Denmark Mountain Hikers

Winter Hiking Guidelines

Check the “Ten Essentials” for hikers elsewhere on this website under “General                          Policy Guidelines” and add to, or modify them, as follows:

1. Never wear cotton. All clothes, socks, hats and gloves should be wool or synthetics. Cotton, when wet, does not dry out and does not wick moisture away from your body. This can lead to hypothermia, which can be deadly in all seasons.
2. Thick wool socks combined with a polypropylene liner sock can help prevent blisters and provide warmth. An extra pair of socks can come in handy if your feet get wet.
3. Wear good, waterproof boots with a good tread. Insulated boots are also a good choice for winter hiking. Gaiters are handy for keeping snow out of boots. External gaiters are strapped on over pants and boots. Some winter pants come with internal gaiters that provide the same protection. Foot warmers may also be carried by those who need them.
4. Microspikes should be carried at all times with snowshoes available when needed. We usually make a decision on whether snowshoes are necessary at the trailhead where we can observe trail conditions.
5. Wear at least three layers, if not four layers of clothing. The base layer should be merino wool or synthetic material. Merino wool is not as scratchy as regular wool. The next layer should be an insulating layer. Polyester or fleece garments work well as they provide flexibility as well as insulation. The outer layer should be a puffy jacket with down or polyester filling. A fourth layer should consist of a waterproof and wind resistant shell to ensure that the inner three layers are dry in rain or freezing rain conditions. They now make insulated jackets that are also water and windproof. However, they can be quite pricey. Dressing in layers enables a hiker to put on or shed a layer based on weather conditions and the hiker’s exertions. The goal is to prevent excessive sweating. Even in winter, you want to keep the skin as dry as possible.
6. Fleece gloves or mittens with waterproof shells are recommended. Gloves are good for dexterity. Mittens are warmer because they keep the fingers together where they provide warmth to each other. There are hand coverings that have fleece gloves with an attached waterproof shell that can be flipped on and off as conditions dictate. Hand warmers can also be carried for those who need them.
7. Warm head coverings should be worn or available. Skull caps, knit hats, insulated hats or headbands that can cover the ears are recommended. Neck gaiters can cover the neck and often be pulled up over the head. Hooded garments have the advantage of the hood being easily pulled up or eased down as conditions change. In extreme cold and wind, goggles or balaclavas are handy to have to cover the face. In bright snow, sunglasses or tinted eyeglasses are handy as the sun reflecting off the snowpack can cause snow blindness.
8. Pants should be insulated as well as water resistant. As previously mentioned, many winter hiking/ski pants come with internal gaiters that are easy to pull down over boots.
9. Bring extra food and water. Hiking in the winter is more rigorous than in the summer, and the body needs that extra energy. Many hikers bring hot drinks in insulated bottles on day hikes to warm the body. 
10. Seat pads can provide insulation when stopping to rest or eat. They can also be used as splints in first aid emergencies.

There are many online resources that have more advice for winter hikers. These guidelines were developed by consulting the REI article at:

https://www.rei.com > learn > expert-advice > cold-weather-hiking.html