Top Tips to Hike in the ColdMost people probably shake their heads when asked if they would hike in the cold, snowy terrain. But I say, "Lets' go!!". I know hiking in the snow can seem a bit daunting, but it can also be some of the coolest memories and moments if you have the right gear. Below our my top tips to hike in the cold. Let's turn that mindset around so you can enjoy the outdoors all year round!
Clothing: 1. Wear layers! Depending on how cold it is for the top portion, I recommend wearing at least a underlayer, fleece, coat, and if need be a shell covering. For the bottoms, I recommend a insulated legging and then a hiking pant over it. 2. Wear waterproof and insulated hiking boots so your feet don't get wet and cold 3. Wear synthetic or wool socks so your feet don't get wet and cold too 4. Wear insulated hats, gloves, and grab a neck gaiter for your neck and face 5. Bring handwarmers and feet warmers if you do start to get more cold 6. Sunglasses since the snow tends to reflect a lot of light 7. Snowshoes or crampons 8. Trekking poles with attachments for snow Food: 1. Pack water bottles since the tubing with your water bladders may freeze up 2. Pack snacks that won't be hard to eat when cold such as trail mix, candy bars, cheese, and chocolate. Always keep your food close to your body so they don't get too hard either. 3. If you only have a water bladder, try using an insulate tube to prevent freezing, or sipping often and blowing into the tube to keep warm. 4. Pack hot tea or hot chocolate in a insulated bottle to sip on to keep warm *It is easy to forget to eat and drink in the cold so make sure you remind your hiking buddy to check in with each other or set a reminder on your phone* General Gear: Go back to our article on what to bring on a hike. Terrain: 1. Avoid hiking on icy areas 2. Be familiar with your route 3. Be avalanche aware and prepared 4. Watch for wildlife 5. Be comfortable with turning around if you don't feel well, the weather changes, the trail changes, etc. By being prepared will help reduce your chances of developing hypothermia, or frostbite. If you or your hiking buddy start to show signs of either try to get to a warm area, remove wet clothing, try drinking hot liquids, and if the person continues to get worse please go to a hospital! These tips are here to support you and give you the confidence you need to get out all year round. Happy hiking y'all!
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Tips to Hike in the HeatSummer is a time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! But, if you live in any southern state you know it can be very hard to enjoy the summer with temps hitting over 100 degrees. I wanted to share some tips to help you hike in the heat so you don't get heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, cramping, or sun burn. There are definitely ways to still enjoy your hike even in the midst of the heat.
Clothing: 1. Hat 2. Sunglasses 3. Looses fitting clothes and light colored clothes 4. Neck gaiter 5. Wool or synthetic socks 6. UPF-rated clothing 7. Wear longer sleeve and pants for more sensitive skin groups Food and Water: 1. Bring more water than you think you need: Drink at least 1/2 liter of water per hour but it may be more depending on how strenuous your hike is, your body, and the weather conditions. 2. If water isn't hydrating you enough bring electrolyte drinks, or electrolyte powders/tablets to throw into your water 3. For snacks, I would suggest something that wouldn't melt like nuts, seeds, or dry fruit Gear: 1. Go back to our article on what to bring on a hike 2. Specifically with the sunblock: Lather up and reapply every 2 hours Terrain: 1. Only go out for a short period of time if it is in the middle of the day 2. Try to find shaded areas to go under 3. Hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours 4. Hike near water so you can take a dip if you're feeling hot or dip some of your clothing in the water to help you cool off I hope these tips find you well and still give you hope to get outdoors even in the heat. If you do start to experience any fatigue, cramping, nausea, headaches, etc. please get yourself to a safe location and try to cool down as quickly as you can, hydrate, and or go to the hospital! By knowing where you're hiking and preparing ahead of time will help you to have a safe and fun hiking experience. |