Winter hiking tips for beginners (part 1)

In today’s blog post, I’d like to talk about sports and one of my favourite activities during winter – hiking. As much as I enjoy snuggling under a warm blanket with a book in hand, a few years ago, I discovered how enjoyable winter hiking adventures can be. It is also one of the healthiest and easiest ways to stay active during the winter months.

But how to start? Here are the most common questions people usually ask (me) about winter hiking.

What type of winter hiking safe for me?

This is one of the most common questions, and it can be a bit tricky to answer. However, I’ll provide you with the most important information.

First, you need to choose a suitable backpack depending on the length of the hike. A 20-30L backpack is usually sufficient for a day trip. Tip: It’s better to choose your backpack in a physical store, as different brands use various back constructions, and not everyone will find the same style comfortable. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Deuter and proud owner of two daypacks, but I find Osprey to be the most comfortable brand for me. As for the price, it’s entirely up to your current budget. Even basic hiking models today are made from high-quality materials and should last for many years.

Next, the shoes. It’s worth spending some time researching different hiking shoe brands. As with the backpack, I recommend you try them on in a physical store. You should look for ankle-length boots to keep your feet as secure as possible, along with a waterproof membrane. Most high-end brands use Gore-Tex, the most well-known brand of waterproof, breathable membrane used in both shoes and clothing. If it’s your first winter hike and you don’t want to make a significant investment, you can opt for just waterproof ankle boots. The type of footwear you need also depends on the weather conditions – the higher you go, the higher quality shoes you should choose.

Last, but by no means least, is your clothing – particularly layering. Whatever type of winter hiking you choose, you’ll need at least three layers for the top and two for the bottom. The idea is to be able to remove the first layer if you start getting overheated, which is quite common during winter hikes. This will also help prevent you from moving in cold, damp clothes if you start sweating. There are a variety of options in terms of quality and price for these layers. If your budget allows, opt for wool base t-shirts, underwear and socks. This natural material is a great investment, as it can be worn during summer hikes as well. Wool keeps your body warm, dry, and well-insulated. The next layer should be a membrane, such as a sweatshirt – if possible, choose a winter-specific, breathable one. On top of that, you’ll need a winter jacket, which you’ll likely have to take off after a while, especially if you’re doing mountain hiking.

Now you have a plan from where you can start building your equipment. Keep an eye for part two of this blog post where I’ll give more tips and share my personal experience on winter hiking.