Winter Hiking Tips Brought to you by Vasque

There's nothing quite like hiking in the winter.  The stillness, the solitude, the muffled crunch of your footsteps as you explore pristine, untracked wilderness--finding yourself in a winter wonderland is always an uplifting experience. There are some things you have to keep in mind when you go out on wintertime treks, however. Hiking in the winter presents a unique set of challenges and precautions that need to be taken compared to summertime hiking. Read ahead for some winter hiking tips to make sure you have the most fun on your next cold-weather excursion.

1. Wear the proper footwear.

Though your summer waterproof hiking boots can do in a pinch when on a winter hike, having a pair of insulated winter hiking boots--like Vasque's Snowburban for men and the Pow Pow for women--will take your winter hike to the next level. Featuring 400g of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation, Vasque's waterproof/breathable UltraDry membrane,  and an outsole made of their super-grippy ColdHold winter rubber compound, you can forget about your feet during your hike and just enjoy the outdoors. As for socks? Go for wool. Darn Tough's hiking socks not only insulate even when wet and breathe well, they'll regulate your body temperature, keeping your feet comfortable regardless of whether you're moving fast or staying put. Remember that your boots and socks will be working in tandem, and not to go too thick with the socks--tight boots mean cold feet.

2. Bring some traction with you.

Traversing a wintry landscape isn't ever as cut-and-dry as a summertime hike. For particularly icy conditions, we like Kahtoola Microspikes to bite into even the slickest, most treacherous terrain, and if you're planning on trailbreaking deeper snow, some snowshoes will save you from the energy-sapping slog of postholing.

3. Bring a bigger pack to hold the extra gear you'll need.

Even going on a dayhike in the winter--nevermind winter camping--will require you to bring a larger pack than you're used to. You simply have to take more gear out with you during a winter hike, namely your extra layers. Aim for taking a 40-50 liter pack on a winter wander to accommodate your midlayer, waterproof shell, emergerency bivvy, and food. Also, a pack in the 40-50 liter size range will more than likely feature straps on the side to attach your snowshoes to when you don't need them.

4. Layer up.

Nothing beats layers for the dynamically changing conditions of winter hiking, as you can peel off layers when you are working hard and add them when you're not. A good cold weather clothing system will invariably include:

• A baselayer, made of either merino wool or polyester--avoid cotton like the plague. This is your next to your skin layer and is important for moisture wicking. If you are on a particularly vigorous hike, this layer may just be the only one you'll be wearing.
• A winter midlayer is most commonly a puffy jacket (down or synthetic) or a heavier weight wool or fleece piece. Down is by far the warmest by weight and most packable, but also the most expensive.
• Your outer layer should be a waterproof breathable shell, with a Gore-tex, eVent, or other proprietary laminate. This is your windproof and waterproof layer, and is the most important in terms of protecting you from the elements.

Always remember to add a layer whenever you stop to rest, so your body won't have to waste energy on heating back up once you get moving again. Start warm, stay warm!

5. Stay hydrated.

Getting enough water can prove somewhat challenging on a winter hike--hydration bladders are difficult to use when the water in the tube and mouthpiece freezes, after all, and even a Nalgene stored upside down in a insulating holster can be found frozen midway through your hike if the weather is cold enough. A good solution, although heavier to carry, is a double-wall insulated thermos, such as a Hydro Flask or a Klean Kanteen. Want to jazz up your day's hydration? Bring some herbal tea or hot cocoa! Avoid caffeine though, as it constricts your extremities' blood vessels and makes you feel colder.

6. Bring a seat.

Snow is cold. Yet, you may want to sit down and rest during your day out. We like the Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat because it is ultralight, packable, and creates an insulating barrier between you and the ground so you can have a good long sit without getting the heat sapped out of your buttocks.

7. Don't go alone, and tell someone where you're going.

Going out with a buddy is the safe, responsible thing to do. Conditions can change suddenly in the winter, and the inherent dangers of the outdoors are amplified when the temperatures are low and storms can manifest quickly--particularly above treeline. Also, letting somebody know where you're going and when you'll be back--having a travel plan--is also prudent. Lastly, in case of a serious emergency situation, some added insurance--like a personal locator beacon--can set your mind at ease when heading out into the backcountry.

8. Start Early, and bring a headlamp.

You should be doing these things no matter the season--getting benighted without a headlamp is something you should never strive to do--and in the winter, the night comes a lot sooner. Getting on the trail as early as you can lets you take your time tromping around while the sun is still up.

9. Don't take navigation lightly.

Snow can obscure trails and make the surroundings of a forest that you've hiked through many times in the summer months unrecognizable. Make sure that at least one person in your party has a map, compass, or GPS, and the know-how to use them. Spend some time before your trip studying your map and plan out your route, avoid "winging it."