Keeping Warm & Comfortable as You Embark on Winter Hiking this Season

Although exercising in the cold is generally safe for most people, frostbite can occur in just 30 minutes if the wind chill is below zero. Even if you're wearing layers, the wind can still penetrate your clothes.

Frostbite can affect your ears, nose, and cheeks, and it can also affect your feet and hands. The first signs of this condition include a loss of feeling or numbness, and you should immediately remove the affected area from the cold and warm it up. You should seek medical assistance if the numbness persists.

When the temperature falls to dangerously low, it's known as hypothermia. Some of the symptoms of this condition include shivering, slurred speech, fatigue, and loss of coordination. If you experience these symptoms, immediately seek medical assistance.

Benefits of Winter Hiking

Although winter can make you feel tired, you can help boost your vitamin D levels by getting some natural light. This can help keep you feeling positive, and engaging in various outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking can help lower stress and anxiety. Winter can provide the perfect environment to enhance mental clarity.

During the winter season, it's important that people stay active to boost their energy levels and improve their bodies' performance. The crisp air can help them feel invigorated and combat the negative effects of the cold. Engaging in leisurely and rigorous activities can leave you feeling refreshed and alert.

Ensuring You Wear the Right Type of Clothing

Damp clothing can remove warmth from your body, which is why moisture management is important when it comes to staying warm. If you are constantly damp on a cold day, you can't rely on the sun to dry off your clothes or hang your sweaty shirt on a tree. When it's extremely cold, you need to make sure that your body heat is captured and kept warm.

When it's cold outside, especially when the weather is nearing freezing temperatures, it's important to maintain a warm internal temperature. This can be achieved through layering and using more clothes than you would during a summer day hike. However, this doesn't mean that you have to replace all of your summer clothes. Instead, you can add more layers to keep your body warm.

For optimal performance, pack lightweight and heavy fleeces depending on the weather conditions. Having enough layers will allow you to maintain a consistent and non-sweaty internal temperature.

The Ultimate Guide to Layers

Here’s everything you should know about keeping yourself warm and protected when venturing out into hiking during the winter season!

Baselayers

You'll need to start with base layers, which should be made of a moisture-wicking material that will keep you dry and comfortable. They should also be snug to fit on top of other clothes. Lightweight merino wool base layers are great for winter, as they have the same properties as activewear but with added insulation. Lightweight merino is also ideal for multi-day activities due to their odor-resistant properties.

Midlayer

A midlayer is a type of garment that goes over your base layer. When choosing a midlayer, you want something that provides both warmth and insulation, and this can be done with a wide range of fabrics. One of the most popular materials is fleece, which is quick-drying and breathable. Since it’s flexible, it’s easy to choose the appropriate amount of warmth for your body when you’re planning on hiking.

Hiking pants are a good choice over base layer leggings due to its fit. These are made from a wide range of materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, and they’re very durable overall.

Insulative Layer

A packable and lightweight insulating jacket is ideal for hikers who need to keep warm during the winter season. These jackets are easy to carry along and are ideal for keeping your body warm, which should also be loose enough so that they can fit over your other layers.

High-quality down is the most effective insulation material because it provides the most warmth and is compressible. However, it loses its insulating capabilities when exposed to water, which makes it incredibly hard to dry. On the other hand, synthetic insulation retains its insulating capabilities even after being wet.

This material makes a great choice for people who need to stay active in extremely cold weather. Since hikers are used to carrying their packs in sweaty conditions, synthetic jackets are ideal for keeping their bodies warm.

Shell Layer

The outermost layer of a jacket is known as the shell, which is designed to protect everything that's inside it from water and wind. While some materials are waterproof, others, such as those that are treated with a durable water repellent, can hold up better in wet conditions.

When you're hiking through wet or snowy terrain, shell pants can provide you with additional protection. They're ideal for when you arrive at camp and need to remove wet pants quickly.

Hat & Gloves

When it comes to winter hiking, it is important to wear a hat and gloves that protect your head and extremities from the cold. These items can help prevent hypothermia and frostbite, which can also block cold air and keep your body temperature at a comfortable level. To enhance versatility and warmth, consider layering.

Although it is important to keep your core warm, it is also important to protect your extremities. Your hands and head lose more heat than any other part of your body when exposed to cold weather. 

Footwear

A durable and comfortable trail-running shoe is essential for protecting and supporting your feet while you're out on the trail. You should also consider choosing shoes with a water-resistant or waterproof coating if you plan on going out in wet or muddy conditions.

If you're planning on going out in winter weather, thick socks are ideal, as they should be taller than your hiking shoes to avoid blisters. Wool socks are moisture-wicking and are better than cotton ones, which can cause blisters if they get wet.

Don’t Forget a Backpack

Besides being able to carry all of your essentials, a backpack also provides additional safety and warmth. When choosing a winter hiking backpack, make sure it is made for the cold weather conditions. It should have hip belts and extra padding for added stability and protection against back and shoulders strains.

Ice axes and trekking poles can be attached to a backpack to allow you to store and retrieve your equipment when needed, especially when you're planning on going on an expedition in snowy or icy conditions. You should also consider having multiple compartments to make it easier to organize your gear. Pack strategically by placing heavier items near your back to distribute weight evenly and improve stability during the ride.

Keep Hydrated & Prioritize Keeping Up Energy Levels

Even though you may not feel thirsty during winter hikes, staying hydrated is important. High altitudes and cold air can make you more vulnerable to dehydration, which is why you should carry a hydration bladder or insulated water bottle. In addition to warm beverages, you should also eat high-energy food to boost your body's metabolism.

Exercising in cold weather can be challenging, which means you need to have extra energy to keep warm. To fuel up, pack high-energy food such as dried fruits and energy bars. In addition to protein, you should also add healthy fats and carbohydrates into your meals to boost your metabolism and support muscle recovery.

Keep First-Aid on Hand

Although it's often overlooked when it comes to winter hiking gear, having a well-stocked emergency kit is important. This can help minimize the risk of getting injured during the season. Some of the items included in your kit should include bandages, pain relievers, emergency blankets, and antiseptic wipes.

Having sleeping bags can be very helpful in case of an emergency, which are designed to provide warmth and protect you from the elements. 

Having the appropriate equipment for winter hiking can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Aside from being able to layer clothes, having the proper hydration and protection equipment is also important, to keep you feeling energized and prepared for all of your winter hiking adventures!

Layering with Goal Five

Don’t worry about losing comfortability with this innovative take on a modern tracksuit. Image courtesy of Goal Five.

With attire from Goal Five such as the Powerstripe LS Track Jacket, you can enjoy a lightweight and warming feel that’s easy to move around and exercise in.