Winter Hiking Tips That Everyone Needs to Know

Being outside in winter is lovely, Maybe not for everyone but for me.

Winter trails are beautiful and it can be a mood lifting experience to get out of the house.

But it’s important to be prepared.

Follow these winter hiking tips for a safe and enjoyable winter outing :

Research the trail you are planning to hike. Alltrails has an extensive listing of trails and often reviews from recent hikers telling what trail conditions are like. Check it out at https://www.alltrails.com/ Along with hiker reviews, check things such as the length of the hike, elevation and trail conditions .

Know and stay within your limits. Winter is no time to take on a new trail that is much longer and harder than you’ve done before.

Check the weather the day before and the morning of your hike.

Always tell somewhere where you are going, and when you expect to be back, as well as what to do if you don’t contact them at the predetermined time.This is important when hiking anytime of year but especially in winter. A slip and a fall on an icy trail could result in an injury, and you may need to be rescued.

Never hike alone. If none of your buddies is into hiking, Hike Nova Scotia lists guided hikes for every season and area in the province that you can join.

Plan your clothing.Please do NOT wear cotton . Cotton gets wet and cold and transfers this to your body. Hypothermia could ensue.

It’s recommended to pack crampons if the trail may be icy. They are available to buy at Stove and Cycle or stores such as Canadian Tire and Princess Auto

Hiking poles help with balance.

Make sure your phone is charged and check for cell coverage

Packing the Essentials :

1.Navigation: map, compass, GPS device, or satellite messenger- this can go from pretty much free ( a app on your phone such as Gaia or Alltrails, to $600-Garmin InReach Mini. The InReach often go on sale for less. Satellite devices such as these usually require a monthly subscription, but allow you to contact help and send and receive text messages. There are other satellite communicators on the market as well.

2.Headlamp: plus extra batteries. (test the batteries currently in your headlamp too.) Rechargeable lamps are available-means you should bring a battery pack. You can pick these up for cheap at the dollar store (I wouldn’t) or expect to pay $25-$220.Mine was about $25 dollars year’s ago and it’s fine.

3.Sun protection: sunglasses,and (yes, even in winter) sunscreen

4.First aid: including bandages,blister care and insect repellent-ticks are still active in winter.

I have strips of Leukotape wrapped around pill bottles, my hiking pole, or what ever works. This stuff is amazing to cover blisters. Also some duct tape wrapped around the other pole might come in handy.

My first aid kit goes with me always-and depending on who you ask, it could be overkill or less than they think I need. I took some stuff out-moleskin- and added antibiotic ointment,ibuprofen ( maybe 6 tablets in a teeny container) anti itch cream, extra Band-Aids. In the same 1-2 person first aid kit I added a emergency blanket and a disposable rain poncho.

5.Knife: I recently have been on a lighter weight kick. So, knowing I wouldn’t be fighting bears I bought this teeny Lansky knife. It’s little but it’s so sharp it almost scares accident prone me. Weighs 1.3 oz and I think I paid $4.99 for it at Scotian Gold-but it’s more now.

6.Fire: matches, in a waterproof container-a pill bottle works well- lighter, tinder-cotton balls spread with Vaseline, dryer lint

7.Extra food: Plan to bring a day’s worth of extra snacks such as granola bars and high protein food.

8.Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation-plan on at least a half liter per hour of hike,even in cold weather or higher elevation.Water is heavy but necessary. I have a Camelbac 2 liter hydration bottle which I love because it makes it easy to get a drink, but from what I read, hydration bottles are on the way out now.

9.Extra clothes :Beyond the minimum expectation. No cotton! Wool or synthetic is best. Layering is essential- I know I run warm on a hike but cool off quickly during a break.

Plan a system that includes a base layer that wicks perspiration away from your skin, a mid layer that insulates you from the cold and a jacket that keeps wind and moisture out. You will need a backpack larger that one that only holds a snack and your hydration bladder! Extra gloves and socks are a good idea.

Keep warmth in with a hat.

Consider your footwear carefully. Stash you trail runners when there it lots of snow and check conditions to see if snowshoes might be a better choice. Most municipalities have loaner programs for winter sports equipment.