Essential Winter Trekking Tips for Safety and Comfort

Winter Trekking Tips

Winter is cold, but with the right approach, it can be comfortable.

To enjoy a safe winter trekking experience, it is crucial to equip yourself with the appropriate gear and knowledge.

Layering Essentials

Many people unfamiliar with cold weather presume that staying heavily bundled is necessary at all times; however, if you’re warm, it’s perfectly acceptable to strip down layers.

Overheating is a risk, so it’s important to manage your temperature effectively.

During exertion, we prefer to reduce our layers to the minimum, minimizing sweat and moisture on our bodies. When you take breaks, be sure to add your layers back swiftly.

A down jacket or parka can be easily fastened to your sled for quick access during stops, keeping you warm without hassle.

We found having two weighted hats useful: a light wool hat for active trekking and a heavier one for rests. My cozy aviator hat was always a welcome addition during breaks.

Hot Tip: To cool down quickly while trekking, simply remove your hat.

Base Layer

Merino Wool layers – tops and bottoms are essential. We highly recommend Icebreaker brand available at SportCheck. Though pricey, these layers last for years, effectively wick away moisture, and resist odors.

During our treks, we exclusively wore two sets of merino wool base layers, which performed excellently without causing itchiness.

They kept us warm and managed to resist smells!

While trekking, we removed all layers except for our base ones, helping to prevent sweat accumulation. When resting or walking at a leisurely pace, we added our layers back. Remarkably, even if wool gets damp, it retains its insulating properties.

Mid Layers

A fleece or wool sweater is essential. We alternated between our fleece mid-layer and a lightweight down mid-layer (the Canada Goose Hybridge has become a favorite).

For bottoms, we wore insulated snow pants that featured waterproofing and venting zippers. In colder conditions, fleece mid-layer pants were a great addition.

While we carried waterproof Gortex pants, we primarily relied on our insulated pants, which proved effective.

In harsh windy or wet weather, don’t forget to wear an outer gortex layer. Our trekking guides, Kielyn and Dave, favor traditional Anoraks as an economical alternative to pricey Gortex jackets.

Outer Layer and Warm Coat

We ensured to have a windproof jacket for those blustery or wet days.

A breathable outer layer is essential for winter trekking. Even in cold temperatures, materials must allow moisture to escape.

During rest breaks, parkas should be readily available to keep warm. A high-quality down jacket is also advisable.

Face Coverings

Regardless of your exertion level, face protection is crucial as exposure can lead to freezing.

I particularly prioritize covering my face, neck, and chin to avoid discomfort from cold temperatures.

I utilized a breathable face mask on very cold days and used buffs regularly for my head and neck. Moreover, don’t overlook a good pair of sunglasses or goggles for snowy or windy conditions.

• (Always carry a spare pair of sunglasses if possible, as one of our team members did break hers during the trek).

Hats

While trekking, we opted for a lightweight base layer hat to retain heat while ensuring comfort. In case of overheating, having a lighter hat is helpful.

Consequently, we rotated between a light hat for trekking and a heavier lined wool or aviator hat during rest periods.

For winter trekking, we carried three different hat weights suitable for varying temperatures.

Choosing the Right Gear

Understanding your specific trekking needs is vital as no single piece of gear is universally suitable.

For example, modern snowshoes work better in certain conditions, while traditional styles may be more advantageous in others. Ensure to contemplate this before making any gear decisions.

Snowshoes

Many trekkers assume that “modern” means better for winter excursions. Yet, after conversing with numerous experts, we discovered that traditional snowshoes are often the best choice for extensive backcountry treks.

Traditional Snowshoes vs Sport Snowshoes

The more compact sportier snowshoes available at MEC are functional for trails or high-altitude trekking but for serious northern winter expeditions, traditional snowshoes are ideal.

These larger snowshoes prevent you from sinking as much as smaller versions do. We utilized vast Hurons for long distances and smaller bear paw snowshoes for camp activities.

Furthermore, depending on the nature of your trek, requirements for gear will vary.

If traversing high altitudes or glaciers, crampons and sturdy hiking boots are non-negotiable. In northern regions, cross-country skis can provide enhanced efficiency.

Our advice is to research and understand what gear is suited for your specific circumstances.

Tents

During our winter camping expedition in Antarctica, we faced extreme chilling conditions.

Sleeping in bivy sacs significantly reduced our comfort as we longed for warmth. In traditional camping setups, the comfort level greatly improves.

A canvas tent provides a cozy atmosphere compared to modern nylon alternatives.

Setting up a wood stove inside can ensure warmth throughout your overnight stay.

However, these setups are unfeasible in Antarctica or deeper into the Arctic Circle due to the lack of available wood.

In such scenarios, contemporary tents combined with camp stoves become vital. Again, it’s fundamental to know your destination and available resources.

Hot Tip: When winter trekking, prefer a foam thermarest to an inflatable one as punctures from pine needles can diminish comfort considerably.

Sled

While camping in Northern Ontario, using a sled to haul your gear proves beneficial compared to carrying it on your back.

Lure of the North manufactures robust and flexible polycarbonate sleds that simplify movement across varied terrains.

Pulled sleds allow for easy navigation over frozen water and around obstacles. Every item, from boxes to wood stoves, can be secured easily using ratchet straps and bungee cords.

However, in mountainous terrains, a backpack is preferable, demonstrating the importance of matching your gear to your specific trek.

Safety Practices

Prior to venturing out into the backcountry, it’s critical to educate yourself or to hire a knowledgeable guide.

Ice conditions and moving water should always be considered, and walking on ice should be avoided unless certain it’s safe.

This is precisely why enlisting a professional guide is so valuable.

Use a SPOT Locator

At the end of each day, we checked in using GPS to communicate with others that we were safe and well.

A SPOT locator notifies friends or family members monitoring from home, providing peace of mind. In the event of no communication, they can contact emergency services with your GPS coordinates.

Always ensure someone is aware of your route and schedule before you embark on your journey. We also utilized the Track 24 Iridium tracking during the Mongol Rally—suitable for any trekking adventure.

Ice Safety

Ice poses serious risks when winter trekking, especially in Northern Ontario.

Canada offers numerous pristine waterways, and long-distance trekking often involves traversing frozen lakes and rivers.

Should you find yourself on a frozen lake or river, consider the following safety tips to navigate securely.

Tips for Ice Safety

Once again, I emphasize the importance of hiring a guide.

Do not venture onto unknown lakes without experience.

When exploring remote areas, it may be impossible to consult locals regarding ice conditions; thus, relying on your skills becomes essential.

Here’s how Dave and Kielyn verify ice thickness.

How to Check for Thin Ice

Lakes generally freeze more reliably than rivers, and surprisingly, the center of a lake can be safer than its edges.

Water remains present over the lake, promoting better ice formation.

Use a ski pole to tap the ice, paying heed for the quality of sound produced.

Good ice emits a solid ping sound when struck. Provided the winter has been prolonged and cold, there is a high likelihood of a solid frozen surface.

Exercise caution near the narrowing of lakes.

If you observe a lake transitioning to a narrower area, be aware that thin ice may be present.

The narrowing passage accelerates water flow, impeding freezing efficiency.

The ice near the shore is also less stable due to moving water, thus typically thinner.

Be especially vigilant during portages, which often connect lakes and rivers.

Rivers rarely freeze fully because of constant movement; while slow-moving and wide ones can freeze similarly to lakes, maintaining an acute awareness of conditions is paramount.

Interestingly, creeks and bogs can also pose risks.

Despite their lack of fast currents, creeks still contain moving water. The shallower water minimizes drowning risks if falls occur.

Trekking over Ice is Not for Amateurs

I wouldn’t endorse inexperienced individuals attempting to traverse icy surfaces based solely on casual observation and ski poles.

Both Dave and Kielyn possess extensive experience on ice, yet even they recognize the inherent risks. Being on ice is never without peril.

According to Dave, he and Kielyn took an ice rescue course, and even instructors expressed reluctance toward walking on rivers.

For those reasons, traversing frozen rivers is best suited for experienced individuals. We closely followed Dave and Kielyn’s trusted routes during our trek.

What to Do If You Fall Through Ice

If you break through the ice while trekking, stay calm.

Kielyn once fell through while assessing ice thickness but quickly returned to stable ice, remaining unharmed.

The “good” ice is where you just came from.

Do not venture forward, as further ice may not bear weight, resulting in continuation of the problem!

Instead, turn toward stable ice, position yourself flat, extend your arms forward, and crawl back to safety.

Should you step through like I did, promptly pull your leg back to stable ice and cover your wet boot with snow.

The snow acts as insulation, preventing water from draining into your boots.

Staying Hydrated in Winter

Maintaining hydration can be challenging in cold weather.

Water bottles are prone to freezing, and the urge to drink diminishes (at least for me), yet water intake is crucial.

Prepare by packing at least one insulated water bottle along with one non-insulated and a thermos. Why two? Because you can fill them with boiling water in the morning.

Your non-insulated bottle will cool down quickly, ensuring it’s pleasantly drinkable in the early hours.

The insulated bottle generally remains unfrozen until the afternoon when you will need your second source.

The thermos (brought by Kielyn and Dave) is perfect for warm soup or non-caffeinated teas, keeping you hydrated.

Getting Water from Chipping Ice

During winter trekking, obtaining water involves chipping holes in the ice. The ice typically measures two to three feet thick but may also be surprisingly thinner.

Water is transported back to the tent in pots before boiling it over a wood stove.

Lake water serves for both drinking and cooking. Alternatively, if you’re in an area lacking lakes, melting snow becomes necessary (though it requires significant time and fuel).

Dog musher Hank DeBruin from Winterdance Dogsledding relies on melted snow for long races and training runs, utilizing a gas stove.

Winter Trekking Nutrition

Besides enjoying hearty breakfasts and dinners, continuous snacking while on the trail is indispensable.

The easiest method to access food on winter treks is through snack bottles.

Utilizing a thermos as our snack holder filled with delightful treats was both practical and enjoyable.

Nightly, we stocked them with chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, and gummy bears, which provided a delightful boost when exhaustion set in. With the thermos handy, snacking on the go was seamless!

All our water bottles, thermos, and snack containers were organized in a wooden gear box near the front of the sled, allowing easy access.

Extra hats, gloves, and layers were stored there as well.

Food on our Winter Trek

We relied heavily on dehydrated foods and vegetables for our meals.

These were rehydrated with boiling lake water and served with quinoa, rice, or pasta, creating robust meals packed with protein and vegetables.

Lunch often included meat sandwiches, heated early in the day, along with honey or Nutella sandwiches for dessert. We also enjoyed chocolate bars and homemade granola bars. Breakfast typically consisted of oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, or rice pudding.

Kielyn excelled in meal preparation, even impressively baking cookies and cakes atop the wood stove heat during dinner preparation!

Additionally, we indulged in smoked meats and canapés served as appetizers nightly, thanks to Kielyn’s exceptional cooking skills.

One major advantage of winter camping is the absence of refrigeration worries – everything stays pleasantly chilled.

Footwear for Winter Trekking

Ensuring your feet remain warm is paramount during winter trekking.

Cold feet can detract significantly from your experience!

Moccasins, also known as mukluks, were the perfect choice for our winter journeys due to their superior insulation from layering.

We layered three types of socks:

• A polypropylene base layer
• A thick wool mid-layer
• An outer fleece sock

Our boots featured robust winter liners while the outer moccasin parts were crafted from deer hide.

On very wet days, we utilized outer boots (purchased from Europe Bound), known as Neos. I favored these due to their ability to hold my traditional lampwick bindings securely, improving my traction while navigating portages and uphill.

Wearing Neos over my moccasins provided that extra protective layer between my feet and the snow, ensuring warmth.

• Note: Moccasins are unsuitable for mountain climbing and best paired with traditional snowshoes. For varied winter trekking activities, we recommend sturdy hiking boots, particularly in Northern Ontario.

Safety in Numbers

Never embark on a trek alone.

Bringing a guide or trekking with an experienced group ensures safety and enhances the enjoyment of the adventure.

With a group of seven participants, neither Dave nor I could imagine completing the trek without everyone’s support.

This camaraderie allows for a more efficient division of responsibilities, conserving energy across the board.

For more insight into winter trekking, consider exploring Lure of the North, which offers expeditions ranging from weekend workshops and introductory outdoor courses to multi-day adventures.