Embrace Winter! Can I hike in Winter? You sure can!
There are a few things to think about before you head outside. The better prepared you are the
more you will enjoy it. Big thick winter coats are great for strolling around town, but if you are
headed for the trail several thinner layers are better. You will need to bring a backpack to hold a
layer or two once you get going. If you are a little cool in the parking lot before you set out, you
should be fine.
BE BOLD START COLD!
NUTRITION: You will still need water when hiking in colder conditions. You may not feel as thirsty as
you did when hiking in summer, but you will be sweating and burning calories. Always take water or
even a warm drink. If you are out for a long, water and snacks can freeze. Water bladders will need
tube covers or take a water bottle. Keep snacks and extra water wrapped in your backpack to reduce
the chance of freezing.
WINTER GEAR: Extra mitts and hats are great to pack. Hiking poles are helpful on any surface.
Gaiters are pieces of waterproof material that wrap around your calves. They keep snow from getting
into your boots as well as provide an extra layer of warmth. Icers that can be stretched over your boots
for icy sections and then removed for deeper snow provide added safety. You may take a little longer to
hike the same distance in winter than you did in warmer weather, so plan extra time. With leaves off the
trees, you will be able to see different sights, as you are surrounded by a blanket of peace and
sparkling snow in the woods. With a bit of planning, you may find winter hiking to be your favourite.
POLE Benefits: Provide support on hills. Full body workout – work your arms and upper torso. Propel
you forward allowing you to walk faster, especially on the flat terrain. Alleviate strain on hips and knees
What to look for: Cork handles – help to absorb sweat. Collapsible – three pieces when collapsed are
small enough to pack in a suitcase. Locking System – found that the clamping system performs better
than the twisting system. The twisting system eventually gives way when you least expect it. The
clamping system has a screw that can be adjusted when needed.
GAITER Benefits: Protect your legs against cold and wet. Keep snow and mud out of your boots.
What to look for: Velcro closing along the front. Zippers and snaps are hard to deal with in the cold.
They should be waterproof – Gore-Tex material is best. They should be adjustable at the knee. You
don’t want them sliding down when you are hiking.
ICER Benefits: Allow you to safely walk on most ice formations. What to look for: Icers, crampons,
spikes – so many names and types. The rubber should be stretchy enough to fit over your boots while
fitting snuggly. You don’t want them coming off until you take them off. The spikes should be deep
enough and strong enough (steel) to go into the ice.