Winter Hiking Hacks

Use these winter hiking hacks to stay warm and comfortable on your next winter outdoor adventure. Hiking in the winter is a great exercise for the body and the mind. Hiking in cold temperatures improves immune health, and is reported to burn calories faster than any other hike! Winter hikes can be intimidating, but with the proper research and preparation, they are some of the most beautiful sights to see with the human eye. These hiking hacks are a perfect start to your winter hike prep, including links to some of my favorite gear.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to click on the links and purchase a product that I recommend, I will receive a small commission. I genuinely support and use the products linked in my posts. You are free to choose whether to purchase the products I recommend.

Layers

Wearing layers is the smartest way to hike in cold temperatures. Hiking is a calorie-burning exercise, so you’re bound to sweat on the trail. Taking layers off when the hike gets difficult is the best hiking hack to prevent your clothes from getting wet and risking frostbite. The effects of frostbite can occur in as little as 5 minutes in low temperatures with high wind chill, which results in the skin and tissues freezing. Wearing layers is the best way to monitor body temperature and adjust when needed.

Sleeping Warm

When choosing a sleeping bag, the packaging provides a temperature rating which specifies the temperature in which it will keep you warm. To ensure warmth throughout the night in the wilderness, add at least 10 degrees to the rating on the sleeping bag package. For example, a 20°F temperature rating will keep you warm at the minimum of 30°F.

The best way to stay warm when camping in cold temperatures is to sleep in a single base layer. Although it may seem that more layers will provide more warmth in your tent, a single base layer is the best option. In your sleeping bag, wear a solo top and bottom layer, a pair of socks, and a hat. This single layer will allow the warmer parts of your body to release heat to travel to the colder parts of your body within the sack.

Another winter hiking hack to trap heat in your sleeping bag is warming your body before getting ready for bed. Do a quick bit of exercise before going to sleep like 10 jumping jacks or a light jog to get your blood flowing. This will warm your body up to trap more heat throughout the night.

Insulation

When hiking in the winter, there are times you’ll be sitting and sleeping on a frozen, snow covered ground. When taking a break, sitting on the snow or cold ground will release heat from your body. This is especially important while sleeping as your body will be at rest for a long period of time. A hack to keep your body warm is to use insulation against the cold ground temperatures.

Hydration Hacks

Winter hiking is reported to burn more calories than other hikes. The colder air is beneficial to your immune system and overall health. Staying hydrated is crucial to keeping the body warm. Hypothermia is more likely to set in when a person is dehydrated.

However, when temperatures and winds drop below freezing, our hydration sources can be compromised. A good preventative measure is to pre-hydrate. Drink 1.5L-2L of water before hiking in the winter to prepare your body. Although this means you’ll have to stop for more bathroom breaks, being hydrated is the most important. Hiking hacks to prevent your water bottle from freezing on the trail include insulation, bottle selection, and position.

If you choose to camp on your winter hike, it is best to prevent your water bottle from freezing overnight.

Snow is a great insulator, so you can bury your insulated bottles under the snow and mark the spot for the morning!

A two-in-one winter hiking hack is to boil your water before bed, and use your water bottle for warmth throughout the night in your sleeping bag. This will keep you AND your water from freezing while you sleep.

Winter Apparel

Wearing the proper winter clothing on your hike is essential to stay safe and warm. Heat escapes the body primarily through the extremities including the feet, hands, and head. These are the first parts of the body to be at risk of hypothermia. A hat, gloves, and proper boots are a must-have for your winter hiking adventure.

Since hiking is exercise, the body sweats as calories are burned. Sweating in the winter can be dangerous as having wet skin in freezing temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia. A hack to prevent your feet and hands from sweating on a winter hike is to apply an antiperspirant spray under your socks and gloves.

Bonus Tip: Temperatures do NOT have to be below freezing to result in frostbite. Be sure to use caution when hiking as frostbite can occur from multiple sources including water and winds. Protect your head, hands, and toes from cold temperatures by wearing proper outdoor apparel.

Summit Weather Gear

When hiking in the winter, the summit can be treacherous. At higher elevations, the weather after the tree line consists of mostly wind, snow, and ice. Three hiking tips and hacks for summiting mountains in the winter include a neck gaiter, ski goggles, and snowshoes.

Enjoy The Season

Winter is one of the most beautiful times of year to go on a hike. The views are pure and white, and you experience beautiful untouched parts of nature after a fresh snow. Although a winter hike may be intimidating, it is possible and worth the extra effort! Conducting proper research ensures a safe and fun adventure in nature. These winter hiking hacks provide you with inside information from experience that will definitely make your winter hike warmer and more enjoyable!

As always, I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment with your favorite hiking hacks, or something you plan to try on your next adventure.