Dress to Stay Warm and Safe in Winter and you’ll love it!
Dressing properly is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe and warm in winter. It makes it way easier to have fun too! Outdoor sports can have a variety of physical exertion levels, so dressing to stay safe and warm for each individual activity is very important.
Hypothermia (loss of central core heat) is dangerous and if far from the indoors – it is the killer of the unprepared. Frostbite is not good either and can lead to severe tissue damage and long-term hypersensitivity.
So even on our two hour snowshoe tours or winter hikes, it’s important to stay warm and safe. While they do not require much as far as specialty clothing, having the right stuff can go a long way to being comfortable no matter what that day has in store. Having a few of these essentials in your outdoor kit can be the key your safe outdoor travels.
Full day adventures in the winter require careful planning and good gear.
Even our 2 hour winter tours in the single digits or below zero temperatures DO REQUIRE the bare minimum. If windy, exposed flesh can freeze quickly if the windchill gets extreme (-20). Kids especially need to have decent mitts, hats and snow boots. El cheapo or knit gloves won’t cut it when frigid. Blue jeans without long underwear in single digits (or below) is not going to be fun and can be dangerous even.
General Rule: Sweating is to be avoided in winter because it will saturate your inner layer of clothing and the wetness will draw heat out from the process of evaporation heat loss. So, make sure to take some time and to dress to stay safe and warm.
This chilling effect is especially increased if your inner layer is cotton. The best inner layer is always a wool blend long underwear or the newer long underwear synthetics like poly propylene. Best winter outfits for activities like hiking and snowshoeing allow you to unzip and ventilate. Layers are key. Carry a small pack so you can shed a layer (or bring an extra layer)
Bring an insulated water bottle so you stay hydrated, some matches, a lighter and candle in case you need to start an emergency fire to stay warm, a tarp and maybe even one of those silver blankets.
Of course, never venture out on a hike without telling someone where you are going, make sure your phone is charged and with you and that your location tracker is turned on.
The Best Winter Clothing Items
The best boots are boots specifically for the winter. Packing boots with extra socks might help but you need good wool socks. Rubber and leather upper Boots with removable felt liners like the Sorel or Kamik are our favorite. Flimsy rubber boots not so good because snowshoes have to strap tight to your boots, which can crush the boot some. High Top Sneakers may cut it in mild winter conditions but not when things get really cold.
Knit hats are an essential. Many parkas have hoods and high collars which can also help seal up heat loss from your head and neck. In extreme cold you need a face mask or scarf or something to cover that precious nose.
The neck-up is great but you need a hat too. A good neck up can really be a great addition to a knit hat. In frigid weather you must be able to cover your nose.
When you cut the wind out of the stay warm equation, you’ve come a long way in assuring you will be toasty warm on the coldest days. Wind pants can be deluxe with full length side zippers for ventilating and putting on with boots on. Or as simple as a nylon track pant. Breathable fabric is best (to avoid sweating) or the best which is the waterproof and breathable fabric, Goretex.
Goggles can be very nice when things get arctic. Of course ski goggles work fine. I prefer cheaper fog-free safety goggles with clear lenses to protect eyes from bushwacking and good vision in the overcast storm.