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Now that winter is closing in, I'm going to do the yearly list of must-haves if you plan on going outdoors.
1st thing to remember, you tend to dehydrate faster in the winter. Water is the body's temperature regulator; when you are dehydrated, blood thickens.
1st thing to remember, you tend to dehydrate faster in the winter. Water is the body's temperature regulator; when you are dehydrated, blood thickens.
Winter hydration https://dripdrop.com/blogs/news/winter-hydration-can-you-get-dehydrated-in-cold-weather
With hydration comes this question, "why can't I just eat snow if I'm thirsty?" You can, but you increase your chances of getting hypothermia.
Know the environment you're out in. A dry winter (deep sub-freezing temps) vs. a wet winter (hovering around freezing w/constant, heavy precipitation).
I've hiked in the mountains of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and Washington. Cold weather training is my jam, and through trial and error, dressing for it properly is a must.
1) You need to cover that head. Think of your hat as capping off a heat vent; in this case, your head. I like PolarTec and SmartWool beanies.
2) Base layers - Merino wool. That is all.
Synthetics are okay if you don't plan on being out in the elements too long (Under Armour Cold Gear is a favorite)
Synthetics are okay if you don't plan on being out in the elements too long (Under Armour Cold Gear is a favorite)
3) Tops/Bottoms - your base layer will work better if your top is an insulator. I like wool and/or fleece-lined synthetics. Same applies to pants with one exception - pants with the added protection of waterproofing is a must.
4) Socks - yes, socks are important. There are literally different grades of socks for different climates - wool socks are preferred (made for winter weather)
5) Footwear - probably the most important piece of gear you could possibly wear. Do not skimp on boots. Spend the extra money on footwear to keep your feet comfortable and dry (I have Kamik boots). https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-winter-hiking-boots/
6) Jackets/parkas - A good rule to follow: wearing down-filled jackets/parkas in a tier 2 rain forest is a no-no unless it's specifically made for that climate.
I was hiking near MT. Rainier and encountered two people wearing down jackets; they were soaked & shivering. Down gets very heavy when it's wet and increases your chances for hypothermia exponentially.
For hiking in the PNW, I prefer synthetic jackets with the waterproofing.
Hiking in MT, WY, CO, and ID? Down all the way (also, there are different grades of down-filled jackets/parkas; the higher the down count, the more heat insulation. Mine range from 650 to 750)
Hiking in MT, WY, CO, and ID? Down all the way (also, there are different grades of down-filled jackets/parkas; the higher the down count, the more heat insulation. Mine range from 650 to 750)
These are the basics that I've learned along the way.
Don't let cold weather keep you inside
Don't let cold weather keep you inside
