Winter isn’t the time of year most people associate with hiking, but if you’re properly prepared and equipped with some basic knowledge, it’s a fine time to take a walk in the woods. Submitted photo

Winter isn’t the time of year most people associate with hiking, but if you’re properly prepared and equipped with some basic knowledge, it’s a fine time to take a walk in the woods.

What you wear on a winter hike can really make the difference between a miserable or even dangerous experience and a lovely day on the snowy trail. Keeping dry and warm is the goal in selecting your winter hiking outfit. Starting out, it’s best to add a few layers or options in a daypack to make sure that you have enough layers with you and to give yourself a convenient place to carry layers that end up being extra.

Start with building a base layer that will stay dry from moisture, both in from the environment and out from your own sweat. Avoid cotton fabrics in creating your base layer as cotton can cause some major heat loss when wet and stays wet for a good long while. Keep in mind that you will be producing heat by being active, but you also need to be able to remain comfortable if you end up standing still for a little while. Good base layers are often available in Merino wool or synthetic fibers. Once you have a few hikes under your belt, you will have a better sense of what thickness or material in a base layer is most comfortable for you.

Next you will want an insulating layer. Fleece or down are popular choices. Just remember that down does not insulate well when wet. Ideal winter hiking insulating layers are easily vented or can fit in your day pack if they get too warm. Moisture is the enemy when it is cold no matter where it comes from. It’s much better to shed a layer before you get sweaty than to end up shivering and cold because you were too warm for too long.

In selecting a shell layer, look for a water-resistant or waterproof material that is vented either with side vents or a front zipper. Your outer shell should be able to shed rain or other precipitation and keep your insulating and base layers dry. Some shells have an integrated insulating layer that is removable. Remember to consider the thickness of your base layer and insulating layers when selecting a shell layer so that there is room under your shell for the other layers. Avoid outer shells specifically geared towards specific sports that involve very different kinds of activity such as snowmobiling or skiing as they are usually too warm for hiking.

Warming the extremities is also very important since your extremities are most vulnerable to cold, especially toes and fingers. A durable warm hat and gloves as well as adequate socks and boots are all necessities for winter hiking. An extra hat and socks are useful to carry in your daypack as wet hats and socks are a recipe for discomfort or worse. Keep in mind that good materials for these garments are wool, silk blends or other synthetic fibers. As an additional add-on to your kit, I personally recommend gaiters that cover the top of your boots to the knee. They keep snow out of your boots and keep legs dry and warm. A “buff” or neck warmer is also a good idea to keep the cold off the neck and face, especially in windy conditions. Avoid scarves if you can as they can get tangled or lost along the way.

Some other gear to remember includes sunglasses (as sun reflected off the snow can be very uncomfortable to squint into), sunscreen for your face (because even low angle sun can cause a burn) and poles for balance and support. There are trekking poles, adjustable poles and many other variants. You can also just grab a stick from the ground to lean on if needed.

If snowpack is more significant, then snowshoes may be necessary. Just remember to size your snowshoes for your weight and the weight of the gear you might carry with you. Snowshoeing can give you access to wild spaces with few other people around.

Finally, always let someone know what your planned hike is going to be. Let someone know where you plan to go and how long you intend to be out, and always close the loop on that communication with a call or text to let them know you are off the trail.

Once mentally and physically prepared, you are ready to take a walk in the winter woods. The CWC has a number of preserves that would make for a good winter hike. If you look at the interactive preserve map on our website, you’ll find many places throughout the county that you can explore. Happy winter hiking.

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams, wetlands and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. For more information, call 664-2166 or visit chautauquawatershed.org or facebook.com/chautauquawatershed.