CategoriesArticles Gear

Winter Hiking: Your Essential Gear List

If you’ve seen our hiking videos, then you know we love to hike our local trails in the winter. Winter hiking can be a magical experience, providing a serene and enchanting experience of wild spaces. However, in order to ensure a successful excursion, you need to be prepared. Here is our essential winter hiking gear list: 

Clothing:

  • Base Layer: Long-sleeved thermal shirt and thermal leggings that have moisture-wicking properties
  • Insulating Layer: Fleece sweater or vest and insulated pants
  • Waterproof and Windproof Outer Layer: Breathable jacket and waterproof/windproof pants
    • PRO Tip: Use Velcro® straps or gaiters to layer over pant legs where they meet your boots to keep snow out
  • Head and Hand Protection: Lightweight gloves for hiking and insulated warmer gloves or mittens for break stops
    • Warm hat or tuque and neck gaiter or balaclava
  • Footwear: Insulated, waterproof hiking boots with moisture-wicking socks (wool or synthetic)

Gear:

  • Backpack: Large enough to carry extra layers, food, and emergency essentials
    • Bring a pack cover to protect against snow and moisture. This doubles as an extra layer for snow covered places when stopping for a break
  • Traction Devices: Micro-spikes for icy or slippery terrain
    • We like using “Yaktrax” as they’re easy to put on and take off and are comfortable to walk in
    • Snowshoes can be necessary for deep snow to prevent postholing. I typically don’t use these, but for places where snow can easily get above your knee, they would be handy
  • Trekking Poles: These provide stability while walking and reduce strain on joints
      • These can also be used to test snow drifts in uneven terrain, helping to avoid ankle and foot injuries

Navigation and Safety:

  • Maps and Smartphone: Even if you use a GPS on your smartphone, a map is an essential backup.
  • Ensure all electronics are fully charged
    • PRO Tip: Bring a small battery bank and extra cords. Cold will drain electronic batteries faster than in warm weather 
  • Headlamp or Flashlight: There are fewer daylight hours in winter, be prepared in case you misjudged how long your hike will take or in case of injury
  • First Aid Kit: Include additional cold-weather specific items like hand warmers and an emergency blanket.

Food and Water: 

  • Lots of calories: You will burn more calories on winter hikes, so be prepared with extra snacks
    • Consider packing a warm soup in a thermos or a camping stove and dehydrated meal to help you warm up when stopping for a break
  • Water Storage: Ensure you have water stored in a way where it will not freeze
    • PRO Tip: If using a hydration bag with a tube, feed the tube under your outer layer of clothing closer to your skin. Your body heat will prevent the water in the tube from freezing
  • Water Filtration: Always bring a way to safely treat and drink water from wild sources. If using a water filter, ensure it’s dry or, if wet, place in a plastic bag and store inside your outer layer to prevent freezing

Sun Protection:

  • Sunscreen: Yes, you heard that right! Even on cloudy days and in the winter, you can get sun burns. Be sure to protect your exposed skin with an SPF cream
  • Sunglasses: Sunlight reflecting of snow can often be more intense than regular sunlight. Make sure you’re prepared with appropriate eye protection

Remember to customize this winter hiking gear list based on the specific conditions of your winter hike and the duration of your adventure. Regularly check the weather forecast and trail conditions to make any necessary adjustments to your gear. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the winter wonderland!

CategoriesArticles

Winter Hiking: Embrace the Frosty Adventure

Winter can transform the hiking experience, offering a serene and enchanting landscape blanketed in snow. While the cold may seem daunting, with the right preparation and mindset, winter hiking can be a rewarding and magical adventure. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter hiking excursion.

Layer Up for Success 

Winter weather is notorious for its unpredictability, so dressing in layers is crucial. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from the skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield against the elements. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and thermal socks to protect extremities. Opt for insulated and waterproof boots with good traction to navigate snowy and icy terrain. Gaiters can also be useful in preventing snow from entering your boots, keeping your feet warm and dry.

To avoid sweating, start your hike off with just a few layers. Then, if you don’t warm up after you have started your hike, you can add more layers on. You want to avoid sweating as wet clothing can make your break time much chiller.

Stay Energized and Hydrated

The cold can deceive you into thinking you’re not sweating as much, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Pack a thermos with a warm beverage to help regulate your body temperature and prevent dehydration.

You will burn more calories in cold weather than warm weather, as your body works harder to regulate its temperature. Be sure to pack enough calories with you to keep yourself energised throughout your hike. Be sure to pack warm food in a thermos or pack food that is easy to eat cold and won’t freeze. Alternatively, consider packing a small backpacking stove and some dehydrated food you can cook while on trail. Use an insulated cooking bag to help keep your food hot while cooking.

Proper Planning

Days are shorter in winter, so plan your hike accordingly. Start early to make the most of daylight and be sure to carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries in case your hike extends into the evening. It is also important to keep a close eye on weather forecasts before your winter hike. Sudden weather changes can occur, and being prepared for what’s ahead is crucial for a safe journey. Always carry a map, compass, and/or GPS device to ensure you stay on track, especially since snow can cover trail markers or make familiar landmarks look very different.

As always, inform someone of your hiking plans, including your intended route and estimated return time. In case of unexpected challenges, having someone aware of your whereabouts can expedite rescue efforts.

Essential Winter Gear

Be sure to include winter-specific gear in your backpack, such as hand warmers, an emergency blanket and a first aid kit. In case of injury, these items can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

Equip yourself with traction devices like microspikes or crampons to enhance stability on icy or slippery trails as well as consider using trekking poles or a walking stick. These small additions can make a significant difference in your ability to traverse challenging winter terrain and avoid unpleasant accidents and injuries.

Winter hiking can be a magical experience with the right preparation. By layering up, choosing appropriate gear, and staying informed about weather conditions, you can safely explore the winter wonderland. So, bundle up, pack smart, and embark on a frosty adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of the great outdoors in all its winter glory.

CategoriesArticles

Why You Should Explore Your Local Hiking Trails

In a world driven by constant connectivity and the allure of far-off destinations, it’s easy to overlook the treasures that lie in our own backyard. Local trails, often underestimated, offer a wealth of benefits that go beyond the simple pleasure of a walk in nature. As we navigate our fast-paced lives, taking the time to explore and appreciate local hiking trails becomes an essential pursuit.

1. Nature Therapy

Avon Trail

Hiking local trails provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Nature has a remarkable ability to soothe the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall mental well-being. The proximity of local trails makes it easier to incorporate these rejuvenating experiences into our routines, promoting a healthier and happier lifestyle.

2. Community Connection

Local trails often serve as communal spaces where individuals and families converge to share the joy of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, these trails offer a common ground for fostering connections within the community. Building relationships with fellow hikers creates a sense of belonging and strengthens the social fabric of the neighbourhood.

3. Environmental Stewardship

Caring for and appreciating local trails can foster a sense of environmental responsibility. By hiking close to home, individuals develop a connection to the natural world in their immediate vicinity. This awareness fosters a desire to protect and preserve local ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans and nature.

Thames Valley Trail
Elgin Trail

4. Free Fitness

Hiking is an excellent form of exercise, catering to a range of fitness levels. Local trails offer a convenient and accessible option for incorporating physical activity into daily life. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenging ascent, the varied terrain of local trails ensures that there is a hike suitable for everyone, contributing to improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

5. Hidden Gems

While exotic destinations may hold a certain allure, local trails harbour their own hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From secluded waterfalls and riverside walks to breathtaking viewpoints, these trails often reveal surprising landscapes and natural wonders that might be overlooked in the rush to explore distant locales.

Nurture a Love for Local

In a world constantly in search of the next big adventure, the importance of hiking local trails cannot be overstated. These trails offer a myriad of benefits, from mental well-being and community connection to environmental stewardship and physical fitness. By embracing the wonders at our doorstep, we not only cultivate a deeper appreciation for our immediate surroundings but also contribute to the overall health and vitality of our communities. So, lace up those hiking boots, explore the trails nearby, and let the beauty of local landscapes unfold before your very eyes.

Find your Local Trails Here

Check out the Ontario Trails Council
Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
  • Image
  • SKU
  • Rating
  • Price
  • Stock
  • Availability
  • Add to cart
  • Description
  • Content
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • Additional information
Click outside to hide the comparison bar
Compare
Add to cart