Where will your boots take you this winter?

Don’t let the cold weather and snow keep you from enjoying a beautiful hike through the woods. Yes, it takes a bit longer to prepare for a winter hike, but the extra amount of things you need to consider packing isn’t too long.

1) Warm Boots and Wool Socks

Take care of your feet. There’s nothing worse than cold or wet feet.

2) Yaktrax, Snowshoes, and Hiking Poles

Yaktrax fit over your boots and add traction in case the trail is slippery. Hiking poles work well for added stability on an icy hill. Snowshoes are useful if there are several inches of snow on the trail, but they are a little to harder to walk with than without.

3) Layers, Layers, Layers

Walking through the snow is hard work. Add in a few hills, some distance, and a few obstacles that you need to navigate around and you' warm up quickly. But when you stop for a snack or to take a picture, you’ll cool right back down.

4) Hat, Mittens, and a Neck Gaiter

This is a lot like the layers above. Half the time I’m not wearing my hat or mittens, but they are absolutely necessary. My neck gaiter though is my favorite winter hiking apparel. This stays on my whole hike and I just change how high I keep it on my neck or face.

5) Water

Water is easier to remember when it’s hot outside, but a hike through the snow is harder than in the summer. You need to keep just as hydrated in the winter.

6) Flashlight or Headlamp and Extra Batteries

It gets dark early in the winter, and it’s easy to get caught in the moment and forget what time it is. No worries if it gets dark - hiking through the snow at night is very peaceful. But it is important to be able to find your way back to the car.

If you would like to receive notification of future posts, please sign up below. I will not share your email address information with anyone.

Matching hats, kid-sized snowshoes and a MN husband

Interstate State Park, MN - St. Croix River

Tettegouche State Park, MN - Baptism River

George Crosby Manitou State Park, MN - Cascades