Winter Hiking Puns

Does anyone here get out and about in winter conditions? I'm heading to the Lake District next month with hopes of snow and ice. I'll start with a course, practising techniques like self-arrest. Next year, I'd like to head to the Highlands and then venture further afield in Europe.

For ski goggles, I haven't found anywhere weights are listed, so as it stands I'm planning to get a cheap (<£10) Decathlon pair. Is there any reason to spend more? They claim to be anti-fogging.

I'm not sure it's wise to go ultralight with crampons? ULOG sell these for example https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/review-petzl-leopard-fl-ultralight-crampons/ (my budget is ideally no more than £100). ULOG also doesn't list the ratings (I haven't decided whether to get C1 or C2 yet). What do you think of micro crampons?

Are there lighter weight B1 or B2 rated boots? Do I even need rated boots? I have a pair of Brasher Hillmaster II GTX boots and the soles barely have bend in them; they're a lot stiffer than my usual hiking boots.

When I get to the more hardcore gear (probably next year), this Black Diamond axe is only 399g but some reviews say it's not the best for self-arrest which puts me off: https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/hardware-c81/ice-axes-c82/raven-ultra-ice-axe-p16115

I'm yet to find gloves I like. I use a compact camera and find dexterity too difficult with winter gloves I've tried. Currently, I use silk liner gloves with another pair of gloves over those (or gloves with a mitt rollover, but the mitt rollover isn't great as it collects snow and rain). Plus spare gloves in my bag.

Any thoughts on helmets? I've seen ultralight bike helmets but whether or not a bike helmet might be suitable for mountaineering, those I've seen have big holes in them so wouldn't stop an axe!

I also wondered if I should try wearing a down layer (whether synthetic or natural). My baselayer is usually merino, with thicker merino and/or fleece over that.

I'm not thinking about getting into climbing yet.

Thanks for any thoughts. I'm excited to get out in winter conditions - I'm always envious when I see snowy mountain photos, which I've only managed twice (in Snowdonia and the Rila mountains, the latter which was briefly sketchy due to my lack of ex

Hey everyone! This is my first post on this sub.

I'm looking for a balaclava and gloves for winter hiking and skiing. I've had some pairs in the past but they were all really poor quality. Are there any brands any of you recommend for good warmth/insulation and longevity?

Hey friends,

We're in the middle of a road trip through Romania and i'd love to do some hiking this weekend but finding it really difficult to find information in English. Was hoping someone would help confirm what i'm reading / provide some advice.

Basically we hiked a couple of days ago in Piatra Craiului, doing a hike starting from Fantana Lui Botorog to Cabana Curmatura and then almost to the Piatra Mica peak but it ended up a little too dangerous with the wind + the fact we didn't have any mountaineering gear, so we turned around just before the peak (very experienced hiker from Canada here, 2x 30/y.o. males).

Right now we're staying in a small village called 'Racovița' which is close to both Buila Vânturarița National Park & Defileul Jiului National Park. I looked on Google images and Buila Vânturarița National Park seems to be the more interesting of the two based on elevation of the peak. I read a couple of websites and it seems as though some trails are marked as not safe in the winter, and most of the suggestions seemed to suggest just hiking to the Cabana Cheia (although there doesn't seem to be much views from this cabin). First time in Romania, however, there doesn't seem to be much snow at all, so I also figure that maybe some of the trail options are are considered not safe in the winter might be still ok to hike for the moment?

Our host in Brasov was able to point us in the right direction for the first hike, but at our pensiune here no one speaks English / don't seem like the hiking types.

Basically i'd just like someone, based on where we're staying & what i've said, to help make a recommendation on a nice day hike in either Buila Vânturarița National Park or Defileul Jiului National Park, or any suggestion in the area really that you think would be nice to explore. Looking for a day hike - maybe not more than 8 hours return.

Appreciate any advice

Has anyone hiked up Wildcat recently? What’s the deal with ascending via Polecat- is a pass needed? I looked on Wildcats website and couldn’t find anything

Good evening!

Visiting the beautiful state of AZ and looking forward to staying in Flagstaff for 4 days.

My biggest concern are conditions during the winter.

I was wondering if I could get local insight on hiking/areas to checkout while I’m here visiting?

I like doing my own personal amateur photography so I was looking to do a lot of 14mm landscape shots.

Definitely want to be on my feet for most the day exploring and taking photos of nature/outdoors.

I have excellent outdoor gear (warm gear) and decent mountaineering endurance and experience. Not saying I can climb mountains in the winter but I’m interested in decent hikes/length trails or small peaks! Again my concern is snow conditions. Definitely gonna watch the weather.

I’m also a pilot so does anyone know of any local plane rentals or Mountain Flying Courses?

I have a rental car and also plan on driving up to Page for a half day or so to check out the sights!

Also, any Locally owned restaurants?, Open to all recommendations! Not big into bars unless they’re quite/not busy.

I appreciate any tips/lists. Was looking to add my to my list that I might of missed.

Sorry if this has been asked before but I was more or less concerned about winter conditions. I’m from Canada so I’m not really concerned about cold!

Thanks a bunch.

As the heading says. I'm worried , he's never hiked before, he's a 20 year old, he'll be going by himself, he says he'll follow trail markers , it's winter , I'm worried sick, but he's a stubborn know it all. He's not giving me details but he mentioned Banff. Any advice would be appreciated

ETA

Thank you all for taking the time to offer suggestions. I tried bringing them up with him , but he feels to quote him it's insulting , because he has done his research, and it's treating him like he's an idiot. He has ADD and ODD, so I know from experience that pushing it won't get me anywhere. I'll give it a couple of days and then bring it up .

Hi all,

I was wondering if Devils Lake has any winter hiking trails that can be walked on with minimal equipment. I acknowledge that there are awesome trails in warmer months, however, I have never made the trek from Madison when there is snow. TYIA

Can anyone recommend good winter hiking trails within 45 minutes drive of Madison? Prefer West of Madison.

I've had my Columbia winter boots for over 10 years, maybe closer to 15. They're still in great shape except that they have no tread left. Also they're ugly.

I'm looking for a winter hiking boot that will last me another 10-15 years. I'd like them to be tall, waterproof, insulated, and decently fashionable. I go hiking every day and typically want winter boots 3 months out of the year.

What are some reliable brands that have withstood the test of time for y'all?

Has anyone done hike in camping to see the elk herd? I want to set up a winter camping trip this year within 3 1/2 hours of Detroit and am open to any recommendations.

Hey all, I’m just looking for some tips for winter hiking. I’ve done 7 of the 46 so I’m a moderately experienced hiker and was considering doing Marcy sometime this winter. Any major tips besides crampons on hiking shoes? Thanks! 🙏

I’m trying to be a “healthy person” and have the idea to try out a winter hike. Anyone outdoorsy out there and have a hiking trail you’d recommend for this time of year?

My friend and I are looking for somewhere to hike this last week of December on a day when it’s not raining. Usually I know Auburn is good bet for this area, but I’ve never gone during the rainy season and was wondering if the trails are washed out currently? Are there any other spots around an hour’s drive that might compliment this rainy weather (like how the Cosumnes Preserve fills in with the rain, making it even prettier)?

For context, we’re in pretty good shape and can handle uphills, etc. Would like something around or under 4 miles. And something scenic is a bonus since we both do photography. Thanks!

Hey all! What are some of your favorite stretches of the SHT for winter hiking? Day trips or one overnight.

Thanks all!

Do people have recommendations for good winter hikes in Southern or Central Vermont?

A lot of my go to spots are pretty steep and get very difficult with the ice and snow on the ground this time of year.

Really appreciate any suggestions.

Edit: Thank you all so much for the suggestions!

Hi all!

This is our first full winter in Guelph, and our first time trying to enjoy the outdoors in the winter! I wanted to ask y'all if you had any suggestions for places to hike or snowshoe in or around Guelph (say, up to 45 mins away). And, any suggestions on where to rent snowshoes?

On my end, I would suggest Scotsdale Farm about 30min east from Guelph--it was a beautiful winter hike with old growth forest and very tall evergreen trees. There are a couple spots that are a bit steep and slippery, but otherwise a relaxing hike.

Hope y'all had a nice holiday season!

I am looking for recommendations for a winter jacket that is lightweight but will keep me warm during hikes or walks in 25-45 degree weather. I’m hoping not to spend more than $200-250. I prefer to buy at REI but that doesn’t need to be the case.

If you have recommendations, please put them in the comments 😀

Hey neighbors, the cabin fever is hitting hard and I need a weekend spent hiking in the forest. I usually head up to the north shore for such a trip but am looking for new places to investigate. The only requirements are easy access to wooded trails, wifi, and a drink at the end of the day. Within 5 hours drive of the Twin Cities would be ideal. Thoughts?

I have a PCT permit for 2022 with an early start date: March 3. So I am expecting lots of snow. I would like to learn how to self arrest and other snow safety techniques. Can anyone recommend a class that is running in late Jan or Feb 2022.

Hi guys, I am posting here to inquire about this clothing brand. I am relatively new to hiking and jackets. I am troubled by an array of choice. I basically have a winter hike of 27km near sea, where it might be quite windy, there might be rain/snow. The weather is predicted to be around -2/-5 a week from now.

I also would like to have an option where -20C is also possible to hike in.

What kind of jackets (or combination of them) would be sufficient to be waterproof/windproof and relatively warm?

my wife and I are wanting to thru hike a trail that is around 160 miles in southern illinois about the middle-end of march. what would you guys suggest for base layers since we have to likely cross possibly waste deep creeks and all. right now all i've got is some thinner fishing type pants that are lightweight which should dry pretty fast but won't be all that warm if the temps stay low(it's Illinois after all and it could be freezing in march with snow still on the ground or it could be in the 50-60 degree range and raining) i've got a decent base for my upper half. it's my legs that are the problem as i'm 330 lbs and 6'4 with tree trunks for legs.

Hey friends,

We're in the middle of a road trip through Romania and i'd love to do some hiking this weekend but finding it really difficult to find information in English. Was hoping someone would help confirm what i'm reading / provide some advice.

Basically we hiked a couple of days ago in Piatra Craiului, doing a hike starting from Fantana Lui Botorog to Cabana Curmatura and then almost to the Piatra Mica peak but it ended up a little too dangerous with the wind + the fact we didn't have any mountaineering gear, so we turned around just before the peak (very experienced hiker from Canada here).

Right now we're staying in a small village called 'Racovița' which is close to both Buila Vânturarița National Park & Defileul Jiului National Park. I looked on Google images and Buila Vânturarița National Park seems to be the more interesting of the two based on elevation of the peak. I read a couple of websites and it seems as though some trails are marked as not safe in the winter, and most of the suggestions seemed to suggest just hiking to the Cabana Cheia (although there doesn't seem to be much views from this cabin). First time in Romania, however, there doesn't seem to be much snow at all, so I also figure that maybe some of the trail options are are considered not safe in the winter might be still ok to hike for the moment?

Our host in Brasov was able to point us in the right direction for the first hike, but at our pensiune here no one speaks English / don't seem like the hiking types.

Basically i'd just like someone, based on where we're staying & what i've said, to help make a recommendation on a nice day hike in either Buila Vânturarița National Park or Defileul Jiului National Park, or any suggestion in the area really that you think would be nice to explore. Looking for a day hike - maybe not more than 8 hours return.

Appreciate any advice