|
|
|
Baby, It’s Cold Outside : Preparing For Winter Hiking #1
By: Jeff Vincent of Catskill Mountain Wild
Darn Tough Women's Hiker Boot Sock Cushion
11.21.16
For some outdoor enthusiasts the approaching cold winter months drives them inside but it's all for want of appropriate clothing and gear. Some of the most idyllic scenes in the Catskill Mountains happen after the leaves have fallen. With nearly 350 miles of trails to explore, the Catskills see action all year-round, but it’s important to be prepared for cold-weather conditions to stay safe.
“Dress For Success’’
First let’s break down an outdoor ensemble into three main layers -- a base-layer, insulating layers and the outer shell.
The base-layer, closest to the skin, should be snug fitting and made from merino-wool, silk or a synthetic material like nylon, polyester, or spandex. The main purpose of a base-layer, even more important than adding insulation, is to wick moisture away the skin to help keep it dry and therefore warm. Wet clothing next to the skin is one of the fastest ways to lose body heat .
An insulating layers, or middle layers, will keep you warm. Wool and fleece will work even when wet, though they are bulky and heavy to carry. Down has the best weight to warmth ratio and packs down smaller, however, when wet, down loses most of its warming properties. You should adjust multiple insulating layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout the day, adding or taking away layers as needed to keep yourself warm but not sweating, or overheated.
The micro adjustments of putting on and taking off gloves, hats, and balaclavas, and zipping and unzipping layers is as continuous throughout a hike, or run, or snowshoe, or xc ski day, as moving your feet.
A good outer layer will keep the elements -- wind, snow, and rain -- away from your body and your inner layers. Outer layers range from lightweight shells to heavyweight jackets with added insulation. For added ventilation, I like an outer layer with what I call “pit-zips”, or underarm zippers.
For all layers, avoid cotton at all costs. Yes, this includes denim jeans. Cotton holds onto moisture, causing chaffing and blisters, and takes a long time to dry. This moisture will also lower your body temperature, making it hard for you to stay warm. This proves true for hats, gloves and socks as well. A good pair of socks under breathable and waterproof boots will keep your feet happy while on trail. I recommend Darn Tough socks -- made in Vermont from merino-wool with a lifetime guarantee -- they really can’t be beat.
“Get Into Gear’’
It’s important to use the right tool for the right job. It’s equally important to use the right piece of gear for the trail conditions that you’re facing.
Microspikes and crampons are two different traction devices that attach to the outside of your boot. For the icy conditions that the Catskills will undoubtedly see this winter, these tools can mean the difference between an enjoyable hike and a serious injury. Know this: microspikes have a flexible rubber housing suitable for easy and moderate hikes while crampons are fixed with a metal frame to stay reliable on steeper climbs and descents that you’ll encounter on more difficult hikes like the Devil’s Path. Look at the brand Kahtoola; they’ve done me well for years.
Like traction devices, snowshoes attach to your boot to help you walk on top of the snow, keeping your feet dry. Ice and snow are two very different trail conditions that require two very different pieces of gear, so knowing when to use which device is important.
I use trekking-poles on 95 percent of the hikes I take, no matter how easy or difficult the terrain and no matter the time of the year. They help keep me balanced and I really notice their help on steep ascents and downhills.
Choosing the right gear and clothing for your winter exploration can be a bit overwhelming, but being outfitted properly will ensure a comfortable and safe on-trail experience. For a hands-on look at everything in this article, head on over to Kenco on Route 28 in Kingston. Their staff will help you with any questions you may have. Be safe this season and enjoy hiking in the Catskills!
For some outdoor enthusiasts the approaching cold winter months drives them inside but it's all for want of appropriate clothing and gear. Some of the most idyllic scenes in the Catskill Mountains happen after the leaves have fallen. With nearly 350 miles of trails to explore, the Catskills see action all year-round, but it’s important to be prepared for cold-weather conditions to stay safe.
“Dress For Success’’
First let’s break down an outdoor ensemble into three main layers -- a base-layer, insulating layers and the outer shell.
The base-layer, closest to the skin, should be snug fitting and made from merino-wool, silk or a synthetic material like nylon, polyester, or spandex. The main purpose of a base-layer, even more important than adding insulation, is to wick moisture away the skin to help keep it dry and therefore warm. Wet clothing next to the skin is one of the fastest ways to lose body heat .
An insulating layers, or middle layers, will keep you warm. Wool and fleece will work even when wet, though they are bulky and heavy to carry. Down has the best weight to warmth ratio and packs down smaller, however, when wet, down loses most of its warming properties. You should adjust multiple insulating layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout the day, adding or taking away layers as needed to keep yourself warm but not sweating, or overheated.
The micro adjustments of putting on and taking off gloves, hats, and balaclavas, and zipping and unzipping layers is as continuous throughout a hike, or run, or snowshoe, or xc ski day, as moving your feet.
A good outer layer will keep the elements -- wind, snow, and rain -- away from your body and your inner layers. Outer layers range from lightweight shells to heavyweight jackets with added insulation. For added ventilation, I like an outer layer with what I call “pit-zips”, or underarm zippers.
For all layers, avoid cotton at all costs. Yes, this includes denim jeans. Cotton holds onto moisture, causing chaffing and blisters, and takes a long time to dry. This moisture will also lower your body temperature, making it hard for you to stay warm. This proves true for hats, gloves and socks as well. A good pair of socks under breathable and waterproof boots will keep your feet happy while on trail. I recommend Darn Tough socks -- made in Vermont from merino-wool with a lifetime guarantee -- they really can’t be beat.
“Get Into Gear’’
It’s important to use the right tool for the right job. It’s equally important to use the right piece of gear for the trail conditions that you’re facing.
Microspikes and crampons are two different traction devices that attach to the outside of your boot. For the icy conditions that the Catskills will undoubtedly see this winter, these tools can mean the difference between an enjoyable hike and a serious injury. Know this: microspikes have a flexible rubber housing suitable for easy and moderate hikes while crampons are fixed with a metal frame to stay reliable on steeper climbs and descents that you’ll encounter on more difficult hikes like the Devil’s Path. Look at the brand Kahtoola; they’ve done me well for years.
Like traction devices, snowshoes attach to your boot to help you walk on top of the snow, keeping your feet dry. Ice and snow are two very different trail conditions that require two very different pieces of gear, so knowing when to use which device is important.
I use trekking-poles on 95 percent of the hikes I take, no matter how easy or difficult the terrain and no matter the time of the year. They help keep me balanced and I really notice their help on steep ascents and downhills.
Choosing the right gear and clothing for your winter exploration can be a bit overwhelming, but being outfitted properly will ensure a comfortable and safe on-trail experience. For a hands-on look at everything in this article, head on over to Kenco on Route 28 in Kingston. Their staff will help you with any questions you may have. Be safe this season and enjoy hiking in the Catskills!
Related StoriesThe Cold Catskills: Dressing for Winter Adventures
by: Jeff Vincent
12.1.15 With winter approaching we’ll start to see more and more ill-prepared hikers in the Catskills. It’s important to know the right clothing to wear and the special gear you may need on a cold weather trip. Read more |
Jeff Vincent is a Catskill native, Catskill 3500 Club Member and an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. He is a licensed New York State trail guide and owner of Catskill Mountain Wild; a guide service offering hiking, fishing, camping and paddling tours in the Catskill Mountains, Hudson River valley and beyond. For more information, visit CatskillMountainWild.com, or find Catskill Mountain Wild on Instagram and Facebook.
|
