In the Winter
Keep Jack Frost from nipping at your toes
By Charmian Christie
Winter GearCold temperatures and mounds of snow will guarantee any winter outdoor adventure you plan will not be interrupted by the madding crowd. Although you are virtually guaranteed solitude, this snow-dusted peace comes at a price. Specialized winter gear and clothes don't come cheap, but are essential to a frosty outdoor adventure.
The Cold
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize the primary challenge and danger of winter camping and hiking is the cold. With hypothermia and frostbite only an ill-timed hike away, be sure to brush up on your winter first aid and ensure your equipment and gear are warm, waterproof and designed to keep you toasty in sub-zero temperatures.
Water
Staying hydrated can go a long way to preventing hypothermia, but unlike desert environments, snow country has an abundance of water - even if it's frozen. While ponds and lakes freeze quickly, fast moving streams and rivers remain an open source. Tempting as it may be to dip your canteen in a flowing stream, never venture onto thin ice to get water. If the ice breaks, you're more likely to freeze to death before you drown.
In the absence of running water or rivers, quench your thirst with snow. We can joke about not drinking the yellow varieties, but glacial temperatures might leave you melting pans full of the white stuff for your morning coffee. Use your stove or campfire to melt the snow, but keep in mind it takes 10 inches of snow to yield an inch of water. And don't toss drinking water caution to the winter winds. While humans can freeze to death in sub-zero conditions, harmful microorganism can survive extreme temperatures. Whether your water comes from a river or snow, be sure to filter, purify or boil it first.
Snow
With the exception of avalanches, snow itself is not necessarily dangerous. But it can make normally accessible destinations more difficult and time-consuming to reach. Plan your timelines accordingly and be sure to bring all your navigation tools, even on short treks. Don't rely on retracing your steps. Not only can freshly fallen snow bury your path, but swirling flurries can disorient you even when you're only yards away from your tent.
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