A Breakdown Of How To Hike During Winter

Hiking is a hobby that most people enjoy on those days where the sun is out and the sky is clear, especially during the warmer months. But many prefer the stillness of winter, prompting them to pack out and head out to their nearest trail.

Hiking in winter can be dangerous, however, and you must have all the essentials needed before tackling the difficulties of a cold and sometimes snowy hike.

Hiking Gear For Feet

The correct shoes are extremely important when heading out into the wild. The less durable the shoe, the more difficult it is to take it out long term. Remember how many times you raise your legs, every additional 100 grams will quickly be added. So in all but profound snow or dense mud, it’s best to go quick and light–and even then it’s preferable to wear complete shoes by incorporating knee-length gaiters. Several significant indoor footwear firms such as Salomon, Karrimor, La Sportiva, and Hi-Tec create mid-cut waterproof shoes that are just the ticket.

Socks are a very personal preference, but they perform best for a layering scheme. A slender belt enables wick to remove humidity from your hands and decreases friction and the probability of blistering (although this is usually a problem these days–most plastic shoes need little to wear and are kind to your legs).

Hiking Gear For The Body

Layering clothes, like socks, is essential to remaining hot. A nice coating of foundation takes off moisture and offers a narrow layer of insulation. The seam-free top of First Ascent Derma-Tec, which has boards on the torso with a piece of thicker fabric, is perfect for maintaining your body heat.

Next up is a lightweight fleece layer or two and a nice waterproof jacket or a softshell if you’re planning an exhausting exercise. Between a fleece and a waterproof jacket, softshells are a good choice and maintain layering and mass to a minimum. Wind-resistant gloves are a must, and it’s possible to get a pair that allows for the use of touch screens, meaning that it’s possible to watch videos, listen to music, read emails, or play gambling online NZ up in the mountains.

All main outdoor clothing companies have multiple softshell weights that offer different degrees of insulation, wind resistance, and water repellent so you can choose how much security you need and can afford. The top-of-the-range ones have a waterproof membrane, are seam-sealed (making them as waterproof as conventional hard shells) and feature hoods, isolating cuffs and other accessories to keep the elements at bay.

Hiking Gear For The Head

Up to 40% of body energy is wasted through your hair, so the ancient adage tells you the reality:’ If your legs are cold put on another couple of clothes; if they are still cold placed on a jacket.’

Columbia’s silver-lined Fast Trek fleece hat with Omni-Heat technology is a favourite, not least because when skiing or hiking it is snug enough to fit under a helmet. Also, when hiking, carry a Buff or similar that acts in the cold as a beanie, jacket or jacket. Pack some warm-up hands that function well inside gloves or hot up your sleeping bag. A Nalgene bottle of boiling water also allows for a nice pot of hot water in the hills.

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