How to stay warm outside in all weather
Getting outside and immersing yourself in nature is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues. Regardless of where you live, there are so many benefits to wintertime hiking and backpacking: the beauty of the snow-covered wilderness, quieter less populated trails, and no mosquitos!
Fear that discomfort and difficulty will accompany cold and inclement weather often keeps hikers inside for the winter. But this does not have to be the case! In order to stay safe and maximize your enjoyment, it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge of how to stay warm outside on the trail and in your tent. Here are some pro tips and guidelines I like to consider when planning my own cold-weather adventures!
There's no Such Thing as Bad Weather, just bad gear
Staying Dry
One of the most essential strategies in how to stay warm outside is simply staying dry. When exercising, as much as 85% of a person’s body heat can be lost through sweat. In the summertime, this is a great thing! But in wintertime, if the sweat stays near your skin, it will transfer heat away from your body, keeping you cold and soggy. Your goal should always be to minimize moisture and when it happens, wick it away from your body as quickly as possible. To do this, properly layer and bring a change of warm, dry clothes for when you get to camp.
What to Wear
Knowing how to stay warm outside starts with choosing the right materials for your clothing. Most seasoned hikers have heard the phrase “cotton kills.” This is because, unlike wool or synthetic fabrics, cotton clothing tends to hold on to moisture for a very long time, keeping you cold and uncomfortable. When choosing your outdoor clothing, look for materials that move moisture away from your skin and dry quickly, such as merino wool, bamboo, polyester, and nylon. For socks, thin merino wool is the most popular and comfortable option to keep your feet warm and blister-free.
Layering
Because your level of exertion (and therefore heat production) changes throughout a hike, it is important to use a layering system to accommodate changes in body temperature. Even in the coldest temps, one too many layers can cause you to overheat. Your goal is to stay comfortable without causing yourself to sweat. Make sure nothing is too tight, as this can reduce circulation to your extremities. A typical layering system looks like this:
Base layer: Wicking, synthetic, and light, something to pull moisture away from your skin. (Don’t forget; this includes underwear!)
Midlayer 1: Ideally a lightweight yet warm hoodie, pullover, or zip-up. Polyester fleece, wool, or synthetic material. This is your insulating layer! It should be loose enough to fit comfortably over your base layer, but thin enough to keep your outer layers comfortable.
Midlayer 2: An insulated coat or jacket. While not always necessary, this layer is essential in the coldest temps. Down or synthetic insulation are both acceptable, but if you are worried about rain or snow, synthetic stays warm even when wet!
Outer layer: A waterproof shell. Raincoats work great! Try to find something with a hood to protect your head and ears. Ideally, this layer will be made from a breathable waterproof fabric (such as Gore Tex) to prevent sweat condensation.
Cover as much skin as you can! Don’t forget mittens, gloves, a neck gaiter, and a warm hat. Knowing how to stay warm outside comes down to protecting every exposed area of your body.
Water
Staying hydrated is critical to the body’s temperature regulation and circulation, as cold temps make it harder to recognize early signs of dehydration. Even when you aren’t sweating, your body is losing water through the skin, which is exacerbated by the dry winter air. Aim to drink around half a liter per hour while hiking, or 3-4 liters per day. At camp, making hot water, tea, or hot chocolate to sip on can be a great way to keep your core temperature up even in freezing conditions.
Food
Your metabolism is your body’s furnace, and in colder weather, it is important to eat frequently to keep it properly fueled. Proper nutrition is a key component of how to stay warm outside. On a winter hike, your body can use as many as 50% more calories than it would on the same hike in warmer weather, so plan accordingly! While on the trail, it’s nice to have easy-to-access snacks with a mix of healthy fats, protein, and simple carbs. Before bed, eating slow-burning, high-fat foods gives your body the energy it needs to keep you warm throughout the night.
Movement
Movement plays a crucial role in staying warm. Physical activity helps generate heat and improves circulation to your extremities. Staying active is easy while hiking but can be a challenge at camp. You may be tempted to stay glued to the campfire, but if you’re feeling cold, try to incorporate movement and get your heart rate up however you can: stomp your feet, do jumping jacks, or have a silly dance-off. Staying active is an important element of how to stay warm outside, especially in frigid temperatures.
Sleeping Warm
Follow these steps to stay warm inside your tent and sleeping bag when temps drop:
- In cold temperatures, the moisture from your breath can condense and freeze as you sleep. It can be tempting to snuggle all the way into your sleeping bag at night, but make sure you are breathing out of the bag to avoid moisture accumulating inside! This is the case for your tent as well. Make sure you allow for some ventilation, so the moisture can escape the tent and keep you and your belongings dry.
- If you need to go, go! I know the last thing you want to do is leave your cozy sleeping bag in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, but your body works hard to keep urine warm, and that is energy better spent keeping YOU warm. It may be difficult in the moment, but peeing when you need to is important for long term comfort.
- Sleep with a warm water bottle! Before bed, heat up some water for tea and use the rest to make a hot water bottle for your sleeping bag. Cover it with a sock to protect your skin, and sleep with it at your core. This is one of my favorite tricks for staying comfortable when it’s cold.
- Finally, sleep with your hiking clothes! It’s no fun to wake up and realize you need to put on underwear that froze in the night. To avoid this, sleep with your hiking clothes tucked into your sleeping bag with you, ensuring they’re warm in the morning.
Mastering how to stay warm outside can transform cold-weather hiking and camping into an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By staying dry, layering properly, staying active, and preparing with the right gear, you’ll be able to enjoy winter’s beauty without discomfort.
