Even if it’s not winter, cold weather can still sneak up on you during a hike. It’s important to be prepared no matter what time of year you hit the trails. Here are some friendly hiking tips to make sure you’re ready for anything:
- Dress appropriately with the right cold-weather clothing and gear.
- Stay fueled and hydrated with snacks and water.
- Be aware of cold-related injuries and illnesses to watch out for.
By being prepared, you can make sure your hiking trip stays enjoyable and safe, no matter the weather!
Clothing and Gear Tips for Cold-Weather Hiking
To ensure comfort during a cold-weather hike, it’s crucial to wear appropriate clothing and carry essential gear.
Layering: Dress in layers to regulate body temperature effectively. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulation with a mid layer, and finish with a windproof and waterproof shell. Adjust layers as needed to stay dry and avoid overheating, which can lead to hypothermia.
Avoid cotton: Opt for synthetic or wool fabrics that dry quickly and wick moisture away from the skin, unlike cotton, which retains moisture and can leave you feeling cold and damp.
Protect your skin: Exposed skin in freezing temperatures and cold wind is susceptible to frostbite. Pay close attention to your nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes.
- Hands: Wear lightweight or midweight fleece gloves under waterproof shell mittens or gloves. Keep an extra pair of fleece gloves in your pack in case they get wet.
- Feet: Opt for synthetic or wool socks that fit well. Thicker socks offer more insulation, but ensure they don’t make your boots too tight, which can restrict circulation. Carry an extra pair of socks to change into and wear waterproof boots, especially in snowy conditions. Boots with built-in insulation may be necessary for very cold temperatures.
- Nose and cheeks: Use a neck gaiter as a face mask to protect your nose and cheeks from cold air.
- Ears: Keep your ears warm with a winter hat or headband. A neck gaiter or face mask can also provide coverage for your ears.
Avoid tight clothing: Clothing items such as wristwatch bands, glove cuffs, gaiters, and boots that are too tight can restrict circulation, increasing the risk of frostbite. Ensure that your clothing and gear fit properly to maintain proper blood flow.
Provide heat: Utilize hand warmer and toe warmer packets to warm up cold fingers and toes, particularly if you’re prone to feeling chilly in these areas.
Wear a hat: Prevent heat loss through the head by wearing a winter hat when feeling cold.
Use gaiters to keep snow out: Gaiters are essential for keeping snow out of boots during hikes through deep snow. They also provide added warmth. Opt for waterproof/breathable gaiters designed for hiking in snowy conditions.
Protect your eyes: Shield your eyes from the sun and wind with goggles or sunglasses. Select eyewear that allows for lens interchangeability to adapt to varying weather conditions.
Pack a headlamp: Be prepared for reduced daylight hours during winter hikes, especially in northern regions. Always carry a headlamp with fresh batteries to navigate safely in the dark.
Keep batteries warm: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly. Store electronic devices such as headlamps, GPS units, and cellphones in a pocket close to your body to keep batteries warm and functional.
Apply sunscreen: Despite cold temperatures, snow can reflect sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas, including the underside of the nose, chin, and neck, to protect against harmful UV rays.
Bring the Ten Essentials: Ensure you have the Ten Essentials, which include navigation tools, extra clothing, first aid supplies, and emergency shelter, to be prepared for potential emergencies during cold-weather hikes.
Food and Hydration Tips for Cold-Weather Hiking
Ensure your body’s metabolism stays active as a heat source by maintaining proper fuel intake through food and water.
Stay nourished and hydrated: In cold conditions, there may be a tendency to overlook the need for food and water breaks. Simplify this by keeping snacks and water readily accessible to consume regularly throughout the day.
Prevent food from freezing: Hard, frozen energy bars are not enjoyable to eat. Opt for softer options like candy bars, chocolate, nuts, and cheese, which tend to remain more pliable in cold weather. Experiment with different food choices to find what works best for you, and keep food close to your body to prevent freezing.
Prevent drink tube freezing: If using a hydration reservoir, it’s essential to prevent the drink tube from freezing to maintain access to water. Many reservoir manufacturers offer insulation options for the tube and bite valve. Alternatively, DIY insulation solutions using inexpensive foam can be effective. Additionally, try these strategies to prevent tube freezing:
- Sip regularly to keep water flowing and prevent solidification.
- After drinking, blow back into the reservoir to empty the tube and minimize the risk of freezing.
Opt for water bottles: In extremely cold conditions, it may be necessary to forgo the hydration reservoir and rely on water bottles to avoid the risk of the drink tube freezing. However, be aware that bottles can also freeze, typically starting from the top down, leading to stuck bottle tops. To prevent this issue, store your bottles upside down (ensuring they are securely closed to prevent leaks) and keep them inside your pack for added insulation against the cold.
Consider insulated sleeves: Invest in insulated sleeves designed to keep water bottles from freezing in cold temperatures.
Pack warm beverages: Fill a vacuum-insulated bottle with hot tea or hot chocolate to enjoy during breaks, as the warmth can significantly contribute to your comfort on the trail.
For more tips on maintaining proper hydration, check out our Hydration Basics article.
Cold-Related Illnesses and Injuries
The primary health risks during cold-weather hikes are frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when tissue freezes, commonly affecting fingers, toes, and ears. It presents in three levels: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. Identifying the severity of frostbite is challenging until the skin thaws.
Signs of frostbite include:
- Cold, waxy, pale skin
- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the affected area
- Soft or hard skin texture, depending on the degree of freezing
- Blisters may form after thawing with superficial and deep frostbite.
How to treat frostbite:
For frostnip, cover exposed skin and gently warm the affected area by placing cold fingers in armpits or toes on a warm surface. Avoid rubbing or exposing the skin to hot water to prevent tissue damage.
If blistering occurs, indicating superficial or deep frostbite, seek medical attention promptly. Avoid hot water and rubbing the injured area to prevent further tissue damage. Take precautions to prevent refreezing after thawing.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops below normal, and it’s not exclusive to winter conditions. Even a cold rain or the chilly waters of a river can trigger it. Hypothermia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.
Signs of mild hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Minor clumsiness, such as difficulty with zippers
- Slowed thinking, confusion, or mood changes
Moderate hypothermia presents with:
- Intense shivering
- Noticeable changes in coordination, like stumbling or falling
- Obvious alterations in mental status, such as irritability or forgetfulness
Severe hypothermia is characterized by:
- Diminished shivering due to depleted energy
- Further decline in mental function, leading to disorientation or irrational behavior
- Undetectable pulse
Treatment involves changing the environment to minimize cold exposure. If possible, move the person indoors or away from cold stressors like wind or snow. Replace wet clothing with dry garments and ensure adequate insulation. Providing water and food helps fuel shivering, the body’s natural heat-producing mechanism.
Mild hypothermia can be managed on the trail with proper care, but moderate to severe cases require prompt evacuation.
How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia:
To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, it’s crucial to actively care for yourself and your hiking companions. While many of the previously mentioned tips regarding clothing, gear, food, and hydration are essential, here are some additional considerations:
Stay warm: Maintaining a comfortable temperature is much easier than trying to warm up after becoming too cold. Dress appropriately to retain warmth.
Don’t tough it out: If you notice your fingers or toes becoming cold, take immediate action to warm them up. Placing cold fingers in your armpits or cold toes against a partner’s warm belly can help. Utilizing hand warmer and toe warmer packets is also effective.
Look out for your friends: A responsible hiking partner monitors the well-being of their companions. Regularly inquire about their condition, and if you observe pale spots on their face or notice clumsiness on the trail, encourage them to stop and address exposed skin or add an extra insulating layer.