Introduction

While it may be true that winter is the season for hibernation for bears, it need not be true for humans. To make winter fun you can now go on with winter hiking. While this might sound like you need to suffer cold waves and hike your way through them, it’s not the case if you’ve got the right winter hiking gear to keep you safe from the cold. It is even more beautiful to hike during the winter as the landscape turns out quite different from the landscape you observe during the summer days. If you are looking for a guide to help you get on a safe winter hike then this article will help you understand all the precautions and tips you need to keep yourself safe during hikes. 

Tips for Choosing Winter Hiking Gear for Cold-Weather Hiking

Investing in the right winter hiking gear tends to be important as it helps you keep warm during the cold harsh weather. Apart from this, you can also enjoy the hike without having to worry about being sick due to the weather.

1. Maps & Compass/GPS

To keep a direction of the way in which you are going you will need to carry either a map or a compass or a GPS device. For a good GPS device that will help you throughout the hike you can check out the 50 multi-purpose whistle and orienteering compass – blue which will consist of the following features:

  • 4-in-1 tool including whistle, thermometer, magnifying glass, and a compass
  • Provides high precision of the location and hence shows the right direction
  • Can be used easily and comes along with a carabiner to tag it anywhere.
  • How to use it:

You need to keep the compass flat to detect the magnetic north correctly. You can either keep it on a flat surface or you can keep it in the palm of your hand.

  • Precautions while using the compass:

You might want to keep the device away from a magnetic source such as high voltage power lines or mobile phones or metal objects as it can lose its magnetic properties when in contact for longer times.

  • Price: Rs. 599/-

2.  Appropriate Footwear

Looking for the right footwear that will help you hike during winter is of utmost importance. You might want to invest in good pair of footwear that will help you not only warm but also save you from moisture. The following options can be used for a better hiking experience.

Women’s waterproof mountain Hiking Shoes

The women’s waterproof mountain Hiking Shoes - MH100 Mid -Khaki has a cushioning effect that helps the hiker to stay in comfort throughout the hike. Especially it being lightweight allows you to hike easily without getting tired. You can also select the shoes based on your walking frequency and intensity with three categories being laid out such as:

  • Occasional hiking: Going on about 10 hikes per year with about 3 to 4 hours each hike.
  • Regular hiking: About 20 hikes per year with 4 to 6 hours per hike
  •  Intensive hike: Going on more than 20 hikes per year with more than 6 hours during each hike.

Features of the shoes can be provided as follows:

  • Sizes available: UK 3 to UK 8
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • MRP: Rs. 5,599/-
Men's Mountain Hiking Shoes

The men's mountain hiking shoes MH100 Grey is a shoe made up of yarn dyed in such a way that it does not impact environmental conditions. While dyeing needs a lot of water which can be considered environmental waste. The fabric used in shoes hence undergoes a pigmentation process that is environment friendly. The grip of the shoes is also certified via various tests conducted on smooth, rugged, dry, and wet surfaces. This ensures that the soles provide a great grip throughout the hike.

  • Sizes available: UK 5.5 to UK 12
  • Waterproof: No
  • MRP: Rs. 3,499/-
Kids’ Warm Waterproof Hiking Boots

The kids’ Warm Waterproof Hiking Boots SH100 Warm Leather Laces Size 2.5 – 5 apart from being waterproof provides warmth and a snuggly fit which keeps the feet quite comfortable throughout the trip. With a number of thermal tests being conducted on the shoes proves that the shoes can keep the feet warm up to a temperature of -4 degree Celsius. Apart from being a good thermal option, these shoes are also quite breathable to wear and walk in.

  • Sizes available: UK 2.5 to UK 5
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • MRP: Rs 4,999/-

3.  Extra Water (Also water purification system)

Carrying a small bottle can prove to be too little especially if you are planning to go on a long winter hike. It is hence advised to carry extra water bottles with great insulation to keep the water hot for longer periods. The following might be a great option.

Isothermal Mug MH500 Stainless Steel

The isothermal Mug MH500 Stainless Steel 0.38L – Khaki can be a great option if you are more accustomed to drinking water from a mug. With big bottles comes bigger opening which might make it hard to drink through bottles. The isothermal Mug MH500 Stainless Steel 0.38L – Khaki provides a great way to keep your drink warm while also providing ease to drink through it. The double rust-proof wall provides safety to your lips and hands while sipping through the mug.

  • Weight: 255 grams
  • Dimension: 8.5 cm X 11.2 cm
  • Capacity: 0.38 liter
  • MRP: Rs. 1,999/-

 

Isothermal Insulated Bottle 0.7 L Stainless steel 

The isothermal Insulated Bottle 0.7 L Stainless steel – Black provides a great option to carry hot water without losing its thermal properties for longer periods. There is also an attached cup screwed onto the bottle for easy transport. With zero BPA in the bottle, it is an eco-friendly option to choose from.

  • Weight: 450 grams
  • Dimension: 8.3 cm X 26.4 cm
  • Available capacities:  0.4 L/ 0.7 L/ 1 L/ 1.5 L
  • MRP:  Rs. 1,299/-

4.  Extra Food

Winter makes most people hungrier than usual. It is hence needed that your intake twice the number of calories than your use. This will allow your body to be kept warm while also providing the energy needed for a long winter hike.

5.  Rain Gear & Extra Clothing

In winter you can expect snowfall near the area where you are going for your hike. It is hence advised to carry rain gear along with some extra clothing that you might want to change into if there’s any incident that takes place.

Adult Cable-Knit Wool Ski Hat Grey

The adult cable-knit wool ski hat grey provides a good covering for your head. This woolen hat also provides comfort to your ears, especially during heavy winter seasons. It comes at Rs. 999/-

Adult Snow Crampons

Some shoes might not provide the grip you need on snow or some terrains might be extra slippery leading to injuries. To avoid such a situation, it is highly recommended to use the adult Snow Crampons - SH100 - S TO XL that will provide an extra grip even on very slippery trails due to its spiky texture.

  • Size: XS, S, M, XL, L
  • MRP: Rs. 1,499/-

 

Kids’ Fleece Hiking Gloves

To protect your kids from cold it is recommended to use the Kids’ Fleece Hiking Gloves - SH100 - 4-14 Years which will help keep their hands warm and safe from frostbite. The fleece material present in the gloves will trap air. This air acts as a natural insulator that will keep the body warm. It is available at an MRP of Rs. 299/-

Waterproof  Warm Gloves

Wet gloves can lead to cold hands which in turn might make you fall sick. It is hence recommended that you use the waterproof warm gloves - Simond cascade light that will protect your hand from getting wet from the snow.

  • Size: XS to XL
  • MRP: Rs. 3,499/-

Winter Hiking Jacket

Women Trekking Hooded Padded Jacket - MT100 -5°C Turquoise provides great insulation to your body hence keeping it warm for a long time. This padded jacket is also perfect for a temperature of about -5 degrees Celsius. Even though it might not be that thick there is string insulation property within the padded jacket while also remaining lightweight. Even when it gets wet, it can easily retain warmth.

  • Size: XS to 2XL
  • MRP: Rs. 3,699/-

Hiking Warm Socks

Hiking warm socks - sh500 ultra-warm mid - 2 pairs come with high breathability and lightweight nature. The elastane of the socks keeps your feet firmly in place while you wear them.

  • Size: 2.5 to 14
  • MRP: Rs. 1,999/-

Warm Water-Repellent Hiking Trousers 

The men's Warm Water-Repellent Hiking Trousers - SH100 ULTRA-WARM is specifically curated for the winter hiking season. Its fleece content protects the skin from the cold due to the air trapped inside which provides great insulation. The water-repellent property makes it easier to walk through the ice without having to get wet or feel cold.

  • Size: S to 2XL
  • MRP: Rs. 1,599/-

Men's Hiking Fleece Sleeveless Jacket

The Men's Hiking Fleece Sleeveless Jacket MH120 is a great addition to your closet for winter hiking. This fleece jacket can serve as a boundary even during temperatures between 7 to 10 degrees Celsius without having to add in a padded jacket. With high durability, this fleece jacket has been curated in Mont Blanc, France with utmost care.

  • Size: S to 3XL
  • MRP: Rs. 1,299/-

Men’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Jacket

It is important that you save yourself from snow and hence the Men’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Jacket - SH100 Warm -5°C Waterproof – Blue provides the same purpose of waterproofing. The jacket has a design that keeps out both wind and water and hence making it comfortable for the wearer to wear for hours. There is also an additional warm hood along with two warm pockets to save your cold hands.

  • Size: S to 3XL
  • MRP: Rs. 2,999/-

Women’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Jacket

The Women’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Jacket - SH100 WARM -5°C is tested for its waterproof ability along with its capability to withstand both wind and water. There are also taped main seams which makes them airtight and hence not allowing the water to enter through these areas. There are also two lined pockets to keep your stuff safe.

  • Size: XS to 3XL
  • MRP: Rs. 2,999/-

6. Fire Starting Equipment, Light (headlamp with extra batteries is best), whistle

You might find it hard to light a fire in the snow, especially with the drop in temperature. However, the following gadgets might help start a fire. The headlamps can also provide great vision if there’s a lot of fog due to the temperature.

Carrying around a torch in your hand can seem a bit tough especially when you need balance during your winter hike. It is hence recommended to use the Battery Head Torch - 80 lumen - ONNIGHT 100 which will provide a great way to turn on lights without having to hold them throughout the hike. It is operated on 3 LR03- AAA batteries which are supplied with the light. The standard LED lighting is also quite bright not only during the day but also during night time allowing you to see clearly.

  • Size: 60 X 40 X 31 mm (excluding the headband)
  • MRP: Rs. 999/-

In case there are no lights on the hiking trail, the Dynamo Hiking Torch 300 Waterproof 35 Lumens which is small and very convenient to hold can come in handy. This torch has a narrow illumination range which concentrates on the light being charged. The outer plastic body of the torch is also designed in such a way that it can easily withstand multiple falls during the hike. The torch can be availed for Rs. 999/-

The CAMPING LAMP - BL200 RECHARGEABLE - 200 LUMENS has a battery life of 2500 milliamps which makes it a great option for usage through long hikes. If you’d like to charge the lamp during your camp you can use a micro USB port to charge it. You can use recharge it by using a power socket, a car cigarette lighter, or any other standard USB port. One of the added advantages is that you can also use a solar panel to charge your lamp. This lamp is available for Rs. 2,799/-

Carrying extra batteries throughout the trip is important as it can come in handy at any point in time. Using the AA Batteries x4 you can ensure that you already have additional backup batteries for any of your battery-backed-up devices.

7.   First Aid Kit

You must keep a first aid kit during your hike as there might be some other unexpected incidents that may occur. Some of the essentials while packing your first aid kit includes the following:

  • Bandages
  • Dressing pads, adhesive tapes
  • Tweezers
  • Cotton swabs
  • Ointment
  • Rehydration salts

8. Sunscreen

While it is good to soak in Vitamin D from the sun, it is still important to carry a good sunscreen for hiking which will provide a good layer of protection against the UV rays.

 Sunglasses

Carry along good sunglasses to save your eyes from extreme sunlight that will damage your eyes. Carrying polycarbonate lenses that are suitable for outdoor sports will be a great option. The Adult Hiking Sunglasses Cat 3 MH140 Blue is not only lightweight and also provides good stability and coverage.

Properly Sized Backpack

Carrying all the essentials in your backpack can tend to be a bit problematic. It is hence recommended to use the Hiking Backpack 40 Liter MH100 – Grey which provides a great way to segregate the products and hence makes it easier to pick things out of the bag. The bag can be availed at Rs. 4,999/-

11.  Extra things that one must carry.

Apart from all of the essential items, you will need to carry some of the extra things such as follows:

Mountain Hiking Pole 

For good mountain hiking support, it is recommended to use the Anti-Shock Mountain Hiking Pole 500 Grey which will provide extra support throughout the hike. With the help of the pole, it is possible to check for any bumps that you could stumble upon. While a lot of people only need a single pole, most prefer to use a pair to keep stability. The mountain hike pole can be availed for Rs. 2,999/-

Pole Kit For Tents

In case you find that your camping kit has been broken and you’d like to fix your kit, then the Camping Fiberglass Tent-Pole Kit For Tents - 0.85mm Diameter can come in handy. With ease of use, the poles can be used to fix for camping.

  • Weight: 654 grams
  • Dimension: 5 m length, 8.5 mm diameter
  • MRP: Rs. 999/-

 

Conclusion

While winter hiking is sure fun and you need to go on one at least once in your lifetime, it is also essential that you check all the safety tips and keep a check of the things you need to carry in order to be prepared for any circumstances. With safety being put first you can easily go on a winter hiking trip with your family to enjoy a great getaway!

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