Backpacking vacations in the winter months can be not only fun, but very rewarding. Most popular backcountry areas are free of the peak-season crowds leaving you to experience these fabulous destinations in peace, quiet, and exquisite solitude. And despite the short days and longer, chilly nights, with proper planning and the right clothing and equipment, you can experience the great outdoors in great comfort.
Proper clothing is essential to comfort in the outdoors, especially during colder months. The best practice is to use a layering system utilizing a combination of synthetic, wool, and down clothing. Focus on staying warm and dry and you will be in good shape!
Baselayers- These layers are your first line of defense (think long underwear). They should be a snug fit and made of a wicking material such as polypro or merino wool so that moisture is pulled away from the skin. Consider having 2 baselayers if the temperatures will be really cold. Use a midweight layer under an expedition weight layer for a solid foundation.
Insulating Layers- Fleece and down jackets or pullovers are ideal for this purpose. Down is fantastic: lightweight and excellent insulation. But if it gets wet, it loses its insulating power. Fleece is great too (and makes a cozy pillow at night). Get a good, snug fit so you are not left with too much dead air space underneath. And consider getting something with a hood! Pulling up a hood when the temperatures drop will help keep warmth from escaping out from you collar and it just feels cozy! For your legs, fleece bottoms are a great option. Some manufacturers are even offering synthetic and down insulated pants now…very nice!
Outer Layers- These are the layers (often called ‘shells’) that will help keep you dry and protected from wind. Gore-Tex is a well-known name in this department and does a great job. There are many varieties and weights available. Just make sure it’s big enough to fit over your insulating layers. It doesn’t need to be too heavy, especially if your insulating layers are ample, effective and lightweight. Make sure it has a hood and is long enough to come down over the top of your trousers. Lightweight rain pants work well for your legs. Helly Hansen makes a fabulous pair of lightweight rubber rain pants that are sure to keep you dry in even the wettest conditions.
Other Items- Keep your head cozy with a warm winter hat. Skull caps are thin and very light and can be paired with hoods on your outer layer to keep you toasty. Wool hats are a nice option as well. A thin pair of wool or synthetic gloves is always nice, especially first thing in the morning. Maybe bring a fleece neck gaiter if it’s going to be really chilly. And of course, don’t forget some good socks. Once again, wool and synthetic socks are the only way to go. Always have a nice thick pair reserved just for nighttime!
Helpful Hints:
– Tuck in your baselayers to your long underwear to help keep heat from escaping. The more tucking…the better!
– Don’t wait until you’re already shivering to put on your warmies. Once you arrive at camp for the evening, it’s time to get ready for nighttime.
– ALWAYS keep some of your layers packed away somewhere where you know they will stay dry…no matter what. That way, even if you get a little wet and chilled during the day, you will have warm, dry clothing to change into when you get to camp.
– Don’t be cheap! Spend the extra money to get high-quality clothing designed for the outdoors. Shop around in late winter to get clearance bargains on last year’s styles!
About Four Season Guides: Since 1999, Four Season Guides has been a leading source for guided Grand Canyon hiking and backpacking vacation tours. FSG also offers fully guided tours in Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the famous Havasu Falls. For additional information on over 40 different guided hiking tours, visit www.fsguides.com.
