Prepare for a Winter Hike Before Spring Hits

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Prepare for a Winter Hike Before Spring Hits

Experienced hikers and novices alike know how important it is to be prepared before you hit the trails. When you’re looking to hike in weather conditions that require special thermal gear, then it’s extra important to have what you need. Hiking isn’t an activity limited to the warm weather. Walking through a wintery forest scene can be incredibly peaceful and energizing, too.

Whether you’re going on a multi-day camping adventure or just visiting your favorite park for an afternoon, you’ll need to be prepared for whatever the cold winter can throw your way. Spring is nearly here, but this is the time to get in the last of the winter activities before things warm up.

It’s easy to make the most of your winter hiking, just look to providers of thermal socks, base layers, and winter accessories. Simply click here to learn more about these items and see how important thermal gear is for a successful winter expedition. With that in mind, here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare for the last winter hikes of the season.

Thermal Socks and Layers

A good, insulating base later will go far for a winter hike. Layering, in general, is a good approach to take for deciding what to wear on your outing. When you dress in layers, you are able to shed pieces of clothing as you heat up and put them back on easily as your body temperature drops.

It’s important to have a balanced body temperature when braving the elements. With thermal socks that come in different levels of warmth, you can wear the socks that are best for your expedition and even pack a secondary pair if you want to swap them out. Layering is good for your body, but it shouldn’t be done for socks. Multiple pairs of socks are less efficient than a quality thermal pair, and the changes they can cause to how your footwear fits can lead to blistering and other injuries.

Maps, GPS

If you’re hiking in a popular park with maps and markings throughout the trails, you won’t need very sophisticated orienteering equipment. It’s important not to get lost, especially during the winter where temperatures can drop all of a sudden and the sunlight fades away quickly at the end of the day. If you’re relying on a smartphone for GPS, check to see if you’ll have a signal where you’re going.

To avoid putting all your faith in technology that could possibly falter, why not add an old-fashioned map to your hiking gear? Accompanied by a compass, you’ll have a reliable system for knowing where you are and finding your way to a park exit if needed.

Check the Weather

Before you head out, you need to know what the weather forecast predicts. Even with all the finest outdoor gear and supplies, knowing what to expect with the weather is an essential component of preparation.

While our last suggestion didn’t make the official list, depending on the intensity of the hike you may be doing some cooking as well! There are lots of lightweight portable gas grills that you can bring on your trip, and make sure you plan ahead and get a portable gas grill if you do plan on doing some winter hikes. Fires won’t be easy to start and everyone will need their coffee!

Even though Mother Nature might change her mind at the slightest whim, you can prepare yourself as best as possible by checking the forecast frequently leading up to your trip. That way, you will have a general sense of what to expect and can dress in the right gear for what’s to come.

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