The best hiking gear for cold weather

Hiking in cold weather without the necessary gear can be downright unpleasant. But if you have all of the right equipment, you can take advantage of some of the most beautiful views and stay comfortable at the same time. From head to toe, here are some excellent pointers for doing a cold-weather hike right.

Hat and Neck Gaiter

Remember to cover those ears up by wearing a winter hat. The ideal solution is putting a neck gaiter on to cover the neck and then the hat afterward. You can switch between a brimmed hat and a winter hat, depending on how cold the environment is.

Water-Resistant Pants

You are also going to want water-resistant pants to keep you warm and dry. If you can find outer-layer pants that have ventilation zippers or are easily removable, you are doing yourself a favor for those moments when you get too hot and need to shed a layer.

Water-Resistant Jacket and Sweatshirt Underneath

Staying dry is a must for fending off the common cold while hiking in the cold weather. Always make sure you have a water-resistant jacket before taking off into the wilderness. When you get too hot, you can shed your jacket and let your body breathe without getting too cold by using a sweatshirt made from cotton or something similar.

Wool Socks

Hiking in the cold can be miserable without proper socks. Wool regulates temperature keeping your feet from getting sweaty as well as provides cushioning. Wool is also anti-microbial, so it tends to smell less. Keep in mind, however, that if you wear too thick of socks, you could cut off the circulation in your feet and end up with numbness, which can also be very uncomfortable.

Hiking Boots

There are plenty of brands of hiking shoes and boots on the market that will do the job just fine. Do your research on where you are going beforehand so that you can have a good idea of which shoes to bring. Sometimes a lightweight, water-resistant shoe is more favorable over a big boot that is going to be hard to wear on the hike. Whether you are going to the mountains or the desert, proper footwear will be the key to your enjoyment.

Backpack

There are many outdoor branded backpacks to choose from for your hike. It all depends on where you are trying to go on your adventures. If there is rain on the forecast, you are going to want a waterproof cover for your backpack. Always bring one or two plastic garbage bags for extra protection in case things get too wet or dirty.

Bring Essentials for Staying Prepared

Being prepared makes things easy later on. When you get ready to set off onto the hiking trail, there are a few things that you should bring to keep you prepared in the event of an emergency or inconvenience. Here are a few:

• Plenty of food

• Flashlight

• First-aid kit

• Water

• Appropriate clothes

• Hiking stick or poles

• Hand warmers

Before you head out for your next hiking adventure, remember to write a detailed list before to help you enjoy the cold weather adventure the whole time.

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