Winter hiking is an excellent way to discover or rediscover the beautiful landscapes here. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, winter hiking is a very accessible sport. All you need is to be careful and, above all, to be well equipped.

In Canada, the outdoors is year-round! Some would even say that it is the best season to hike... The landscape is magnificent and the fresh air stimulates the immune system. The cold season passes much faster when you take advantage of it!

Hiking in winter is easy! Here are some basic notions that might interest beginners. For the experts, here is a little reminder.

How to dress well for winter hikes

Obviously, in order to enjoy the winter weather, you have to dress accordingly. There are two major factors to consider when it comes to dressing: protecting yourself from the cold and protecting yourself from your body sweat.

Sweating is a phenomenon that becomes really important to consider in winter! Moisture released by the body moistens clothing, making it feel colder. If you start to sweat, stop and remove a layer of clothing.

In fact, the best technique to protect yourself from cold and sweat is to dress in layers. Using a multi-layer clothing system allows you to better control body heat.

❗️For effective multi-layer dressing, you should favor clothing made of synthetic or natural fibers such as merino wool or polyester. Especially avoid cotton. It absorbs sweat and takes far too long to dry.

Dressing well with the 3-layer system

The first layer is the one closest to your body. It should keep your skin dry. To achieve this, this layer must be breathable to let sweat escape. It is recommended to go for breathable clothing made of synthetic fibers.

The purpose of the middle layer is to insulate and retain your body heat. This layer must wick away sweat, dry quickly and retain its insulating properties. That's why fleece clothing is most commonly used. They have the advantage of protecting from the cold even when wet, transferring moisture to the outer layer and drying quickly.

The outer layer should protect against wind and external moisture, while wicking away sweat. Use windproof clothing and avoid drafts by closing your clothes tightly and using drawstrings.

👉The 3 layer system is also applicable for the lower body.

👉In extreme cold, you can multiply the second layers.

👉Don't forget to cover your extremities well.

The right footwear for winter hiking

In winter, hiking boots often wins out over shoes. The height of the boot becomes very advantageous. In addition to providing extra support, the height of the boot reduces snow infiltration.

You benefit from better comfort and avoid potential injuries. Since snow often hides obstacles in the terrain, the risk of a twisted ankle is high.

Look for a membrane in your hiking boots that resists rain, snow and cold, while being breathable. Read more about boot selection.

How to equip yourself for winter hikes

For an optimal experience, equip yourself properly. You may need:

Crampons
Snowshoes
Survival blanket
Gaiters
Walking sticks

A well-filled backpack will not harm your comfort. It is better to be vigilant. Winter hikes carry a higher risk than summer hikes.

Hydration, even more important in winter!

Even if it's only a few hours of walking, it's important to stay well hydrated in winter! Be as vigilant, if not more so, than in summer. Indeed, in winter, the sensation of thirst is much less felt. It is therefore easier to become dehydrated without realizing it. It is also important to know that dehydration promotes hypothermia...

So remember to hydrate even if you don't necessarily feel like it.

💡 In winter, your water can quickly freeze. To avoid this inconvenience, store your water in an insulated water bottle or thermos. A hydration pack is not ideal in winter. Water often freezes in the supply tube.

Finally…

Before leaving, even for a short period of time, inform your entourage of your route. Also remember to keep your communication devices warm (keep your cell phone in a pocket close to your body). With the necessary precautions, winter hiking could become your favorite outdoor sport.

The important thing is to stay safe. Find out more, and check out this government article on how to prevent the effects of cold weather.

The basics of winter hiking