Winter may seem like a terrible, cold time. Where you are stuck indoors, driving takes 2X as long, and daylight last all of a few hours. But, if you find yourself sitting there just wishing for it to be summer time for you to finally get outside, think again.
Winter is still an incredibly fun time to get outside, there are just a few extra tips/tricks I’ve found to make hiking in the winter not only bearable, but fun!
First, layers.
A very obvious one, but nonetheless so important! Your hike will often start off cold, but after a little while you can find yourself getting hot and even sweaty. Being able to open your coat or take a sweater off can help make your hike more comfortable. My typical clothing list when going on a winter hike for temperatures in the 15-30 degrees Fahrenheit consists of this:
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2 hats
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Sports bra
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Merino wool winter socks
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Long sleeve wicking layer (this is important because when it’s cold out you don’t want the sweat to stay on your clothes and freeze)
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Flannel
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Fleece/Patagonia Better Sweater
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Rain Jacket shell (or any waterproof layer for that snow!)
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Knit fleece tights
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Base layer leggings
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Nike Run leggings (& snow pants if necessary)
It never hurts to put an extra sweater/socks in your pack.
Also, a full change of clothes (including shoes – see my story below) is necessary. You never know what might happen to what you’re wearing while your hiking and being in cold, wet clothes for your drive home is terrible.
Second, weather.
Check it religiously! If you live anywhere like Michigan where it seems to change seasons daily, make sure it’s safe conditions and that you’re properly prepared to head out in to whatever may be coming.
Third, buddy system.
It’s always a good idea to hike with a buddy, but especially in the winter time. Conditions can change drastically, and for the worse. A buddy (or two) can come in handy if something goes wrong.
My sister and I completed a 5 mile hike through Saugatuck Dunes State Park and at one point wondered out toward Lake Michigan and I accidentally slipped through some snow and ice and my foot got soaked! So silly of me to not be more careful but luckily with my sister with me I wasn’t as nervous. I knew I could make it back to the car okay and we both had our phones incase we needed to call for help.
Fourth, food.
This is dependent on how long your hike will be (though it’s ALWAYS a good idea to be prepared with ~1 days food when going on a hike just incase). You burn a lot of calories hiking in the winter, trudging through snow, more layers, heavier packs, etc. Having trail mix or granola bar is perfect to have to eat while walking.
If you have a longer hike and are going around lunch time, its always nice to bring along a backpacking stove and a freeze dried meal. Having something nice and warm can help perk you up. Just make sure to bring fuel along and some utensils!
Fifth, and last, coffee.
This is totally optional, but having a nice pick-me-up before the hike is helpful! Going into the town near by for a latte and some breakfast will help curb any hunger, and you can use that time to plan more of your hike!
Bonus tip – pick a place that you’d (hopefully) like to return to in the summer!
Two winters in a row now I’ve completed hikes in the winter and gone back to the same place in the summer to redo the hike and it is such a cool experience to see how the landscape changes! Also, it makes for great “before & after” Instagram pics.
Please comment below or on Instagram your winter hiking tips, what works and what hasn’t!