Cold Weather Adventures: Everything You May Need to Enjoy the Trails With Athletic Brewing Co.
Ah, shoulder season, when the trails are quieter but they’re notably colder. This time of year is great for getting outside and enjoying the beauty of nature as it idles between fall and winter.
Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or braving the cold evenings for an overnight or thru hike, there are a few key pieces of gear that can make your trek more enjoyable, and, of course, safe.
10 Essentials
It should go without saying that on any hike, in any season, the 10 Essentials should always be with you!
If you need a refresher on the 10 Essentials, they are:
- Appropriate Footwear
- A map and compass or GPS
- Water (it’s recommended that you take a ½ liter of water for every hour you plan to be hiking)
- Food
- Rain gear and dry-fast layers
- Safety items like a flashlight, fire starter, and whistle
- A personal first aid kit
- A knife or multi-tool
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun protective clothing)
- Shelter of some kind for protection from the elements (like a space blanket)
Trekking Poles
Especially in the shoulder season, when the ground may be slick with frost, ice, or snow, trekking poles can provide improved stability as you make your way on the trail. Often very lightweight, a foldable option makes these easy to store in your pack until you need them.
Spikes
Another valuable piece of gear for stability on icy or snowy trails is a set of spikes that attach to your boots or shoes. These spikes provide better traction to help you stay surefooted in challenging conditions. While they add a bit of weight to your pack, they’re worth it to avoid the risks of slipping and falling. Many even come with a small carrying bag for easy storage in your pack.
Ear Muffs, Beanies, & Gloves
Your appendages will get cold quickly in low temperatures! To keep them warm and cozy, and safe from frostbite when the temperatures drop, be sure to pack ear muffs and/or a beanie to keep your ears warm, and gloves to keep your hands protected.
Athletic Brews
In any season, a celebratory drink at the end of a hard hike is always nice to have — despite being in colder temperatures, you’ve likely exerted enough energy and raised your body temperature enough that a cold drink will taste especially good. Options are aplenty from Athletic Brewing with non-alcoholic beers to sparkling water infused with hops perfect for cheersing to your latest adventure. Want to keep your hands warm while sipping? Just keep those gloves on!
Buff
There are few things worse than a cold day with gusty winds, staying warm becomes a real challenge against these elements! A buff is a great way to seal in your warmth and keep the wind from getting under your layers. For added protection beyond just wearing your buff around your neck, you can pull it up and over your mouth, nose, and ears, and even up over the back of your neck and onto your head.
Hand Warmer and/or Toe Warmer
For those extra cold days or overnights, it’s worth packing packets of hand and/or toe warmers. They won’t add much weight to your pack, they’re easy to activate, and they can be incredibly helpful to staying warm and maintaining dexterity in your hands and feet.
Gaiters
If you know you’ll be encountering snow on the trail, waterproof gaiters can keep it from making its way into your boots. In cold weather, you absolutely want to do everything in your power to keep your feet warm and dry. Gaiters are a small, easily packable, and lightweight option to add to your pack that can make a big difference in your experience on the trail.
Layers
It’s always helpful to do a quick overview of layers so that you can regulate your temperature (especially in cold weather as you work up a sweat!) and stay comfortable out on the trail.
There are three basic layers:
- Base layer
- This is the layer right against your skin. Your base layer is also the one that you will (likely) leave on for the duration of your hike. You’ll want a base layer that is moisture wicking (avoid cotton as this fabric retains moisture!), and has a close-to-body fit — this layer doesn’t need to be overly tight or snug, as you want it to be comfortable and allow you full range of motion.
- Mid layer
- Your mid layer is to provide insulation and warmth so you can maintain body heat. This is a layer you should be easily able to remove as you warm up to avoid overheating. Mid layers come in a variety of styles, but most fall into three main categories—fleeces, sweaters, and lofted-insulation (puffy) jackets
- Ideally, you’d still want to avoid cotton for this layer to avoid retaining any moisture as you begin to sweat with movement. A durable fabric is a good idea as this layer will likely be against the elements — so you want something that won’t tear or snag easily if it comes into contact with obstacles on the trail (like branches, etc.)
- Because this is a layer you may find yourself removing and putting back on repeatedly throughout your hike as you’re working to regulate your temperature, you’ll want something packable and lightweight so that when you remove it you can easily add it to your pack.
- Outer layer
- Your outer layer is going to act as your primary source of protection from the elements like wind, rain, and snow. This layer can be a thinner “shell” as you’ll already have your mid layer on to provide warmth. A water resistant, seam-sealed outer layer is always a good idea! Pro Tip: Consider sizing up for your outer layer to make sure it fits over all of your other layers and doesn’t restrict your range of motion. Because you may not need this for the duration of your hike, it’s helpful if this is easily packable and lightweight, too!
Freeze-Resistant Snacks
Of course, food is one of the 10 Essentials, so we know you’ll already have snacks in your pack, but it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’ve got. Cold temperatures can cause your snacks to freeze making them unpleasant to eat, and sometimes even inedible. If you’ve got food in your pack that runs the risk of freezing, consider moving them to a place where they can stay warm (like an interior pocket in your mid-layer so they’re closer to your body heat). Alternatively, opt for snacks that won’t be compromised in cold temperatures like trail mix, crackers or chips, some granola bars, a sandwich (like a PB&J), and chocolate.
Back-up Battery
Did you know that cold weather can compromise your battery life on your phone or GPS device? Always bring a back up to have just in case, and consider keeping your device somewhere where it can stay warm.
Insulated Water Bottle and/or Insulated Hydration Bladder & Tube
Water is only going to benefit you when you can actually drink it. In colder temperatures, you run the risk of your water freezing during your hike so it’s important to take the necessary measures to pack it in a way that keeps it drinkable for the duration of your hike. An insulated water bottle or an insulated hydration bladder and insulated tube will ensure you can stay hydrated!
For the Overnighters: Cold-Weather-Rated, Insulated Sleeping Gear
If you’re braving the cold weather temperatures overnight, it’s important to ensure that you’re prepared for the elements to stay warm when the sun goes down and the cold really sets in. From long johns to insulated sleeping pads, low temperature-rated sleeping bags and winter tents, you’ll want to have all the necessary gear to keep you warm overnight.
Athletic Brewing Company, LLC. Milford, CT and San Diego, CA. Near Beer. <0.5% alc/vol.
