Winter might not be the most convenient season for some people especially for having an adventure. However, winter adventure can be fun too if you know what you are doing. Yes, it can be dangerous due to the extreme cold and other risks. With a little more preparation and precautions, it’s possible for you to have a safe adventure in winter such as trekking.
Trekking in winter, how to do it safely
Trekking itself is pretty strenuous activity to do even in more comfortable season. Trekking requires you to have good fitness so you can keep up with the trails. Doing it in winter sounds like a bad news but some people prefer to do it instead. You can actually trek safely in winter by taking necessary preparation and precautions, such as:
Wear base layer
It’s important to wear base layer which consists of tops and bottoms. Base layer helps keep your body warm without building up moisture. Wool base layer is recommended since it’s comfortable, warm, and don’t smell. When trekking you can remove all layers except your base layers. When you stop walking, you can put your layers on again.
Mid and outer layers
You can wear fleece or cool sweater as your mid layer. They are warm and pretty lightweight. For outer layers, you can put on windproof jacket to fight against windy or wet days. You can also choose parka or a good puffy down jaket for outer layer. Make sure to take off the outer layer when you’re trekking to avoid overheat.
Wear face coverings
You face still freezes no matter how hot you get when trekking. Hence, it’s highly recommend to put your face coverings on all the time during hiking. In addition, face coverings also help your neck and chin from stay warm. Use breathable face coverings so you can still breathe properly while being covered.
Use the right winter gears
Before renting or buying trekking gears, make sure to find the ones that fit your type of expeditions. For example, traditional snowshoes are best for winter trek. They are larger and you sink in less than you would on smaller snowshoes. It’s applied to other gears as well, make sure to choose the ones that fit the condition of your expedition’
The right gears for camping
You need the tents to protect you when sleeping in the open. It’s recommended to choose modern tents. They are warm, and you can set up a wood stove safely inside. You also may need sled to load up all your trekking essentials instead of carrying them on your back.
Put your safety on top
Plan your trek thoroughly in advance and learn more about the routes and trails. Hence, you know what to expect to stay safe during the trek. Read the guidelines and policies from the authorities. You can also consider hiring a guide instead to ensure your safety. Keep in mind that trekking on ice isn’t for amateurs so it’s best to stay on designated trails that safer for you.
