How To Dress For Winter Hiking

How To Dress For Winter Hiking

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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Although the winter season is already upon us, we shouldn't use it as an excuse to NOT go hiking. It all comes down to being prepared and knowing how to dress properly. Below is a pretty good video demonstrating how you should dress when venturing out on a winter hike. Although the spokesman doesn't mention it, you should always have an extra pair of socks in your pack, just in case the ones you're wearing get wet. An extra pair of gloves aren't a bad idea either, not to mention an emergency blankets and the ability to start a fire.








Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Great Idea for Preventing Frozen Water Bottles

Great Idea for Preventing Frozen Water Bottles

Monday, December 12, 2011

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Last week I presented some tips for preventing water bottles from freezing solid while hiking in cold weather.

In the posting I mentioned that if you’re storing water bottles in your backpack on a very cold day, you may need to insulate them to prevent them from freezing. Using an old wool sock will work. I also mentioned that you may want to turn the bottle upside down to prevent the water from freezing at the neck.

A couple of days after publishing this blog I learned of another trick. This comes courtesy of Christian Vande Velde, the pro cyclist and Tour de France veteran. Vande Velde told the Wall Street Journal that he spends part of his off-season training in his hometown of Chicago - in the dead of winter. Vande Velde said that he combats frozen water bottles by adding a half shot of Grand Marnier to the bottle before leaving his house.

I think he might be on to something!





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Winter Mountaineering School

Winter Mountaineering School

Saturday, October 30, 2010

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If you're looking to expand your winter hiking, backpacking and mountaineering skills, or possibly looking for an alternative vacation this coming winter, you may want to note that the Adirondack Mountain Club has just published the dates for this years' Winter Mountaineering School.

For more than 50 years the Adirondack Mountain Club has hosted the annual Winter Mountaineering School near Lake Placid, New York. They typically cover the following areas of instruction:

* Winter backpacking skills
* Snowshoe, crampon and ice axe techniques
* Proper clothing and temperature management
* Steep snow and ice travel
* Safe above-treeline travel under winter conditions
* On- and off-trail navigation; map and compass review
* Trip planning
* How to pack a winter backpack
* Group gear review
* Hydration and nutrition
* Constructing snow shelters and a winter backcountry kitchen
* Wilderness first aid
* Avalanche awareness
* Decision making and risk management
* Winter "Leave No Trace" principals

Past participants have included three season hikers and backpackers looking to expand their winter skills, as well as more experienced skiers, trip leaders and winter mountaineers who are wishing to refine their skills or are looking for some excitement and adventure. The organization has an experienced, all-volunteer staff, with a low student-to-instructor ratio.

They offer weekend day hikes, weekend backpacking, and weeklong backpacking options from January 28 through February 3, 2011. The deadline for registration is January 15 , 2011. You may also want to note that space is limited, so it might be a good idea to register quickly.

For more information, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Winter Mountaineering School

Winter Mountaineering School

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

3 comments

If you're looking to expand your winter hiking, backpacking and mountaineering skills, or possibly looking for an alternative vacation this coming winter, you may want to check out the Adirondack Mountain Club's Winter Mountaineering School this year.

Each year, the Adirondack Mountain Club hosts its annual Winter Mountaineering School near Lake Placid, New York. They typically cover the following areas of instruction:

* Winter backpacking skills
* Snowshoe, crampon and ice axe techniques
* Proper clothing and temperature management
* Steep snow and ice travel
* Safe above-treeline travel under winter conditions
* On- and off-trail navigation; map and compass review
* Trip planning
* How to pack a winter backpack
* Group gear review
* Hydration and nutrition
* Constructing snow shelters and a winter backcountry kitchen
* Wilderness first aid
* Avalanche awareness
* Decision making and risk management
* Winter "Leave No Trace" principals

Past participants have included three season hikers and backpackers looking to expand their winter skills, as well as more experienced skiers, trip leaders and winter mountaineers who are wishing to refine their skills or are looking for some excitement and adventure. The organization has an experienced, all-volunteer staff, with a low student-to-instructor ratio. They offer weekend day hikes, weekend backpacking, and weeklong backpacking options from January 29 through February 4, 2010.

The ADK Winter Mountaineering School is non-profit group that has been sponsored for over 50 years by the Adirondack Mountain Club. The purpose of the program is to promote enjoyable and successful winter mountaineering and camping through a learn-by-doing approach and is held in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

For more information, please click here.

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Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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