Winter Hiking Tips

Winter Hiking Tips

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Winter Hiking Tips

There are many trekkers and hikers around you who may not advise you on taking up winter hiking. But, just because of the changes in weather does not mean that you cannot hike in winter. As long as you have layered hiking gear that is waterproof, lightweight, and easy to wear, winter hiking boots, remember familiar routes, high physical and mental strength, and a capable guide as well as Winter Hiking Tips, winter is suitable for hiking.

While you may meet many trekkers who shy away from winter hiking, you may not know that just like other seasons winter hiking comes with a bunch of perks.

Afraid of Insects? 

Be worry-free about meeting any of them at the scene. Insects, Reptiles, and Snakes will rarely trouble you in the winter hikes. While taking precautions, be worry-free about their encounters.

Are you interested in Photography? 

The beautiful snow capped scenery, flora and fauna that can only be found in winter, villages with snow roofs and more will give you the most beautiful pictures that you can capture.

Are you a food lover?

 Winter enables you to have a second lunch in between with calorie-burning food and also much unique food in your hiking area.

Do you hate crowds?

 Few people dare to hike in winter. So, enjoy the hassle-free crowd-less environment and hike with peace of mind.

To Do/Not To Do of winter hiking

  1. Choose the most suitable clothes and gear for winter
  2. Carry extra winter shoes with gripping ability on slippery or uneven surfaces so you can switch if needed
  3. Be sure to have more than one trekking pole for extra hands during trekking.
  4. Carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a bunch of hats for different changes of the sun in the winter.
  5. Extra food and Liquids will help you in case you need more calories, protein etc than you may assume.

Best tips for clothes and Gear for Winter Hiking

  1. Say no to cotton

Cotton clothes are hard to dry in a short time. If you dare to wear cotton clothes in the winter it is not uncommon to get sick due to the dampness and coldness due to the slow drying. Therefore, you should choose synthetic and wool layer styles which are more suitable for this weather.

  1. Prepare for sun and wind

Due to the light conditions in winter and the change of weather like the cold wind you should have suitable preparation. For safety, sunscreen, hats, and goggles are necessary extra gear for winter hiking.

  1. Hand, Feet, Nose, Cheeks, Ear

To prevent frostbite, use waterproof shell mittens or shell gloves (fleece gloves-lightweight or midweight), socks (synthetic/wool), waterproof boots, neck gaiter, headband, winter hat, face mask and extras. Make sure to carry extras of each gear in cases of emergency.

  1. Say no to tight clothing

Clothes that are too tight make you more prone to getting frostbite due to poor air circulation. Therefore, all your clothing and gear should fit your body size.

  1. Headlamp and Batteries

Be sure to carry a headlamp and batteries for your night hike and your electronics. For winter hikes, you should choose a lithium battery instead of other batteries due to its suitability for cold temperatures.

Extra tips for Winter Hiking

  1. Frostbite

Symptoms of Frostbite

  • cold, waxy, pale skin
  • numbness or pain in the frozen area
  • partially frozen skin is soft
  • Hard frozen skin is hard
  • Blisters due to superficial and deep frostbite

Treatment of frostbite

  • Cover the exposed skin 
  • Warm the affected area
  • No rubbing the cold skin
  • No to place frozen parts of the body in hot water
  • a doctor for treatment
  1. Hypothermia

Symptoms of Hypothermia

  1. Mild Hypothermia
  • Slow thinking
  • Confusion
  • change in mood
  • Shivering
  • Clumsiness-minor
  1. Moderate hypothermia
  • High shivering
  • lack of coordination
  • The decline in mental status 
  1. Severe hypothermia
  • energy depletion (no shivering)
  • The high decline in mental status
  • Undetectable pulse

Treatment of Hypothermia

  • change the environment-keep the patients indoors or the cause of the cold stress
  • Swap wet clothes to dry clothes
  • Hot water and food
  • In case of moderate and severe hypothermia contact the doctor immediately.
  1. Route
  • Only trek in the route that you know well
  • Double-check your route
  • double-check your mileage
  1. Weather
  • The Weather Forecast should be checked before, during and after the hike.
  • If the situation changes due to weather turnback.

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