My favorite time of year in the woods is winter. The silence of the winter woods is stunning. Harsh but incredibly beautiful and serene.
Just becasue the temperatures have turned cold does not mean you have to hang up your hiking boots. With some basic knowledge and preparation you can experience the glory of the winter landscape.
Before you venture out make sure you take some basic precautions:
Check the weather, especially note the wind speed. In open areas and higher elevations this can be especially important.
It's important to note that for every 1000' of elevation gain you lose 3 degrees of ambient temperatures.
Check trail access. Are the roads plowed? Is there parking available?
Do you have a map & compass as well as a GPS? Electronics are amazing but cold and being in a remote location can effect their ability to to function. A basic compass and map are essential tools. Make sure you know how to use them.
Is the trail well traveled or more remote? For beginners, I recommend starting out on well traveled trails under 5 miles round trip.
Make a plan B just in case unforeseen circumstances make your intended destination unattainable.
Have emergency contacts and evacuation plans in place and share with a responsible friend.
Hiking pace in the winter can be as little as 1/2 mile an hour depending on conditions, terrain, and fitness level.
Have a definitive turn around time. Remember in winter it gets dark around 4:30 (at least in Maine)
Here is a list of things I carry in my winter day pack:
Sleeping bag liner: This is used in a emergency situation where I may need to hunker down for the night.
Emergency Bivy: Also used to stay warm in an emergency lightweight SOL bag
2 person Bothy bag or a contractor bag (emergency shelter). Contractor bags can also be used as an emergency rain coat and can be made into an emergency shelter
Crazy Creek chair or 12 x 12 square of a Ridgerest (to protect from conductive heat loss)
Extra fleece top
Small puffy jacket
Hat
Headband
Balaklava
Extra mittens and liners
Extra dry socks
Plastic "bread" bags (to line my boots in case they get wet)
Hiking poles (adjustable are preferred)
Whistle (attached to pack shoulder straps)
Compass (and know how to use it)
Maps of the area
Knife/multi-tool
Sunglasses with strap
Headlamp (check the batteries. In cold weather they run down much faster)
Lip protection
Bandanas
Hand warmers
First aid kit
LNT kit (TP, Wag bag, shovel, hand sani)
Thermos of hot drinks
2 water bottles
Extra Snacks (this is in addition to your regular snacks and lunch)
Fire starter
Gaiters
Repair kit (zip-ties, duct tape, piece of adhesive velcro and 20' parachute cord)
Microspikes
Snowshoes
I use a 45L daypack for winter hikes. It gives me plenty of room for the extra gear I need to keep myself and friends safe. Maine Gear Share has outdoor equipment available to rent. This is a great way to get out and try winter hiking without a big investment in equipment.
Maine is a winter wonderland. Instead of sitting on the couch all winter get outside and experience all our spectacular wild places! Breathe the fresh crisp air, experience the silent majesty of the winter world. If you are not from Maine check out what your state has to offer. There are beautiful wild lands just waiting to be explored in the winter.
Comments