Techniques for Safe Winter Hiking

The Key is in the Layers!

By Celia Burns

As winter approaches my husband and I look forward to our favorite time of the year for enjoying hiking in Indiana’s state parks. There are no bugs, few people, and the mud is frozen. With sunshine and a dusting of fresh snow, the world turns into a fairyland.

The key to enjoying this winter wonderland is proper clothing. Much to our surprise, we found that an over-stuffed parka is not the answer. After hiking for a few minutes you get hot and find yourself carrying the parka. You also tend to perspire, which can leave you feeling cold and clammy. With several layers of the right lightweight clothing, these problems can be avoided.

The most important layer is the one closest to your skin. Choose medium-weight long underwear made of a synthetic fiber that will wick moisture away from your body. Then add layers as needed, being careful to avoid cotton. As a general rule cotton absorbs water like a sponge and stays wet, while synthetic fibers tend to shed water and dry quickly. Wool is also a good alternative, since it is warm even when wet. Check out the many new fabrics available in sporting goods stores and catalogs that offer wind and water protection in addition to being lightweight, warm and breathable. You can purchase layering systems that include a shell and a removable liner that can be worn either together or separately.

Clothing should be snug but not tight with elasticized or adjustable cuffs and a draw cord at the waist to keep out drafts. The most satisfactory outer layer will be one that offers protection from wind and water and has several easily accessible pockets. Your hands will stay warmest in waterproof gloves with wool or polyester fleece liners, and a hat made of these same materials will protect your head.

Finally, don’t neglect your feet. On mild days a good pair of medium weight hiking boots will be fine, but for snowy weather you will need something waterproof that provides good traction. Insulated boots will be the warmest, and are often rated by temperature. Whatever model you choose, be sure to buy them big enough to allow room for medium to heavy wool boot socks.

I learned the lesson about winter clothing the hard way on a 10-degree day when I fell into icy water. My cotton jeans, turtleneck and sweatshirt were sopping wet and miserable. Wool boot socks protected my feet from frostbite even though thoroughly soaked, while a jacket made of the latest synthetic fibers didn’t even feel wet. Had I been wearing proper fibers from head to toe, my three-hour hike back to the car would have been considerably less miserable!

This winter, instead of staying inside developing a bad case of cabin fever, dare to venture outdoors. Prepare properly, be careful around water, and you will have a delightful experience.