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Personally I'm a warm weather girl. I've grown up in the warmth, prefer a pair of shorts and always tend to gravitate to warm weather travel countries. However, there is so much of the world that is equally (or dare I say more) beautiful. I mean snow-capped mountains?!
I recently did the Lares Trek in Peru over three days and also the Torres del Paine base viewpoint hike. Two very different hikes, these weren't my first hikes, but definitely my most prepared cold weather hikes and let's just say...they were absolutely incredible, cold and all!
I'm usually convinced that I won't enjoy myself because it'll be "too cold", but really I just needed to be properly equipped. Below are my essentials to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable on your cold weather hiking escapades.
Insulating Layers Layering is key when it comes to staying warm in cold weather. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, followed by insulating layers such as fleece or down jackets to trap heat close to your body. Invest in high-quality, lightweight materials that offer both warmth and breathability to regulate your body temperature as you move. The best layers I got were either from stores like Kathmandu, Patagonia or North Face. They don't need to be super expensive, quality first. I recommend packing 2-3 base thermal layers (1 pair for the bottoms should be fine), a good fleece, a puffer jacket, raincoat, a pair of thermal/waterproof pants and some good socks! Of course this depends how long you are away for. I highly recommend hiking socks, even if you aren't hiking. These are so warm and are sweat wicking too. They are good quality, so you don't need heaps of pairs (wash instead of over-packing).
Waterproof Outerwear Protecting yourself from the elements is crucial when hiking in cold weather, where rain, snow, and wind are common. A durable, waterproof jacket and pants will shield you from moisture and wind chill, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your hike. Look for features like adjustable hoods, sealed seams, and ventilation options to adapt to changing weather conditions. I got a basic raincoat from Patagonia while they had a sale - super breathable and blocked out the rain and the wind!
Insulated Footwear If anyone knows cold feet, it's me! Investing in proper footwear is essential. I went over to my local Decathlon to have a look at some sturdy but comfortable hiking boots. The ones I opted for are light-weight and sturdy at the same time. Sure if you are doing Mount Kilimanjaro, you might need sturdier boots - I got these or something similar but basically your basic hiking boots. And they have lasted me multiple hikes in varied weather and are still going strong!
Thermal Accessories Don't overlook the importance of keeping your extremities warm. Pack a beanie or insulated hat to retain heat and protect your ears from the chill. Thermal gloves or mittens will keep your hands warm and dexterous. And while I don't think this heat pack essential, I would definitely recommend it if you are camping or your hands get cold and you want to hold it in your pocket. Also it's just a bit of heated fun!
Hydration and Nutrition Staying hydrated and well-fuelled is just as important in cold weather as it is in warm weather. I'm a snack girl, so would recommend some high-energy protein bars, snacks like nuts and dried fruit to keep you fuelled through your hikes. If you really want, carry a thermos for you and your friends. I'd probably only recommend this if it is a day trip, so you don't have to carry too much in terms of weight. Lastly, an insulated water bottle is great, but a water bladder was an absolute GAME-CHANGER for me. Sure I took a water bottle too, but a water bladder is just so convenient, and it doesn't need to be fancy. Here is the one I got and it worked really well, I don't think I can go hiking without one now. Also, it isn't bulky to carry in your pack. Also you feel like an avid hiker, even though I'm definitely not.
A good quality Backpack This goes without saying, it is absolutely essential to have a sturdy back pack for your travels in general, but particularly when it comes to hiking. Now for me, I wanted a backpack that served as a day pack as well as a comfortable backpack for my travels in general. This one is perfect, it's good quality, has nice padding on the straps along with being water bladder compatible and affordable too. I loved it through my adventures and served well as a general holiday backpack too! The bottom of the backpack has a cooler bag style section, keeping your food nice and fresh.
7. Backpack Cover
Along with a good backpack, a backpack cover is essential. I am so glad I bought one, it definitely came to a lot of use. Backpack covers aren't super sexy, but are light-weight, reflective and easy to put on your backpack. Keeping everything inside nice and dry.
Alright so those are my essentials! Of course you'll buy your specifics like your thermal pants and puffer jackets. With the right gear and preparation, cold weather hiking can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Embrace the beauty of winter landscapes, breathe in the crisp, frosty air, and revel in the sense of adventure that comes with exploring nature in its most serene state.
So, bundle up, lace up your boots, and embark on a cold weather hiking adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Happy trails!