What Gear do You Need for Winter Hiking?

What Gear do You Need for Winter Hiking?

What Gear do You Need for Winter Hiking?

In the summer, hikers don't really have to think that much about their clothing. A pair of shorts, a T-shirt and something warm in case it suddenly gets cold during the tour. In winter, however, things look a bit different when hiking, because after all, winter hikers don't want to freeze, but the many layers of clothing shouldn't be bulky and hinder movement either. There the choice of the correct equipment does not fall completely easily. post therefore compiles what gear winter hikers absolutely need.


1. the right shoes

There is hardly anything worse when winter hiking than wet and cold feet, because then the whole tour is no longer fun and in the worst case you get sick. That's why winter hikers need sturdy, water- and cold-resistant mountain boots. Therefore, a solid rubber sole is recommended, which also gives good grip in snow and mud. Moon boots are not recommended, as they are often very soft and do not provide sufficient stability. It is also important to always stuff the shoes with newspaper overnight and let them dry well, otherwise in the worst case frostbite threatens in the damp shoes.


2. perfect grip gear

Never heard of them. Yes, but certainly seen, because these are the spikes made of metal, which are clamped under the hiking boots, so that winter hikers do not slip or fall on an icy road or frozen slope. It can easily be slipped over the shoe and provide additional safety. That's why winter hikers should always have them in their backpacks.

What Gear do You Need for Winter Hiking?
Shoes with the right footwear can provide security and keep your feet warm and dry

3. the perfect clothes for winter hiking

Anyone who wants to go winter hiking should clearly stick to the Onion Layering System. This starts with the right underwear, which should keep warm but also be breathable, so that the moisture can be well removed when sweating. Therefore, a warming and, if necessary, windproof or moisture-repellent clothing should be worn. Fleece is very suitable for this. As an outer layer, a windproof jacket is recommended that can withstand snow and rain, but still transports moisture to the outside. Pants should also be windproof pants and waterproof pants, but at the same time be able to keep you warm and breathable.


4. gloves and hat

Winter hikers should also always have a pair of gloves and a hat, as well as a scarf, in their backpacks in case it starts to snow or the skies become overcast. If the gloves are only to keep you warm, the wool variety will suffice, but if it snows, Goretex gloves are recommended as they are moisture repellent. For emergencies, it is also useful to take a balaclava. However, urgent should be the way back when this comes into use, so that you do not get lost in the snow flurry.

5. hiking poles with large plates.

If hiking poles are still optional in summer, they should definitely be used in winter to provide additional safety on icy trails. For this purpose, in addition to telescopic poles with large winter plates that prevent sinking in the mud, ski poles are also suitable. To avoid getting cold fingers from the cold radiated by the metal of the stick, the stick can simply be wrapped with leather.
What Gear do You Need for Winter Hiking?


6. sunglasses or glacier glasses

If you've ever been out in the snow when the sun suddenly came out, and then didn't have sunglasses with you, you surely know that you don't want to experience that again, because it can be very painful. That's why winter hikers should always carry sunglasses or glacier glasses in their backpacks. Further, it is also recommended to carry sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, because even if it is cold, you should not underestimate the sun's rays.


7. sufficient provisions and a seat cushion

When hikers want to take a break in the summer, they simply sit down on the grass. This is not possible in winter, because the ground is wet and cold. That's why it makes sense for winter hikers to always carry a small rubber cushion with them. Also, enough liquid (preferably warm tea) should be taken, because despite the cold, hikers sweat profusely and have to make up for the loss. In addition, the tea warms really nice from the inside.

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