Winter hiking is very different from summer hiking. Preparing for future hikes in advance is very important and can come in handy anytime and anywhere. You can prepare yourself by learning some winter hiking tips that you can use to stay safe and warm, whenever you plan to go hiking.
Whether you are hiking outdoors in the snow, or simply exploring nature, these winter hiking tips will surely help you enjoy the hiking experience during the winter season. There are a lot of factors that help make your trip a safe outdoor experience, and all of them can be made possible with the right winter hiking gear, winter hiking tips, clothing and attitude too.
10 essential winter hiking tips
So don’t worry, with our winter hiking tips you’ll be a pro in no time. Read on for some winter hiking tips that you can use while hiking in the snow.
1. Always check the weather and route beforehand
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One of the essential winter hiking tips is to know the weather conditions, because they change abruptly during the winter and can affect the hiking trail by being covered in fresh snow, which can be very confusing when you are on a hike, all that Which helps us to avoid hiking when there are strong winds, heavy snow chances or low visibility. Therefore, it is best to know the expected temperatures and wind frequency in advance. By doing this, you will always be safe while hiking in the snow.
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2. Stay hydrated at all times
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Always make sure to carry an insulated bottle and bottle cap when hiking in winter. This will prevent the water from freezing when walking in very cold conditions. If you don’t have an insulated bottle, or if you forgot to carry an insulated bottle for a hike, you can also use a spare sock, or wrap your water bottle in a cloth to keep the water insulated and warm.
3. Pack appropriate winter hiking gear
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Having the right winter hiking gear is essential if your next trip is full of hiking trails. Choosing the right shoes, bag, jacket, and even wearing the right pants makes all the difference while hiking. Keeping yourself isolated should be your first priority while hiking in the snow. You can start by wearing a base layer at first, then a fleece jacket that acts as a middle layer and a jacket or down jacket that helps insulate and protect your body from the cold. Soft pants are usually recommended when hiking in winter, as they are excellent at retaining body heat at all times and protecting you from strong winds and snow. And don’t forget to keep an extra pair of woolen hats, mittens and warm socks in your bag just in case.
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4. Bring extra equipment
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Some other equipment to bring with you while hiking is a fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, and a waterproof backpack. Packing extra gear while you’re hiking is always useful and useful for surviving extreme weather conditions. It all makes a difference in the world when you’re snowboarding. They also give you protection and give you better grip on the snow, because hiking in the snow can be slippery and slushy when the snow melts.
5. Pack snacks for a winter hike
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Staying hydrated and active is very important at all times while hiking. When you go hiking in the winter, your body tends to have twice as many calories as it usually does to keep you warm and toasty. So make sure you pack yourself some highly nutritious, protein-packed meals to keep you energized at all times. You can also carry around these cold weather snacks like: organic pumpkin seeds, granola bars, protein bars, and even make your very own mix!
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6. Be well aware of any potential dangers while hiking
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Being aware of all the dangers beforehand will always help you deal with any situation you may encounter while walking in the snow. Some trails are known to be prone to steepness, have regular avalanches, and unpredictable storms, all of which can interfere with the trail’s course and terrain. It is best to avoid such complications by:
- Check the weather right up to the moment you walk out the door.
- Make sure you are aware of the area or driveway lane.
- Learn how to use the map and compass properly before you go on your trip.
Also before you head out on your winter hike, be sure to let a family member, friend or even the management at your hotel know where you are going, or what hiking trail you will be taking, so they can locate you easily.
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7. Make sure your feet are always warm
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It is very important to keep your feet warm while walking in the snow. When the skin is wet, be sure to pack a few pairs of good wool walking socks that keep moisture away from the skin. It also helps insulate heat and dries quickly if it gets wet on the hike. Wearing hiking boots above the ankle, keeps the snow off your feet at all times while hiking. You can also purchase a pair of gaiters that will prevent your feet from sinking into the snow. It is best to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be spending a lot of time in them during your winter travels.
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8. Take a walk when the sun goes down
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Usually in the summer we tend to avoid the sun while hiking our trails. But quite the opposite when you’re hiking in the winter. We literally would do anything to feel the warmth of the sun during cold weather. Try and time the hike when the sun is shining proudly in the sky, as it will help you to warm up and enjoy the hiking trail more. It is also advisable to plan hiking trips in such a way that they start in the morning and end before sunset, given the low temperature in the evening.
9. Make sure you carry navigation devices
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Learning how to use navigation devices is very vital, when you are hiking outdoors. This helps you commute easily, without being bothered by any hitches in the way of hiking. You can also carry a portable GPS device, smartphone, compass, and even a map. All of these devices are very useful when hiking, and the plus point is that you can also prevent wasting time or getting lost while hiking. Navigations are used by experts to beginners and are one of the many winter hiking safety tips used globally.
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10. Turn around when needed
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Your safety is more important than putting yourself in danger, rather than enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience. The weather can rotate especially quickly during the winter, and if you get stuck in heavy snowfall, low visibility, or strong winds, it’s best to turn around quickly – especially when such situations are not expected. On snowy trails, you also tend to get fatigued faster (due to deep snow, slippery surface, etc.) and in some cases, turning is smarter than putting yourself in danger.
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So, if winter hiking is on your mind, don’t wait and take a look at our customized international trekking packages with TravelTriangle and enjoy the thrill and adventure of this snow sport!
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