Staying warm indoors while quaffing brews and watching sports on TV might seem appealing as the temperatures drop, but that doesn't mean you should go into hibernation. You could always keep active by pounding the treadmill at the gym (boring), but why not embrace the season instead?
I've gone on winter hikes when the temperature was double-digits below zero and enjoyed them thoroughly. The secret? Dressing properly for the conditions. While your normal clothes are enough for a 15-minute stroll through a city park, for a long hike in frigid conditions, you'll have a much better experience if you dress appropriately and keeping dry. Sweat is easy to come by when chugging up a mountain trail, even in arctic temperatures. So, here's what the well-dressed winter hiker might wear, in head-to-foot order:
A Hat is a Hiker's Thermostat
It's the easiest piece of clothing with which to modulate your body heat, but also one that hikers stubbornly ignore; keep it on when you're cold, off when you're hot, and buckled down tight when the harsh winds blow. A hat like the Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Hat ($54.99 with $7.99 s&h, a low by $2; Altrec charges the same total price) includes built-in ear flaps and a visor to block out the midwinter sun that lays so long just above the horizon.
In extreme weather, especially with wind, you can beef up head protection by donning a balaclava (not to be confused with baklava, the delicious Greek dessert that could serve as emergency food if brought along on a hike). The pictured Rothco Polypropylene GI Balaclavas ($7.49 each with free shipping, a low by $3) are made from a synthetic that doesn't soak up moisture like cotton. In winter hiking, cotton is your enemy; it gets wet and stays wet, ruining any insulating properties and turns a chill into a freeze.
Layering Keeps Your Core Warm
Wearing several layers that you can don and remove as your body heat dictates is the way to go. Start with a lightweight synthetic like the Patagonia Women's Capilene 3 Midweight Zip Neck ($29.50 with free shipping, a low by $6), which will wick moisture away from your skin and allow it to evaporate, keeping you dry and warm.
Your second layer of clothing should be made of a heavier yet breathable material, like the Eddie Bauer Men's Classic Fit Full-Zip Graphic Fleece Hoodie or Eddie Bauer Women's Polartec Wind Pro Fleece Jacket ($31.99 with free shipping via "BHGNOV", at least $49 off). For an outer layer, try a rain jacket to keep out both rain and wet snow, and also serves to block the wind. A fabric that allows perspiration to escape while remaining rainproof is best. The pictured Marmot Men's PreCip Rain Jacket ($79.95 with free shipping, a low by $19) is a good selection.
I usually only wear two bottom layers, since my legs are doing almost all the work, and thus generating the most heat. I first suit up in a pair of long underwear. Ladies might like these SmartWool Women's NTS MIcroweight Bottoms ($64.95 with free shipping, a low by $5; select men's sizes for $65 with free shipping). For an outer layer, consider fleece pants like the pictured Under Armour Men's Fleece Performance Pants (from $32.49 with $6.99 s&h, a low by $5) which are breathable yet, even wet, provide insulation. Some hikers prefer rain pants to match their rain jacket, but I've found them a bit too hot and annoyingly noisy while walking through the picturesque winter landscape.
To keep my lower legs and feet dry, especially in muddy or snowy conditions, I highly recommend high gaiters, which wrap around ankles and calves and hook into the top of your boots. The Outdoor Research Women's Rocky Mountain High Gaiters ($24.95 with $6 s&h, a low by $8) are a good example.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
The most important piece of gear, in my opinion, is footwear. Any light hiking boot or running shoe will suffice on dry urban trails, but if you are bound for the backcountry where you might have to scramble across creeks or wade through snow banks, you would be well advised to invest in a pair of boots; A good pair might last most of a lifetime, so they're a worthy investment.
Leather boots can be waterproofed with a coating for winter and wet conditions and breathe enough to keep you from getting cold feet. These Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots ($199.95 with free shipping, a low by $10), pictured, are the best around.
Along with a good boot, socks can make the difference between a happy hiker and a miserable one. Here too, think layering. Start with a light, synthetic liner sock like the RedHead Men's CoolMax Liner Socks ($4.99 with free in-store pickup) and pull on these pictured SmartWool Men's Lightweight Hiking Socks ($16.99 with $6.99 s&h, a low by $1) or other synthetic or wool hiking socks to keep your feet warm even when wet.
Go, Go Gloves!
If you're heading out in severe conditions, think about layering your handwear, too. I'd put on a liner glove like the REI Unisex Performance Glove Liner ($15 with free in-store pickup). Cover these with some mittens — fingered gloves expose more of your hand to the air, and are therefore less warm. Slip on the Columbia Women's Whirlibird II Mittens ($30.90 with free shipping via "F11FREESHIP", a low by $8) and you're ready to go.
Sure, you may end up looking like a cousin of the Michelin Man once you're all bundled up, but that's a small price to pay for a full day of hiking through a winter wonderland. Don't let the weather trap you inside; there's a whole world to discover when snow is on the ground and ice and wind have turned even the most humble pine tree into something glittering and new.
Front photo credit: Rauriserhof
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