Winter Hiking
With this post, I'm starting a mini-series about winter hiking.
No matter what your activity is, every outdoor enthusiast who gets "out there" during the cold season must adapt to cold weather conditions. Otherwise he/she may face some unnecessary risks.
It's obvious that there's cold and snow in winter. However, there are also a number of additional factors influencing your trip.
I did winter trips and winter camping all my life. It's part of regular outdoor activities. Still, many people think it's best to spend winter on the couch in an (over-)heated house .They believe one must be pretty tough to sleep in a snow cave, igloo or tent in the winter.
Not true! If you prepare yourself well, winter hiking trips can be a wonderful experience.
Click here for "Winter Hiking Part 2 - Hypothermia".
With this post, I'm starting a mini-series about winter hiking.
No matter what your activity is, every outdoor enthusiast who gets "out there" during the cold season must adapt to cold weather conditions. Otherwise he/she may face some unnecessary risks.
It's obvious that there's cold and snow in winter. However, there are also a number of additional factors influencing your trip.
- You'll need more and different clothing than on summer trips.
- A warmer sleeping bag if you plan a multi-day trip.
- Your food and nutrition needs to be different. The body will burn more energy in cold weather conditions and therefore needs more fuel.
- The backpack will be heavier due to additional gear you'll need.
- Travel distances will be (sometimes significantly) shorter, depending on snow and weather conditions.
- Trails may become invisible, challenging your navigation skills.
- Less crowded hiking areas.
- No bugs.
- Bears are hibernating, except you travel in polar bear habitat.
- In addition, you can travel to places difficult to reach in the summer. Just think about marshy areas.
I did winter trips and winter camping all my life. It's part of regular outdoor activities. Still, many people think it's best to spend winter on the couch in an (over-)heated house .They believe one must be pretty tough to sleep in a snow cave, igloo or tent in the winter.
Not true! If you prepare yourself well, winter hiking trips can be a wonderful experience.
Click here for "Winter Hiking Part 2 - Hypothermia".
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