How To Survive Hiking In 0 Degree Weather

If you are thinking about hiking in seriously cold weather, one thing and one thing only will help you: preparation, preparation, preparation. You're in luck, though, because we're about to share everything you need to know about hiking in 0 degrees Fahrenheit weather.

The most important thing about hiking in 0 degrees Fahrenheit weather is keeping yourself warm. Wearing lots of layers with synthetic or other materials that wick moisture is best. In addition, keep extremities warm. Lastly, it is essential to eat and drink often.

Although you have heard you need layers to keep warm in the cold, exactly how do you do it? Read on to find the nuisances to keeping warm and things to know when it comes to eating and drinking.

Wear Layers When Hiking In 0 Degree Weather

Although it's tempting to solely wear a big, fluffy parka for your source of heat, it just won't cut it for 0-degree weather. That is why it is essential to use a layering system when hiking in the cold. The colder it is - the more layers one should wear.

It does not mean, though, you should pile on the clothes until you look like one of those cartoon characters who try to make themselves look bigger (or older). Rather, the ideal amount of layers is usually 2-4. Of course, this is dependent on where or what season one hikes in.

It would be best to choose a four-layer system if you plan to hike in extremely cold weather. However, this layering system is just a basis and can be adapted to add more layers if needed.

1. The first layer deals with all the fabrics nearest to the skin, such as T-shirts, socks, and underwear. Wool or synthetic materials should be used for this layer, as it can wick sweat away from the skin and dry quickly. Wet clothes are a hiker's number one enemy in cold conditions since it poses a serious threat and danger to the hiker. So, wearing the proper clothes is essential.
2. The second layer will also consist of a synthetic or wool mid-layer. You can opt for pullovers or other ideal garments for this layer.
3. A synthetic, and most importantly waterproof, third layer will make up the outer layer. Think big and puffy jackets. So, fleeces, jumpers, or even downers can be a great garment of choice here. The jacket will help insulate you from the cold and transfer moisture to the outer layer while drying more quickly.
4. Lastly, the fourth layer will be a 'hard-shell' that will help protect you from the elements such as rain, heavy wind, or snow. This layer does not have to be worn all the time; however, you will surely be glad you have it when the elements come.

Keep Extremities Warm When Hiking In 0 Degree Weather

Even when it is slightly cold, our extremities seem to lose all heat and become unpleasantly cold. The same happens in 0-degree weather, except it then becomes unbearable cold. So keeping your feet, hands, nose, and head warm (yes, I know your head is not an extremity) is vital.

So investing in some decent garments can do wonders for your extremities and keep you from getting frostbite. Remember, though, that cold extremities could be due to insufficient layers. Consider adding more layers to your second layer to help insulate warmth if you suspect this may be the problem.

If your fingers always get cold like mine no matter what you do, then look into mittens instead of gloves. Topping off the mittens with a disposable hand warmer is always a great idea as well. Your hands will thank you!

_{Disposable hand warmers; Image courtesy of Amazon.com note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases}

Eat A Lot When Hiking In 0 Degree Weather

It may seem obvious to some, yet not so obvious to others, but maintaining a constant intake of fuel is vitally important when hiking in cold conditions. It is not too uncommon for people to forget to eat or push their bodies to walk an extra few miles because, at that specific moment, they may feel perfectly fine.

Next thing you know, they have lost all energy, feel uncomfortable, and are slightly emotionally volatile A.K.A., hangry. So to save yourself from these negative effects, eat well and eat often. And I do mean often. Since your body uses more calories in colder weather, it is crucial to maintain a constant fuel intake.

So, choose foods that will be able to fuel you successfully. Try and opt for fatty foods where possible. So, nuts, cheese, peanut butter, etc. And when eating carbs, keep in mind what type of carbs you are eating.

Although all carbohydrates will give you energy, refined carbohydrates will lead to a glucose spike, which subsequently leads to a crash. Overall, the type of food you eat and how much you eat has a huge impact on the body's ability to perform strenuous activities.

Drink Water Often When Hiking In 0 Degree Weather.

This point is quite similar to the point mentioned before. When hiking in cold conditions, there is a tendency to forget to drink water as the conditions feel cold, and it may seem like you are not sweating much. Furthermore, fluid retention can also prevent a hiker from feeling thirsty.

So even if you feel fine at the moment, staying hydrated is crucial. With drinking plenty of water comes managing your drinking water. That 0-degree weather has a tendency to turn your nice, flowing water into a thick block of ice.

So, since we are not in physics class, experimenting with the states of water - and we want to survive- let's keep our water drinkable. That means always keeping an eye on the state of your water.

Keeping your water bottle near you or in your sleeping bag at night can help keep it from freezing. There are also other great ways of keeping your water bottle from freezing, like using the snow as an insulator. Additionally, if you bring a water reservoir with a hose, it will not be usable. Don't do that.

The cold temperatures freeze the water inside the hose, thus making it impossible to drink out of. Some tricks may help keep the hose from freezing, like blowing the water back into the reservoir once you have finished drinking. However, it is safer to use a bottle.

_{Hopefully you already own the classic Nalgene hiking water bottle; Image courtesy of Amazon.com note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases}

Summary

The most important element when hiking in cold temperatures has to do with survival. Ensuring you are sufficiently warm and have enough food and water to drink is a top priority. Having the right gear is equally important. Overall, before hiking, sufficient preparation needs to be done.