por Luisana Mendez

Repost from Huellas Latinas. See the full blog here

Winter came quickly, but that doesn’t mean we should stay indoors. Hiking is an activity for all seasons of the year. Do not be overwhelmed by low temperatures or lack of sunlight, and remember that we are not alone in this.

I am not the most experienced person when it comes to winter, but here are some recommendations that have worked for me. From now on, I want to invite you to be prepared to continue enjoying the different parks and outdoor activities during the winter safely.

General Recommendations to do Winter Hiking Safely

Hiking in the winter can also be a lot of fun. In addition, you can combine it with other activities such as snowshoes and even Cross Country Skiing. Thinking about the temperatures of Minnesota and its geography, you can take into account the following safety recommendations:

• Research the conditions of the park you want to visit.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Always share with someone close the location of the place where you are going.
• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
• Plan your time, walking in the snow may take longer.
• If you are hiking in the dark, try to use reflective colors or lights and / or a flashlight.
• Carry the *10 ESSENTIALS.

Now let’s delve a little more about how to dress in layers and the best clothes to stay warm and dry while we go on winter hikes, among other no less important recommendations.

The right clothes and layers for Winter Hikes

Hiking during the winter requires you to be warm. Therefore, it is necessary that you wear the right layers of clothing you. Keep in mind that each body is different. I mention this because the natural production of heat during movement or resistance to cold is going to be different for everyone. I, for example, “am always cold.”

Returning to the topic, when we begin to walk, our body produces heat, and we may want to shed some layers of clothing. However, if we experience cold wind gusts, temperature drops, or an unexpected snowfall, we may want to bundle up again. Not all clothing works well in all thermal conditions. So I want to invite you to learn a little about layers and fabrics that can help us keep dry if we plan to go Hiking during the winter. Trust me; this will make a huge difference.

Layers: Wear a base, middle, and outer layer.

• Base layer: The main function of the base layer is to prevent perspiration from remaining on the skin. This layer wicks away moisture to keep you warm and dry. Avoid using cotton because cotton retains moisture and you will end up wet, uncomfortable and cold. Instead of cotton, opt for synthetic fabrics or natural fibers.
• Middle Layer: The middle layer is your insulation, primarily responsible for keeping you warm. When shopping for this cape, it is important that you look for fleece, down, or synthetics. These fabrics will help retain your body heat, preventing the cold from reaching you.
• Outer layer: The outer layer, also known as the carapace, brings everything together, protecting you from the elements like wind, rain, and snow. Choose waterproof pants and jackets that are breathable and wind resistant. You can also consider wearing a puffy jacket to add an extra layer when you take breaks.

Keep your ears, hands, and feet warm: Ears, hands, and feet are most susceptible to frostbite. Keep your hands warm and dry by wearing gloves or mitts. Wear lined fleece socks and pack an extra pair in case yours get wet. Protect your ears by wearing hats, earmuffs, or headbands. Also, don’t forget to keep your neck warm. – Experts assure that mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves since the fingers can heat each other.

Additional equipment for your adventures in the snow and cold temperatures

For any hike at any time of the year, always carry the ten essentials with you. In addition to those essentials, I recommend reviewing your list and considering the following items you might need during winter hikes.

Hydration and Nutrition when doing Winter Hiking

For any hike, it is important that you include enough food and water. Even during winter:

Drink water before you are thirsty: Walking in the winter takes more effort and we may not realize that we are dehydrated when we are cold. So do not forget to drink water and stay hydrated as much, as in any other hike. Remember, hot drinks also help you hydrate.

Eat frequently: Depending on how long you will be walking, you may consider bringing a snack. Choose snacks that are full of protein, carbohydrates, and fat to help keep you energized.

Prevent Freezing: Use insulated drinking containers such as Nalgene, Hydro Flask, Stanley Thermos. Prevent the water from freezing by bringing it close to your body. Store your water bottle upside down, as ice forms on top first. Before the hike, cut bite-size chunks of snacks so your energy bars don’t turn into frozen bricks.

Avoid Frostbite

Whether you do an outdoor activity or not, I want you to keep this term in mind. Frostbite refers to the freezing point that occurs when skin tissues freeze, and most often affects the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. That is why it is important that, during the winter, you are always warmly dressed

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Luisana is originally from Venezuela and is a Civil Engineer and Urban Planner by profession.  Luisana is passionate about serving and experiencing the city through the senses. Currently, Luisana leads Huellas Latinas, through which Luisana develops community projects in various areas. Luisana is deeply committed to the empowerment of women and emerging leaders, as well as the human and sustainable development of communities.