I have already declared that my hiking season begins in autumn. This is because the season brings with it cooler weather, which makes hiking more pleasant. Although the days become shorter, if like me, you don’t enjoy hiking in the heat or rain, then this is the best time to dust your boots, lace up, and hit the trails. In autumn, nature seems to brag as the leaves of most trees change their colours, and most start falling, making a carpet of multicoloured leaves on the ground.
The joys of winter hikes
Many popular hiking trails get crowded in summer. Being notorious
for my preference of intimate hikes, each time I see a large group of hikers, I
cringe. And that does not suggest that I don’t love people. I am a lover of all
things human, anti-social maybe. But the biggest reason is that I go to nature
to connect and experience some quiet moments, something impossible with a large
group. And because many people don’t prefer hiking in winter, if you share my
preference for a quieter connection with nature, then you’ll be in for a treat
as trails are normally less crowded. And for those who cringe at the thought of
snakes, in winter, they hibernate, and you can enjoy your hike without worrying
about the chance of encountering a slithering friend on your way.
Gear up for winter hikes
I’m not a runner, but I rub shoulders with runners because
imitating them prepares me for hiking. Each time I’m part of a race, I tend to
decide who is a true runner and who is just there for fitness, through their
dress. Regardless of the weather, runners wear shorts and vests, while the rest
of us wear long leggings and light jackets that later go to our waists. I guess
that’s because runners know that once they run, it gets hot. I know I may be
wrong, but that’s my uneducated assessment.
Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean you need your thickest
jacket. That will be very uncomfortable. Many of us learned that the hard way.
The first thing you need to learn as a beginner hiker is that in winter, you
dress in layers. As much as you do not want to be too cold, you don’t want to
deal with an unnecessarily heavy load. Consider the following:
- A
moisture-wicking base layer (not cotton)
- A
fleece or hoodie for insulation
- A
lightweight, windproof jacket
- Comfortable
hiking pants or leggings
- A
beanie and light gloves for cold starts
Wear the right shoes/boots
We already know that your shoes can determine your experience of the trail. In autumn, the ground is often damp and covered in fallen leaves. The same goes for winter where you’re likely to experience frost in the early mornings and all that may be slippery. This is where you need footwear with good traction and ankle support. Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots will do you a lot of good. You may also add gaiters for the frost and wet grass.
In your bag
The weather may be nice and cool, but you must still be
prepared and remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the winter sun
:
- Water
(at least 1.5L)
- Sunscreen
and sunglasses
- Snacks
(biltong, trail mix, fruit)
- A
map or GPS
- First
aid kit (always)
- Headlamp
or flashlight (just in case your hike takes longer than
expected)
Finally
Hiking is not just an exercise; it’s an opportunity to leave the screens and the noise and reconnect with nature. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors sans the intense summer sun and rain. So, lace up your boots, pack a snack, and step into the crisp air and never forget the hiking etiquette. Don’t let the freezing temperature tempt you to start late as the days are short. Enjoy the subtle crunch of frosted grass and leaves under your boots, still careful not to slip. Take beautiful photos and soak in the views, one step at a time.
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