Have you ever wondered why you don’t get thirsty on winter hikes even though your pee turns yellow and it’s clear that you need to drink more? Blame your brain. It’s not wired to recognize the increased amount of water vapor you …
Read More »Backpacking Skills
9 Winter Navigation Hazards
Winter hiking navigation is different than three-season navigation because easy trails can become unsafe from avalanche danger, deep snow, or dangerous weather conditions. When planning winter hiking routes, it’s important to factor these hazards into your route plans and preparation, even if …
Read More »12 Essential Winter Camping and Backpacking Hacks
Winter camping and backpacking have a much steeper learning curve than three season hiking and camping because you have to carry a lot more gear and learn so many new skills. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years that have improved …
Read More »How to Select a Winter Tent Site
If you go backpacking in winter, you need to know how to select a good tent or camping spot. Three season rules do not apply! Picking the right site will definitely increase your level of comfort, but can also protect you from …
Read More »Hiking Above Treeline
Above Treeline. If those words don’t scare you or at least raise your guard, then you should read this post carefully. Above Treeline occurs at about 4,500 feet of elevation in my neck of the woods, in the White Mountains of New …
Read More »Hiker Foreplay: The Tick Check
It’s widely known that day hikers have the best sex lives in the hiking community, followed by section hikers, and lastly thru-hikers who smell so bad and are so exhausted after hiking 20-25 miles per day, week in and week out, that …
Read More »Gas Station and Convenience Store Resupply Guide
It’s a sad fact that many of the grocery stores you used to find in small towns along the Appalachian Trail and other hiking trails have been replaced by gas station convenience stores. The quality of food available has suffered and it can …
Read More »How to Keep your Water Bottles from Freezing in Winter
One of my readers aked me how to prevent her water bottles from freezing while she was camping above treeline on Mt. Rainier. If you’re in a harsh environment like this, there are a few ways you can prevent your water from …
Read More »How Long Should You Boil Snow in Winter?
If you melt snow in winter for drinking water, you still need to purify it before you can drink it. The easiest to do this is to let it boil for 1 minute if you’re below 6,562 feet (2,000 meters) of elevation …
Read More »Winter Layering with Arm Warmers
Arm warmers are usually sold as cycling gear, but many winter hikers also use them for insulation because they’re easy to take off when you warm up or put back on when you get cold. Frequent stopping, unpacking, and repacking isn’t good …
Read More »How to use an Ice Axe
An ice axe is an essential safety tool for winter hiking and climbing. With proper instruction, it is easy to learn the basics and serves as a foundation for all subsequent winter hiking and mountaineering skills. If you’re new to winter hiking …
Read More »Winter Hiking Skills: Crampon Walking Technique
There’s no doubt that Kahtoola Microspikes revolutionized winter traction and opened up winter hiking to a much wider audience. Before microspikes came along, most hikers had to purchase mountaineering boots and crampons if they wanted to hike on icy trails, which required …
Read More »Winter Weather Forecasting in New Hampshire’s White Mountains: Concepts
If you plan to hike in the White Mountains in winter, it’s important to pay careful attention to the the weather forecast so you can avoid hiking in dangerous conditions. High winds, cold temperatures, or deep snow can compromise your safety but …
Read More »Oboz Sawtooth II 8″ Insulated 200g Hiking Boots Review
Oboz Sawtooth II Insulated 8″ Hiking Boots (new in fall, 2020) have 200g Thinsulate insulation and are rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for hiking in cool, wet weather and milder winter conditions. They’re comfortable but quite supportive with a …
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