Planning a Cold-Weather Adventure? Grab These 6 Essentials for Winter Hiking
1. Planning A Cold Weather Adventure?
Grab These 6 Essentials For Winter
Hiking
Whether you are a well-trained or a novice hiker, you can learn how to prepare for and survive cold
weather. Get ahead of the trail by reading on to get our six essential items for making your winter
hiking excursion a success.
BY KEN JENSEN
2. 1. Pack Moisture-
Wicking Layers
• The key to a comfortable winter
hiking excursion really is in the
clothing you are wearing and have
packed. Wearing layers is key.
Purchase clothing made of moisture-
wicking fabric, so that when you
sweat, that water doesn't make you
cold. In addition, consider adding to
your shopping list:
• Wool socks
• Long underwear
• Insulated boots
• A warm hat and gloves
• Several shirts to layer on top of
each other
• A warm, weatherproof jacket
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
3. 2.Get a
Snow
Shovel
• Always have a sturdy snow shovel attached to your pack. Snow shovels are especially
helpful when clearing an uncharted hiking trail and digging your campsite or car out of the
snow following a storm.
• Some snow shovels even come in retractable versions, so you can make packing and
transporting them more efficient
2. Get a
Snow Shovel
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
4. 3. Light It Up
• Invest in a pressurized butane lighter or any flint-based fire starter, and you'll have fire
whenever and wherever you need it out on the trail. A pressurized butane lighter allows
you to make a flame easily without the annoyance of clicking a tired old cigarette lighter.
Have a hot meal on the trail every morning and night no matter how wet it is outside!
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
5. 3. Sleep Warm and Tight
• It's worth it to invest in a
sleeping bag made for cold
conditions. You won't necessarily
need a sub-zero sleeping bag if
you're hiking outside of the Arctic
Circle but make sure you are
investing in a compact bag that
will keep you warm up to the
temperature you are expecting
during the night wherever you are
planning your trip.
• Even better if you get a sleeping
bag with a head cover that will
wrap you in warmth like a cocoon.
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
6. 3. Don’t Forget Earmuffs
• For the hunters among you, keep in mind
that most top-of-the-line shooting ear muffs
not only protect your ears from loud noises,
but also keep them warm. These ear muffs are
comfortable, and they will protect your ears
from the elements as well as any hat.
• Whether you're camping deep in the
wilderness or just going for a winter hike, don't
forget to protect your ears! Find the right pair
of protective ear muffs for your ears!
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
7. 3. Sit Comfortably at
Your Campsite
• A butt pad is a great dual-use item that
you'll be glad you slipped into your pack.
Not only does it keep your derriere dry on
just about any wet, solid surface such as a
rain-soaked trail or camp ground but it also
can double as a pillow when you go to sleep
at night.
• Butt pad is economical and compact. You
can squeeze it easily into your pack and it
won't add a lot of new weight. It's
lightweight perfect for adding a little
support for all of your cooking and sleeping
needs. Both got just a little bit easier with
this pad!
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
8. Are You Ready For a Winter Hike?
• The key to great winter hike is to have all of the essentials with you and to plan
ahead so that you are prepared for the unexpected.
• It's true that you may end up in the woods with a real emergency, and to some
extent, you can't prepare for everything. But with our quick guide of six pro tips for
surviving your winter hiking adventure, you'll be in great shape.
www.achievingadventure.com/essentialsforwinterhiking
