The Complete Guide For Hiking In 40 Degree Weather

Hiking in cold weather is possible; just look at all the people who climb Everest. Not only is it good exercise, but it can be excellent for your mental health. It’s an essential element to my partner managing seasonal affective disorder; thus, we hike whatever the season. But hiking in cold weather does have its unique challenges and should never be done on a whim.

Hiking in 40-degree weather essentials:

1. Never hike alone
2. Tell others where you are going
3. Check weather reports before going out
4. Wear proper clothing in layers
5. Pack the essential equipment
6. Stay hydrated
7. Know some basic first aid, especially for dealing with hypothermia

Cold weather hiking can be fantastic. That clean, crisp air in your lungs is refreshing, and after too much time indoors, that winter sun on the skin feels glorious. There is also this restorative peace to nature, a certain hush to the landscape, that makes it a special time to enjoy the outdoors. But as wonderful as it is to hike in winter, you need to do it right.

7 Tips For Hiking In 40 Degree Weather

Your first experience with hiking should not be in 40-degree weather (4.4 C). Make sure you’ve had some experience hiking in gentler temperatures first, such as 55 – 75 F (13 – 23.5 C). Also, anything under 40 degrees will be rough for somebody unfamiliar with hiking in the cold. So, when you start, start slow with short hikes, and keep it in the 40s.

1 – Solitude Is Deadly

Hiking alone is dangerous. An easily fixable situation with two or more people can be deadly when you are alone.

For example, when climbing in Colorado, I was standing on a shady outcrop at the back. The temperature suddenly plunged, and with it, my hands just went weird. I had my spare layers in my bag, but I couldn’t get them on.

But this isn’t a big dramatic story. Why? Because I was with two other people. The moment I said I was struggling, they rushed over and got my spare clothes on me. Five minutes later, my hands were back to normal functionality, and we finished our outing with no problems. Thus, a situation that could have been awful on my own is now just a dull story.

2 – Share Your Plans

Aron Ralston’s 127 Hours drama is famous: the man had to cut off his own arm to live. But it wasn’t just because he went out alone, but also because he hadn’t told anybody where he was going.

Tell somebody your plans, be it a ranger or your neighbor. You don’t even need to tell somebody local. Just have a system where if your non-hiking friend doesn’t hear from you by X time, they call the correct authorities and give them your route. It is a small thing that can make a massive difference.

3 – Consult The Weather Oracles

Don’t go hiking without checking the weather. Check more than one site and pack your bag like the worst prediction will happen. Don’t take unnecessary weather risks, and be prepared to turn around if necessary.

4 – Layer Yourself Like Lasagna

Hiking in the cold means embracing layers:

• Baselayer
• Midlayer
• Outer insulation layer
• Waterproof layer

The temperature can unexpectedly spike or plunge. You need to not only stay warm but dry. The latter isn’t just about packing waterproofs but also requires you not to sweat like you’re in a sauna and soaking your clothes. Thus, you need layers you can take on and off.

None of your layers should be tight. Even the base layer, the most form-fitting of them all, needs to have some give. This helps form warm air pockets and allows air circulation to keep you dry.

Staying dry also means avoiding cotton. Yes, it is a natural fabric, but it doesn’t keep you warm when wet. Wool and moisture whisking synthetics are essential to keeping you warm, dry, and safe when hiking in the cold.

Cold weather hiking also requires accessories that can help you regulate your temperature. Essentials include:

• Warm hat (wool or synthetic, such as fleece. Not cotton.)
• Gloves or mittens (preferably waterproof)

Like any hiking, you want good shoes on your feet. But in winter hiking, they need to be tough, have excellent grip, are water-resistant or waterproof, and provide some insulation.

Your socks should also be thick and made of a “stay warm” material, even if damp, although even better if they whisk moisture away.

While not clothes, winter hand warmers are also excellent to bring along. These “heat up” pouches not only keep hands warm but can be placed under armpits or in the groin in the event of hypothermia.

5 – Pack Like A Pro

Even if you are taking a short hike in 40-degree weather, you need to bring a day pack that holds the basic essentials:

• Emergency blanket
• First aid kit
• Drinks such as water and herbal tea
• Knife or multitool
• Headlamp or, if you don’t have, a flashlight (not just your phone’s light)
• Map or other non-battery dependent means of navigation
• Phone with charger
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (or goggles)
• Snacks, non-perishable
• Waterproof matches or lighter
• Whistle

6 – Water Is Your BFF

Staying hydrated is essential in hiking, regardless of the temperature. But the cooler it is, the more often it is overlooked. Yet, dehydration can increase your chances of hypothermia.

Thus, pack your water in a container that will protect it from freezing and drink it. Also, when hiking in the cold, pack some hot drinks in a well-insulated flask, be it herbal tea or coffee.

7 – Arrive Alive With First Aid

You don’t need a medical degree to pick up some basic first aid. It is excellent knowledge to have, regardless of whether you hike. However, for those that do hike, this can be essential information. You can attend short courses. The easiest to find are general first aid classes, but some areas offer ones tailored to being out in the wilderness.

If, for whatever reason, attending a class isn’t possible, research the subject. Talk to people in outdoor shops; they often have a plethora of stories and tips. Talk to people in scouts, or read their manuals. Find out the signs of hypothermia and how to take action. Youtube can also be your friend.

Yes, most hiking trips are uneventful without even getting a splinter. Yes, the most first aid generally required on a hike is treating minor scrapes and maybe a sprained ankle. But sometimes, bigger stuff happens, and first aid training can save lives.

Bonus: Survival Training For Cold Weather Hiking Addicts

Consider some survival training if the cold weather hiking bug bites you hard and you find yourself venturing out on longer excursions and even colder temperatures. A 10-mile day hike could accidentally turn into an overnight adventure due to shifts in weather or an injury.

These impromptu winter camping stints don’t have to end in tragedy if you know what to do to stay safe and warm.  So, equip yourself with the knowledge on how to survive a night in freezing temperatures. It probably won’t be a fun experience, but it will make an excellent story. But first, you must know how to live through it in order to tell the tale.

Summary

Hiking in 40-degree weather can be a fantastic experience. However, it is important to remember your safety tips and dress appropriately. If you are new to cold weather hiking, keep the excursions short at first. Also, wait until you are well versed in 40-degree hiking before tackling lower temperatures. Have fun and be safe.