Accessories for hiking at low temperatures

Each season of the year requires equipment proper to the needs of our body, according to the weather that awaits us. That’s why taking into account the accessories that you must carry along your route is something very important.

If you want to hike your route during summer, we recommend you to read about the equipment necessary for hiking in summer or you can also consult the essential material for hiking, this can help you get everything you need for each season of the year.

But today in Walkaholic we will talk about the accessories you’ll need if you go on hiking trails at low temperatures, since the cold can become your worst enemy. Not having the right and necessary things can lead to a bad experience.

Gloves

Low temperatures negatively affect the extremities, hands and fingers are especially susceptible to cold. Wearing gloves can be a very favorable factor when it comes to protecting your hands. This supplement not only protects them from the cold, but also from dryness and cracks.

There are heated gloves with batteries, you’ll find different brands and models, most with autonomy between 2 and 5 hours depending on the intensity of the heat. These can be used with outside temperatures of up to -20 degrees Celsius and with adaptable temperatures of up to 45ºc. The gloves have a network of filaments that allow you to warm your entire hand.

The gloves with gauntlet are ideal for wearing the sleeve inside, preventing the entry of snow or water. Their only disadvantage is that they tend to be bulkier, which can interfere with some movements.

There are also gloves without a gauntlet, these are worn under the sleeve, occupy less volume and allows more agile movements of the hand. Its disadvantage is that its protection is less effective since it is easier for water and snow to enter between the sleeves.

Using double glove also can be a good solution to retain heat, the main or inner glove should be a thin glove, it will protect you if you have to take off the outer glove for any activity, so you will always have your hand protected with the main glove.

If you plan to take photos or use tactile devices, we recommend that the inner gloves have duct material on the fingertips, this will allow you to use your devices without removing your gloves.

Glasses

When the sun does not heat during winter or many times due to the cloudy sky, we make the mistake of thinking that it isn’t important to wear glasses, but our eyes should always be protected from sunlight and external agents such as water, snow or wind.

Please wear large glasses, which also cover your sides and they should be exactly your size so they are perfectly adapted to your face.

The color of the glasses is another important factor, although it does not seem like that. The lenses are classified into protection classes or categories, so you should consider the following advices:

• Yellow, green or blue lenses are not recommended for winter, as they offer a protection class of only 0, 1 or 2, or belong to category S0, S1 or S2.
• Gray or brown lenses are recommended for winter, but must belong to protection class 3 or category S3. They offer enough protection even in the mountains, in snowy environments.
• If your eyes are extremely sensitive, the most recommended lenses are protection class 4 or category S4.

Other characteristics to be valued when choosing glasses in winter are:

• Have a resistance against bumps and scratches.
• Weight should be light.
• They must be reinforced in the most vulnerable areas.
• They should be easily adjustable and comfortable.
• They should not obstruct your field of vision.

Ski mask and beanie

When there is extreme cold weather, the upper part of our body also suffers, protecting the head, ears and neck well is essential to avoid diseases.

Depending on weather and how much the cold affects you, you should choose a balaclava or ski mask that covers everything but your eyes, one covering only your head and neck is an option too, leaving the choice of covering or not the area of ​​the mouth and nose.

The thickness is another characteristic that you should evaluate, if you are going to wear it without helmet, maybe the thickness does not matter so much, however, if you are going to put on a hat or helmet then a lighter one is better. Make sure the material is breathable, if it is not, you may feel overwhelmed or unable to breathe smoothly.

Socks

There is nothing worse than having the sensation of “frozen feet” when you are hiking. Being cold on the feet also causes to be cold through the entire body most of the time. To warm the lower part of the body you must wear socks that allow you to keep that area dry and hot.

Different types of socks for cold weather:

• Tube socks: they are the most basic, are elongated in the shape of a tube and elastic. The upper part has an elastic band that prevents it from sliding down.
• Ergonomic socks: their anatomical shape makes them more comfortable. This type of sock usually has a specific shape on the instep, arch and ankle, which provides a more comfortable fit.
• Padded socks: they are ideal to avoid pain and discomfort; they help to maintain good condition of different areas that suffer high impact or pressure that we apply on the foot. They come with different padding areas. Some even bring padding in the shin area.

These are just some of the accessories to consider when hiking with cold conditions, you should also know How to choose the right hiking jacket? or the types of boots and soles for hiking, with all this information we assure you that you are fully prepared for your next adventure.

Do not forget to take the necessary precautions so you enjoy without any risk. See you on your next route, although perhaps with so many layers we will go unnoticed.

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