When we lack the proper equipment or good habits, the cold can prevent us from walking or turn our outings into nightmares: muscle tension and spasms, cold-induced numbness, chills etc. Check out our advice to help you cope with the drop in temperature so you can hike comfortably
We will never repeat it enough, you must ensure that you adapt your equipment to the intensity of your effort. Indeed, if you are climbing a hill and don't bother removing your fleece, you are likely to sweat more and you will be wet even if you are wearing a breathable t-shirt.
Once you are wet, you will have trouble warming up, particularly during breaks.
You can also choose clothing with ventilation zips (neck or underarm vents) to help regulate your body temperature.
If necessary you can look back over our advice on "The 3 layer technique".
80% of your body heat is lost through your extremities (hands, head, feet).
Moreover, our body's priority is to get blood to the brain. If your head is kept warm, it requires less energy to keep it warm, and there is improved blood flow to the rest of the body, particularly the extremities.
Always take a pair of gloves and a hat (or headband) with you in case. And choose warm socks. Ideally they should also be breathable to avoid keeping feet wet even if you perspire. The same applies to your shoes.
In the winter replace your usual flask or water bladder by an isothermal bottle.
Drinking cold water when you are cold may put you off, but a badly hydrated body does not work as well and is more sensitive to tiredness and cold (as well as small discomforts such as headaches and even tendinitis...). Moreover, a warm drink will give you a boost to warm you up if you are a bit cold.
If the weather is very cold or if you are particularly sensitive to the cold, remember to wear tights under your trousers (this tip may avoid you having to buy winter trousers), glove liners under your gloves, etc.
Do you know the benefits of merino whool ? A naturally effective fiber.
Odour resistant : The wool of Merino sheep naturally reduces the spread of bacteria that causes unpleasant odours. It can subsequently be worn for several days, enabling you to carry less clothing on a trek!
Thermal regulation : Merino wool has a greater capacity to absorb perspiration. It subsequently helps to keep the body dry and maintain the ideal body temperature: it protects you from the heat as well as the cold!
Softness : Our Merino wool is made from very thin fibers (18.5 microns) that don't itch. Completely unlike your grandmother's pullover !
Do not over-tighten or under-tighten your shoes, the aim is for the foot to be supported without discomfort. Do not hesitate to re-adjust the tightening depending on how it feels during the hike, especially when you walk downhill. However too tight a shoe may hinder blood circulation and leave your feet frozen !
To find out more, take a look at our advice: "how do I tighten my hiking shoes properly?".