Trail guide and cellphone and water in bottles, Flashlight just in case your hike is a dawdle, High energy snacks secured with drawstrings, These are a few of our essential things…
(can’t you just hear Maria von Trapp’s voice?)
This week, I decided to post an article about the necessities of winter hiking, as it is a very different challenge than summer hiking. So, with that said, take time to read this helpful article...
A walk through a pine tree forest in crunchy snow can be dreamy, however your snowy paradise can go south quickly if you’re missing important items. Being prepared with a few essentials in your bag will help keep you safe on your adventure. Here are six items that should always be in your day pack on a winter hike:
1. Something to light the way Days are shorter in winter, meaning it gets dark earlier. Always plan to be off the trails before dusk, but be prepared in case the trail takes longer than expected or an injury slows you down.
A headlamp or flashlight lets you navigate off the trail safely. Getting caught on the trail after dark is a major safety hazard and a common rescue situation in the winter season.
2. Water Always bring plenty of water. When it’s hot out, people are more likely to remember water for their hike, but you can just as easily become dehydrated on a winter hike.
Bottles with straw systems can be vulnerable to freezing if the temperatures are cold enough. Instead, try insulated bottles to prevent your water from becoming too icy (or add a thermos of something hot to warm you up mid-trail!).
3. High-energy snacks Hiking in winter often requires a little extra fuel. Walking in snow creates more resistance, and the cold temperatures can burn energy quicker. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring extra high-energy snacks in your pack. Trail mix, jerky, and energy bars/balls are great options to keep you fueled on the go.
4. Phone or InREACH/SPOT unit
Before you head out on the trail, it’s a good idea to let a friend or family member know where you’re headed.
It’s also a good idea to bring a phone or spot unit just in case you run into trouble along the way.
Service can vary from park to park, but most carriers post coverage maps on their website so you can check before you go. Other types of devices, like spot units, are more reliable in low- to no-service areas.
Remember that your phone may not function well if it gets too cold, so keep it somewhere insulated or near your body to keep it warm.
5. A trail guide and/or map
If a trail guide is available, bring a copy with you on your hike.
Some parks don’t have trail guides available in winter, but may post maps at the trail head. If you have a phone, you can snap a pic, so you have a digital copy to take with you (but a physical copy if always a good idea in case your phone can’t hack the cold).
Some parks also have PDF versions of their hiking trails on their park page.
6. Extra layers Pack a few extra layers in case you get cold or wet. Extra gloves and socks are always a good idea!
A few other considerations:
a waterproof cover for your pack can help protect what’s in your bag if it’s snowing during your hike
throwing a few packs of hand warmers in your bag can really make a difference. You can even use these packs in your boots!
matches or a fire starter are great for your safety kit, especially if you are heading out on a longer hike
Have a fun and safe time on the trails! Remember: if you don’t have a lot of experience with winter hiking, it’s a good idea to start off with a shorter trail (2 km or less). Trails take longer to complete in the winter, and you will exert more energy. Start with a shorter trail and work your way up. For more information about your local provincial park, check our winter webpage!
Posted on Ontario Parks Blog on December 10, 2020
N.A.C. News
(Sunday, February 21, 2021)
Good Morning everyone,
Keep up to date with Canada's Vaccination progress: CTV News Vaccine Tracker
I have been doing a lot of reading on the various zones and guidelines on the Ontario COVID-19 Zones and Restrictions Website. The website provides a simple to read map that shows each zone and what colour it is. Scroll down, and you will come to a section that explains in full detail, the guidelines and restrictions of each zone. In our current Grey - Lockdown Zone, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted. However, if you continue to read on through the very lengthy material, it also states that Grey Zone should stay within their own community, and not interact with members of other zones. In the Red Protect Zone, outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted. I could not find any restrictions about visiting other zones. So, with that being said, as long as Niagara, or the surrounding zones remain Grey, Niagara Adventure Club will not be guiding any events. If and when Niagara moves into Red, Orange, Yellow or Green, hikes will resume. Persons who are in Grey or White zones will not be permitted to attend, as it would violate the guidelines and restrictions of their zone. With any luck, vaccine production will increase and the rate of vaccinations will quickly increase, quickly putting this all behind us! As for our Expeditions this year... As it is likely I will still be off work for quite a while, I am planning two expeditions for this year. As you may have seen, the Georgian Bay Kayak Adventure is already listed on the web site. It is currently open to NAC members, and remaining spots will be open to the public on March 20th. I am currently planning another trip to hike one of Ontario's most difficult trails, The Superior Coastal Trail. It will be a 6 day backpacking trip on some very difficult, but breathtaking, terrain. So keep an eye out for that. The dates will be approximately late July, early August.
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club