Winter hiking needs not to be troublesome! Apply these wonderful winter hiking hacks collection and enjoy cold and snow outdoors!
These hacks vary from really technical to “out of the box” ones.
Five Winter Hiking Hacks in One
Finding difficult to unzip your clothes? Use zip liners. Need to have your feet and hands warm? Use plastic bags, warm socks or rubber gloves!
Don’t forget your sunglasses.
Essential Hacks
REI.com published a Pinterest image where among many it says:
Winter Hiking Hacks for Heavy Rain?
Use a plastic bag! Open your backpack, place big bag, place clothes and all other winter hiking stuff in the bag.
Things will remain dry, plus you will have an extra garbage bag in case no rainfalls. Here is what Section Hiker proposes!
Hoodini Hoodies/Jackets
Like this one from AYEGEAR can help you carry less in your backpack or no backpack at all. Of course, there is a catch…
When you carry many things in your jacket you sacrifice lots when it comes to comfort.
When it gets warm, you will carry a heavier hoodie with your arms. Clever, but still…
Lithium vs Alkaline
Did you know that Lithium batteries last longer than Alkaline batteries? Well, yes they do. Go Lithium!
Feet Treatment Hacks – Rub it up?
Some say that in order to keep blisters away from your feet is to rub some petroleum jelly, on the areas that are affected most.
Is there a catch? Some claim that these areas as you walk will get really warm too. To apply in a modest way and not too much.
Put Food in Front of You
Snacks and things to drink must be placed in front of you.
Adjust a smaller pack on your chest backpack straps, so you can reach them fast without having to unload/ and re-adjust the whole load.
Winter Hiking With your Dogs?
Let them carry their share. Special gear for dogs allows them to carry their food and water along any hiking trip, along with their special winter pads.
Dry Phone Hack
Use a plastic zip lock bag and seal it in.
Better carry a special ziplock bag if you really want it waterproof. This guy shows why. Better safe than sorry.
Dry Socks Hiking Hack
For more than 1 day trips you may find out that your last day socks are not dry yet. Andrew Skurka says: Use clips and hang them on your backpack straps.
Buff it Up
Buff headwears or neckwears are a must. They are light and have many uses.
They keep your neck or/and head warm. Use them carefully and select proper fabric per season.
Wearing a buff on and off when temperatures vary, may cause colds in covered/uncovered areas.
You don’t want to catch a cold.
Dry Feet Hack
Simple things: Use waterproof boots and waterproof gaiters!
Gaiters will keep them warm and protect them from any itch plantation stings or insects.
Light a Fire Fast Hack
Need to light it fast? Bring your own “tinder”.
Take some cotton and coat it with Vaseline. Coat it with foil and make small “bricks” of that.
When you want to use them simply open one of the sides and twist part of the cotton so to looks like a fuse. Light it up. It will burn slow and usually lasts for 10-15 minutes.
With some dry wood, you can start a fire. Pretty cool advice from Preparedness Advice.
Pack a Tweezer
Some times small things (like ticks) may cause great discomfort. Pack one and use it to remove anything you pick along the route.
Want More Winter Hiking Hacks?
Here is a cool video from (and for) The Unprepared Hiker.
Last but not least: The Duct tape!
With a million users, duct tape can literally save your life. You can repair shows, tents, seal bags, stabilize bandages on wounds and more.
Either get a roll or get some by wrapping it around on batteries (double save of space) or a lighter.
As they say: If it can’t be fixed with duct tape then… you are not using enough duct tape!
Rewards of Winter Hiking?
Well many. Check one of these spectacular views in this video.
Winter hiking is to enjoy and not to take unnecessary risks.
Feel free to read more of our outdoor tips.
Enjoy.
Also, read Best Men’s Winter Coats For Extreme Cold and Best Warmest Thermal Underwear For Extreme Cold Weather.