Hiking is an all-year-round hobby you can get yourself into. Winter hiking is perfect for you if you like outdoor activities or if you just feel like being off the grid for a little bit. 

When you feel like taking a hike during the cold season, it is best to come prepared so you can prevent any injury and enjoy your adventure without worries.

Before you answer the call of the mountains, let us give you some of the things you need to know on your next winter hike out:

Proper Gear

Heading out in the cold without the proper gear is a mistake you wouldn’t want to make. The inconvenience of wearing the wrong gloves or layers can make your hike a little more stressful than it should be. Let’s start from head to toe.

1. Balaclava

Make sure you have the right head protection from the cold. As this is the most exposed body part during your hike, your face is prone to windburns. 

Balaclavas or ski masks are perfect for winter hikes. Look for balaclavas that have great thermal insulation and that can protect you from snow, wind, dust, and cold like ourGearTOP Balaclava. 

2. Gloves

You think normal insulated gloves are enough but the ones you need, especially in this day and age when we’re reliant on our smartphones, are gloves with touchscreen tips likeGearTOP Touchscreen Winter Gloves.

With its reflective strip, it helps you become visible during a night hike or run. And since these are made with quick-drying material, these gloves are a definite must-have for any hiker.  

3. Layers

Layers are essential, especially during a winter hike. Your layers should be lightweight and forgiving for your body and your movements during the hike. The layering system is for you to have 3 layers:

1. Base layers should fit snugly to your skin and should be able to wick sweat away from your body.
2. Mid-layer is meant to have insulation to retain your body heat. Fleece and puffy jackets are usually used and preferred.
3. Outer layers are used to protect you from the elements like wind and water. Opt for layers that are waterproof and windproof.

4. Footwear

Your shoes are your ultimate weapon for the hike. The pair must be durable. And since you will be hiking through the snow, it should also be non-slippery. 

For the pros, they have a lot of factors to weigh in like traction, insulation weight, and shaft height when choosing their perfect hiking boot. For those who are starting to challenge themselves in a winter hike, whatever makes you comfortable should do the trick. 

Skincare

Just because it’s snowing, it doesn't mean that you are safe from the sun's UV rays. Don’t be left caught off guard! Make sure your skin is protected when you're out on a winter hike. 

5. Sun protection

Sunscreen can do the trick, but reapplying it may take unnecessary breaks in your hike. Adding another layer to protect your face from UV rays may be the solution to that like ourGearTOP Full Face Premium Ski Mask that comes with a hidden pocket with a drawstring bag.  

6. Balms

Windburns suck the life out of your skin. It makes your skin dry and your lips chapped. Make sure you bring lip and skin balms that will keep your skin moisturized and hydrated during the hike. 

Food & Hydration

Even if you load up before your hike, you still need nutrition and hydration during your hike, especially during the winter. Studies show that winter hikers burn more calories than those who hike during the spring or summer. 

7. Insulated Containers

Keep your food and water warm by storing it inside insulated food canisters or water bottles. 

Health & Fitness

For those who hikes to keep their fitness in check, these must-haves can make your hike a little more productive and a little less worrisome. 

8. Kinesiology tapes

For several snowboarders and skiers, you may see them wear kinesiology tapes on their cheeks to shield their face from severe temperatures and harsh winds. For most people, cold weather can make the joints stiff. 

Taping your ankles or knees for additional support during your hike may be the way to go. Our go-to kinesiology tapes?TapeGeeks, of course. 

9. First aid kit

You can never predict what can happen on your trail. One wrong step can break a bone, and your whole hike is down the hill. 

Make sure you pack the necessities in case something happens. Bandages, multi-use pocket knives, antiseptic towelettes, malleable splints, and oral rehydration salts, to name a few, should be part of your first aid kit. 

Technology

Even if you feel like going off the grid, you must have a fail-safe item that will come in handy in case of emergency. Not all trails are meant to have phone signals and most of the smartphones are not made for the cold weather. 

10. Satellite phone

Keep a satellite phone handy in case your phone doesn’t work; it can be from signal loss or an empty battery. A lot can happen during a hike and having a backup can make your adventure feel a little safer. 

Conclusion

Check. Check. Check. Are you ready for your winter hike?  

Let’s head out and reach for the sky this winter and make sure you share with us your view and your experience in the comments box below!

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Check out our GearTOP winter essentials to keep you protected, warm & cozy for your winter hike!