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What to Wear For Hiking During the Summer and Winter
Regardless of whether you are planning on going on a hike in the wintertime or just want to know what to wear for hiking during the summer, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Layer a light fleece over your base layer
Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, it’s essential to keep yourself warm and dry during the winter months. You’ll want to wear several layers of clothing, so that you can regulate your temperature.
The first layer you need to choose is a base layer. The best base layers will wick moisture away from your body. This will prevent you from getting too cold, and it will help your core muscles stay warm as well. They can be made of a variety of materials, including wool, synthetics, and natural fibers.
You may also want to wear a mid-layer. These are usually thinner than your base layer, and they can be made from a variety of different materials, including silk.
Your base layer is the most important layer, as it will regulate your body temperature. You should choose a base layer that is both lightweight and insulating. It’s also a good idea to have an insulated jacket to wear under your base layer if you plan on hiking in freezing temperatures.
Avoid cotton while hiking
Choosing the right materials for hiking is critical. A material that is breathable and wicks away moisture from your skin is best.
Wool is a good choice. Wool absorbs only about 30% of its weight in water, which means that it will insulate even when wet. It also provides ample cushioning. Cotton, on the other hand, will absorb almost two-thirds of its weight in water, resulting in a wet fabric that dries slowly.
The next layer is a fleece or light puffy jacket. This layer traps the body’s heat and provides scalability as the body’s temperature changes. For a warmer insulator, consider a pile or merino wool baselayer.
Another excellent layer is a synthetic, preferably a polyester blend. These types of clothing are comfortable and fast drying, which is important for winter hiking. Polypropylene derivatives like Cool-Max, Thermax, and Capilene are also good choices.
Toe warmer packets or hand warmers are also good options. These will help keep your toes warm, and they are small enough to be worn with boots.
Pack the Ten Essentials on every hike
Whether you are on a short day hike or on a multi-day backpacking trip, the Ten Essentials are a must have. They are a collection of items that can help you respond positively in an emergency situation.
The 10 Essentials include a variety of items, such as extra food, a compass, sunglasses, sunscreen, and first aid supplies. Each item is designed for a particular activity and helps you respond to emergencies.
Although the ten essentials were originally designed for day hikes, they can be used for longer backpacking trips. Some items, like a flashlight, can be omitted depending on the weather. A headlamp is also a must, as it will keep your hands free and will prevent you from freezing.
While the ten essentials are not a complete list, it can be a good starting point for selecting your gear. The selection process should take into consideration the type of trip you are planning, the weather, and the difficulty of the terrain.
Avoid getting wet from the outside
Getting wet from the outside when winter hiking is a huge worry for many hikers. The cold and wet weather can cause your body to lose heat faster than it can produce heat, leading to hypothermia.
The key to staying warm and dry on a winter hike is learning strategies to balance your body’s heat production with the ambient weather conditions. This includes the layers you wear and the strategy you use for moving your sweat away from your skin.
You should always have a dry pair of clothes in your pack when you stop for the day. This way, if your clothing gets wet from the rain or from sweating, you can replace them with dry items.
If you are on a long, cold hike, you may need to have a dry layer in your pack, such as a t-shirt or heavy fleece pullover. If you do not have a dry layer, you may need to take off some of your outer layers.
