Winter can be especially difficult for hikers who wear shorts and T-shirts year-round. The change in season signals the end of the hiking season. It can be tempting to wear your favorite outfits instead of bundling up against the elements. However, staying warm while hiking in the colder months requires more than just a pair of outerwear and a hat. Dressing correctly for winter hiking means choosing layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as needed. Here are 6 tips for dressing correctly for winter hiking:
Layer up From the Bottom up With Thermals
When hiking in the winter, it’s essential to start with a base layer for women that will act as an insulation layer. A women’s base layer should be made of synthetic materials like wool or fleece. Artificial materials are lightweight and compressible, which makes them an excellent choice for hikers who frequently hike long distances. Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep and is extremely warm and breathable. Wool is also anti-microbial, which makes it the perfect material to wear against the skin. Fleece, meanwhile, is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight and very warm. Fleece comes in various styles to allow you to customize your layers with color.
Wear a Mid-Layer First
Hikers who wear too few layers or don’t wear a women’s base layer can be extremely uncomfortable as the temperature drops. In Fall, a base layer for women and a mid-layer are usually sufficient. In winter, however, a mid-layer is not enough to keep you warm. Since it does not provide any insulation, it is best worn beneath a jacket that provides the bulk needed to keep you warm. You should wear a mid-layer first because it will provide the bulk and insulation your coat will need underneath. You can wear a merino wool or synthetic merino wool shirt under your jacket to provide both warmth and breathability. Synthetic fleece is highly breathable and will allow you to stay more comfortable by regulating your body temperature.
Pack a Rain Layer
Rain layers are different than typical winter layers. While you’re typically best off wearing a rain layer under your outerwear, a light, breathable layer does come in handy on snowy days. Suppose you hike in areas that experience a high amount of precipitation. In that case, you should always keep a light, breathable layer in your backpack. Hiking in the winter is challenging because once the sun sets, you’re left with only your headlamp to help you see. If you hike in an area that experiences a lot of snow, you should bring a light-duty layer if you get caught in a storm. Snow layers like the ones from Polarmax are porous, lightweight, and breathable, which makes them an excellent choice for hiking in the winter.
Don’t Forget Your Feet!
One of the most common winter hiking mistakes is not adequately preparing your feet. Cold temperatures can cause your feet to be incredibly uncomfortable while hiking and lead to blisters. This is especially problematic when you hike in boots. To prevent blisters, you should always wear a pair of socks with a seamless toe. The seamless toe will keep your toes from getting pinched by your boots and provide insulation between your sock and the ground. You should also ensure that your shoes are properly broken in before your winter trip. Cold temperatures can cause your feet to swell, and swelling in your boots can cause blisters. You should wear your boots for at least 2 weeks before your winter hiking trip to ensure your boots are properly broken in.
Stay Dry With a Brimmed Hat and Toe Socks
The last tip for dressing correctly for winter hiking is to bring a brimmed hat and a set of toe socks. A brimmed hat should be worn to cover your ears and to keep your ears warm. A brimmed hat helps prevent snow from getting into your ears. Snow can cause an ear infection, which can be extremely painful. Wear a brimmed hat while hiking to prevent snow from getting into your ears. A set of toe socks is also essential for winter hiking. Toe socks are worn inside your boots to keep your feet dry. They also help to keep your toenails from getting too long, which can be dangerous if you hike in rocky terrain.
Winter hiking is a challenge because the weather is often unpredictable. Fortunately, dressing correctly for winter hiking can help you stay warm and dry. Remember that layers are essential; you should start with a base layer and a mid-layer. Next, bring rain and light-duty winter layers if the weather turns bad. Finally, wear a hat, socks, and boots to keep your feet dry.
