There is no need to shy away from the outdoors as the temperatures drop as long as you know how to dress for the cold weather.
“This is a great time of year to be outside and hiking,” said Paul Smith, lead guide with REI Experiences.
He noted how cooler seasons give hikers an opportunity to see their favorite walk in a new light. For example, with fewer leaves on the trees, hikers can see farther and see the shape of the land.
Plus, when snow falls, hikers can go into the woods and find and follow animal tracks. The snow also muffles sounds, so hikers are able to hear and experience nature differently.
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Another perk of hiking during this time of year is that it is easier to dress and be more comfortable for the outdoors.
To stay comfortable in cooler temperatures – and to avoid becoming sick and having to cut your trip short – a few considerations need to be made when getting dressed beyond simply throwing on a thick coat.
Dressing strategically for colder temperatures largely involves managing heat and moisture, according to Smith.
Heat is naturally produced by your body, and wearing appropriate clothing to retain that heat is critical. However, retaining too much heat, especially as you exert yourself during your hike and generate more heat, can become a problem. Taking off too many clothes can be dangerous as you become more exposed to the cold.
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Too much heat can lead to moisture, or sweat, building up and causing your skin to feel wet and clammy. Smith said this happens when wearing clothes that are too thick and insulating or that can trap moisture in your clothes. When that sweat absorbs into your clothes and does not dry, that can lead you to feel cold.
The key to managing heat and moisture involves dressing in layers, according to Smith. Layers offer not only comfort but also flexibility and give adventurers a chance to fine-tune their winter wear as they generate heat and sweat during their hikes.
Here is how to properly layer clothes for cold weather adventures.
Each layer can be removed or put back on as heat and sweat are generated by your body throughout a hike.
To help make bringing along layers more convenient on a hike, Smith recommends wearing a small backpack where clothing can be stored while keeping your hands free during your hike.
In addition to managing the heat and moisture of your body, wearing the right layers can also impact how warm your hands, feet and head may feel.