5 TIPS FOR KEEPING WARM WHEN HIKING
1. ADAPT YOUR LAYERS OF CLOTHING TO YOUR EFFORT
We cannot say it enough but you must adapt your equipment to suit the intensity of your effort. If, when climbing, you can't be bothered to take off your fleece, you risk sweating and will be left damp even if you are wearing a breathable T-shirt.
Once damp, it is more difficult to warm up particularly when resting.
You can also select clothing equipped with ventilation zips (airing on the neck, armpits) to help you regulate your body temperature.
Do you need to revise the 3 layer technique"?
2. PROTECT YOUR EXTREMITIES
It is worth being aware that 80% of your body heat escapes via the extremities (hands, head, feet).
Additionally, our body prioritizes blood flow to the brain. If the latter is nice and warm, it will consume less energy in keeping warm and therefore allow a good flow of blood to the rest of the body, particularly the extremities.
Therefore, always have a pair of gloves and a hat (or a headband) with you should you need them. Select warm socks. Ideally, they should also be breathable to avoid having damp feet when perspiring. The same applies to shoes.
3. BRING A HOT DRINK WITH YOU
In the middle of winter, replace your usual flask or water pouch with a thermos.
Drinking cold water when cold can be discouraging, although a poorly hydrated body functions less well and is more sensitive to tiredness and the cold (as well as minor condition such as headaches and tendonitis…). Additionally hot drinks can be a pick-me-up warming you up when you are very cold.
4. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT "BASE LAYER" ITEMS..
If the weather is very cold or if you are particularly sensitive to the cold, remember to wear tights under your trousers (this tip may avoid you having to buy winter trousers), glove liners under your gloves, etc.
Do you know the benefits of merino wool?
A naturally effective fiber.
Odor resistant: The wool of Merino sheep naturally reduces the spread of bacteria that causes unpleasant odors. It can subsequently be worn for several days, enabling you to carry less clothing on a trek!
Thermal regulation: Merino wool has a greater capacity to absorb perspiration. It subsequently helps to keep the body dry and maintain the ideal body temperature: it protects you from the heat as well as the cold!
Softness: Our Merino wool is made from very thin fibers (18.5 microns) that don't itch. Completely unlike your grandmother's pullover !
5. LACE AND TIGHTEN YOUR SHOES PROPERLY
Don't tighten shoes too much or too little, you are aiming for good support without being uncomfortable. Do not hesitate to adjust the tightening based upon how you are feeling whilst hiking, particularly when going downhill. A shoe which has been tightened too much risks disrupting your blood circulation and leaving you with frozen feet!
