​What’s in Your Pack-Winter Hiking

Winter hiking can be the most beautiful place to be. The snow glistens and sparkles, there’s frozen waterfalls and icicles and my most favorite are Seussical looking trees from the heavy snow. Yes, winter hiking/snowshoeing is magical, but the mountains are unforgiving, and you should be prepared.
The ten essentials should always be in your pack.

• Light-Flashlight or headlamp: (bring extra batteries and check them before you go out)
• Signaling Device: Whistle (I like Fox 40), Flares & air horn
• Fire Starter: Waterproof matches, lighter, candle.
• Extra clothes & socks: puffy jacket, wool layers, gloves, waterproof jacket and hat or toque.
• Pocket Knife: A good quality knife, multi-use tool & sawblade for cutting branches to make a fire.
• Shelter: Large orange plastic garbage bag, thermal tarp, space/thermal blankets.
• Water & Food: Carry water pills, extra nuts, seeds, bars and electrolyte crystals to mix in your water.
• Wilderness First Aid: Add in blister Band-Aids, splints, dressings, gloves, allergy & pain pills & pocket mask.
• Navigation: Compass, GPS & maps. Make sure you know how to use these items.
• Communication: Cell phone (& extra battery charger), SPOT, InReach and a Personal Locater Beacon.

I always carry Kahtoola MICROspikes in my pack from Fall through Spring. They are spikes that go over your hikers and are great for packed down snowy trails and ice. They are initially costly but a great investment to your pack. A good idea is to find a Trip Planning App and download it or leave information of where you are going and your expected time you’ll be returning. That way if you don’t return then the person you told can let Search and Rescue know. If you can take an avalanche & wilderness first aid course, it’s a great idea. Stay well back from edges and know what cornices are. They break off quite far back taking all the people down the mountain side with them. Being a bit of a Scaredy Cat I don’t do things that make me nervous or things that I feel un-comfortable with.

Hiking & snowshoeing should be fun but always respect nature.