Want to avoid being trapped inside all winter long with nothing to do? While many other outdoor activities shut down during the colder months, a winter hike and its breathtaking beauty are a fun way to switch things up.
With picturesque snow-covered trails, a lack of bugs, total peace and quiet and an endorphin-releasing workout all packed into one, there is no denying that hiking in the wintertime is the perfect way to get outside and enjoy nature.
Despite the drop in temperature and snow bringing its unique challenges, with the proper preparation, you can enjoy the perks of hiking all year round. Before heading out on your venture, here is a list of what to plan for and pack (beyond the essentials) to enjoy a safe and comfortable winter hike:
What To Pack For a Cozy Winter Hike
Dress In Layers
The goal of winter clothing is to keep you warm and dry. To best achieve this, it’s all about dressing appropriately to maintain the right level of heat that will keep your body cozy without causing you to sweat.
Since temperatures can fluctuate quite rapidly during a hike, it’s crucial to have the flexibility to dress up or down when needed. By relying only on one layer of clothing, you risk being unprepared and uncomfortable if circumstances change. To pack for success, we suggest always having three layers:
1. Base Layer
Your base layer is the wicking layer, keeping your body dry from sweat and helping regulate your temperature.
2. Mid-Layer
The mid-layer is your source of insulation to trap the heat your body generates.
3. Outer Shell
The outer shell is the protective layer designed to shield you from elements like rain, snow or wind.
Being able to throw on an extra coat or pair of pants after a sudden change in the weather will prevent you from serious health risks such as frostbite and hypothermia. On the other hand, your body can become quite hot during intense levels of physical exertion, such as trekking uphill, so being able to take layers off can prevent overheating.
Of course, thanks to snow and ice, there are many possibilities for your clothes to become wet. Therefore, no matter what you wear, go for waterproof, water-resistant or quick-drying fabric such as synthetics or wool. Stay away from cotton, which holds onto moisture, keeping you cold and damp.
Besides that, packing accessories such as gloves, scarves, hats and an extra pair of wool socks will keep you warm throughout the trip. When these items and layers are not in use, simply throw them into your backpack for easy access later.
Invest in Good-Quality Hiking Gear
When it comes to winter hiking, besides the classic must-haves, buying proper gear will help make your time a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Footwear is one of the major components needed to have a successful hike. Always opt for waterproof boots with gaiters that keep the snow and slush from getting inside your pants. Depending on the terrain, pairing that with a set of microspikes, crampons or snowshoes will make moving much less challenging.
Trekking poles come in handy, too, as they offer stability and balance when on uneven and slippery surfaces such as snow or ice. They can also provide extra support for those with knee and leg issues, as they reduce impact with each step.
And, of course, pack a pair of polarized goggles or wrap-around sunglasses. While it may be winter, the sun is still powerful, and snow blindness is a real issue! The sunlight reflecting off snow can damage your eyes, so wearing proper eye protection can reduce glare and stop this from happening.
Bring a Form of Shelter
No one ever expects the worst to happen, but it’s always best practice to plan for it anyways. Just like you would pack a safety kit or multi-tool, bringing portable shelter could save your life in an emergency. If you find yourself stranded overnight on a winter hike in the wilderness, this will keep you warm until help arrives.
A bivouac sack (also known as a bivvy) is an improvised shelter you can bring on your hike. Unlike a tent, the bivvy is lightweight, compactable and requires no pitching. This waterproof bag provides temporary protection against rain and wind to keep you dry and insulated. You won’t regret adding this to your packing list!
Tips for a Safe Winter Hike
Grab a Hiking Buddy
Never go hiking alone in the winter! It can be dangerous to hit the trails solo, especially with snow and ice. If something happens, having another person to watch over and take care of one another is critical. Besides, going hiking with friends or family is more fun anyways!
Other than always travelling in pairs, we suggest informing someone else not on the hike about your plans, including where you are going, what route you are taking and how long you think you’ll be. If you are in trouble, this could mean the difference between someone rescuing you in a couple of hours versus a couple of days.
Be Mindful of Daylight Hours
With the cold weather keeping people stuck inside, a winter hike can be a fantastic way to reconnect with nature. However, one thing to remember is that daylight during the winter is much shorter than in the summer. Plus, due to snowy weather conditions, a route you are used to hiking may take longer to complete.
Therefore, plan your start and end time accordingly by heading out earlier to give yourself the most daylight possible. If you require more time to finish the hike, you won’t have to worry about lack of visibility along the trail because the sun has already gone down.
Keep Electronics Warm to Preserve Battery Life
You may have noticed your phone and other electronic devices drain their battery faster when exposed to the cold! When on a winter hike, the last thing you want is for something like your cell phone to die halfway through – mainly if you rely on it for navigation or contacting someone in an emergency.
A great way to keep your devices warm is by storing your phone and other electronics inside your backpack with hand warmers. Besides keeping your electronics warm, we recommend putting your phone on airplane mode when not in use to save battery life. If your devices die, we suggest having a portable charger or extra batteries as a backup.
Check The Weather Forecast
Just as you would check the weather before heading to an outdoor event in the summer, always remember to do the same before winter hiking. Knowing what to expect will help better inform your packing decisions. Make sure to double-check it again right before you head out in case of any last-minute weather changes.
If the forecast calls for a blizzard or other extreme weather conditions, plan your hike for another day. While it may be tempting to try to go anyways, it’s not worth risking your safety. The same goes if bad weather happens in the middle of your hike – there is no shame in turning around and trying again later.
Take Advantage of Winter on The Franklin Club’s Hiking Trails
Are you looking for scenic land in Ontario to explore during your winter hike?
Along with our fishing ponds, join us at The Franklin Club 365 days a year for hiking trails throughout our 200-acre property. With an option to do snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during the winter, the fun never stops! Don’t forget to join us afterwatds in the dining room for a cozy meal.
Contact The Franklin Club today to learn more about our amenities and all the activities we offer year-round.
