hiking
freezing feet. Double-check your protection before heading out. Plastic grocery bags worn inside your boots can provide waterproofing in a pinch, but a functional GoreTex membrane is much more breathable. If there's a chance for snow or ice anywhere along the trail, throw some lightweight traction devices in your packsack. A multifunctional buff/ neck gaiter will add an additional layer of warmth and repel that draft ripping through your jacket zipper. Lithium batteries last longer in cold temperature than alkaline; switch them out in your devices to extend battery life. Attach zip-ties to all jacket and backpack zippers to make them easier to grab with gloved hands. Carry Thermacare patches and hand/foot warmers to heat your entire body. Stash them inside pockets to maximize warmth. Don't forget sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. And use them frequently. Also, wear a hat. Whether the "you lose 50 percent of your body heat from your head" mantra is true or not, an insulated hat will keep your noggin toasty. Be extra vigilant about directions and your orientation in winter. Snowy conditions can hide trail signs and directional markers. Stay off bodies of water, regardless of how thick you think the ice is. It's not worth falling in. It may go without saying, but in the winter, days are shorter. Plan accordingly and get back to your vehicle before dark. There's nothing like pulling off hiking boots while sipping on a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Prepare a thermos of warm beverages and stash it in your vehicle for an apres-hike warm-up.
terrain January/February 2022
15
OVERNIGHT SENSATION
Considering camping on your hike? Here some tips specific to wintertime stays outside. On colder days, the need for refrigeration isn't an issue. Boil-in-bag meals (as opposed to freeze-dried) and other perishable items that typically require chilling are fair game. Fuel canisters get bitter cold when in use. To avoid getting frostbite when firing up a stove, wrap duct tape around fuel bottles/ canisters or use gloves. For minimal additional weight, an extra closed-cell foam pad will add warmth to your sleep system. It also provides insulated seating for you and a friend. Similarly, a simple sit pad will keep your bum toasty instead of sitting on that cold rock or the cold, wet ground. Keep your electronics warm overnight and conserve battery life by placing them in a stuffsack at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
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