Don't mess with winter -- be prepared for anything!
I have always hated winter.
I can’t stand being cold, driving in snow terrifies me, and wind really freaks me out. That’s why I am still in shock that winter has actually become my favorite time of year. When December arrives, I’m ready to head out for a weekend of hiking in New England’s magnificent mountain ranges. I have found the already stunning landscape of the northeastern United States transforms into an absolute wonderland once it is blanketed with crisp, white snow. And when that happens, you cannot keep me away.
What proved key in my transformation to winter-lover was learning how to prepare for prolonged periods outdoors in the punishing New England weather. Here are our tips on how you, too, can prepare for a safe and comfortable winter outing:
What to wear
Be sure to wear plenty of layers for any outdoor winter adventure
Winter weather and temperatures are nothing to mess with. It’s important to wear a lot of clothing when you first embark on your adventure to maintain a warm core temperature. This will help keep your outer extremities warm as the heat will not drain from them as quickly to regulate your corp temperature. You can always remove layers as you heat up, but if you lose warmth too quickly, it’s harder to recover.
We recommend: a form-fitting base-layer for your torso and legs, such as an UnderArmor shirt and running tights; atop the base-layer, use a thermal top; then, you’ll want a fleece sweatshirt or jacket; for your legs, you’ll need a pair of snow or ski pants to keep them dry and insulated; finally, top it off with a parka or down jacket.You may look like a giant marshmallow, but at least you’ll stay safe and warm!
"Hand Warmer" packets are a life-saver to my always freezing hands.
For your hands and feet, we recommend two pairs of gloves — one base layer, and one thick, water-proof pair on top. I also use Hand Warmer packets and store them in my palms between the two pairs of gloves. Wear at least one thick pair of ski or thermal socks underneath waterproof hiking or snow boots.
Don’t forget a hat and, preferably, an ear band as well. You may also want to wear something that you can pull over your mouth and nose for very cold temperatures. Keep in mind the higher you ascend, the cooler the temperatures and the stronger the wind. Keep extra layers in your bag.
Gear you’ll need
If you're hiking in snow, you'll want to use "trax" or snow shoes (pictured here)
You won’t really need a lot of additional gear for moderate winter hiking, unless you are going to be climbing at high altitudes or on ice. For most hikes along well-used trails, the snow will generally be packed. You should be able to get by with “trax,” or small cleats that attach to your boots, or snow shoes that will give you traction on the ice, as well as prevent you from sinking into deep snow. Some people like to use hiking or ski poles for better balance and to ease pressure on joints. We don’t, but we probably should.
If cross-country skiing is more your thing, you can usually rent skis and boots from local outfitters if you don’t want to invest in your own.
For more serious ice climbing or mountaineering expeditions, you'll need some pretty hardcore crampons.
What to pack
These are just a few of the essentials you should take in your backpack on every winter hike
If you don’t own a good day pack, invest in one. They’re usually under $50 USD. It’s important to pack more than just food. You’ll want to bring a flashlight and/or a headlamp, a compass (or two!), maps of the area, a whistle, a knife, identification (store in a ziploc baggie), duct tape (in case a strap on your snow shoe breaks you can just tape the show to your foot), and several garbage bags. These are important should you encounter rain or severe saturation as they help trap air to serve as an insulator. Remove your wet items and cover your body with the bags. A pack cover is also helpful as it keeps your extra clothing and food dry if you encounter rain or heavy snow.
Pack plenty of food — more than you think you’ll need. We like to pack enough food for two days, just in case we should find ourselves stranded. It is important to eat even if you are not hungry as it helps keep your stomach full and your body warmer. Pack foods that are high in carbohydrates to replenish your energy levels. Protein-rich foods like almonds are also helpful as just a handful can help stave off hunger. Keep in mind, in low temperatures, your food may freeze and become difficult to chew, so pack foods that are unlikely to be affected by extreme temperatures. Pack at least two liters of water (per person) if you plan to be out most of the day. Most people recommend you actually bring three liters.
Winter is a beautiful time to explore the outdoors, and inconvenient weather or harsh temperatures need not keep you confined inside watching television. Following these simple, but smart, packing tips have helped me go from someone who hates winter and snow to someone who wishes it could last just one more month each year! We hope these tips help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable winter adventure.
What is your favorite outdoor winter activity, and what tips do you recommend?
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Great guide. I haven’t done a lot of winter hiking but I would if I was closer to some mountains or hills. My biggest winter workout is ice skating, and I forgot to dress warmly enough last time.
Scott - Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..How come you’re not Couchsurfing yet?
Let us know if you’re ever in the northeast, especially in winter, and you’re welcome to join us for one of our hikes!
Great advice! Love the handwarmer idea.
Christopher recently posted..Free Photo Friday — Food
Reading this makes me shiver. I hate, hate winter and cold, but had to endure one this year. I totally agree: it’s important to wear many layers and they have to be form fitting, otherwise they do no good.
inka recently posted..All about ‘glamping’ in Naxos/Greece
Yeah, after the winter over in Europe, I can’t say I blame you. I don’t envy that at all! I tend to have poor circulation, which makes me get colder more quickly than most people, but once I started dressing properly, it at least made the weather bearable, and at times (like these snow shoe trips!) downright enjoyable. Thanks for reading!
Wow. You make being out in the cold look so glamorous. Yet, I know it’s not that much fun. Or it’s not because I never took the time to heed any of thbese awesome tips you shared. Very great post!
Courtney Mroch recently posted..The Colorful Sea Creatures Lining Cozumel’s Rafael E. Melgar
Haha, I guess it can be glamorous … but really, once you get all bundled up, you just look like a giant, fat marshmallow. So I don’t feel glamorous, at least! Thanks for reading.
I am so not a big fan of cold weather, but these tips are great. Multiple layers is key, as is being prepared! Great post
Laurence recently posted..7 Super Shots
You know, I used to hate it too … now I’ve totally been converted. Those little hand warmers are miracle workers! Thanks for reading.
Great tips! Layering is so important…
Amen!
Layering is so important! I really fell in love with the heat generating leggings and turtlenecks from Uniqlo on my recent trip to Canada. They are so lightweight on, but make such a difference keeping in the heat! Great read, and love the photos!
Jess recently posted..Frozen Waterfalls And Glamping: Outaouais, Day Three
Absolutely — it’s really important to wear a layer that keeps the heat close to your body. I haven’t tried Uniqlo. Will have to check it out. We’re excited you got to snow shoe!
Some useful and needed advice here. Thank you!
And that manican is an absolute hoot!
Erica Hargreave @ Roamancing recently posted..IceFest This Weekend at Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville
I know — he was too cute to pass up
Great tips! As others have posted I’m not a fan of the cold but you make me think I need to pull out the fleece, silks, and wind stopper & head north! By the way, the hand warmers are key! As a SCUBA diver I know many who use them in cold water environments layered under a dry suit:)
That’s a great idea — I wouldn’t have thought to use the hand warmers while SCUBA diving!
Great advice: Wish I’d read this BEFORE we went to Yellowstone a few weeks ago! I layered pretty well, but had no idea how handy Yak Trax would be until we got there. They were definitely a must for walking on the icy trails.
Bret @ Green Global Travel recently posted..The Top 10 Oscar-Nominated Environmental Documentaries
I agree. We wish we would have known how useful they were before we bought our snow shoes. We find most trails we use are fairly packed, so you don’t really need cumbersome snow shoes, trax will suffice. Glad you got to visit Yellowstone, though! What a great time of year to go!
wow! the lake’s so beautiful.nice article.
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