Winter Walking and Hiking

There's no need to stop using the trails just because winter has come. Some of the most pleasant outings are in the fresh, crispy-cold air, on frosty hard ground or even through the snow, when the scenery sparkles or the sun glimmers in the pearly mist. However, a little thought is required to keep safe and comfortable in the colder weather. Apply the following winter hiking and walking tips to the winter trail activity of your choice, use common sense and you'll be sure have fun. After all, at least in winter there are no bugs!

Winter Walking and Hiking

Let's start with comfort. Most of your hiking clothes will be suitable for winter hiking. Your regular boots and "sock and a half" (polypropylene liner and wool outer sock) remain the same. Wool or nylon hiking pants are helped along by the addition of gaiters that keep the snow out of your boots. Tops come in three layers: polypropylene underwear (which helps keeps you dry by wicking moisture to outer layers), a fleece pullover (which helps keeps you warm) and a windproof/waterproof jacket. A fleece hat and mitts are light and cozy.

Dressing in several layers, rather than in a single bulky winter coat, is important because layers keep you dry, and staying dry keeps you warm. If you dress in layers, you can always remove a layer if you start to perspire heavily. Some people over-dress for the winter, and when they perspire their clothes get moist -- and they get cold.

Cotton has its place, but not in winter activities. The problem with cotton is that it retains moisture - either yours or the elements. This moisture quickly cools, leaving you with a cold or frozen layer, which is a primary cause of hypothermia. To be dry is to be both comfortable and safe.

If you're driving to your hiking location, it's a good idea to wear light footwear for the drive, and then put your heavy boots on when you arrive.

Safety should always be a consideration, summer or winter, but mistakes made in winter may be less forgiving. Here are some safety tips:

• As the days are shorter in the winter, you need to know your route to avoid hiking in darkness. Make sure you know when sunset occurs and plan to be off the trail well before sunset. Carry a map and a flashlight in case you get caught in the dark.
  
  
• Ice can be present. Consider a trekking pole (looks like a ski pole) with a carbide tip that digs into the ice. You will probably like your pole so much that you will use it year round - a great knee saver on the down hills.
  
  
• Dehydration. Our normal sense of thirst lets us down in winter but we must keep drinking water. The consequences of dehydration, such as confusion, fatigue, bladder infections and kidney stones, are all best avoided.
  
  
• Sun protection. Even in winter, protection from the sun's rays is still required. The cool weather will try to fool you, but use that sun screen (at least SPF 15 -- and most authorities recommend even higher). Wear high-quality polarized sunglasses to reduce the sun's reflection off snow and to protect against snow blindness.
  
  
• Hike with a group or at least a friend. Your mother told you there is safety in numbers and hiking is a good application of the rule. Problems do arise and the presence of other people helps.
  
  
• If you must hike by yourself, inform a reliable and responsible friend or family member of your hike plans and schedule. Consider taking a cell phone or walkie-talkie with you in case of an emergency.
  
  
• Pack your pack with a few additional items to add more comfort and safety to the hike. A first aid kit (a first aid course also wouldn't hurt), an extra layer such as a small jacket for when you stop, a piece of closed cell foam to sit on, more water than you think you'll use, a good lunch and some high-energy snacks, a spare set of socks and mitts, rain pants and some lip protection.
  
  
• Walking in winter is something of a fine line: you want to walk fast enough to keep warm, but not so fast that you perspire excessively. Hike leaders should be especially aware of this, watching the pace of the hike and providing stops for "clothing adjustments" and rests.

Winters can make you want to stay warm and cozy in your house, but they shouldn't keep you from enjoying nature and getting exercise. Wellness experts advise that outdoor exercise is one of the best ways of avoiding SAD (seasonal affective disorder, an article topic published here on chfmag.blogspot.com on Dec. 20, 2007), a distinctive type of winter depression. The bottom line is to continue hiking and reap the benefits year round.

(Source for idea and content: Winter Walking and Hiking, www.hikeontario.com)