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Home Forums Backpacking Hand warmers help you keep warm when hiking!

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    Paul B
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    Many people think that winter is not suitable for hiking, but in fact, hiking during the winter will be fun as long as you pay attention to keep warm.

    Just because the temperature has fallen like the leaves of a tree doesn’t mean you can’t have an enjoyable hike outside. With a little extra preparation, hiking in the winter can be every bit as enjoyable as hiking during the warmer months.

    Dress in layers.

    Your base layer should be a wicking fabric that will pull your sweat away from the skin. Pack layers for every part of your body, not just your torso. Overheating is a dangerous threat since excessive moisture that isn’t allowed to escape can freeze and cause hypothermia. If you ever wondered why some of your jackets have zippers under the armpits, they help vent sweat vapor and prevent your clothes from getting wet.

    Wear a hat.

    Our heads are filled with oxygen-carrying capillaries which fuel our brains and consume one-third of the body’s energy. During the colder months, it is important to keep your head covered to maintain function and not lose precious body heat.

    Keep your water bottle warm.

    Staying hydrated in cooler temps is just as important as it is in the summer. Take extra precautions to keep your water from freezing. Start your hike with warm water instead of cold tap water to slow down the freezing process. Nothing warms your body or your spirits like warm liquid on the trail or by a campfire. Vacuum-sealed water bottles and thermoses can help.

    Keep batteries warm.

    Batteries in most electronics lose effectiveness in cooler temperatures. Pack batteries and electronics in interior pockets so body heat can keep them warm. This is especially important if you use any electronic devices as a primary form of navigation. It is recommended that hikers carry paper maps and a compass in the event a navigation device malfunctions.

    Actually, you can bring a rechargeable hand warmer, not only can warm your hands but also warms and charge your phone. The Ocoopa Union 5S rechargeable hand warmer most hikers are using can heat for 15 hours constantly which means can give you warmth for a whole day. If the weather is cold, don’t forget to bring a rechargeable hand warmer.

    Pack freeze-resistant snacks.

    Chewy and gooey snacks often become hard to eat in winter conditions. Either keep these snacks in an interior pocket or pack snacks that are less affected by cold temps. You can test which snacks work best by putting various snacks in your freezer to see what gets too hard to enjoy out on the trail. Crackers, nuts, and solid chocolate typically work well.

    In addition to these tip, remember to follow normal safety practices as well when hiking in the winter. Be sure of the gear you take with you, and if you have any specific questions, ask a local outdoor expert so you can stay safe.

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