The Cold-Weather Climb: How to Stay Warm on Mountain Hikes
Winter is such a beautiful season – playing with snow, going on winter hikes and exploring the beautiful scenery are just a few of the wonderful activities that anyone and everyone can partake in. Mountain hikes have become increasingly popular in recent times, with a multitude of people embracing the cold and choosing to spend some quality time outdoors. As with any winter outdoor activity, keeping warm is top on the list of priorities even for the biggest of thrill seekers. In this article, we look at some ingenious ways in which you can stay warm on mountain hikes, so read on to find out more!
1. Dress Appropriately
If you’re heading out into the cold for some outdoor activities, it is imperative that you rug up. Wearing the appropriate attire is one of the best ways for anyone to keep warm when on mountain hikes. If you’re bracing single digit temperatures, it is essential that you have a winter jacket, fleeces, a warm winter hat, thick scarves, socks and always ensure that you are fully covered. This means opting for a good pants instead of leggings, and layering up as much as possible. It is also important that your clothing offers you good ventilation in the form of ventilation zips to help regulate your body temperature and stop you from sweating which will prove to be a problem later in the day as damp clothing makes it difficult to stay warm.
2. Get Your Snack On
Did you know that one of the best ways to keep warm is to ensure that you are well nourished and that your tummy is satiated? As our bodies digest and metabolise food, we create heat that assists us in keeping warm and toasty. The best foods to snack on your mountain hike are foods that are high in fat. Fat metabolises gradually and slowly, ensuring that you are kept warm throughout the entire duration of your hike. Some great options of high fat snacks are trail mix, nut bars, nut butters, preserved meats and jerkies or low carb protein bars. All these snacks will provide you with all the sustenance you need for your mountain hike, whilst keeping you warm at the same time!
3. Treat Yourself To A Hot Cup Of Cocoa
Another fantastic way to stay warm on winter mountain hikes is to bring a thermos flask along with you. If you don’t have a thermos, you can also bring along a vacuum sealed mug. Hot cocoa, cider, herbal tea or even soup broth are fantastic options to fill your thermos with. You will be able to sip on these toasty beverages throughout the duration of your hike to warm you up from the inside out. We highly suggest you avoid any alcoholic beverages during your hike as alcohol reduces body temperature, so save the hot toddy for when you’re back home and sitting in front of the fireplace!
4. Look Towards The Sun
When you’re hiking in winter, we always suggest working in sync with the sun. Always try to plan your hikes such that the timing coincides with when the sun is highest in the sky. This will be the warmest point of the day, and will offer you much better conditions to truly enjoy your outdoor activities. As soon as the sun drops behind the mountains, temperatures can rapidly dip, so if you plan on catching a glorious sunset, we always recommend not straying too far from the trailhead later on in your hike.
5. It’s Time To Get Moving
Last but not least, there is no better way to keep yourself warm than to get a great workout that gets your blood pumping and sweat flowing. Ever noticed how warm you feel after a vigorous workout at the gym? Choosing a hike that is uphill will increase your heart rate and really get your blood flowing which helps with increasing circulation and raising your internal temperature. You’ll feel great at the end of your hike due to the endorphins that your body has released and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world!
We hope that this article has given you some easy ways to keep warm on your next winter mountain hike. With a little planning and know-how, you’ll be able to engage in some outdoor winter play whilst staying warm and toasty throughout the process.
