy snow or windy conditions, you always need to protect your eyes from any debris in the air and the sun. yes, there can be sun even when it is raining or snowing. In fact, when the snow has settled, it reflects the sun and can make it harsher on your eyes. To keep your eyes safe from the sun, make sure the sunglasses you use are 100% anti-UV glasses for maximum protection.
Pack a light source
During the winter, days are shorter and darker – not what you want on a hike. To make sure you stay safe and have as much visibility as possible when it goes dark, pack a torch and spare batteries that you can use to find your way. And to be extra safe, use a head torch rather than a handheld one to keep you hands free if you fall or need to grab something for support.
Protect your food and water from freezing
Whenever you go on a hike, you will always need water to stay hydrated and food to fuel the body, especially in winter. But you need to make sure they don’t freeze from the cold temperatures. To do this, invest in a good quality insulated water bottle to keep your water from freezing. You can also wrap your water and food in any extra clothing you are taking to keep them as warm as possible.
