Many people who backpack during warm weather do not consider this sport during the colder months of the year. Backpacking during fall and winter can be thrilling and full of adventure. To enjoy backpacking this time of year requires thoughtful planning, correct attire and weather-appropriate necessities.
Clothing
Dressing yourself in layers is essential to maintaining a comfortable body temperature and staying warm and dry as you trek. In that you sweat while hiking, the layer closest to your skin should draw the dampness away from your body. Select a wool blend material that dries quickly that is not heavy when wet. Your middle layers should consist of weightless clothing that keeps your body heat from escaping. Clothing options include wool, fleece and down-filled jackets. The outer layer is for those times when your need to shield yourself from the wind, rain and snow. This clothing should be waterproof and have vents to allow your perspiration to air. You will need a minimum of two pairs each of socks, gloves and shoes. One pair of footwear should be waterproof hiking boots that reach above your ankles. A well insulated hat is a must during cold days of hiking. Never wear cotton when cold-weather backpacking. Instead of moving perspiration away from your skin, it chills your body and can cause hypothermia. Some hikers call it the "death cloth."
Bedding
Getting a good night's sleep after a long day of backpacking is essential to enjoying the next day of hiking. Select a light, down-filled bag rated for the coldest weather you will encounter. You will need a closed-cell sleeping pad on which to place your sleeping bag. This insulates your body from the cold, hard earth, keeps you warm, and protects you from getting wet when the ground is snow-covered. Pack your sleeping bag in a waterproof bag to keep it dry if it should rain or snow.
Housing
There are two types of tents to consider for cold-weather backpacking. A free-standing four-season tent is beneficial when the ground is rocky or frozen and tent pegs cannot be driven into the ground. The other option is the four-season traditional tent with double-wall construction to shield against strong winds, rain and snow. These require tent pegs and tend to be a bit heavier, a consideration when backpacking.
Food
Due to cold weather and arduous exercise while hiking, your body burns two to three times more calories, requiring you to consume approximately 6,000 calories a day. Your food provides the heat and energy you need to survive. Foods that contain fats and proteins are vital because they discharge energy over an extended time. Prior to hiking, freeze one-pot meals such as stew and chili in plastic bags that can be boiled in water and are less bulky to pack. Another option is freeze-dried food that requires little water to cook. The majority of your calories should come from quick-energy carbohydrates such as dried fruits, instant potatoes and rice and grains. Hydrating your body throughout the day is critical. When you come across a stream of water, drink as much as possible. Before and after meals, drink hot beverages such as soup, hot cocoa and broth.
Essentials
There are some essentials that should always be taken on a backpacking trip. You need a first aid kit that includes a half-dozen adhesive bandages, iodine, gauze pads, pain reliever, antacid, allergy and blister medication, butterfly bandages, lip balm, sunburn relief medication, scissors, needle and thread. You also will need a compass, flashlight, knife, map, shovel, cooking stove, sunglasses, sunscreen and waterproof matches.
References
- Backpacker Magazine: How Do I Layer for Cold Weather?
- Boy Scouts of America: Backpacking Gear, Tips and Information
- Backpacking-Guide: A Guide to Backpacking Tents Part 2-Intended Use
- Princeton University Outdoor Action: Cold Weather Backpacking Equipment List
- "Backpacker" Magazine; Moveable Feast; Cindy Ross; December 1989
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