Some of the most breathtaking sights I’ve seen have been on bitterly cold hikes. But venturing out in low temperatures bring a host of new challenges. The biggest one: regulating your body heat. This is no reason to miss out on some of the gorgeous views winter hiking has to offer. I hope through this guide, I’ll arm you with the information you need to safely bundle up for an enjoyable adventure.
Thanks so much - I'm saving this article so I can properly attire myself for hiking in northern New Mexico where I moved to recently! I'm just not sure polypropelene is safe to wear - has anyone looked into it?
To my knowledge, polypropylene has been a part of the hiking world for quite some time with no issue. If you're concerned though, wool works just as well (some would argue better.)
If you're looking to get started on hiking, the most important things to focus on are your feet... hands... and your insulating layer. And if you're BRAND new, I also have a guide on the absolute basic essentials you need, and how to get them on a budget!
Thanks! I would consider myself brand new - I only do day hiking. Yeah, I'm working on the feet. I have huge feet for a woman so I haven't found a physical store that sells my size and men's are always too boxy toward the toes. I'm going to try REI where I live. Or just order a dozen or so pair from Zappos and return it they don't work. I bought Salomon's because they were top rated but I find they come loose and they're too big in toe area. I can't tell you how many boots I've returned. And thanks for the wool tip - I much prefer that than putting plastic on my body....
Sorry you had this experience. I'd definitely recommend working with a boot fitter to help you out. Bring a pair of thick wool socks so that you get something that actually will fit with what you're going to be wearing on your hike. REI also sells inserts for your shoes that will further help the fit. Good luck!
I realized about halfway through this article that I’ve unknowingly had a side hustle as your gear photographer 😅. Perfect explanations all the way through, so helpful!
I suggest warm, waterproof, non-slip boots. Then, layers for your body. You want to be able to add or shed the layers, depending on the temperature and precipitation (Rain, mist, sleet or snow).
Warm and waterproof is extremely important! I plan on doing a seperate boot guide in the near future because they're such a critical part of keeping warm, keeping traction, and protecting your feet!
Necessary shifts to quickly develop a winter outdoor social culture: people need to start dressing for the weather. Insulated coats and pants. Warm boots, hats, mittens. And, some places will have 3-5 weeks of temps too cold for safe outdoor gathering. Stay home.
I always bring an extra optional layer when I don't know what to expect. It's great to have options when the forecast is a little uncertain. Plus, sometimes: you just have to feel it for yourself!
Thanks so much - I'm saving this article so I can properly attire myself for hiking in northern New Mexico where I moved to recently! I'm just not sure polypropelene is safe to wear - has anyone looked into it?
To my knowledge, polypropylene has been a part of the hiking world for quite some time with no issue. If you're concerned though, wool works just as well (some would argue better.)
If you're looking to get started on hiking, the most important things to focus on are your feet... hands... and your insulating layer. And if you're BRAND new, I also have a guide on the absolute basic essentials you need, and how to get them on a budget!
Thanks! I would consider myself brand new - I only do day hiking. Yeah, I'm working on the feet. I have huge feet for a woman so I haven't found a physical store that sells my size and men's are always too boxy toward the toes. I'm going to try REI where I live. Or just order a dozen or so pair from Zappos and return it they don't work. I bought Salomon's because they were top rated but I find they come loose and they're too big in toe area. I can't tell you how many boots I've returned. And thanks for the wool tip - I much prefer that than putting plastic on my body....
Oh, and I didn't but the Salomon's from Zappos and got stuck with them!...
Sorry you had this experience. I'd definitely recommend working with a boot fitter to help you out. Bring a pair of thick wool socks so that you get something that actually will fit with what you're going to be wearing on your hike. REI also sells inserts for your shoes that will further help the fit. Good luck!
I realized about halfway through this article that I’ve unknowingly had a side hustle as your gear photographer 😅. Perfect explanations all the way through, so helpful!
Thank you twice. Appreciate the photography help. I didn't have any selfies from the field, modeling the equipment 😂
Truly helpful and informative!
Thank you so much for reading!
As always, I've learned all the things I'm doing wrong. Thank you for the terrific information.
Thank you for reading! Glad this guide could be of use to you!
Thanks Mr. Cole for a great assembly writing for the Winter Weather!
I made a morning ritual where I would wake up, look at the mirror everyday and tell myself “You're better than this. You're stronger than this.”
I suggest warm, waterproof, non-slip boots. Then, layers for your body. You want to be able to add or shed the layers, depending on the temperature and precipitation (Rain, mist, sleet or snow).
Warm and waterproof is extremely important! I plan on doing a seperate boot guide in the near future because they're such a critical part of keeping warm, keeping traction, and protecting your feet!
The only thing I hate about summer is that every building I’m in has the ac so low that . Thanks Cole it's really helpful.
Necessary shifts to quickly develop a winter outdoor social culture: people need to start dressing for the weather. Insulated coats and pants. Warm boots, hats, mittens. And, some places will have 3-5 weeks of temps too cold for safe outdoor gathering. Stay home.
Cole Thank you, During the winter, weather changes make it hard to know if the park will be snowy, rainy, or sunny when you arrive.
I always bring an extra optional layer when I don't know what to expect. It's great to have options when the forecast is a little uncertain. Plus, sometimes: you just have to feel it for yourself!
Appreciate that bro, I gotta start dressing for ACTUAL winter weather.
Keep these important reminders while dressing for this winter weather season.
I will - thanks so much!!
Very informative!
Thank you! And thank you for contributing your gear recommendations to the guide as well!
Dressing for winter in the midwest during a pandemic
Amazing writing. Thank you