Winter is the season between autumn and spring when the weather is usually very cold. People in these regions that experience winter should always find ways to protect themselves from too much cold to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite is a health condition that occurs when the skin is exposed to too much cold and freezes.
Winter hikes are delightful and healthy. However, to achieve a successful hike, you must make sure that you wear a protective hiking outfit that will not expose you to too much cold.
There are various ways you can protect your body during winter hiking. These are explained below;
Table of Contents
1. Wearing Warm Hiking Outfit
The best clothes to wear are waterproof outfits which include waterproof jackets and waterproof trousers. This is because most waterproof outfits are usually made of three layers. The first layer is that layer close to your skin. It is called the base layer, which removes moisture away from your skin.
The next layer is called the mid-layer that insulates you from the cold, and lastly, the shell layer prevents wind and moisture from penetrating the jacket or trousers into the body. This kind of waterproof outfit keeps you warm throughout the hike. Visit Cotswold Outdoors to get yourself a waterproof jacket of your liking.
Most people make grave mistakes by choosing cotton outfits. Cotton gets wet easily, making you feel damp and cold.
You should wear thick, synthetic, or woolen socks for the feet. This will help cut off air circulation and cover them with waterproof boots.
For the hands, wear light fleece gloves and waterproof shell gloves.
Wear warm face masks for the nose and cheeks and a winter hat that covers your ears too.
2. Food and Hydration
Your body’s metabolism gives you heat energy, so you have to keep eating food and drinking water to keep it fueled. While hiking, it is advisable to carry water bottles.
To prevent them from freezing, you should make sure you keep them in your hiking bag and put them upside down. By putting the bottles upside down, you prevent the drinking tube from freezing where all freezing of that bottle can start. It is also good if you carry warm water or drinks like chocolate or tea using vacuum-insulated bottles to keep on sipping to keep you warm.
3. Carry Emergency Gear
All hiking group members should make sure they carry emergency gear like a sleeping bag, cell phones for making emergency calls, and a sleeping pad for laying someone while hurt.
4. Getting Regular Exercise
Exercising regularly before taking the hike may ease your hiking trip. Exercising helps build up your muscle strength which will help minimize injury and prevent muscle strains. Exercising also makes the body produce heat, increasing the body temperature.
Also, it would be best to prepare yourself by taking short-distance hikes to help build up your stamina and fitness levels.
If you are going camping, make sure you have an excellent camping outfit with you. The nights are always too cold and long during the winter season. So, you should wear very warm pajamas. You should carry a sleeping bag and make sure your tents are free from tears that can make them leak.
Conclusion
Always plan for everything before hiking, and make sure to plan for your best hiking and camping outfits.
Remember always consider wearing waterproof jackets and trousers because they are the best way to prevent your body from getting cold. Food and warm drinks are other essentials to help protect your body by keeping it warm throughout the hike.
