The Basics of Winter Hiking

Winter hiking can be fun and comfortable, provided one makes the right preparations.  Well chosen clothing and footwear are important.

Sources
Local thrift shops, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul often have great deals on newish good fleece clothing and other useful items.

Base Layer
The key principle is to have several light layers, rather than one thick layer.  Long underwear tops and bottoms should be worn whenever temps are in the 30s or below, or when winds are blowing hard.  NO COTTON UNDERWEAR!!  Look for underwear made from synthetics like polypro or nylon, silk, or wool/synthetic blends.  I usually wear a synthetic long sleeve top, then a synthetic shortsleeve top.

Shirt or Top
A warm shirt, fleece pullover, or the like should come above the base layer. Again, wool or synthetics are the type to look for.

Coat or Jacket
Here, a windproof/waterproof outer layer is the thing to look for.  With enough layers underneath, a rain jacket can work well.  New jackets of this type can be found at Bass Pro Shops, Dicks Sporting Goods, and even at WalMart or Target.  

Pants
AVOID BLUE JEANS.  Denim, if it gets sweaty or otherwise wet, will chill a person.  Go with either fleece sweat pants, wool, or synthetic pants.  Rain or rain/wind pants make a good outer layer also.

Headwear
A warm, insulating headgear is essential.  A bare head will lose at least 40% of body heat, more if there is wind.  Look for hats of wool, wool/synthetic blends, or fleece.  Fleece headbands or balaclavas are good.  Also, Lands End and Cabelas have fleece earmuffs that go around the back of the head, rather than over the top, to preserve hairdos.  Neck gaiters or scarves can also be helpful.

Gloves or Mittens
Something for the hands is essential.  Mittens generally are warmer than gloves.  Look for double layer handwear for cooper temps.

Footwear
Boots are an item where higher-end, costlier choices may be necessary.  Many boots currently made are waterproof and insulated. Look for boots with decent treads that will grip.  Socks should be wool or wool/synthetic blends.  Consider taking a spare pair of socks on a hike to change at the halfway point.
Gaiters can be helpful in keeping snow/water out of the top of one's boots.
Traction gear such as from 32North or Yaktraks can be good on slick surfaces.




Sources
Aside from the local thrift shops and retail stores, above, check out www.sportsmansguide.com, www.campmor.com, www.sierratradingpost.com, www.backcountry.com, www.rei-outlet.com.
Other places for good winter clothing include LL Bean, Lands End, www.wintersilks.com, and others.

Some general considerations
Ample water supplies are as important in winter as in summer. Cold air is dry, and exertion causes major water loss due to exhalations.  
High energy snacks such as nuts, trail mix, Clif Bars of course, are highly helpful.
Hiking sticks are really useful in slick conditions.