Hot to hike in winter ?
Hiking in winter, really?
That's right. We've seen this whole wave of happiness on social media reporting the joys of hiking in the summer for the warmth and the fall for the colours. But what about winter?
I have to admit that I am one of those who can't figure out what his favourite season for the outdoors is. Here in Quebec, we have the chance to enjoy all the facets of Mother Nature. In the spring, we witness its rebirth, the first rays of sunshine that warm our faces, the birds that sing. In summer, well, do I need to praise her merits? In the fall, it's the scent of falling leaves, the fresh air, the colours that amaze us. But in winter, we often forget that despite the reduced natural light of the sun, the white of the snow makes everything shine! No mud, no greyness in the forests (or almost). What's more, you can go back to your childhood and enjoy snow sports.
It goes without saying that winter hiking requires a little more preparation than in other seasons. As far as clothing is concerned, for my part, I always prefer the multi-layer system. Merino bases are definitely popular, because in addition to conserving heat, they wick moisture away and dry quickly. Then, for subsequent layers, everyone has their own preferences. For the second layer, I opt for a polar fleece jacket or a down jacket (in goose feather or technical - depending if you want to travel ultra light or not). Finally, I always plan a waterproof shell (for the upper and lower body) to protect me in case of rain or wind at the top. Speaking of pants... the cold people of this world will probably contradict me, but avoid the big winter overalls lined! When we talk about hiking in the mountains, we also talk about physical effort and range of motion. A pair of merino pants under your hiking pants can keep you warm. You might even want to consider a pair of gaiters to keep the bottom of your pants from getting wet or snow from getting into your boots. Occasionally, I opt for soft shell pants worn alone, as they are relatively waterproof, windproof and keep you warm. You still need to plan for the amount of effort you'll need to put in for the hike. If it's a low-intensity hike, then you may need your insulated snow pants.
As for the other parts of the body, I never leave without my multi-purpose headband (Buff type) that I keep permanently around my neck and that I raise on my nose if necessary. It should also be noted that the multi-layer also applies to gloves/mittens. I like the system of small thin gloves with a mitten on top for colder weather. Finally, as a headgear, each one has its own colours: toque, headband, earmuffs, etc.
Finally, we have to discuss what we put in our feet. Again, there is no universal answer. First, you need to know if your feet are usually warm or cold in winter. Yes, walking activates the circulation, but sometimes not as well at the extremities (hands and feet). You must protect them well, because frostbite happens so quickly and will cause you discomfort and inconvenience for years to come. I suggest that you go to a specialized store to receive advice that will be adapted to your reality and your feet.
Personally, I wear Columbia OmniHeat Bugaboot boots, but they may seem bulky to some people. However, since my feet are sensitive to frostbite, I opted for maximum warmth. Finally, I always carry a pair of cleats. I love Hillsound crampons. I've had mine for several years and I've even equipped the whole family with them. You never know when you're going to encounter frozen sections of trail. They have to be removed and put back on regularly, but caution is priceless on a winter hike. Accidents happen so quickly. For those who opt for snowshoes, be sure to take a narrower model. The trails are sometimes not very open and you may walk on snowshoes. In addition, it can sometimes be interesting to have walking sticks with a basket for snow. These help us keep our balance during descents that can sometimes be a little slippery.
Before I finish, I'd just like to tell you to keep your childish heart. Have fun in the snow! Drag a little mat to enjoy the slopes on the trails, have snowball fights or make angels in the snow! What could be better than having fun to take advantage of this beautiful season!