Techniques and Tips For Cold Weather Walking

[davebugg]

When deciding on gear and clothing choices related to walking in colder weather, it is important to make these considerations in conjunction with how one might use them to best effect. Adequate clothing can fail to prevent hypothermia, for example, if good technique is ignored.

Layering clothing for temperature regulation and comfort is a biggie. You never dress with the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm at the start of walking or hiking... you wear the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm 10 minutes after you start walking.

In cold weather, or even cool weather, one needs to do what is necessary to prevent overheating and sweat. That includes how fast a pace one is moving at in exerting energy, as well as how much clothing one is wearing, and how much air circulation one is able to maintain.

It does not take long, with any layering amount, to saturate clothing with sweat. THAT is when the danger of hypothermia, and at the very least a chilly discomfort will begin to take its toll. If saturation or wetness happens, the only recourse is to change into dry clothing. Since there is usually a limited amount of clothing carried in a backpack, it is essential to adopt strategies to control sweating. Keep in mind that the material of your layers will also determine the effect to you from the above scenario. Focus on clothing made from merino wool or specialized synthetics. These will allow the garment to remain somewhat insulative even though saturated with sweat. Cottons and cotton blends are a menace and can accelerate a hypothermic condition.

Strategies include those mentioned above:

• Limit layers of clothing to only those needed when full exertion is going to be achieved. For those who can't suck it up for a few minutes, then wear only layers which can be quickly and easily removed. For instance, adding a poncho will add about a 15 degree F advantage to existing layers. It allows for good air circulation. As you warm up during the first 10 minutes of your walk, the poncho is easily removed and stashed into a side pocket of your pack.
• Move as slow as you need to, within reason, to keep perspiration to a minimum. This may also mean stopping to allow your body to cool down. Even with a single, lightweight layer, some folks walking under load will tend to over-heat. Keep monitoring yourself.
• Keep an insulative layer near at hand so that if you are wetting-out while walking, you can put it on quickly when you stop for a break. Keep it in an outside pocket or on top of the other contents in your pack. A light puffy jacket or mid-weight fleece or a down vest works well here. The key is to keep this layer dry and to use it as a last resort when at rest. If this strategy is needed, do not continue walking until you have been able to stop sweating and you can achieve some level of dryness to your clothes.

In the above scenario, you may actually become warmer by removing your saturated layers so that you only have on your dry insulative layer. Dig out a towel and dry off excess sweat as best you can. Wring out your other layers and let them start to dry. If you have a second shirt, put it on. Hang your wet things from your pack so that they can dry. After you have cooled down, and with your dry layer and your insulative layer on, walk slowly to avoid re-heating. You will make progress down the path, stay warm, while letting your wet layers become dry. The real goal at this point is to dry your layers, not achieve distance.

• Do not discount the amount of added warmth a light scarf or bandanna or a buff will bring as it insulates your neck. Wearing one can make wearing less layers very comfortable. It will also be a good first line of defense against over-heating and excess sweating by the ability to remove it, thus allowing the neck to act as a radiator in helping to shed body heat.
• Yes, the type of head gear worn makes a big difference in one's body's heat loss or retention. A hat that works well for sun is not going to be the best choice for cold weather. Wool is king, as it is far less impacted by sweat affecting its inuslative properties than most other materials. And even though wool weighs more than other types of insulation, you do not need a heavy cap of wool to keep you warm. Wool is also far more breathable than many materials which aids in heat control.

As with neck wear, a wool cap can be easily removed to assist with cooling the body to prevent overheating.

Much of the above is what I have used when mountain climbing at high altitudes. Patience and light, multiple layers is the key to preventing hypothermia when being active outdoors.

 

[James van Hemert]

When deciding on gear and clothing choices related to walking in colder weather, it is important to make these considerations in conjunction with how one might use them to best effect. Adequate clothing can fail to prevent hypothermia, for example, if good technique is ignored.

Layering clothing for temperature regulation and comfort is a biggie. You never dress with the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm at the start of walking or hiking... you wear the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm 10 minutes after you start walking.

In cold weather, or even cool weather, one needs to do what is necessary to prevent overheating and sweat. That includes how fast a pace one is moving at in exerting energy, as well as how much clothing one is wearing, and how much air circulation one is able to maintain.

It does not take long, with any layering amount, to saturate clothing with sweat. THAT is when the danger of hypothermia, and at the very least a chilly discomfort will begin to take its toll. If saturation or wetness happens, the only recourse is to change into dry clothing. Since there is usually a limited amount of clothing carried in a backpack, it is essential to adopt strategies to control sweating. Keep in mind that the material of your layers will also determine the effect to you from the above scenario. Focus on clothing made from merino wool or specialized synthetics. These will allow the garment to remain somewhat insulative even though saturated with sweat. Cottons and cotton blends are a menace and can accelerate a hypothermic condition.

Strategies include those mentioned above:

• Limit layers of clothing to only those needed when full exertion is going to be achieved. For those who can't suck it up for a few minutes, then wear only layers which can be quickly and easily removed. For instance, adding a poncho will add about a 15 degree F advantage to existing layers. It allows for good air circulation. As you warm up during the first 10 minutes of your walk, the poncho is easily removed and stashed into a side pocket of your pack.
• Move as slow as you need to, within reason, to keep perspiration to a minimum. This may also mean stopping to allow your body to cool down. Even with a single, lightweight layer, some folks walking under load will tend to over-heat. Keep monitoring yourself.
• Keep an insulative layer near at hand so that if you are wetting-out while walking, you can put it on quickly when you stop for a break. Keep it in an outside pocket or on top of the other contents in your pack. A light puffy jacket or mid-weight fleece or a down vest works well here. The key is to keep this layer dry and to use it as a last resort when at rest. If this strategy is needed, do not continue walking until you have been able to stop sweating and you can achieve some level of dryness to your clothes.

In the above scenario, you may actually become warmer by removing your saturated layers so that you only have on your dry insulative layer. Dig out a towel and dry off excess sweat as best you can. Wring out your other layers and let them start to dry. If you have a second shirt, put it on. Hang your wet things from your pack so that they can dry. After you have cooled down, and with your dry layer and your insulative layer on, walk slowly to avoid re-heating. You will make progress down the path, stay warm, while letting your wet layers become dry. The real goal at this point is to dry your layers, not achieve distance.

• Do not discount the amount of added warmth a light scarf or bandanna or a buff will bring as it insulates your neck. Wearing one can make wearing less layers very comfortable. It will also be a good first line of defense against over-heating and excess sweating by the ability to remove it, thus allowing the neck to act as a radiator in helping to shed body heat.
• Yes, the type of head gear worn makes a big difference in one's body's heat loss or retention. A hat that works well for sun is not going to be the best choice for cold weather. Wool is king, as it is far less impacted by sweat affecting its inuslative properties than most other materials. And even though wool weighs more than other types of insulation, you do not need a heavy cap of wool to keep you warm. Wool is also far more breathable than many materials which aids in heat control.

As with neck wear, a wool cap can be easily removed to assist with cooling the body to prevent overheating.

Much of the above is what I have used when mountain climbing at high altitudes. Patience and light, multiple layers is the key to preventing hypothermia when being active outdoors.

Yes! Any tips for type of gloves?

 

[malingerer]

When deciding on gear and clothing choices related to walking in colder weather, it is important to make these considerations in conjunction with how one might use them to best effect. Adequate clothing can fail to prevent hypothermia, for example, if good technique is ignored.

Layering clothing for temperature regulation and comfort is a biggie. You never dress with the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm at the start of walking or hiking... you wear the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm 10 minutes after you start walking.

In cold weather, or even cool weather, one needs to do what is necessary to prevent overheating and sweat. That includes how fast a pace one is moving at in exerting energy, as well as how much clothing one is wearing, and how much air circulation one is able to maintain.

It does not take long, with any layering amount, to saturate clothing with sweat. THAT is when the danger of hypothermia, and at the very least a chilly discomfort will begin to take its toll. If saturation or wetness happens, the only recourse is to change into dry clothing. Since there is usually a limited amount of clothing carried in a backpack, it is essential to adopt strategies to control sweating. Keep in mind that the material of your layers will also determine the effect to you from the above scenario. Focus on clothing made from merino wool or specialized synthetics. These will allow the garment to remain somewhat insulative even though saturated with sweat. Cottons and cotton blends are a menace and can accelerate a hypothermic condition.

Strategies include those mentioned above:

• Limit layers of clothing to only those needed when full exertion is going to be achieved. For those who can't suck it up for a few minutes, then wear only layers which can be quickly and easily removed. For instance, adding a poncho will add about a 15 degree F advantage to existing layers. It allows for good air circulation. As you warm up during the first 10 minutes of your walk, the poncho is easily removed and stashed into a side pocket of your pack.
• Move as slow as you need to, within reason, to keep perspiration to a minimum. This may also mean stopping to allow your body to cool down. Even with a single, lightweight layer, some folks walking under load will tend to over-heat. Keep monitoring yourself.
• Keep an insulative layer near at hand so that if you are wetting-out while walking, you can put it on quickly when you stop for a break. Keep it in an outside pocket or on top of the other contents in your pack. A light puffy jacket or mid-weight fleece or a down vest works well here. The key is to keep this layer dry and to use it as a last resort when at rest. If this strategy is needed, do not continue walking until you have been able to stop sweating and you can achieve some level of dryness to your clothes.

In the above scenario, you may actually become warmer by removing your saturated layers so that you only have on your dry insulative layer. Dig out a towel and dry off excess sweat as best you can. Wring out your other layers and let them start to dry. If you have a second shirt, put it on. Hang your wet things from your pack so that they can dry. After you have cooled down, and with your dry layer and your insulative layer on, walk slowly to avoid re-heating. You will make progress down the path, stay warm, while letting your wet layers become dry. The real goal at this point is to dry your layers, not achieve distance.

• Do not discount the amount of added warmth a light scarf or bandanna or a buff will bring as it insulates your neck. Wearing one can make wearing less layers very comfortable. It will also be a good first line of defense against over-heating and excess sweating by the ability to remove it, thus allowing the neck to act as a radiator in helping to shed body heat.
• Yes, the type of head gear worn makes a big difference in one's body's heat loss or retention. A hat that works well for sun is not going to be the best choice for cold weather. Wool is king, as it is far less impacted by sweat affecting its inuslative properties than most other materials. And even though wool weighs more than other types of insulation, you do not need a heavy cap of wool to keep you warm. Wool is also far more breathable than many materials which aids in heat control.

As with neck wear, a wool cap can be easily removed to assist with cooling the body to prevent overheating.

Much of the above is what I have used when mountain climbing at high altitudes. Patience and light, multiple layers is the key to preventing hypothermia when being active outdoors.

am pinning this to my START page on my desk top so that she who will accompany me for first time this coming APRIL will see that it is written by ONE WHO KNOWS and not just me trying to be clever

SAMARKAND.

 

[davebugg]

Yes! Any tips for type of gloves?

The gloves that I use are a polartec power stretch glove. There are a number of manufacturers, and can be found from REI to Amazon. I prefer those designed for winter running. Nowadays, they have fingertips that can work with touchscreens, too.

 

[jsalt]

the type of head gear worn makes a big difference in one's body's heat loss or retention

When I was about 4 years old I asked my granddad why he wore his hat in the house, and he said “to keep my feet warm”. I have never forgotten that, and it is so true.

As I grew up, when I slept outside on hiking trails, in cold weather, I put my woolly hat on before getting into my sleeping bag, and thought fondly of granddad, who died when I was 5.

 

[Anhalter]

Yes! Any tips for type of gloves?

I used and still use the cheapest glove Decathlon is selling. They are like 2€ (iirc used to be 1€) and come in around 25g. They are not waterproof, but the fabric itself is just simple plastic, so it drys very fast. I might not use them in winter (well, i do now, but it's hardly winter in germany), but they should be good for 3 seasons.

 

[alexwalker]

When deciding on gear and clothing choices related to walking in colder weather, it is important to make these considerations in conjunction with how one might use them to best effect. Adequate clothing can fail to prevent hypothermia, for example, if good technique is ignored.

Layering clothing for temperature regulation and comfort is a biggie. You never dress with the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm at the start of walking or hiking... you wear the amount of clothing needed to keep you warm 10 minutes after you start walking.

In cold weather, or even cool weather, one needs to do what is necessary to prevent overheating and sweat. That includes how fast a pace one is moving at in exerting energy, as well as how much clothing one is wearing, and how much air circulation one is able to maintain.

It does not take long, with any layering amount, to saturate clothing with sweat. THAT is when the danger of hypothermia, and at the very least a chilly discomfort will begin to take its toll. If saturation or wetness happens, the only recourse is to change into dry clothing. Since there is usually a limited amount of clothing carried in a backpack, it is essential to adopt strategies to control sweating. Keep in mind that the material of your layers will also determine the effect to you from the above scenario. Focus on clothing made from merino wool or specialized synthetics. These will allow the garment to remain somewhat insulative even though saturated with sweat. Cottons and cotton blends are a menace and can accelerate a hypothermic condition.

Strategies include those mentioned above:

• Limit layers of clothing to only those needed when full exertion is going to be achieved. For those who can't suck it up for a few minutes, then wear only layers which can be quickly and easily removed. For instance, adding a poncho will add about a 15 degree F advantage to existing layers. It allows for good air circulation. As you warm up during the first 10 minutes of your walk, the poncho is easily removed and stashed into a side pocket of your pack.
• Move as slow as you need to, within reason, to keep perspiration to a minimum. This may also mean stopping to allow your body to cool down. Even with a single, lightweight layer, some folks walking under load will tend to over-heat. Keep monitoring yourself.
• Keep an insulative layer near at hand so that if you are wetting-out while walking, you can put it on quickly when you stop for a break. Keep it in an outside pocket or on top of the other contents in your pack. A light puffy jacket or mid-weight fleece or a down vest works well here. The key is to keep this layer dry and to use it as a last resort when at rest. If this strategy is needed, do not continue walking until you have been able to stop sweating and you can achieve some level of dryness to your clothes.

In the above scenario, you may actually become warmer by removing your saturated layers so that you only have on your dry insulative layer. Dig out a towel and dry off excess sweat as best you can. Wring out your other layers and let them start to dry. If you have a second shirt, put it on. Hang your wet things from your pack so that they can dry. After you have cooled down, and with your dry layer and your insulative layer on, walk slowly to avoid re-heating. You will make progress down the path, stay warm, while letting your wet layers become dry. The real goal at this point is to dry your layers, not achieve distance.

• Do not discount the amount of added warmth a light scarf or bandanna or a buff will bring as it insulates your neck. Wearing one can make wearing less layers very comfortable. It will also be a good first line of defense against over-heating and excess sweating by the ability to remove it, thus allowing the neck to act as a radiator in helping to shed body heat.
• Yes, the type of head gear worn makes a big difference in one's body's heat loss or retention. A hat that works well for sun is not going to be the best choice for cold weather. Wool is king, as it is far less impacted by sweat affecting its inuslative properties than most other materials. And even though wool weighs more than other types of insulation, you do not need a heavy cap of wool to keep you warm. Wool is also far more breathable than many materials which aids in heat control.

As with neck wear, a wool cap can be easily removed to assist with cooling the body to prevent overheating.

Much of the above is what I have used when mountain climbing at high altitudes. Patience and light, multiple layers is the key to preventing hypothermia when being active outdoors.

Having been a (winter) soldier in Arctic climate, I can fully attest to the advice given by @davebugg .

Adding to his good advice: You are a walking heating engine, generating ca. 100 W. For drying moist/wet socks, put one in each armpit overnight: You may smell, but your socks will be warm and dry in the morning.

For moist shoes: Put them in an open plastic bag and store them in the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight: They will be dry and soft next morning.

Your sleeping bag may need a wash after a few days, but you will be warm and dry.

 

[mspath]

When I was about 4 years old I asked my granddad why he wore his hat in the house, and he said “to keep my feet warm”. I have never forgotten that, and it is so true.

As I grew up, when I slept outside on hiking trails, in cold weather, I put my woolly hat on before getting into my sleeping bag, and thought fondly of granddad, who died when I was 5.

jsalt,
I agree with you and your granddad about winter walking pleasures/difficulties, ie what to eat, wear, and expect.
I never expected but always hoped. Some albergues were heated, some not. Often the heat would be turned off during the coldest hours of the night!!

However wearing winter tights, a long sleeve shirt and loose socks as well as a warm hat to sleep was always helpful when in a cold place.

The coldest I ever slept on the camino was late February 2006 in the Hornillos del Camino then
unheated public albergue space when my breath hung white in the frigid interior and ice formed in the toilet bowl!! Nevertheless I was toasty dressed as above.

 

[henrythedog]

Having been a (winter) soldier in Arctic climate, I can fully attest to the advice given by @davebugg .

Adding to his good advice: You are a walking heating engine, generating ca. 100 W. For drying moist/wet socks, put one in each armpit overnight: You may smell, but your socks will be warm and dry in the morning.

For moist shoes: Put them in an open plastic bag and store them in the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight: They will be dry and soft next morning.

Your sleeping bag may need a wash after a few days, but you will be warm and dry.

So long ago that I really should forget it, I spent a couple of weeks being chased all over the Hardangervidda by your compatriots whilst we attempted to pretend to destroy some fictitious power plant. In the alcohol-sodden debrief after the course it was clear that whilst our kit was based around the (30 years ago) synthetic materials most of the Norwegians kit was wool.

 

[ranthr]

Having been a (winter) soldier in Arctic climate, I can fully attest to the advice given by @davebugg .

Adding to his good advice: You are a walking heating engine, generating ca. 100 W. For drying moist/wet socks, put one in each armpit overnight: You may smell, but your socks will be warm and dry in the morning.

For moist shoes: Put them in an open plastic bag and store them in the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight: They will be dry and soft next morning.

Your sleeping bag may need a wash after a few days, but you will be warm and dry.

Interesting point about shoes. Never tried that, but will do sometime needed!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

My tip: If

1) you expect the weather to generally be okay but you're worried about it possibly being colder

AND

2) you have a puffy jacket with a detachable hood

THEN

Bring the hood.

 

[alexwalker]

So long ago that I really should forget it, I spent a couple of weeks being chased all over the Hardangervidda by your compatriots whilst we attempted to pretend to destroy some fictitious power plant. In the alcohol-sodden debrief after the course it was clear that whilst our kit was based around the (30 years ago) synthetic materials most of the Norwegians kit was wool.

Many NATO countries are having exercises each year in our Arctic environment. It is an important NATO training ground for them. I have been an instructor for them. It was always fun to kick their a.ses.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Super helpful @davebugg. So walking slower is not only good for seeing the scenery, it reduces your chances of hypothermia, too. I really should pin this to my forehead but pinning it to my phone will have to do. lol Thank you.

 

[lt56ny]

Having been a (winter) soldier in Arctic climate, I can fully attest to the advice given by @davebugg .

Adding to his good advice: You are a walking heating engine, generating ca. 100 W. For drying moist/wet socks, put one in each armpit overnight: You may smell, but your socks will be warm and dry in the morning.

For moist shoes: Put them in an open plastic bag and store them in the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight: They will be dry and soft next morning.

Your sleeping bag may need a wash after a few days, but you will be warm and dry.

Hi Alexwalker I always have a newspaper or two stuffed in my pack. When my shoes are wet newspaper when I arrive at the albergue. Then again before bed. Dry shoes in the morning.

 

[alexwalker]

Hi Alexwalker I always have a newspaper or two stuffed in my pack. When my shoes are wet newspaper when I arrive at the albergue. Then again before bed. Dry shoes in the morning.

Me too, but they sleep with me at night

 

[Richard Smith]

Hi Alexwalker I always have a newspaper or two stuffed in my pack. When my shoes are wet newspaper when I arrive at the albergue. Then again before bed. Dry shoes in the morning.

A few sheets of newspaper on your chest inside your shirt also make a great wind barrier.

 

[pjacobi]

For cold weather, I wear my Under Armour Level 3 Base shirt.

-Paul