With winter fast approaching it might be nice to share some tips on what you do to make the hiking more enjoyable and perhaps safer.
Some thoughts to start:
Lip balm: It keeps the lips from drying out, getting sunburn (if you use a sun-block lip balm) and I just like it. I sometimes put some on the nose also because it is exposed to the wind and cold and sun.
Sunblock: a nice moisturing sunblock is good for the face as it helps prevent frostbite, and on bright days that sun works from above as well as from the glare of the snow and ice below.
Pad: some kind of insulating pad makes breaks nicer even if on bare ground. (If you’re going to sit on your pack know where your crampons are - or anything crushable like glasses or goggles.)
Hot drink: a bottle of something hot in an insulated cover, or a thermal cup or bottle (with a sock or some insulator to keep the metal from chilling your hand) is good to have.
Insulated bottle sack: I like to have a drink handy by looping one through my waist belt (I loop it twice to keep it in place and it hangs better).
Labels: I like to check anything new for labels that can scratch whether at the neck, or waist, or wherever and remove them. Nothing worse than being all bundled and zipped up and something is itching you all day long.
Sunglasses: The glare of snow and ice wears on the eyes when out in the open for a long time.
Zipper pulls: I like to check that they are long and sturdy enough to use with a heavy glove on, and will survive the constant up/down zips of the day. I change them out if needed.
Stuff sacks: Keeping things organized makes things go quicker when stopping for changes of layers, etc.
Rump rider: Controversial yes, but I love a good ride down.
Pack: Big enough to keep everything inside rather than dangling off the sides to be lost. And practice getting the snowshoes strapped on securely with heavy gloves.
Hand and toe warmers: I’ve never used them but always carry them.
Some thoughts to start:
Lip balm: It keeps the lips from drying out, getting sunburn (if you use a sun-block lip balm) and I just like it. I sometimes put some on the nose also because it is exposed to the wind and cold and sun.
Sunblock: a nice moisturing sunblock is good for the face as it helps prevent frostbite, and on bright days that sun works from above as well as from the glare of the snow and ice below.
Pad: some kind of insulating pad makes breaks nicer even if on bare ground. (If you’re going to sit on your pack know where your crampons are - or anything crushable like glasses or goggles.)
Hot drink: a bottle of something hot in an insulated cover, or a thermal cup or bottle (with a sock or some insulator to keep the metal from chilling your hand) is good to have.
Insulated bottle sack: I like to have a drink handy by looping one through my waist belt (I loop it twice to keep it in place and it hangs better).
Labels: I like to check anything new for labels that can scratch whether at the neck, or waist, or wherever and remove them. Nothing worse than being all bundled and zipped up and something is itching you all day long.
Sunglasses: The glare of snow and ice wears on the eyes when out in the open for a long time.
Zipper pulls: I like to check that they are long and sturdy enough to use with a heavy glove on, and will survive the constant up/down zips of the day. I change them out if needed.
Stuff sacks: Keeping things organized makes things go quicker when stopping for changes of layers, etc.
Rump rider: Controversial yes, but I love a good ride down.
Pack: Big enough to keep everything inside rather than dangling off the sides to be lost. And practice getting the snowshoes strapped on securely with heavy gloves.
Hand and toe warmers: I’ve never used them but always carry them.
