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Create an accountHiking in the Fall and Winter
25 Nov 2023
Our tips for getting out and having a fun autumn or winter adventure!
Saskatchewan fall is always just a little too short, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it, snow or shine! Here’s our most comprehensive list for cool season hiking.
Be prepared for the weather.
Ensuring you are ready for anything mother nature throws at you- will include checking the forecast and packing the appropriate gear. Staying warm & dry is crucial!
If you are taking on a more intense hike with the potential of being stranded because of weather or injury – it can be lifesaving to carry an emergency kit with shelter, flares, warm blankets, and extra food.
The most important gear for a fall hike in Saskatchewan.
While it’s always important to be prepared for any emergencies, this is especially true in the colder months where freezing temperatures and hungry wildlife can mean extra risks. Having the right gear ensures you are being safe and having fun.
Warm clothing is a must for staying cozy in the low prairie temps. Here’s our essential gear list:
- Base layer
- Warm merino wool or [insert] warms and wicks away moisture, giving you a comfortable environment for hiking and moving.
- Insulating layer
- A warm wool sweater or light down jacket or vest and warm pants are perfect for keeping you toasty and comfortable. Lean on natural fibers to maximize wicking, breathability, and comfort.
- Outer Shell
- A water and windproof shell will ensure moisture and the elements don’t ruin your day and can be removed if you get too warm on your adventures!
- Footwear
- Wool or cotton socks paired with our LEMS [add ] or treated hiking boots will keep your feet warm and comfortable out on the trail. Pro tip? Always pack a spare pair of socks.
- Headwear
- A comfortable toque or balaclava made from natural fibers like merino wool will help regulate your body temperature and protect your ears. On a warmer day, a headband and neck warmer can substitute a heavier choice, but we recommend packing a warmer option just in case.
- Sunglasses
- Reduce your risk of cataracts and increase your visual acuity with a comfortable, high-quality pair of sunglasses – bonus points if they are polarized.
- Gloves and mitts
- While gloves are far more convenient and allow for dexterity, mitts provide more warmth and comfort in cooler temps. For added warmth, add heating packs to your gear bag.
How to choose the right backpack and accessories.
When you’re choosing the right backpack for you, there are 3 main things to consider.
- Size & Capacity
- Comfort
- Durability
The right backpack will consider your needs and duration of your adventures as well as your size, strength, and experience. Additionally, the right backpack should be modular, allowing you to customize it to your needs.
Another essential component of your travels is your water bottle + hydration solutions. In colder temps, an insulated water bottle will provide greater temperature regulation + prevent freezing. When you are planning for your trip, always pack more water than you need and factor that weight into your calculations for the day.
Always choose a pack that considers modularity, with accessible pockets for grabbing things quickly while hiking, and larger areas with durable zippers for keeping the rest of your items safe and dry. Additionally, comfort is a priority – remember that you will be carrying it for long distances on trail terrain filled with 30-75 lbs of gear (depending on your needs and skill level).
Safety and communication are essential for every adventure.
Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or looking for a new way to get great exercise, carrying some backup navigation tools is important. Always factor in the worst-case scenario for the hike that you’re planning – a more complex hike in a remote area will need more navigation and emergency options than a day-hike on Meewasin Trails. Any of the following can help guide you on your awesome outdoor quest:
- Maps
- GPS device
- SAT phone
- Compass
It is always essential that you tell at least one trusted person your travel plans and keep in contact with them on your journey. While we always plan for emergencies, they can still happen quickly and without warning – if someone knows where you are, they can ensure you receive prompt care.
Nutrition + hydration for an awesome hike.
Proper nutrition is crucial for a successful & safe hike. Here’s a few tips on how to prepare yourself. Pro tip – always plan ahead and bring more snacks and water than you need.
- Before your hike
- carbs are essential! Some energizing options include: eggs, oatmeal, whole grain cereal or toast, yogurt, brown rice, pasta & of course fresh fruit and vegetables
- During your hike
- some great options are a nutrient dense trail mix, peanut butter, energy bars, fruit and vegetables.
- After your hike
- Protein is the pro-tip! Any meal with high protein content will nourish your body, and help rebuild your muscles. Lentils, tofu, chicken, and nuts are all fantastic sources.
Even for a simple & short 1-hour hike you should have at least one bottle of water with you. In fact, the recommended ratio to have on hand/ingest is 1 liter of water/3 km walking distance. If you’re hiking in the extreme weather of the winter, you will want to ensure you have water packed in insulated bottles to avoid freezing. Pace yourself and avoid big gulps – you’ll be happy and hydrated the whole adventure.
If you’re in the woods, make sure you practice ‘leave no trace’ principles.
Leaving no trace means actively working towards leaving nature as you found it or better (like picking up someone elses candy wrapper). These principles are a crucial part of ensuring our time outside isn’t harmful to the land and other folks. Here’s some important take-aways:
- Respect other people, the park, and the animals
- Keep your boom box at home – listen to the sound of nature
- Pack out what you packed in
- Clean up after your pets
- Never feed the animals
- Always use proper trash receptacles + bathroom facilities (if provided)
- Keep trails tidy – lots of great people work and volunteer to maintain trails year-round
Are you ready for your next adventure?
With endless prairie trails to get into, there’s no shortage of cold weather fun to be had. Stop into Escape Sports if you’re looking to upgrade your gear or want to rent some awesome adventure equipment!
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