Cold calculation
Yes, it’s winter and the sun’s in short supply, but with proper preparation, you can still hit the trail safely, confidently and enjoyably
With the weather tilting toward winter, practicing safety on hiking trails is as important as ever. Temperatures are dipping below freezing, and snow can obscure trails at higher elevations. And as the days get shorter, there are even fewer well-lit hours for outdoor adventures. Accordingly, it’s important to hit hiking trails and walking paths prepared. Here are some tips from Jana Johnson, a lifelong skier, mountaineer and sales lead at REI in Bend, Ore.
✔ Be visible
Dressing in neon shades of orange and yellow isn’t just for cyclists wanting to be seen on the road. It’s a good idea for being highly visible deep in the woods, particularly where hunters may be lying in wait for other animals.
Be aware of hunting seasons where you are going. Check the New Mexico Game & Fish website (wildlife.state.nm.us) for seasons and regions.
Being easily spotted will not only aid in rescue efforts if you get into trouble, but unnatural colors that pop will also make you visible to an overeager hunter.
“It’s so when you’re in the woods and (hunters) hear crunching, crunching, and branches are moving and they see your brown backpack with a white patch on it — wearing orange just removes all doubt that you’re wildlife,” Johnson said.
✔ Layer up
Proper layering begins with an effective base layer. Base layer items come in many forms, such as tops, long johns, glover liners and so on. Wool and wicking synthetics are good choices.
Cotton base layers should be avoided, because the material retains moisture, which can leave you feeling clammy and chilled.
Above the base layer, you can add additional non-cotton items or head right for the down insulation, which comes in a variety of fill counts. Consider a down vest, which keeps your torso warm without making your arms feel bulky.
Down packs down well and keeps you warm. The flaw is that once it’s wet, it loses the ability to keep you warm. This is where synthetic down can be a great option. And don’t forget a wind layer. “Forgetting the wind aspect of things is what can make people cold, even if they’re just walking their dog in the morning.” Johnson said.
✔ Warm the extremities
Hand and toe warmers, chemical packets that create heat when activated, are great to slip into gloves and boots, Johnson said. Toe warmers often resemble shoe inserts.
“Put toe warmers on before your feet get cold, like when you’re getting ready that morning or you’re in your car,” Johnson said. “If you wait until you’re already cold, they’re less effective. ”
Hypothermia can lead to loss of extremities and death. It happens when your body cools faster than it can produce heat and your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Being exposed to cold weather or cold water can cause hypothermia. The condition can happen during prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees.
✔ Stay hydrated
Lower temperatures might lull you into thinking you won’t need that extra bottle of water on a hike, but take it — especially if you’re going to be on a long one.
Although you’re not sweating as much as you would on a hot day, the body loses moisture through respiration. In cold weather, the body doesn’t trigger the thirst impulse in the same way it does when it’s dehydrated in warm weather.
Thermoses’ insulation keep water from turning to ice, as do padded liners that fit over water bottles like big koozies.
✔ Keep with the course
With the change of seasons, the more elevated sections of your favorite hikes may be covered in snow that renders them unrecognizable. If you do find yourself momentarily disoriented, remain calm.
“If you get to the top of something and you don’t really know where you are, don’t panic,” Johnson said. “Don’t move. No. 1: Look around. Are there any clues? Like, ‘Oh, that’s Broken Top. That’s east — I know where I am now.’ ”
Look for any evidence of where the trail may continue, such as consistent tracks in the snow.
Knowing how to use time-tested navigational tools — a map and compass — is the surest way out of a pickle. REI offers monthly classes dedicated to topics like GPS navigation and how to effectively use a compass.
“If you know how to read a map and compass, that’s fool-proof,” Humphrey said.