Saturday, April 4, 2015
Five Quick Tips for Spring Hiking
PrepareNowStore.com 4/4/2015
Spring is a great time to get out a hike but it's also a time when preparation is especially important. Here are some things I've learned over the years.
1. Dress in Layers
Dress
in layers as you would for a mild winter hike and be prepared for a quick turn
in the weather. A light wool base layer under a light to mid-weight insulating
layer topped off with a water proof hard-shell outer layer works for me. Layering
gives you the flexibility to adjust to quickly changing spring weather. If you are hiking in a milder climate, you might try a soft-shell outer layer instead of
hard-shell, or sticking to a lightweight insulating layer. Always bring an
extra pair of dry socks. This is especially important in the spring when weather
can change so quickly. Check weather forecasts and plan for the worst. Always
go prepared!
2. Wear Waterproof Boots or Shoes
- Stick to waterproof boots or shoes unless you're really sure about the weather through your entire hike. The fastest way to ruin a potentially great spring hike is to spend half the day with wet feet.
- Were gaiters if you expect to hike through spring snow or mud. Gaiters bridge the gap between your boots and your pants legs and do a great job of keeping mud and snow out. Do the best you can to plan your hike around problem snow and mud.
- Carry ice grippers if you think there's any chance you might encounter ice or extremely hard-packed snow. Ice grippers are small, light, and easy to carry. Buying them and carrying them is much better than dealing with a broken bone from a fall. Hiking poles can help you maintain your balance, but they are not a substitute for ice grippers.
3. Use Plastic Bags If You Don’t
Have Waterproof Boots (Some experts say)
If
you don't have waterproof boots or gaiters (but you really should), you can try
plastic grocery bags as a very poor substitute to keep your feet dry. Honestly
it really doesn’t work.
4. Observe Avalanche Hazard
Like
always be aware of avalanche danger. Just because its spring doesn’t mean
avalanches can’t happen.
5. Carry Hiking Poles
If
you like hiking poles they are handy on spring hikes. You can probe the depth
of snow or mud. Get collapsible hiking poles if you can that way when you don't
need them, you can collapse them for hands-free hiking.
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